Sunday, September 22News and updates from Kashmir

Month: July 2024

Kashmir’s polluted rivers: NGT imposes penalties on admin, demands immediate remedial measures

Kashmir’s polluted rivers: NGT imposes penalties on admin, demands immediate remedial measures

REGIONAL
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken serious note of the alarming pollution levels in the Doodh Ganga and Mamath Kull rivulets in Kashmir, directing local authorities to address the crisis immediately. The NGT has also imposed Environmental Compensation (EC) penalties on the relevant departments. In July 2024, the NGT team will inspect the Achan landfill site and engage with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and local residents. The Tribunal expressed strong displeasure over the lack of meaningful remedial action by state authorities, despite serious violations identified by a joint committee. The NGT warned that failure to establish the required treatment facilities by the Supreme Court's stipulated timeline of March 31, 2018, would result in the prosecution of the ...
Sarma claims 40% population in Assam Muslims, calls it a ‘Life and Death’ issue

Sarma claims 40% population in Assam Muslims, calls it a ‘Life and Death’ issue

INDIA
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concerns over the alleged demographic changes in the state, highlighting that the Muslim population now accounts for 40 percent, a significant increase from 12 percent in 1951. Sarma emphasized, “Changing demography is a big issue for me. In Assam, Muslim population has reached 40% today. In 1951, it was 12%. We have lost many districts. This is not a political issue for me. It is a matter of life and death for me,” as reported by ANI. On July 1, Sarma pointed to criminal activities by a segment of people from a "particular religion," implicitly referring to Muslims, stating that such incidents were worrisome since the recent Lok Sabha elections. “I am not saying that crime is committed only by people of a particular religion but ...
Amravati division in Maharashtra reports 557 farmer suicides in first half of 2024

Amravati division in Maharashtra reports 557 farmer suicides in first half of 2024

INDIA
An alarming government report has revealed that 557 farmers died by suicide between January and June 2024 in the Amravati administrative division of Maharashtra, which includes the districts of Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Washim, and Yavatmal, news agency Press Trust of India reported. The report indicates that Amravati district had the highest number of suicides at 170, followed by Yavatmal with 150, Buldhana with 111, Akola with 92, and Washim with 34. The primary reasons for these suicides include crop failures, inadequate rainfall, overwhelming debt, and the lack of timely farm loans. The government has provided assistance to the families of 53 deceased farmers, but 284 cases are still under investigation. Balwant Wankhade, Congress MP for Amravati, expressed deep concern over the...
JK police apolitical, impartial force: ADGP Vijay Kumar

JK police apolitical, impartial force: ADGP Vijay Kumar

REGIONAL
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order, Vijay Kumar on Wednesday said that Jammu Kashmir Police is an impartial and apolitical force. Reacting to the statement of Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain on mainstream politicians, the ADGP, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the J&K police is professional and apolitical force, and works impartially. He also visited Zadibal area on Youm-i-Ashoora today and oversees the arrangements on the occasion. He paid glowing tributes to the Karbala martyrs and stated that adequate arrangements have been made for smooth observance of Youm-i-Ashoora. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, V K Birdhi also visited Zadibal to oversee the arrangements. "We have made adequate arrangemen...
LG Manoj Sinha pays tributes to troopers killed in Doda

LG Manoj Sinha pays tributes to troopers killed in Doda

REGIONAL
Northern Command has said that it is committed to eliminating the scourge of militants in Jammu and Kashmir for which the relentless operations will continue. Also, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid a wreath and paid homage to slain soldiers while Additional Director General of Police Jammu Anand Jain also visited the site in Dessa area of Doda where a search operation is underway. Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid wreath and paid homage to Captain (Major) Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Bijendra and Sepoy Ajay, who have made supreme sacrifice during the anti-terror operation in Doda. “I salute the brave warriors who displayed exemplary courage and made supreme sacrifice for the nation. The nation will never forget the sacrifice made by the gallant heroes. The e...
UAPA filed against shia mourners in Kashmir ‘for raising Palestine flags’

UAPA filed against shia mourners in Kashmir ‘for raising Palestine flags’

REGIONAL
The Jammu Kashmir police have lodged an open case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against unknown individuals for allegedly chanting pro-Palestine and anti-Israel slogans during the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar, Kashmir Observer reported. The 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar, held for the second consecutive year after a gap of over 30 years, was permitted following negotiations with Shia community representatives. Beginning in Guru Bazar and concluding at Hussaini Hall Dalgate, the procession featured a significant turnout, with mourners dressed in black and carrying religious banners to commemorate Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Participants waved Palestinian flags in solidarity, and the event concluded peacefu...
Kashmiri filmmaker’s film selected for International Documentary Festival

Kashmiri filmmaker’s film selected for International Documentary Festival

REGIONAL
Kashmiri filmmaker Bilal A Jan’s documentary "JL Kaul A Man of Action" has been selected for the 16th International Documentary Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) 2024, in a short documentary focus section. The festival will be held between July 26 and July 31 in Kerala. The 30-minute-long documentary is based on the life of a well-known social worker and Padma Shri awardee, Jawahar Lal Kaul, and his social work. It discusses Kaul’s life struggles as a visually impaired man and delves deep into his accomplishments. Kaul is the founder of the All India Conference of the Blind, an NGO working towards the rehabilitation of the blind. He was awarded the fourth-highest civilian award in 2014 for his services to the field of social work. In 2018, Jan’s documentary "Daughters of Paradis...
Shia mourners in Kashmir booked under UAPA

Shia mourners in Kashmir booked under UAPA

REGIONAL
The Jammu Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Shia mourners for raising Palestine and Hezbollah flags and slogans during the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar. According to sources, the slogans and flags were part of the traditional Muharram observance commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. The police cited concerns that these actions could incite unrest and disturb public order. The FIR, filed at Kothibagh Police Station under FIR no 36/2024, includes charges under sections 2223 and 152 of BNS Sections and 13 UAPA. A top police officer confirmed the details to Kashmir Dot Com but did not disclose the identities of those named in the FIR. The investigation is ongoing. In the meantime, the police have urged the public to refrain fro...
No extension in summer vacation, SED confirms

No extension in summer vacation, SED confirms

EDUCATION
The School Education Department (SED) announced on Tuesday that there will be no extension of the summer vacation, and students are expected to return to classes on July 18. The SED confirmed this decision on the microblogging site X, stating, "All Schools (Govt. & Private recognized) shall re-open on 18.7.2024, after summer vacations across the UT." The department has also directed Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, and Heads of Institutions to ensure adherence to cleanliness guidelines. They have emphasized the importance of thoroughly cleaning all premises, including classrooms, corridors, and common areas. Special attention must be given to maintaining hygienic and well-kept toilets, and water tanks should be cleaned and disinfected to provide safe drinkin...
Baramulla man booked under PSA for ‘anti-national’ activities

Baramulla man booked under PSA for ‘anti-national’ activities

REGIONAL
The Jammu Kashmir Police has booked one person under the Public Safety Act in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir. According to a press release received by The Kashmiriyat, "Acting tough against Anti- national elements, the Baramulla Police booked one person under the Public Safety Act after obtaining formal detention orders from the competent authority." The person has been identified as Bashir Ahmad Beig son of Ghulam Mohiuddin, a resident of Shirpora in Chandoosa Baramulla. After being booked, Bashir has been detained and subsequently lodged in Central Jail Srinagar. "Pertinent to mention is that many cases are registered against him and was involved in disturbance of Law and Order subversion," police said. Despite his involvement in many FIR's he did not mend his ant...