Tag: bandipora

Amid Overcast Weather Conditions, Eid Prayers Offered Across Kashmir

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SRINAGAR: Barring the historic Jamia Masjid Nowhatta, Eid-ul-Fitr prayers were offered by the believers in huge numbers across Jammu and Kashmir amid overcast weather conditions.
While the special congregational prayers at many places were offered in spacious Eidgahs, prayers at many other places were held inside mosques in the aftermath of the wet prayer grounds, because of incessant downpour for last several days.
Thousands of Muslims, gathered at Hazratbal and other mosques and shrines across the valley, including at the Dast-e-Geer Sahib and Sayed Yaqoob Shah shrines since early morning to offer special prayers.
The prayers were also held at other mosques and shrines in Srinagar including at Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith Gawkadal, Asar-e-Sharif Janab Sahib Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora, Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib (RA) and Khanqah-e-Maula.
In north Kashmir, the prayers were held at Jamia Masjid Bandipora, Jamia Masjid Baramulla, Jamia Masjid Kupwara, Masjid ul Murshideen Khushaal Sahib Bumhama, Jamia Masjid Handwara and other local mosques.
In south Kashmir, prayers were held at Jamia Masjid Hanfia, Jamia Masjid Ahle Hadith, Bait-ul-Mukarram and Rehat-Ded Masjid in Anantnag town. The prayers were also offered in Ziarat-e-Sharief Khiram Kund, Aishmuqam and Bijbehara areas of the south Kashmir district.
In Kulgam, the prayers were held in Markazi Jamia Masjid. Large congregational prayer gatherings were also witnessed in Khankah Tral, Jamia Masjid Shopian and Jamia Masjid Pulwama.
In Srinagar, authorities denied permission for Eid prayers in Jamia Masjid Nowhatta, after initially hinting to allow the prayers in the historic mosque.

Reports said the gates of the mosque were closed early morning by the security grid and deployments were made in and around the mosque to implement the orders by the authorities.
Voicing his concern over the decision of authorities to shut the Jamia Masjid on Eid eve, Grand Mufti, J&K, Nasir-ul-Islam said given the prevailing situation in the Valley, the authorities ought to have allowed the prayers at the historic mosque. “Why is it that the authorities withdrew the permission at the eleventh hour”, Islam said.
“Peaceful conduct of prayers was witnessed in the prayers recently held at the mosque, which indicated that the prayers should have been allowed”, Islam said adding “The occasion of Eid is a joyous occasion and withholding the prayers on such an occasion mars the very essence of such a blissful eve.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, and other police and several civil officers besides politial and social organisations extended greetings to people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, wishing them well-being and prosperity.
“Heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The festival marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan and symbolizes the spirit of austerity, brotherhood, compassion and joy of sharing”, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said in his message.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Vijay Kumar Friday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. “ADGP Kashmir Shri Vijay Kumar greets people on the eve of Eid-Ul-Fitr. #EidMubarak,” Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.
The Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta expressed hope that the festival would lead everyone to happiness and success.
He also expressed optimism that the festival would strengthen the bond between all religious communities and teach people the relevance of communal harmony, tolerance, kindness and service to mankind as the real essence of the festival.
Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board Dr Darakhshan Andrabi in her message prayed that the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr brings along everlasting peace, happiness and prosperity to the people of J&K.
Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar city Rakesh Bhalwal in his message expressed hope that the auspicious occasion would strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and brotherhood and be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the UT. The SSP urged the people to keep up with the values of communal harmony, brotherhood and human values.
He further said that the festival reminds us to share our joys with the destitute and deserving. “The occasion teaches us to rededicate ourselves for the service of people, reaffirm our commitment towards brotherhood and selfless service to humanity.”
Meanwhile several social and political organisations have also extended their felicitations to the people on the special eve. (GNS)

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#Overcast #Weather #Conditions #Eid #Prayers #Offered #Kashmir
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 22, 2023
EPFO Penalty Proceedings Against Lawful Procedure: FCIK

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SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Kashmir (FCIK) has taken strong exception to the penalty proceedings launched by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EFPO) against hundreds of employers in Jammu and Kashmir valley under section 14B of the Provident Fund Act for making belated payments after respective due dates of filling of returns during January 2019 to April 2023 and has termed the action against the procedure established by law.
In a statement, the FCIK has challenged the prudence of the organisation for having invoked section 14B of the Act which could only be done under concrete evidence regarding any culpable state of mind of the employer while committing default in timely remittances. FCIK stated that the action taken by EPFO had sent shockwaves to employers for the reason that this provision of the Provident Fund Act was extremely harsh and envisaged for recoveries through coercive methodology including attaching bank accounts and properties.

FCIK regretted that EPFO J&K had completely played ignorant to the prolonged lockdowns during the reorganization of state, Covid restrictions coupled with snapping of internet services which had led to complete halt to business activities in Jammu and Kashmir during aforementioned time period and has asked that how could EPFO expect employers to follow normal rules and regulations under most abnormal conditions when the very movement of people had been restricted.
FCIK has taken up the matter with Central Provident Fund Commissioner GOI with a plea to quash the demands raised by EPFO against J&K employers. While giving an overview of the operational and economic conditions of enterprises in J&K particularly in Kashmir valley, FCIK has solicited intervention of the CPFC for quashing of demands raised by EPFO J&K against employers for penal damages including interest and administrative charges during the period of January 2019 to April 2023. The waiver of penal damages was also sought in consideration of Central Provident Fund Organisation’s own Circular No C-1/Misc./2020-21/vol.1/1112 dated 15-05-2020 and relevant apex Court directions, reads the statement of FCIK.

Previous articlePoonch Attack: Over Dozen Detained For Questioning As Search Operation Continues

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#EPFO #Penalty #Proceedings #Lawful #Procedure #FCIK
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023
Poonch Attack: Over Dozen Detained For Questioning As Search Operation Continues

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SRINAGAR: Security forces have detained more than dozen persons in connection with the investigation of a case involving Thursday’s militant attack on an army vehicle on the national highway in Poonch in which five army personnel lost their lives.
The attack was carried out in the dense forests between Bhata Dhurian and Bhimber Gali. An army vehicle was moving towards Bhata Dhurian and it was ambushed by militants and the vehicle caught fire.
Quoting officials, KNO reported that the questioning of the detained people is going on.
On the other hand, the search operation launched in the area entered the second day with more teams of the army and police being deployed.
Vehicular movement on the national highway 144-A, which connects Jammu with Rajouri and Poonch districts, has also been been suspended on the 25-kilometre stretch from Bhimber Gali to Bhata Dhurian.
Police have put up barricades both on the Bhimber Gali side and Jarran Wali Gali side of the highway, blocking it for the movement of vehicles.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh as well as a high-level team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the army vehicle attack site. The NIA team examined the site and reviewed the overall circumstances.
The DGP was accompanied by ADG Jammu zone Mukesh Singh. He later reached Rajouri where he chaired a series of meetings with security force officers and reviewed the overall security situation and aggressive counter-militancy operations launched in the region.

The fallen soldiers include Hav Mandeep Singh, L/NK Kulwant Singh, Sep Harkrishan Singh and Sep Sewak Singh, all natives of Punjab and L/NK Debashish Biswal, a native of Odisha.
Army on Friday also held a wreath-laying ceremony for five soldiers who lost their lives. The wreath laying was held in Army’s General Hospital Rajouri. Senior officers from the army, police and civil administration also offered tributes to these soldiers.

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#Poonch #Attack #Dozen #Detained #Questioning #Search #Operation #Continues
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023
Hailstorms Wreak Havoc In Kashmir Valley, Agriculture Teams Assess Damage

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SRINAGAR: High-velocity hailstorms on Friday caused massive damage to orchards and standing crops in various parts of the valley.
According to reports received by the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the massive hailstorms created havoc in many areas of Kashmir, especially in Kulgam, Baramulla, and Anantnag districts.
Kulgam district in south Kashmir was hit the hardest, as hailstorms caused significant damage to orchards and vegetation.
Growers from various areas of the valley said that hailstorms and other climatic events have caused extensive damage to their orchards and crop fields.
Abdul Jabbar Naik, a grower from Kulgam, said that hailstorms caused severe damage to his orchard, and the fruit-bearing capacity of the trees will be reduced this year.
He said orchardists have been spending all their earnings on fertilisers and labour for their orchards and crop fields. “This year, we expected a good crop as our orchards seemed to be abundant with apples, but the hailstorm dashed all our hopes,” Naik said.
The growers have urged the government to compensate them for the huge losses they have suffered over the past several years.
Meanwhile, Director of Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal said that Kulgam was the worst affected by the hailstorm that hit the valley.

“Our teams are on the ground to assess the damage,” he said. (KNO)

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#Hailstorms #Wreak #Havoc #Kashmir #Valley #Agriculture #Teams #Assess #Damage
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023
Neighbours Beyond Religion: Muslims Help Perform Last Rites Of Kashmiri Pandit

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SRINAGAR: The Muslim community in the Wussan locality of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal came forward to perform the last rites of an elderly Kashmiri Pandit on Friday.
Eyewitnesses said that Avtar Krishan Koul, 75, son of Madhav Krishan Koul, passed away at her home in Wussan in the wee hours of Friday, which left the entire locality in mourning.
As soon as the news of her death spread, local Muslims made special arrangements to perform his last rites. They also helped the family by ferrying firewood to cremate the deceased.
“It is in our Islam to take care of neighbors irrespective of their religion,” said Ghulam Hassan, a local resident.
Another local mentioned, “Avtar was a remarkable person who always went above and beyond to help those in need. His kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter what time of day or night it was.”
“Avtar was truly dedicated to his profession as a health worker. He saw it as his duty to care for the well-being of others, and he took this responsibility very seriously. He spent countless hours working tirelessly to help people in his community, never once seeking recognition or praise for his efforts,” said a native from his village.
Around a dozen Pandit families in the Wussan locality did not migrate from the Kashmir Valley during the early 1990s and instead decided to stay. Since then, the two communities have lived in harmony and have always shown compassion towards each other.
After the militancy erupted in the valley in the early 1990s, the Pandit community was forced to migrate from Kashmir. However, a small percentage of them stayed back and are currently living in many parts of Kashmir. (KNO)

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#Neighbours #Religion #Muslims #Perform #Rites #Kashmiri #Pandit
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023
Kashmir’s Canine Chaos Sparks Urgent Call for Action

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SRINAGAR: As incidents of dog bites increase in Kashmir, there is a growing need for sterilization and proper waste disposal. According to doctors, sterilizing and vaccinating dogs can help control their population, prevent rabies, and reduce attacks. They emphasized that sterilization is the sole scientifically-proven method of controlling the stray dog population.
“Every day, a large number of people are falling prey to dog bites. The canines are storming streets, chasing cars, pulling down bicycle riders, and often attacking pedestrians and school children,” they said.
A few days ago, a minor boy was mauled by dogs in Beighpora Awantipora in Pulwama. Doctors treating him said that the wounds were so deep that even his lungs were injured, and the incident is enough to show the gravity of dog bite menace in Kashmir. They said that the minor boy was brought to SMHS Hospital in critical condition with multiple injuries, including injuries to the scalp, chest, shoulder, thigh, and other parts. There were deep wounds on his body, and his vitals were deranged when he was brought to the hospital, they said.
“The patient is stable now, and his multiple injuries have been stitched and repaired with the help of plastic and ENT surgeons, and we are hopeful that he will recover soon,” they said.
Parents of the minor said that he was attacked by the dogs in farmland when no one was there, but the main reason behind it is the improper disposal of waste that is luring dogs. They said that both the public and the government are responsible for the improper disposal of waste, but action needs to be taken immediately as today it has happened with us and tomorrow the same can happen with others.
Despite going through such a difficult phase, nobody from the administration has even called us, they said, adding that the government must take steps immediately to eradicate the growing dog bite menace.
An official from the anti-rabies clinic SMHS said that from 1st April 2022 till 31st March 2023, as many as 6,875 bite cases were reported to ARC SMHS, and most of them were from Srinagar. Giving details, he said that among animal bites in the last year, 4,912 animal bite cases were reported from Srinagar at ARC SMHS, 317 from Budgam, 201 from Baramulla, 134 from Kupwara, 168 from Bandipora, 301 from Ganderbal, 221 from Pulwama, 138 from Shopian, 147 from Kulgam, 85 from Anantnag, and 231 from other areas.
Rabies is an invariably fatal viral disease resulting in approximately 59,000 human deaths per year globally, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia. The only way to prevent a rabies death is vaccination of an animal bite victim. In Kashmir, the burden and characteristics of dog bites are not routinely captured by the health system in place. (KNO)

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#Kashmirs #Canine #Chaos #Sparks #Urgent #Call #Action
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023
KPDCL Collects Revenue Of Rs 1550 Cr In FY 2022-23

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SRINAGAR: The government on Friday said that it has collected revenue of Rs 1550 crore in the financial year 2022-23 in Kashmir.
Quoting an official in the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited ( KPDCL) , KNO reported that it has collected Rs 1,550 crore revenue for the financial year 2022-23 against the collection of Rs 1,385 crore in the previous financial year 2021-2022.
It is for the first time that the KPDCL has been able to recover huge amount, which according to the officials will help in reducing the deficit.
The official said that the revenue collection is increasing with each passing year as several measures have been taken to ensure that the collection is increasing to meet the needs.
“We are expecting further increase in the revenue collection for the next financial year 2023-24,” he said.
Pertinently, Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has initiated several measures, including disconnecting services to defaulters, to reduce the deficit.
The officials had said that as far as KPDCL is concerned, it has the highest AT&C losses in the country.
The J&K government purchases electricity worth Rs 7,500 crore every year and recovers only Rs 3,500 crore, reports quoting the Chief Engineer said.

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#KPDCL #Collects #Revenue
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023
Special Teams To Keep Check On Stunt Biking On Eid: Traffic Police

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SRINAGAR: Foreseeing the possibility of stunt biking during the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, Traffic Police Srinagar on Friday said they have formed special teams to monitor and stop any such activity.
Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic for Srinagar, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah said that that they have apprehensions that stunt biking may occur during the Eid festival and they have made pre-arrangements to curb any such occurrence.
“In view of the Eid festivities from tomorrow, there are apprehensions that stunts using four-wheelers and bikes by young boys may occur and to curb that we have constituted special teams,” he said.
SSP City Traffic said they have identified some of the areas where pre-arrangements have been made in collaboration with the district police.
In an appeal to parents, Shah said they should ensure that no vehicle is given to minors. “The parents should keep an eye on their young children so that they do not engage in stunt acts,” he said, adding, “Parents should not give an easy hand to their children on bikes or cars unless they are sure that their kids ride or drive sensibly and more importantly are eligible.” (KNO)

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#Special #Teams #Check #Stunt #Biking #Eid #Traffic #Police
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023
Eid Shopping: JK Bank Records Rs 564 Cr Transfer During The Day

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SRINAGAR: The markets across Kashmir did not exhibit any indication of revival even after the delayed crescent added a day to the Eid shopping in the subcontinent. People remained busy in managing the basics including bread, mutton, vegetables and other foods.
Jammu and Kashmir Bank that is the custodian of almost two-thirds of deposits in Jammu and Kashmir has made public some basic information about the transactions in their system. Till 5 pm, on April 21, the data suggested Rs 564 crore was transacted through a total of 16.72 lakh transactions. This includes Rs 331.89 crore of transactions using the MPay as the card transactions were at Rs 118.5 crore and UPI transactions at Rs 115.08 crore.
In the last three days, as already reported, the bank transacted Rs 2510 crore.
However, the business transactions were not very encouraging. Insiders in the banking sector told TheNewsCaravan that not much of the transactions took place using the POS (point of sale) machines that most of businesses use. During the entire day, one insider said Rs 8.51 crore was transacted in 60232 sales, which is very insignificant given the tradition and practices on the eve of Eid.
Even the cash that moved out of the banking system during the day was too little – only Rs 89 crore in 177292 crore.
“Transactions did take place but people avoided spending the money,” one banker said. “People tend to spend as less as possible. Most of the transactions did not result in movement of cash out of the system and the digital transfer in business was too little.”
In the last three days, the traders thought that the inclement weather was playing the spoilsport but Friday exhibited that while people were out and there were no rains, people avoided markets. Most of the markets remained deserted for the entire day. “Compare the figures of last Eid with this Eid, you will come to understand where the economy is heading,” one senior trader said.
Market insiders hope that the onset of marriage season may trigger some turnaround.

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#Eid #Shopping #Bank #Records #Transfer #Day
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023
Former JK Governor Summoned By CBI For Questioning

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SRINAGAR: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned former Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik, for questioning in the Reliance Insurance case.
The CBI is investigating allegations of irregularities in the insurance policy sale by the company.
Malik, who was appointed as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2018, served in the position until November 2019, when the state was reorganized into two Union Territories. He had previously served as the Governor of Bihar and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
More Details Awaited.

Previous articleFCIK Demands For Consolidation Of Existing Industrial Base

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#Governor #Summoned #CBI #Questioning
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 21, 2023