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Encounter breaks out in Kupwara

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, Mar 17 : An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Monday.

A top Police official told news agency JKNS that on specific inputs about the terrorists hiding in Krumbhoora, Zachaldara Rajwar in Kupwara district, a search operation was launched by a joint team of forces.

He said that during search operation hiding terrorists fired upon security forces which was retaliated triggering an encounter.

Two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped in the incident. Further details awaited. (JKNS)

NC Committed to Fulfilling Manifesto Promises: Advisor to CM

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, Mar 17: Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, on Sunday reiterated the National Conference’s commitment to fulfilling all promises made in its manifesto.

Wani stated that while it is not possible to fulfill all promises within a single budget, the party has taken steps to address key commitments.

“Some of the things have been raised, and people understand that fulfilling an entire manifesto in a single budget is not feasible, whether we are in a Union Territory or a state,” he said.

Responding to a query, Wani ruled out any alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasizing that the people have given a mandate against the party. “No doubt there is a BJP-led central government in the country, but we will never join hands with them. We will not let people down at any stage,” he asserted (KNS)

Over 200 investors from outside J&K allotted land for setting up business units in UT

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Over 200 investors from outside J&K allotted land for setting up business units in UT

Jammu, Mar 16 : Over 200 investors from outside Jammu and Kashmir have been provided land in the industrial estates to set up their business units in Jammu and Kashmir in the past decade, official data said.

The process of land acquisition by outside investors, mostly from Delhi, Haryana and Punjab, marked manifold increase after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019.

According to the data shared by the industries and commerce department, the majority of investors preferred Kathu and Samba districts in Jammu region to establish their firms compared to a very few businessmen showing interest in the Valley.

Under the industrial policy 2016-26, a total of 28 businessmen from different parts of the country were allotted over 500 kanals of land to set up their units in the twin districts of Samba and Kathua. The allotment of land varies depending on the investment proposal.

However, the introduction of the amended industrial policy 2021-30 after the abrogation of Article 370 saw businessmen from Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu also eyeing the region for investment.

Almost 50 businessmen from Delhi have been allotted land in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by Haryana (45), Punjab (43), Uttar Pradesh (14), Maharashtra (nine) and seven each from Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh.

The officials said the land for creation of industrial estates was placed at the disposal of the Industries & Commerce Department by the Revenue Department, which was then allocated to the aspiring entrepreneurs as per the established policy and procedures.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the focus sectors for the Industrial Policy 2021-30 included manufacturing, IT and ITeS, agriculture and food processing, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and real estate, skill development, tourism and hospitality, film tourism, horticulture and post-harvest management, renewable energy, handloom and handicrafts.

Various policy initiatives are being taken up by the government to boost the industry sector and make it an investor-friendly destination, he said.

Any business enterprise having 51 per cent stake held by women entrepreneurs shall qualify to apply for allotment in the designated industrial estate, he added.(PTI)

No timeline set for ministerial panel on reservation rules in J&K: Govt

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Jammu — The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday informed the legislative assembly that no specific timeline has been fixed for the three-member cabinet sub-committee, which was formed last year to look into grievances against the present reservation policy in the Union Territory.

The information was given by Sakeena Itoo, the minister in-charge social welfare, in a written reply to a starred question by Peoples Conference legislator Sajad Gani Lone in the House.

The cabinet sub-committee headed by Itoo with ministers Satish Sharma and Javed Rana as its members was constituted in December last year and is going to submit its report to the council of ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Reservation has become a major issue in Jammu and Kashmir following the Central government’s decision to add more communities to the reserved category and expand quotas in the UT over the past five years. There are increasing objections to the Centre’s move to push the reservation quota to 70 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The Cabinet Sub Committee stands constituted vide Government order No. 2061- JKGAD of 2024, dated 10.12. 2024 to examine the grievances projected by a section of aspirants for various posts regarding reservation rules. However, no specific timeline has been fixed for submitting the report,” the minister said in response to Lone, who had asked whether a six months time period had been granted to the panel to review the existing reservation policy.

Itoo said that a total of 5,39,306 Scheduled Tribe population – 4,59,493 in Jammu division and 79,813 in Kashmir division — have obtained ST certificates in the last two years effective from April 2023, while 67,112 certificates have been issued to scheduled caste population of Jammu region during the same period.

The minister said 1,379 villages in Jammu and 1,229 villages in Kashmir have benefited under Reserved Backward Area (RBA), while 551 villages of Jammu zone have benefited under International Border category. Similarly, 268 villages in Jammu and 16 in Kashmir have benefited under Actual line of Control (ALC) category.

The government has also issued 27,420 certificates to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in Jammu division and 2,273 certificates to EWS in Kashmir valley in the past two years, effective from April 1, 2023. — (PTI)

Day 4: Rains, snow recharge water bodies, weather to improve today

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Jhelum flows above 6 ft, Vaishow Nallah 3m below warning level

Srinagar, Mar 15 : Intermittent rainfall and snow continued to lash Kashmir for the fourth straight day on Saturday. The ongoing wet spell has recharged the water bodies to a large extent with the level in river Jhelum increasing to above 6 feet compared to -1.01 last month.

According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Shopian upper reaches received heavy snowfall, while Pulwama and other districts in South Kashmir witnessed moderate snowfall since this morning.

The other higher reaches, including Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, and Sonamarg also received snowfall for the fourth running day today. However, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and other areas, received rainfall throughout the day.

As per the details, Sadhna Top, Razdan top received a snowfall of 3 feet, Zojila top and Sinthan top received 2.5 feet, Peer ki Gali, Sonamarg and Z Gali received 2 feet while Gulmarg and Doodhpatri received 1 feet snowfall each.

Notably, the Meteorological department (MeT) had issued a yellow alert for three days from March 13 to March 15. The wet spell has ended the rainfall deficiency as well.

The river Jhelum at Sangam station was flowing at above 6 feet, which otherwise was flowing at -1.01 ft last month due to the less rainfall for the three straight months from December to February.

According to the details, the water level at Ram Munshi Bagh was above 5 ft at 6:00 PM while Asham was flowing at 2.40 ft today.

The nallahs, according to KNO, were also flowing close to the warning level at multiple places with official data revealing that Vaishow Nallah in Khudwani was flowing at 1591.121m, which was 3m below the warning level.

Similarly, the other streams also recorded the rise in the water level amidst the intermittent moderate rainfall.

Moreover, the weatherman predicted intermittent brief spells of light rain and snow at few places towards Sunday morning & improvement towards afternoon.

Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that generally dry weather is expected from March 17 to 25.

Moreover, the MeT issued an advisory, advising the travellers, tourists and transporters to follow administration and traffic advisory.

Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations till March 16. The advisory also appealed to people to avoid visiting sloppy & avalanche prone areas and said that landslides, mudslides and shooting stones are expected at vulnerable spots—(KNO)

No timeline set for ministerial panel on reservation rules in J&K: Govt

Kashmir Leader Desk
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0

 

Jammu, Mar 15 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday informed the legislative assembly that no specific timeline has been fixed for the three-member cabinet sub-committee, which was formed last year to look into grievances against the present reservation policy in the Union Territory.

The information was given by Sakeena Itoo, the minister in-charge social welfare, in a written reply to a starred question by Peoples Conference legislator Sajad Gani Lone in the House.

The cabinet sub-committee headed by Itoo with ministers Satish Sharma and Javed Rana as its members was constituted in December last year and is going to submit its report to the council of ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Reservation has become a major issue in Jammu and Kashmir following the Central government’s decision to add more communities to the reserved category and expand quotas in the UT over the past five years. There are increasing objections to the Centre’s move to push the reservation quota to 70 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The Cabinet Sub Committee stands constituted vide Government order No. 2061- JKGAD of 2024, dated 10.12. 2024 to examine the grievances projected by a section of aspirants for various posts regarding reservation rules. However, no specific timeline has been fixed for submitting the report,” the minister said in response to Lone, who had asked whether a six months time period had been granted to the panel to review the existing reservation policy.

Itoo said that a total of 5,39,306 Scheduled Tribe population – 4,59,493 in Jammu division and 79,813 in Kashmir division — have obtained ST certificates in the last two years effective from April 2023, while 67,112 certificates have been issued to scheduled caste population of Jammu region during the same period.

The minister said 1,379 villages in Jammu and 1,229 villages in Kashmir have benefited under Reserved Backward Area (RBA), while 551 villages of Jammu zone have benefited under International Border category. Similarly, 268 villages in Jammu and 16 in Kashmir have benefited under Actual line of Control (ALC) category.

The government has also issued 27,420 certificates to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in Jammu division and 2,273 certificates to EWS in Kashmir valley in the past two years, effective from April 1, 2023.(PTI)

MLA Kupwara Alleges Doctors Using Security Concerns to Secure Transfers

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Jammu, Mar 15  :- Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kupwara, Mir Muhammad Fayaz, has alleged that doctors in his district are exploiting security concerns as an excuse to secure transfers to Srinagar and other areas.
Speaking on Saturday, Mir criticized the frequent transfer requests from doctors posted in Kupwara district, claiming that many medicos prefer urban locations over rural postings. He urged the authorities to take strict action against such practices, emphasizing that health services in remote areas are suffering due to these unjustified transfers.
The MLA also called for a complete ban on private practice by government doctors, stating that many of them spend only two to three hours in hospitals before shifting their focus to personal clinics. He argued that this not only affects patient care in government hospitals but also promotes an unhealthy healthcare system driven by personal profit.
Mir urged the health department to implement stricter policies to ensure that government doctors remain dedicated to their official duties and serve the people of far-flung areas like Kupwara without bias.(CNS)

Jamia Auqaf Condemns House Arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, Mar 14 : Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar has strongly condemned the house arrest of its president and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Molvi Umar Farooq, which prevented him from delivering the Friday sermon and offering congregational prayers at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar.

The Anjuman expressed deep disappointment over the authorities’ decision, calling it an arbitrary and unjustified move, especially during the holy month of Ramzan, a time of profound spiritual significance for Muslims. The Jama Masjid serves as a central place of worship where thousands gather for Friday prayers to seek guidance and blessings. The restriction on Mirwaiz from fulfilling his religious duties has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the people.

The Anjuman noted that worshippers from across the region visit the mosque to listen to the Mirwaiz’s sermons and guidance. Preventing him from addressing them, particularly during Ramzan, is an unwarranted restriction on religious freedom.

Demanding the immediate release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Anjuman Auqaf urged the authorities to allow him to carry out his religious obligations, in keeping with the long-standing tradition of the Mirwaizeen in Kashmir. The organisation also called on the faithful to continue their prayers and supplications during this sacred month, seeking Allah’s mercy and guidance while praying for relief from such restrictions. (CNS)

Ramadan: Sale of watermelon, melon declines by 40%

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, Mar 14 : In the holy month of Ramadan, the sale of fruits like watermelons, melons and others in Kashmir Valley has witnessed a decline of about 40 per cent due to the persistent cold weather conditions over the past twelve days.

Usually, during the month of fasting, the sales of fruits like watermelons and melons increase significantly. However, this year, the market has seen a downfall.

“This year, as Ramadan is ongoing in Kashmir Valley, the sales of watermelons, melons and other fruits have decreased by around 40 per cent due to the changing weather and continuous cold conditions,” said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Association (KVFGDU), while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said that despite the prices of fruits and vegetables remaining low, the sales of melons, watermelons and other fruits, which usually increase during Ramadan, have remained low. He further mentioned that the valley has a sufficient stock of fruits and vegetables, but sales have been affected due to the weather conditions.

Notably, the fresh wholesale price list for fruits as of March 13, as accessed by KNO, reads as: local bananas are priced between RS: 88-92 per dozen, while premium bananas cost RS: 73-75 per dozen. Kiwi is available for RS: 30-34 per piece, and Apple Raja is priced at RS: 68-70 per kg, while Royal Apple (big size) is sold for RS: 95-100 per kg. Watermelon (Sun) ranges between RS: 60-92 per kg, while Watermelon (Bobby Zebra) is priced at RS: 93-100 per kg.

Also, Mango Safeeda costs RS: 160-170 per kg, and Dragon Fruit is available for RS: 90-100 per piece. Black Strawberry is priced at RS: 123-124 per box, while Papaya (Red Glow) costs RS: 200-215 per kg. The rates for different varieties of oranges are as follows: Orange 191 is priced at RS: 88-92 per dozen, Orange 171 at RS: 73-75 per dozen, and Orange 141 at RS: 30-34 per dozen.

Additionally, in the vegetable section, the wholesale rates are: Onion (Punjabi) is priced at RS: 15-16 per kg, while Cabbage costs RS: 10-11 per kg. Potato (Karthal) is available for RS: 23 per kg, and Potato (Nasik) for RS: 27-28 per kg. Radish (Kashmiri) is priced at RS: 15-20 per kg. Local Garlic costs RS: 16-18 per kg. Carrot (Local) is priced at RS: 18-20 per kg, while Spinach costs RS: 45-50 per kg. Ginger is priced at RS: 09-10 per kg. Cucumber (Punjabi) is available for RS: 12-15 per kg. Peas are priced between RS: 40-50 per kg, Fresh Beans cost RS: 13-15 per kg, and French Beans are priced at RS: 35-37 per kg. Squash (Local) is available for RS: 11-12 per kg, while Bottle Gourd is priced at RS: 25-30 per kg—(KNO)

Man, who went missing nearly a month ago, found dead in Kulgam

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Kulgam, Mar 13 : One of the three men, who went missing under mysterious circumstances nearly a month ago, has been found dead, officials said on Thursday. His body was recovered from Veshow Nallah in the Mah area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that locals found the body near the Nallah and immediately informed the police. The body was shifted to a hospital for medico-legal formalities.

He has been identified as Riyaz Ahmad Bajad (25) of Chandian Pajan in Devsar. He was among the three men who went missing on February 13. A missing report was filed at Qazigund police station.

Police have launched probe to ascertain the cause of death and search for other two is underway—(KNO)

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