Says, “Joint strategy need of the hour”

Srinagar, Jul 30 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Ab. Qayoom Wani has welcomed Party President and Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s call for an “All Party meet” in the wake of confusion on article 35-A.

In a statement issued, Ab. Qayoom Wani termed all party meeting initiated by mehbooba timely and expressed happiness that it was responded positively by National Conference President Farooq Abdullah besides other leaders of different regional parties for protection of special identity of J&K state.

Wani said that article 370 and 35-A was sacred for every person who belongs to the JK state and nobody on earth can scrap it till “we are alive”.

Wani said that it was right time for all political, religious and social organizations to stand together cutting across all political affiliations, cast, creed, colour, region and religion to fight for this great cause.

He further said that 370 and article 35 A was our identify and any move to scrape it will add fuel to the fire and situation will go beyond any body’s control. Wani showed serious concern over fear created by “unwarranted circulars asking for details about Imams of masjid and masjid committee chairmans” and said.

The PDP leader urged upon the government to come clear on the present situation so that people of state may not feel insecure and will come out from fear and uncertainty. 

Raises Security Forces deployment issue during zero hour

New Delhi, Jul 30 : Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) MP Hasnain Masoodi on Tuesday gave notice under Rule 197 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of his intention to call attention of the Minister of Home affairs to the panic and uncertainty that has taken Kashmir in its grip following deployment of additional Security Forces in large numbers to Kashmir and connected measures like directions to sent back families, store food for four months and drinking water making rounds of social media.

Masoodi through calling attention notice has demanded a statement from the Minister of Home Affairs on the subject to dispel all doubts and panic created by such unusual measures. He also raised the matter during Zero Hour and asked for necessary steps to end the uncertainty.

Earlier during the day Masoodi strongly opposed extension of National Medical Commission Bill 2019 to Jammu and Kashmir pleading legislative incompetence. He insisted that as Entry 25 of Concurrent List under which the law was being enacted was not applicable to the State, the Bill could not be extended to the State.

Masoodi pointed out that Entry 25 was introduced by 42nd Amendment 1976 and the then State Government did not give ‘concurrence’ to its application to the State. Masoodi also opposed the Bill on the grounds while MCI sought to be replaced was an elected body the proposed National Medical Council would comprise of Central Government appointees, controlled by the Central Government thus without autonomous character.

He also opposed NEET insisting that students from rural areas mostly from poor and downtrodden families without access to modern means of education and from different Boards with varying curriculum do not get a level play field and have least chances of success. He said that the Bill must provide for Coaching Centers across the country for free coaching of students from poor, disempowered families so that they have a fair opportunity to compete for the test. 

SK Cricket Stadium to remain under tight vigil

Ishtiyaq Ahmed 

Srinagar, Jul 30 : Three years after the repair work started, authorities are yet to complete the construction at Bakshi Stadium, forcing shifting of Independence-Day celebrations function to Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Sonwar.

In 2017, the Union Sports Ministry entrusted the National Projects Construction Corporation for repair work of the Stadium. However, so far little work has been completed.

As per the government document for the security plan of the function, the authorities have directed the district development commissioners to thoroughly address the security aspect of the event.

“Instructions shall be issued by the deputy commissioners envisaging therein participation of the government employees in the function. All the public representatives, mayor, deputy mayor, corporators, councillors, sarpanches, and panches be invited for the function,” the document reads.

The district development commissioners have affirmed participation of government employees, civil population in the said function, it reads.

The government has directed the officials to make requisite arrangements for the event with zeal and vigour.

Authorities have directed police and civil administration officials to maintain close coordination and take initiatives to make the function successful. “Police department and other security agencies will make adequate and fool proof security arrangements in and around the venue. The police department will prepare a comprehensive security plan well in advance for the purpose,” the document reads.

Since 2017, the government authorities have been celebrating January 26 and August 15 celebrations at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Sonwar instead the traditional venue at Bakhsi Stadium.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Security, has been directed to make arrangements for installation of bullet proof transparent kiosk for the VIP along with podium. (KNS) 

Srinagar, July 30: Two Jaish militants were killed after a gunfight broke out between militants and government forces in Kutto area of Bijbehara in South Kashmir’s Anatnag District on Tuesday.

Official sources told that in a brief exchange of firing two militants were killed after they tried to break the cordon.

Operation in the area is over, the identity of the slain militants is yet to be ascertained, the officer said.

Earlier Reports reaching  said that a joint team of Army’s 3RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Kutto area.

As per the sources two to three militants are believed to be trapped in the area..(GNS)

Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday ordered the transfers and new postings in the administration.
“In the interest of administration, the following transfers and postings are hereby ordered with immediate effect,” said a government order.

1. Ms. Sushma Chauhan, IAS(JK:2009), Deputy Commissioner, Samba, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Jammu.
2. Mr. Ramesh Kumar, IAS(JK:2011), Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, is transferred and posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Industries and Commerce Department.
3. Ms. Avny Lavasa, IAS (JK:2013), Deputy Commissioner, Leh, is transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, J&K Economic

Mr. Vikas Kundal, IAS(JK:2013), Additional Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Regulatory Authority, Srinagar of the additional charge of the post.

1. Syed Sehrish Asgar, IAS(PB:2013), Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, is transferred and posted as Director, Information, J&K, vice Mr. Gulzar Ahmad Dar, KAS, who shall await orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department.
2. Mr. Owais Ahmed, IAS(JK:2014), Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, is transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA.
3. Mr. Sachin Kumar Vaishy, IAS(JK:2015), Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Leh.
4. Choudhary Mohammad Yasin, IAS(JK:2015), Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Shopian.
5. Ms. Rehana Batul, KAS, Managing Director, JKTDC, is transferred and posted as Director General, Social Welfare, Jammu.
6. Mr. Nazim Zai Khan, KAS, Special Secretary to the Government, Finance Department, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Ramban.
7. Mr. Rohit Khajuria, KAS, Special Secretary in the Summer Secretariat, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Samba.
8. Mr. Arvind Sharma, KAS, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, is transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Revenue Department.
9. Mr. Tariq Hussain Ganai, KAS, Director, Estates, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Budgam.
10. Mr. Showkat Aijaz Bhat, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam.
11. Mr. Shamim Ahmad, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, is transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Finance Department.
12. Mr. Asgar Hussain, KAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, is posted as Managing Director, JKTDC.
13. Dr. Bharat Bushan, KAS, Director, Social Welfare, lammu, is transferred and posted as Managing Director, J&K SC, ST and OBC Development/ Corporation, vice Mr. Ravinder Kumar Bhat, KAS, who shall await orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department.
14. Mr. Rakesh Kumar Srangal, KAS, Additional Chief Electoral Officer in the office of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, is transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, against an available vacancy.
15. Mr. Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, holding additional charge of Deputy Commissioner, Relief Organization (Migrants), Kashmir, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Relief Organization (Migrants), Kashmir, on full time basis.
16. Syed Hanief Balkhi, KAS, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Gulmarg, is transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar.
17. Mr. Inam-ul-Haq Sidiqui, KAS, Additional Secretary in the J&K Government Grievance Cell, is transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Gulmarg.

Dr. Des Raj Bhagat, KAS, Additional Secretary in the Service Grievance Secretariat, shall also function as Additional Secretary in the J&K Government Grievance Cell.

Qayoom Khan

Srinagar, July 29: A PDP activist was injured after shot at by unknown gunmen in Mitrigham area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday evening.

Reports reaching said that the gunmen fired upon the man namely Lateef Shah Ahmad in nearby orchards at Mitirgham village.

In the incident Shah suffered bullet wounds in his legs and was immediately taken to nearby hospital for treatment.

A police officer also confirmed the incident and said that they have taken coginzance and further investigations taken up.(GNS)