Day: February 14, 2017

‘It was very difficult for India to retain Kashmir but that movement (Ikhwan) did it’: MLA Usman Majeed

Editor

From a top militant in Pakistan to becoming the lawmaker in J&K, Bandipora MLA Usman Majeed wore hats. The gun-wielding counter-insurgent once was the leading light of Awami League, the political party that Kukka Parray floated. Now a Congressman, who drives to assembly in Pajero, Usman offers his version of his take off in a detailed interview: KP: Every time you talk on security related issues you are accused of an Ikhwani? Usman Majeed: They are doing it out of frustration to divert attention because they don’t have any argument…

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3 Soldiers, A Militants Killed during encounter in Hajin area of Bandipora

Editor

Three soldiers have died and 15 security personnel have been injured in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district. A terrorist was also killed in the gunbattle. The injured soldiers have been airlifted to an army hospital in Srinagar; the condition of some soldiers is said to be critical. The police and the Army had launched a joint search operation early morning following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in a residential house early morning. The hiding terrorists fired upon them which triggered an encounter. In…

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Life comes to grinding halt across Valley post Kulgam Encounter

Editor

Normal life in Kashmir came to a halt again on Monday in response to the separatists call against the killing of two civilians in Kulgam district following an encounter between militants and security forces yesterday. The Police and CRPF personnel were deployed in large numbers in sensitive areas in the capital city and major towns of the Valley, particularly Anantnag and Kulgam districts of south Kashmir. However, no restrictions were imposed in any part of the Valley, even as strict vigil was maintained to prevent any law and order situation.…

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CVPPL paid 433 Cr compensation to forest for Hydropower Project

Editor

State-run Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited has paid Rs 433 crores as compensation to Forest Department for diversion of forest land for Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Power project. The compensation includes diversion of forest land on the right bank of Marusadar river, land of Kishtwar high altitude national park and a corpus fund for protection and conservation of wildlife, an officer of the state Power Department said. Rs 17.80 crores have been paid to the Forest Department for diversion of 164.66 hectares of forest land on the right bank of…

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16 years on, SMC fails to implement Solid Waste Management Rules

Editor

“Waste segregation costs nothing and takes hardly any extra time. It’s a matter of understanding and more about responsible behavior,” said an expert. Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has failed to implement Solid Waste Management Rules —2000 (SWMR), the much needed to dispose bio-degradable and non-biodegradable waste in segregation. Under SWMR, segregation of waste at source has been declared important process as it solves half the city’s problem of waste management. Under these rules, scientific disposal of solid waste through segregation, collection and treatment and disposal in an environmentally sound manner…

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JK to get back two power projects from NHPC: Baig

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‘Pak army created hurdles in peace with India’ Senior PDP leader and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig Monday said the State will soon get back two power projects from NHPC. “We will soon get back at least two power projects from NHPC. It will make the J&K self sufficient economically and we will also be able to sell power to others besides ending electricity crises in the State,” Baig said while speaking at the PDP office, here during the party meeting. He said they have initiated talks with the Government of…

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Almond cultivation on verge of extinction, courtesy govt apathy

Editor

With every passing year, the almond orchards in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are being axed for apples as the government has not shown any interest in promotion of almond cultivation. For the past few years, the area under almond trees has declined as swathes of Karewa land, that was deemed to be the best for cultivation, has come under apple cultivation. Horticulture experts maintain their view about the huge scope of dry fruits in the district as Karewas occupy a considerable area here. While comparing almond and apple preferences, the…

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Locals continue to help Ultras worries Security Agencies

Editor

On Sunday when a fierce gunfight was underway in south Kashmir, youth from the area made a desperate attempt to help the local militants escape. The locals threw stones not only on security personnel laying the cordon but also on the operation teams engaging militants. The tendency of helping out militants which started last year, especially in the four districts of south Kashmir, continues to be “worrisome” for the forces, which have stepped up anti-militancy operations. This year, at least 15 militants, 10 of them locals, have been killed in…

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Valley Shuts in protest against Kulgam Killings

Editor

Clashes in several areas Curbs imposed in many parts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian Evening clashes in Srinagar Complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir on Monday to protest the killing of four militants and two civilians in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district a day before. Clashes and protests were reported from various parts of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district while as there was heavy deployment of forces in various districts of Kashmir to prevent any protests. Reports said that the strike hit the normal life in all the districts of the region…

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