Tag: Doda

Srinagar’s Air Quality Deteriorating, Air More Polluted In Winters

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SRINAGAR: The air quality in Kashmir has been consistently deteriorating for the past three years, reveals the data compiled by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board (PCB).
Quoting Pollution Control Board (PCB) data news agency KNO reported that the air quality has been deteriorating more in winters and Lasjan area has the most polluted air.
The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM or PM 10) levels at all four stations in Srinagar have shown a steep rise in the last three years.
At the Raj Bagh station, the yearly average of PM-10 level for year 2021-22 was 139.26 µg/m³ against the permissible limit of 60 µg/m³ while at the same station it was 73.88 µg/m³) in year 2019-20 and 89.61 µg/m³ in year 2020-21.
At the Khonmoh station, the yearly average of PM-10 level for year 2021-22 was 162.86 µg/m³ against the permissible limit of 60 µg/m³ while at the same station it was 120.03 µg/m³) in year 2019-20 and 163.97 µg/m³ in year 2020-21.
At the Khrew station, the yearly average of PM-10 level for year 2021-22 was 132.65 µg/m³ against the permissible limit of 60 µg/m³ while at the same station it was 119.48 µg/m³) in year 2019-20 and 127.98 µg/m³ in year 2020-21.
At the Lasjan station, the yearly average of PM-10 level for year 2021-22 was 227.80 µg/m³ against the permissible limit of 60 µg/m³ while at the same station it was 197.74 µg/m³) in year 2019-20 and 235.29 µg/m³ in year 2020-21.
As per the data, the highest RSPM levels have been reported in winter months as the RSPM level in year 2021at Rajbagh and Khonmoh were 237.41 µg/m³ and 255.43 µg/m³ respectively in month of December while at Khrew and Lasjan the levels were highest in month of November with 176.6 µg/m³ at Khrew and 330.08 µg/m³ at Lasjan.

However, as per data the Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels in Srinagar have been found below the permissible mark as average NO2 levels at Rajbagh, Khonmoh, Khrew and Lasjan were 20.27 , 20.09, 22.10, 20.84 respectively in year 2021 as compared to the yearly permissible level of 40 µg/m³ for NO2 while SO2 levels were below 11 at all stations.
Notably, Director SKIMS Dr Parvaiz Koul had recently said that yearly around 10 thousand deaths are attributed to particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) exposure and there is need to control it by countering it.
He said that air pollution is the main issue of J&K due to the increasing number of vehicles, construction, brick kilns, cement factories which emit pollutants and significantly pollute our air and affect “our health which makes air pollution a health issue.”
He said the measures, which can contribute to decreasing air pollution include using fewer vehicles, decreasing the use of unleaded petrol, decreasing use of biomass fuels, less use of Kangri, and using vented heaters.
He said air pollution is affecting every single organ of the body and ”we have work to reduce the pollution.”

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#Srinagars #Air #Quality #Deteriorating #Air #Polluted #Winters
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
All Issues Of Kashmiri Pandits Being Resolved: LG Sinha

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JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the 3-day long Mahashivratri Mahotsav at Jagti Colony and Migrant Camp Buta Nagar.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha attended 3-day long Mahashivratri Mahotsav at Jagti Colony & Buta Nagar
In order to facilitate Kashmiri Pandit Community in Camps & Non-Camp Areas, Relief Organisation has brought together 20 Line Departments for the Mahashivratri Mahotsav.
Extending the greetings of Mahashivratri in advance, the Lt Governor said the festival is the celebration of Kashmiri culture & the spiritual-cultural heritage of the country.
It is the symbol of our ancient values and ethos. Kashmiri Pandit brothers & sisters living in different parts of the country & the world have kept this tradition alive, he added.
“Mahashivratri or Herath is the most important festival of Kashmiri Pandits & festivity has been aptly named ‘Waliv Samav- Let’s Come Together’ to celebrate & seek divine blessings of Lord Shiva. This is a welcome step by the Relief and Rehabilitation department,” said the Lt Governor.
Our festivals are also the source of self-awakening. I pray to Lord Shiva for the happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being of all, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor said, keeping in view Mahashivratri festival, full salaries of all PM package & other minority community employees who have resumed their duties in Kashmir have been released.
He also highlighted the initiatives of the administration for extension of seamless public service delivery to Kashmiri Pandit community at their doorsteps.

All the issues of the Migrant Kashmiri Pandit community are being taken up for their resolution with utmost sensitivity, said the Lt Governor.
Special Governance Camp is a testimony to our commitment for welfare of Kashmiri Pandit Community. The Department of Relief and Rehabilitation and other line departments are ensuring 100% saturation of the benefits of all social security schemes, entrepreneurship development schemes and skilling programs, added the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor urged all the members of the Kashmiri Pandit community to avail the benefits of the special camps. Administration is always ready to resolve all the genuine issues. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure that your problems & grievances are resolved promptly and effectively, he further added.
Jammu Kashmir Government always stands by you. Your safety is our top priority and we are taking all possible measures to ensure that. This is the commitment of the Government of India and Prime Minister, the Lt Governor said.
You have suffered a lot for three long decades. I pray that the day will come when you return to your homes with honour. I hope with your return Kashmir will find its lost glory, added the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor also shared the progress of construction of housing units for PM Package employees in Kashmir.
Earlier, it was difficult to get Land for construction of 6000 dwellings but now land has been identified and except for two sites, the work is in full swing. 1200 dwellings will be handed over by April and by December more than 2500 dwellings would be handed over, he informed.
Beneficiaries identified for various schemes during Special Governance Camp on 4th February were also handed over aids and authority letters on the occasion.
Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; KK Sidha, Commissioner, Relief & Rehabilitation and other senior officers were also present.

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#Issues #Kashmiri #Pandits #Resolved #Sinha
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
2.26 Lakh People Visited 131 Public Libraries In J&K During Last Year: Govt

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JAMMU: Secretary Culture, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah today took an extensive tour of Shri Ranbir Singh Library here and took stock of facilities being provided to the public there.
He held an extensive tour of the library and visited different sections of the public library viz reading room section, children section, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Section, automation, reference section etc.
On the occasion, he also interacted with the students who visit the library regularly, and enquired about the facilities being provided there.
He also asked the students for suggestions and the requirements, if any, to make the library better and smooth access for them.
During his visit, he was informed that last year 2.26 lakh people visited the 131 public libraries of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the tour, he was accompanied by Special Secretary, Trishala Kumari; Director Libraries & Research, M Rafi; Deputy Secretary Culture, Abdul Qyume and other officers.
The secretary highlighted the need for certain transformative changes in the department to better serve the public in this digital age and to diversify these public libraries to address the needs of today’s library members.
He also suggested exposure visits and trainings to the staff and officials of Libraries Department in order to enhance the personal and professional level skills for effective delivery of library and information services.

The secretary underlined the adoption of new technology in the Department of Libraries & Research which would eventually increase the efficiency and effectiveness of day-to-day library work and services and added that information technology interventions in public libraries would help the readers’ services also.
Shah urged the officers to make the public libraries attractive to youngsters by focusing on youngsters and youth engagement by drawing them towards libraries of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that youngsters can be attracted to these libraries by employing several steps like by offering diverse lineup programmes, organizing public library trips for school students by and providing cutting-edge technology.
He also suggested increased public participation by opening invitations to all stakeholders for sharing ideas which can be implemented and asked people to post their suggestions on [email protected] in order to make library experience better and beautiful for all age groups.

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#Lakh #People #Visited #Public #Libraries #Year #Govt
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
Policy Pursued By J&K Govt Is Anti-Poor: Dr Farooq Abdullah

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SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and Member of the Parliament from Srinagar on Thursday said the narratives of peaceable calm, development and prosperity peddled by the government doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground.
This he said while addressing people at Habbak today. Party’s Provincial President (Kashmir) Nasir Aslam Wani was also present on the occasion.
Interacting with the workers, Dr Farooq said, “Three years on, there is little to show of a revitalised administration, increased job opportunities for our educated youth and infrastructure augmentation. There is pervasive rage among people, stemming from misgovernance, and unaccountability. Claims of changed ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir emanating from the government are a bundle of lies to whitewash the devastating impact of the GoI’s August 5, 2019 decisions on the people and economy of the erstwhile state.”
Dr Farooq said such claims are akin to running salt into the wounds of people of J&K, who are being denied democracy and not trusted with a popular government, whose democratic rights have been crippled and whose exclusive rights over land, jobs and natural resources stand liquidated.
Dr Farooq further said, “The hard earned gains of our governments during its successive governments in terms of bridging building people’s trust in government has received a setback. The anti-poor, anti-trader and anti-consumer policies being pursued by the incumbent administration have further increased the wedge between the administration and people.”

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#Policy #Pursued #Govt #AntiPoor #Farooq #Abdullah
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
Govt Orders Premature Retirement Of Two Officers

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SRINAGAR: In its endeavor to make the Administration more efficient and transparent, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday ordered premature retirement of 02 officers, one each belonging to Prison Department and Transport Department respectively.
These officers conducted their duties in ways which were unbecoming of public servants and in violation of the established code of conduct.
The exercise was conducted as part of regular process of scrutiny of records of employees, who cross age/service period in terms of Article 226(2) of J&K CSRs.
Out of these retirees, the officer belonging to Prison Department was found involved in wrongdoings while performing his duties during his services career and had remained ineffective in discharging the assigned duties besides, had doubtful integrity. The other officer belonging to Transport Department was found involved in a serious criminal case for acquiring disproportionate assets and had doubtful integrity with inefficient performance during his service career.
According to the recommendations of the Review Committee, the performance of these employees was found unsatisfactory and their continuation in the government service was found against the public interest.
During the recent past, as part of its zero tolerance policy towards corruption, various employees have been dismissed from service on account of official misconduct, after rigorously following departmental proceedings against them. Many cases are under scrutiny with the Empowered Committees constituted for consideration of cases under Article 226(2) of J&K CSRs. Further, many employees have also been terminated from service on account of anti-national activities.
Meanwhile, the government has also initiated several measures for human resource development of its employees in Jammu and Kashmir which includes timely promotion of eligible employees leading to smooth career progression, fast tracking the recruitment process through recruiting agencies and abolishing of interviews for most of the non-gazetted vacancies referred to the Services Selection Board. The Government is also contemplating institutionalization of referral of vacancies to recruiting agencies so that recruitments start in month of April every year in accordance with defined calender.

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#Govt #Orders #Premature #Retirement #Officers
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
Congress Fully Capable To Fight Against Anti-People Policies Of BJP: Vikar Rasool Wani

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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress (JKPCC) President Vikar Rasool Wani Thursday reiterated Party’s commitment to continue its fight against wrong and oppressive policies of BJP.
Wani also demanded full compensation to people affected during eviction drives in J&K and asked the Govt to stop demolishing houses and business establishments, terming anti-encroachment drives another oppressive measure on the part of BJP Govt towards people.
JKPCC President was addressing Party workers at Srinagar Party Office. On this occasion prominent leaders from AAP and BJP joined Congress Party and expressed full faith under its (Congress)programmes and pro people policies.
Those who joined INC included Gh.Mohd Dar District President Bandipora AAP, Nasir Ahmad District Vice President Srinagar NC, Farooq Rather Sarpanch Sopore Distt Vice President BJP, Mohd Shafi Khan BJP along with their dozens of supporters.
JKPCC President lashed out at both Centre and State Govt for disappointing people on various counts while terming the eviction drive in J&K a well-planned conspiracy to terrorize people which is not only unfortunate, but highly condemnable and said such anti-people measures will not be tolerated.
People are feeling suffocated under the present dispensation at Centre and yearning for change, which is going to happen in 2024, when BJP will be thrown out of power for adopting anti people policies, Wani added.
JKPCC President emphasized the Party workers and new entrants to work for the betterment of the people, who have great expectations from the Congress Party given its sacrifices and selfless services.
JKPCC President also urged Party Cadres in J&K to ensure successful Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyaan, which another Nationwide programme of Congress Party launched to reach out to people at village level across the country, he said.

Senior Congress Leaders Mohd Anwar Bhat also spoke on the occasion and urged the Party workers to connect with the people at grass roots and seek their support for the Party, which is the only viable and strong political force which can fight for them whether in power or out of power.
Congress Leaders Abdul Gani Khan, Umer Jaan, Altaf Malik, Shameema Iqbal, B.A Khan, Dr.Fayaz Khan, Waseem Shalla, Basharat Bin Qadir, Asif Beigh Corporators, Shameema Iqbal, Firdous Wani and various other leaders and works were present on this occasion.

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#Congress #Fully #Capable #Fight #AntiPeople #Policies #BJP #Vikar #Rasool #Wani
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
Kashmir Neuroscientist Is Prestigious Sloan Research Fellow, Bags US $75K Fellowship

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by Tahir Bhat
SRINAGAR: Kashmir neuroscientist, Dr Mubarak Hussain Syed, is among the 125 scientists from USA and Canada who were declared prestigious Sloan Research Fellows for 2023. Every one of them receives US $75000 to pursue their research within two years.
Dr Mubarak Hussain Syed is an assistant professor of Biology at The University of New Mexico and runs his own laboratory that has already helped solve certain mysteries of mind works in fruit flies.
The Alfred P Sloan Foundation announced 126 early-career scholars recently. These 126 scientists “represent the most promising scientific researchers working today” and their “achievements and potential place them among the next generation of scientific leaders in the US and Canada,” the Foundation statement reads.
The Fellowships are aimed at seeking to stimulate fundamental research by early-career scientists and scholars of outstanding promise. These are given in “recognition of distinguished performance and a unique potential to make substantial contributions to their field”.
“The fellowships are presented to researchers whose creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments make them stand out,” a statement issued by the University said, insisting the fellowship is “one of the most competitive and prestigious awards available to early-career researchers”. It added: “They are also often seen as a marker of the quality of an institution’s science faculty and proof of an institution’s success in attracting the most promising junior researchers to its ranks.”
“I am humbled and honoured; it feels good to see your peers recognize your work and trust your capabilities, which also adds many responsibilities.,” Syed told TheNewsCaravan. “Early in my independent scientific career, this recognition will tremendously help our research programme and mentoring activities. I am grateful to my dedicated and hardworking team at the University of New Mexico, especially my first two graduate students, who also happen to be from Kashmir. Thanks to my family, friends, and mentors who have supported me and mentored me to be a better person. Special thanks to the dedicated and hardworking team at JKScientists, who are doing transformative work to train and mentor the next-generation Kashmiri students.”

Asked where the new resources will be utilised, Dr Syed said the funds will be used to investigate fruit fly brain development. “Our research focuses on how neural stem cells generate central complex neurons,” he said. “The central complex is a conserved brain region among insects involved in many complex behaviours, including navigation and sleep. We will also use these funds to get pizzas for the students and trainees we mentor in Neural Diversity Lab.”
In the Neural Diversity Lab of the University of New Mexico, Dr Mubarak Hussain Syed (extreme right) with his scholars. KL Image: Special Arrangement
“This award will help our team decipher the mysteries of fruit fly brain development, which will advance our understanding on unravelling fundamental principles underlying brain development and function across species,” Arash Mafi, University interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted as having said. “Our research will shed light on the development of the central complex, the brain region used for the celestial navigation of ants, flies, bees, and butterflies.”
Syed heads the University’s Neural Diversity Lab investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating neural diversity – from stem cells to neural circuits. “The findings will help uncover the fundamental principles of nervous system development and potentially to understand and treat neuro-developmental disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism,” the university said. Right now, the laboratory is investigating how neural stem cells specify neuron types essential for olfactory navigation and sleep behaviours.
Fruit flies, it may be recalled here, offer an excellent model system to understand the genetic basis of nervous system development and function. Syed has been working with fruit flies for over a decade and is known as the “Fly Guy.”
Already, the laboratory has identified a novel role of insect growth hormone in regulating neural stem cell temporal gene expression. Now they are testing if this hormonal signalling regulates the formation of diverse neuron types in the fruit fly brain.
While Syed has emerged as perhaps the first Kashmir scientist to get the prestigious fellowship, this is not the first competitive award he has got. In 2021, he was awarded the National Science Foundation CAREER award.
Dr Syed is also the founder of JK Scientists, a registered organisation that helps young scholars to navigate their career paths. Asked what his advice to aspiring scientists would be, he said: “Follow your passion; life is full of failures, but people only highlight success stories. I have failed most of the time and fail every day; persistence and consistency is the key. Value quality over quantity, and there are no shortcuts to achieving quality. I hope that in our region, talent gets recognition and the system starts nurturing early career scientists/scholars someday. Unfortunately, the current hiring system is losing quality researchers and future leaders. Stay motivated and hopeful, be kind and generous, and seek mentorship at your educational institution, JKScientists, or both. Inshallah, many among you will do better than me.”

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#Kashmir #Neuroscientist #Prestigious #Sloan #Research #Fellow #Bags #75K #Fellowship
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
Lt Governor Inaugurates Forest Resource Management Center In Jammu

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JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Forest Resource Management Center (FRMC) at Narwal and launched the National Transit Pass System today.
Forest Resource Management Center in Jammu
The Lt Governor said, the new state-of-the-art facility and the technological advancements will go a long way in ensuring required protection and management of our forests.
The FRMC has been planned to scale up the use of modern technology such as GIS, Remote Sensing and digital tools like mobile application in protection and management of forests. The FRMC will also play a key role in digitalization of forest boundary as well as for management of forests through geo reference based information and mapping.
The Lt Governor advised the department to maximise the use of technology in forest protection and climate change mitigation by protecting the natural resources, which will also support meeting of Sustainable Development Goals.
J&K UT is the third UT/State to implement the National Transit Pass System in the country. It replaces manual paper-based transit system by online transit system, promotes agro-forestry activities that will in turn help in increasing farmer’s income, the Lt Governor noted.
Forest management and protection is vital to achieve climate stability and sustainable development goals. Reducing deforestation, tackling the loss of forest biodiversity and preservation of our natural heritage is critical for inclusive development, observed the Lt Governor.
“Nature unites us. I want every citizen to become Green Warrior and take action on climate change. We should have 10-point vision document which will act as an MoU of commitment with the society to protect the nature in the neighborhood,” said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor also shared the efforts of the forest department in safeguarding the ecological wealth and making technological interventions an important factor in forest management.

In Amrit Kaal our aim is to integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into development planning and work in a holistic manner for clean air, fresh water, biodiversity conservation and mitigation of human-wild animal conflict, the Lt Governor said.
Greater use of technology will help the field staff to make effective decisions for protection and management of forests and augment the efforts of the frontline forest field staff in securing this valuable resource, he said.
Today, Geo-tagging has revolutionized the management of different types of forest assets. GIS technology and Mapping have emerged as powerful instruments in conservation efforts. With GIS mapping and ground-based digitization, we can effectively tackle the challenge of encroachment, added the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor appreciated the Forest Department for digitization of all demarcated forests at beat, block, range and division levels. He congratulated PCCF/HoFF Dr Mohit Gera and his team for restoring the original glory of the Char Chinar in the iconic Dal Lake and further stressed upon taking up new initiatives dedicated to environment protection.
Citing the example from Ecuador which became the first country to grant “legal rights of the nature” in its Constitution, the Lt Governor advised that the sustainable development must recognize earth as a living entity. He also emphasised to expedite FRA cases especially pertaining to Individual Forest Rights and ensure that genuine claims are processed and decided expeditiously.
Appreciating the efforts of the department on afforestation through Green J&K Drive, the Lt Governor advised the department that such afforestation should lead to creation of livelihood.
He also directed the department to substantially increase the number of Women Self Help Groups and work towards women empowerment. The department should also take new initiatives under Jan Bhagidari and create volunteers to spread the awareness on climate change.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor paid tributes to the Martyrs of the Forest Department.
Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment enumerated various programmes and schemes dedicated to promoting green cover in J&K.
Dr Mohit Gera, PCCF &HoFF said that Forest Department is actively using Remote Sensing and GIS for forest protection and management activities and with the inauguration of the FRMC, the capability of Forest Department in use of technology will be enhanced considerably.
R Raghu Prasad, Inspector General of Forests, GoI, said that the roll-out of National Transit Pass System will largely benefit the farmers of J&K.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; HoDs and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

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#Governor #Inaugurates #Forest #Resource #Management #Center #Jammu
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
Day Not Far When All KPs Would Return To Their Homeland: LG Sinha

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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that the day was not far when all Kashmiri Pandits would return to their home land.
“With God’s grace, all KPs would return to their homes in Kashmir and the day is not far,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function at Jammu, as per news agency KNO.
He said that salaries of the KP employees working under PM Package in Kashmir, who rejoined their duties, have been released. “The relief and rehabilitation department ensured that these employees are properly rehabilitated,” he said.
He said that at Pantha Chowk area of Srinagar, Yatri Niwas has been constructed and is being upgraded to accommodate 3000 pilgrims at a time.

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#Day #KPs #Return #Homeland #Sinha
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
Harsh Dev Quits AAP, To Revive Panthers Party

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SRINAGAR: Former minister Harsh Dev Singh on Thursday announced his decision to quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to revive the Panthers Party.
Quoting a video statement news agency KNO reported that Harsh Dev announced his decision revive Panthers Party which was formed by Prof. Bhim Singh in 1982.
“We have held consultations and arrived at a decision to revive the Panthers Party. Our ancestors have given sacrifices for the party,” he said.
Singh, who was chairman of AAP’s state coordination committee, said revival of the Panthers Party would be in interest of the people.

Previous articleCGWC IMHANS Kashmir Organized One Day Capacity Building Program For Pediatricians

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#Harsh #Dev #Quits #AAP #Revive #Panthers #Party
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023