Month: June 2017

2 lakh devotees secure Amarnath yatra registration for 2017

Editor

Nearly two lakh pilgrims have secured advance registration through the designated bank branches, group registration facility and booking of helicopter tickets for this year’s annual Amarnath yatra beginning from June 29. This information was given to Governor NN Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), by Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the shrine board, at a review meeting here today. The registration of pilgrims is being provided from March 1 this year through 437 designated branches of Punjab National Bank, J&K Bank and YES Bank, located…

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As demand goes up, Residents suffer unscheduled power cuts

Editor

With the ruling political class and state bureaucracy enjoying the cool climes in the Valley, unbridled power cuts and night outages amid humid conditions have made life difficult for Jammu residents. Despite the slogan of bringing ‘Achhe Din’, the PDP-BJP coalition government is forcing people to spend sleepless nights as residents are battling long and unscheduled power cuts. “It’s a double whammy for the residents of Jammu who are not just reeling under humid conditions but also bearing the brunt of a casual approach of the Power Development Department. Long…

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Medical supplies corpn in Vigilance net over spurious drugs purchase

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The state Vigilance Organisation has booked members of the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) for allegedly purchasing spurious drugs and medicines on exorbitant rates without adhering to a proper procedure. Out of the total 23 lifted samples, three samples were reported to be not of standard quality and failed. The FIR has been registered against the then Managing Director, JKMSCL, Principal, GMC, Jammu, Senior Consultant, Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Chief Account Officer of JKMSCL, Consultant (Technical Expert), Technical Expert and the supplier Theon Pharmaceutical Ltd. According to…

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GST from July 1, no impact on Article 370: Finance Minister

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The state is all set to roll out the new goods and services tax (GST) from July 1, as the J&K Cabinet has approved the draft to be passed in the special Assembly session being held from June 17 in Srinagar. This was announced by Finance Minister Haseeb A Drabu at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti here today. The state Legislative Assembly would discuss the extension of the 101st Amendment to the Constitution to J&K. The extension had three…

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Student’s killing sparks Shutdown, Protests, Clashes in Kashmir

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Thousands attend Adil’s funeral at Shopian village The killing of student Adil Farooq Magray in forces firing in a village in Shopian last evening triggered protests and shutdown in Valley while thousands of people attended the funeral prayer of the slain youth. Thousands of people attended the funeral prayers of the 20-year-old boy at Ganowpora village of Shopian district this morning amidst chanting of pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. Three rounds of funeral prayers were held due to a massive rush of mourners who marched to the village from several areas…

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United Nations ends half a century of silence on Kashmir: Human Rights Activists

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The United Nations (UN) has ended its long silence on Kashmir and has quietly increased pressure on India in recent months, diplomats and human rights activists say. They said India was criticized at the opening of the 35th session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday. This happened for the third consecutive session of the Council, and diplomats and human rights defenders say this is unprecedented, they said, adding: “The coming days indicate New Delhi could face more international diplomatic challenges on Kashmir.” “We continue to receive reports…

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In face of odds, Kashmir now has its own Girl’s Football Team

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Just a month ago some Kashmiri girls hit headlines by throwing stones at police vans in Srinagar but these football loving girls are determined to change that and pursue their dreams despite all odds. The first girls’ football team of Kashmir has been practising in Srinagar despite restrictions and curfews, the under 19 players will soon be playing with teams from other states. “If just five girls go out for stone pelting, it gives an impression that the entire Kothibagh school is involved in stone pelting, but all girls don’t…

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Chalk out ways to check Dal Lake pollution: High Court

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Pointing out that nitrates, phosphates and other nutrients were present beyond the permissible limits in the Dal Lake, the High Court today directed the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority to check the sources of these pollutants rather than focusing on weed-cutting. A division bench of the court headed by the Chief Justice also observed that the pH value of the lake water was high which meant that the water was alkaline in nature. “You have to apply your mind on how it can be controlled. These (nutrients and pH) increase…

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Joint Resistance called for Kashmir bandh on Friday against recent killings

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Joint resistance leadership led by an Octogenarian separatist leader and Hurriyat (G) chief, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, JKLF chairman Yasin Malik and APHC chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have called for a complete bandh in Kashmir Valley against the killing of a student by forces in Shopian. The shutdown has been called to express people’s resentment and indignation against the brutal killing of young Adil Ahmed Magray of Ganowpora, Shopian by the security forces and to express complete solidarity with the bereaved family, joint resistance camp said in a statement. “Complete…

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Internet Services Suspended (3G/4G ) as tension rise across Kashmir Valley post killing of youth by forces

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Authorities on Wednesday suspended 3g and 4g mobile Internet services in the Kashmir Valley following the death of a youth in firing by government forces in the Shopian district. The mobile Internet services which had been restored during the last four days after remaining suspended for over a fortnight, were again suspended after 20-year-old Adil Farooq Magrey died in the forces’ firing in Ganawpora village late Tuesday. Government forces had surrounded a house after specific intelligence input that two militants were hiding in the village on Tuesday evening. As soon…

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