SRINAGAR: An earthquake of 3.5 magnitude on the Richter scale early Monday morning jolted the mountainous Kishtwar district.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) said that an earthquake of 3.5 magnitude occurred at around 2:47 am in Kishtwar district.

Earlier on Saturday an earthquake of 3.8 magnitude was also reported in the district.

Mukaram Ali Sarfaraz

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the dreams of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been 70 years in the making, will soon be fulfilled under his leadership.

Speaking at a large gathering in Jammu as per news agency Kashmir Scroll, PM Modi highlighted the positive changes that have taken place under his leadership, signifying a departure from the previous narrative of violence and instability in the region.

The Prime Minister underscored the newfound freedom experienced by the youth, who are now actively shaping their own futures, transcending the limitations imposed by dynastic politics. He commended their efforts in creating their own success stories and emphasized that a vibrant and peaceful Kashmir is no longer just an aspiration but a reality currently being realized.

One of the longstanding hurdles in the region has been the lack of local opportunities for professional education, resulting in the migration of young individuals to other areas. Recognizing this, the Modi government has implemented policies to address this issue, ensuring that soon all education needs can be met within the region, eliminating the need for outmigration.

PM Modi also reflected on his previous visit to the same location in 2013, during which he made a commitment to fulfill the aspirations of the people. He took pride in announcing that this commitment has been honored, pointing to the establishment of prestigious institutions such as IIT and IIM in the region as a testament to the progress being made.

PM Modi expressed his optimism for a new Kashmir where peace, prosperity, and development are flourishing, signifying a marked departure from the past. 

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday said it attached 14 marla residential land belonging to a terror associate's family in north Kashmir's Bandipora district 

"Bandipora Police has attached 14 Marla of residential land at Ashtengoo Bandipora in case FIR No.43/2022", said a police spokesperson. 

"The land had been identified as proceeds of terrorism and was attached under the UAPA."

"The land belongs to the family of a terror associate of LeT , Irfan Ahmad Bhat. His brother had also exfiltrated to Pakistan in 2000", the spokesperson said further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A newly recruited local militant affiliated with Lashkar-i-Toiba oufit was killed in a gunfight on Thursday night with security forces in Arihal area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

A top police officer told GNS that during firefight one local LeT militant namely Kifayat Ayoub Alie son of Mohd Ayoub Alie resident of Pinjoora Shopian was killed.

From his possession, one pistol, two grenades, two magazines and five rounds were recovered. He had joined the outfit on 04th October this year, the officer added.

On Thrusday evening, a gunfight broke out between militants and security forces in Arihal area. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: As the ‘walking pneumonia’ scare has raised its head in China, the people globally and in Kashmir valley alike are caught in a frenzy with most of the people due to psychosis or less knowledge seeing it as a reminiscent of Covid19.

However, valley’s top Pulmonologist Naveed Nazir Shah has played down the severity of the infection, urging people to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from all  the pathogens leading to respiratory tract infections.

Talking to GNS, Naveed Nazir Shah said that the Pneumonia which is being reportedly in china is infecting predominantly children said pathogens causing it are being ascertained and may b strains of influenza are responsible for it.

Though any age group can get infected, the children are nonetheless more prone to the infection”, Dr. Naveed said.

The symptoms of the infection, the known Pulmonologist says include persistent cough and fever, sore throat and is leading to extended symptoms .

"It is a normal flu-like condition where the patient may feel down as with any viral infection in the respiratory tract”, says Dr. Naveed.

Asked about the necessary precautions, Dr. Naveed Shah that people need to take general measures like putting masks on their faces, washing hands with soap or sanitizer every time they touch any soiled surface, covering one’s face while coughing or sneezing and drinking properly boiled water.

“The best way to prevent the different respiratory infections is to isolate the person who has any type of symptoms as all family members tend to sit in same room to maintain warmth from the cold conditions ”, Dr. Naveed said.

Notably, in response to the evolving public health situation in China, the Union Health Ministry of India has taken a proactive stance by initiating a comprehensive review of preparedness measures against respiratory illnesses. The health ministry has already issued advisories to all states and Union territories, urging them to immediately reassess and reinforce public health and hospital preparedness measures.  (GNS)

SRINAGAR: For the first time after Independence, the far off Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district was successfully connected to the electricity grid on Sunday.

The 30,000 population of the frontier region having high strategic importance for being close to the Line of Control (LoC) relied on diesel generator sets for the electricity.

The region now has access to a reliable source of electricity, an official spokesman said.

On Sunday, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) made the announcement of the historic development on X.

"KPDCL is thrilled to share that Gurez now enjoys Grid connectivity with the successful charging of the 33kV Line and RSTN Dawar overcoming challenging terrain. This marks a significant milestone as it brings electricity to the only area in Kashmir that relied on DG sets," the KPDCL said in the post on X.

J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, expressed his joy and stated that this marks a momentous occasion in the history of the region.

The spokesman said the project of connecting Gurez to the electricity grid involved around 180 kilometers of 150 mmsq conductor, 1950 ST Poles, four km of underground cabeling over vast streches passing over Razdhan Pass situated at a height of 12672 ft above sea level having most hostile weather conditions and tough terrain and topography.

“The successful test check underscores the commitment of the Government to reach out to the people of far-flung areas,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Owais Ahmad said patience and perseverance of people of Gurez throughout the process.

He said the impact that electricity will have on various facets of daily life, including education, healthcare, and economic activities.

The DC said 1500 consumers will be benefited in the first phase and the rest of the villages will be connected in a phased manner.

"The electrification of Gurez Valley is not just about providing power but about empowering the local communities, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life," he said.

As the lights illuminate Gurez , it symbolizes not just the arrival of electricity but the dawn of a new era for the residents, full of possibilities and opportunities. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Court Pulwama designated under NIA Act issued Proclamation orders on Monday under section 82 CrPC against 04 active militants involved in Case FIR No. 42/2018 under sections 18,20 and 38 UA(P)Act of Police Station Pampore, case FIR No. 119/2022 under sections 38  UA(P)Act of Police Station Tral, Case FIR No. 04/2018 under sections 18,20 and 38  UA(P)Act of Police Station Tral and Case FIR No. 36/2023 under sections 7/25 I.A Act, 18, 20, 23, 25, 38 & 39 UA(P)Act of Police Station Tral.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that proclamation orders have been issued against the involved militants Owais Feroz Mir son of Feroz Ahmad Mir resident of Frestibal Pampore, Gowhar Manzoor Wani son of Manzoor Ahmad Wani resident of Hurdumir Tral, Mubashir Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Nabi Dar resident of Syedabad Tral and Feroz Ahmad Ganie son of Gh. Nabi Ganie @Nabir Ganie resident of Noorpora Awantipora.

The spokesman further stated that before issuing proclamation, Court has already issued open ended Non Bailable warrants (NBW) against these militants. Today Proclamation orders have been read in the conspicuous places of their native villages and Copies of proclamations were pasted in conspicuous places of their residential Houses and conspicuous place of their villages as well.

Before initiation of further proceedings under law against militants Owais Feroz Mir, Gowhar Manzoor Wani and Mubashir Ahmad Dar,  Court has given them a chance to surrender before the competent authority by or before 10/10/2023. NIA Court has also given terrorist Feroz Ahmad Ganie a chance to surrender before the competent authority, reads the statement. (GNS)

Dr. Ab Qayoom

SRINAGAR: Posters and flexes nailed on Chinar tree trunks in different areas of Kupwara district are not only causing defacement but also damaging the trees, say environmentalists.

Locals told Headlines Today that the practice is rampant in the different locations like Kulangam,Baripora,Chotipora, Handwara,Sagipora, Unisoo and other areas of the district. Senior Citizen's told that the nails can damage the vascular system of the trees, making them more vulnerable to disease and pests. In severe cases, the nails can even kill the trees.

"The practice of nailing posters on Chinar tree trunks is illegal. The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Act of 1980 prohibits the cutting, damaging, or destroying of trees without a permit," said a local environmentalist. "However, the law is rarely enforced, and the practice continues unabated," he added.

The environmentalists have urged the government to take action to stop the practice of nailing posters on Chinar trees. They have also called on the public to be more responsible and to avoid using nails to attach posters to trees.

"The Chinar tree is a symbol of Kashmir's heritage. We must do everything we can to protect these trees," said the environmentalist.

While talking to Deputy commissioner(DC). Kupwara She assured that strict action will be taken against those who nail posters on Chinar trees. She has also warned the agencies concerned to remove the posters immediately.

The practice of nailing posters on Chinar trees is a serious threat to these trees. It is important to stop this practice and to protect the Chinar trees for future generations.

SRINAGAR: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday said that digital QR code or Quick Response Code being provided to every household will provide modern services to the citizens of Srinagar.

Talking to media persons, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Srinagar Smart City Athar Aamir Khan said that digital QR house code aims to provide modern services in the city.

Jammu Kashmir government recently decided to provide digital QR codes to every household including streets, heritage buildings, and residential houses in Srinagar for easily tracing the address of a place.

SMC Commissioner said that QR code will complete documentation of the house, which could be possible from this system and added that better planning can be done with this method.

He said “each metropolitan city has a specific system for finding a house address”.

Khan said that “this (digital QR house code) provides complete documentation of the house and will help to know who the house is used for either for commercial purposes or is it residential, its electricity connection, water supply and other related things”.

He said that a Geographic Information Survey (GIS) mapping of the entire city has been done and house to house survey of 2.30 lakh houses have so far been completed in Srinagar city.

The SMC Commissioner said that a street number system has been generated and an address system of houses is also being created

Khan said that the aim of digital QR code is to provide modern services and better planning in the city.

The CEO said that a metal board will be installed in front of every house on which QR code and house address will be written. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: A police personnel was injured when his service rifle went off accidentally in Rajouri on Saturday evening, officials said and ruled it out as militant incident.

“During a routine operation task in Gundha Khawas area, service weapon of a  police personnel went off accidentally due to which the personnel received injury in his foot,” a police official said in a statement to GNS, adding, “On this some VDC members fired some aerial shots.”

The injured personnel, he said, has been evaluated for treatment. “No (militant) aspect involved in incident,” the official added. (GNS)