SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir Monday announced summer vacations from July 28. 

The summer vacations will end on August 6, 2023. 

"It is for the information of all concerned that the teaching departments of the University and its satellite campuses shall observe summer vacations w.e.f 28th July, 2023 to 6th August, 2023", reads an order, a copy of which lies with GNS.

"However the Departmental offices shall function normally and the Heads of the Departments/Directors of Campuses/Centres shall ensure that the examinations, if any, and other activities are conducted as per schedule", reads the order further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A fire has broken out in a shopping complex in Regal Lane of Lal Chowk area in central Kashmir's Srinagar district, official sources said. 

They told GNS that a fire broke out in a two-storeyed shopping complex around 10:30 AM. 

"The F&ES Department was intimated which reached the site to douse off the flames", they said adding during the rescue operation a firefighter and a civilian were Injured. 

When contacted, a F&ES Department official confirmed to GNS about the injury to its firefighter namely Gulzar Ahmad and the civilian during the rescue operation. "The fire is largely under control", the official further said. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: State Investigation Agency Kashmir on Tuesday conducted searches at many locations in four districts, namely Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara spread over length and breadth of Kashmir valley.

In a handout to GNS, the SIA said that today it successfully conducted searches at six locations across Kashmir in Districts Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Srinagar. The searches were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation in case FIR No 05/2023 of Police Station SIA/ CIK pertaining to misuse of social media platforms for unlawful and secessionist activities . The  case was registered by SIA KASHMIR, regarding India-based social media entities collaborating with their foreign associates to spread hatred against India and promoting militant activities.

According to spokesman, the pre dawn searches conducted by SIA personnel, aimed to uncover the individuals and groups involved in propagating secessionist , anti-India sentiments through various social media platforms. The identified entities are suspected of conniving with foreign associates to further their nefarious agenda, which includes instigating and supporting acts of militancy. Additionally, these entities have been targeting government servants, hindering their ability to perform their lawful duties.

The searches conducted by SIA KASHMIR resulted in the seizure of substantial digital and physical evidence like mobile phones, sim cards etc. The evidence will be meticulously analyzed to build a strong case against the accused individuals and organizations, ensuring a comprehensive investigation and subsequent legal proceedings, reads the statement. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for the celebration of Eid ul Azha and observation of Muharram ul Haraam in the province.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners and officers of Sheep Husbandry, FCS&CA, SMC, Legal Metrology, HoDs of line departments besides representatives of mutton dealers and various associations of Shia community.

While reviewing the arrangements for Eid ul Azha, Div Com passed a slew of directions to DCs and officers for ensuring all necessary facilities to the public including availability of sacrificial animals at designated locations and availability of essentials in the market.

He further directed DCs to constitute market checking teams to keep prices under control and prevent overcharging by traders.

Besides, he also directed  for smooth supply of electricity on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha across Kashmir Division especially at Aasar-i-Sharief Hazratbal, Kalashpora, Jenab Sahab Soura, Ziyarat Sharief Kabamarg, Anantnag, Ziyarat Sharief Khiram, Anantnag, Ziyarat Sharief Makhama and Ziyarat Aham-i-Sharief, Bandipora.

The Div Com directed for capturing of stray dogs by SMC across all major Shrines/ Masjids so that no un-toward incident of dog bite takes place.

Besides, he instructed for making availability of an adequate number of buses during Eid-ul-Azha and identification of specified  parking areas.

He impressed on placement of Sanitary Workers for cleanliness and sanitation in and around the periphery of Assar-i-Sharief, Hazratbal, Eid-Gah, Srinagar and other major locations in districts.

Regarding the observation of Muharram ul Haraam, Div Com directed for necessary repairs and development of routes through which muharram processions are taken by the mourners.

He instructed for deployment of teams of doctors and para-medics along with ambulances across all prominent locations.

Further, he instructed concerned for ensuring availability of firewood, and regular supply of electricity and water to Shia dominant areas during the month of Muharram.

Besides, he exhorted for proper traffic management and security for both the religious occasions.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: University of Kashmir has ranked 33rd among universities in the country assessed under the National Institutional Ranking Framework-2023, the results of which were announced by the Union Education Ministry in New Delhi on Monday, a spokesman of the
University said.

From Rank-53 in the 2022 NIRF ranking among universities, the University of Kashmir has gone up by 20 notches in the current year’s ranking, figuring at rank 33 with a point score of 53.08 as against the point score of 48.27 in the previous year.

The KU’s rank among overall institutions assessed under NIRF—including universities, colleges, engineering, technology and management institutions, research and pharmacy institutions etc—in this year’s NIRF is 58 (at point score of 50.77) as against the previous year’s overall rank of 84 (at point score of 45.98). Notably, KU is the only university from the Jammu and Kashmir UT figuring
in the overall category of 100 top institutions (all institutions assessed) under NIRF.

The University has, in the current year’s ranking, fared much better in the Research and Professional Practices (RP), Combined Metric for Faculty with PhD (FQE) and Financial Resources and Utilization (FRU), among others.

Calling it a great achievement, Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan complimented the University’s faculty, non-teaching staff, research scholars and students for their relentless efforts to pursue the goal of achieving academic excellence with great determination and commitment. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Suspected militants on Monday evening shot dead a Udhampur resident near Janglat Mandi in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Kashmir Zone Police in a tweet wrote," militants fired upon one civilian namely Deepu R/O Udhampur working at private circus mela at amusement park near Janglaat Mandi in Anantnag. He was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Case registered, investigation going on. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) has questioned the government’s claim that

more than 1.60 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2022 and termed it a “propaganda”

The NC was apparently reacting to the claim made by the government during the third Tourism G20 Working Group where they said they hosted over 18 million tourists last year, which was unparalleled since Independence.

NC said it takes a little bit of analysis to make sense of these numbers.

“The government has suddenly come up with this claim that for the first time since Independence some 1.60 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. We have been in the government and never able to get more than 14-15, maybe 16 lakh, tourists in a year. What the hell did we do wrong!?,” the NC tweeted

“Also, where do these tourists stay? Because we haven’t seen any new hotel, new accommodations. Yes, some people have converted their houses into guest houses and home stays. So where did these 1.6 crore tourists stay?,” the party added.
“But then, when we start looking at the numbers, we realise that actually all the government has done is reverse a previous decision, which is that the previous governments didn’t count yatris [pilgrims] as tourists. Hardly any yatris actually perform the activity of a tourist. Now the government has started to count Yatris as tourists too, and hence the inflated number! Easy to juggle with the numbers when you change the entire methodology!,” NC said.

On Tuesday, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said a record number of 18 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in the last year and the tourism sector made a 7 percent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday said that G-20 event commencing on May 22 in Srinagar will put Kashmir’s age-old hospitality on a display at international platforms and the event will help give a big boost to tourism and UT’s economy.

Talking to reporters after inaugurating the Riverfront on River Jehlum at Rajbagh, the LG as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that six-kilometre Riverfront has been completed and more is in the offing. “Srinagar is being developed on an international level. Free Wi-Fi Zones, Cycle tracks, walkways and cafes will come up shortly as a Library will also be opened in the city soon,” he said, adding that Srinagar city which is surrounded by water bodies will be a “smart city” by all means soon.

About the G-20 event, he said people and the J&K administration have finalized all arrangements for the upcoming event commencing on May 22. “The event will help put the age-old hospitality of Kashmir on a display at the international platform. The event will send a message across the globe about Kashmir’s beauty and hospitality which ultimately will result in more tourist arrivals. We are hopeful that the successful G-20 event will help give a big push to  J&K’s economy,” the LG said.  

The LG thanked Prime Minister Narendera Modi for choosing J&K for the grand event. Pertinently, G-20 summit is being held in Kashmir for the first time under India’s presidency. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha addressed Y20 Consultation on 'Climate Change & Disaster Risk Reduction: Making Sustainability a Way of Life' at University of Kashmir, today.

He said the massive participation in this Y20 Consultation Conference signals the encouraging prospect of a new energy in a global partnership on environment, development and our collective effort to ensure equity, global prosperity and better quality of life for all.

The Lt Governor while welcoming the national and international delegates said, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has made it clear to the global family that climate change cannot be fought from conference tables alone. It has to be fought from the dinner tables in every home.

"Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji has called upon the global community to transform the effort of tackling climate challenge into a mass movement and promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle. I firmly believe under the leadership of Hon'ble PM,  India will guide the world in building a sustainable society that will both be an economic powerhouse and a major contributor in restoring the delicate balance of Nature," the Lt Governor said.

By adopting ‘Green Growth’ as one of the seven key priorities (Saptarshi), the Hon’ble Prime Minister has shown the world that India stands firm on its resolve to achieve the goal of Zero Carbon Emission by 2070, he added.   

At the Y20 Consultation, the Lt Governor called upon youth to ensure ideas to create productive harmony between nature and human are translated into action and it contributes to a better world.

"Youth will lead the world in offering pragmatic solutions to climate & global challenges of 21st century. I believe the young generation will synergise innovative ideas and actions to preserve natural resources and also become stakeholders in policymaking for sustainable development," the Lt Governor said.  

The Lt Governor in his address also talked about the vision of India's G20 Presidency and collective responsibility of the global community to nurture the nature for benefit of humanity. 

"Vision of India's G20 Presidency focuses on our shared responsibility to tackle two great challenges- Protect climate & promote sustainable development. As one family, we need to nurture earth that sustains life and commit for inclusive development to transform lives of common man," the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor also highlighted the values and principles as enshrined in the ancient Indian scriptures on sustainable living and environment protection.

“The sustainable living is Indian way of life. Long before the global community realized the importance of sustainable living our forefathers dedicated Prithvi Sukta, in Atharv Veda to mother earth highlighting its resources and urging the people to utilize them in a sustainable manner. Thousands years before the term Sustainable Life Style was popularized across the globe, Yajurveda mentioned about harmonious living with earth, water, trees and to prioritize the use of natural resources," the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor emphasised that the vision of our forefathers was not merely ideas confined to the books but were focussed on action from the community as every ancient Indian scripture calls for selfless act.

We must adopt a balanced & holistic approach between development and nature to manage the challenges of accelerated growth and ecological sustainability. Our rights on natural resources are not absolute, it is temporary. This thinking should become part of our daily habit to ensure prosperous earth for our future generations, he further added. 

The Lt Governor also reiterated the UT Government’s commitment to support sustainable development and lead the action against climate change.

Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor, in his address, called upon the Youth and other stakeholders to join the efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Sh Pankaj Kumar Singh, Director, Department of Youth Affairs, GoI; Prof Manzoor Shah, Y20 Chair, Kashmir University; Sh Guru Prakash Paswan, Senior Faculty, Patna University and Sh Akash Jha, Secretary Programs & Logistics, Y20 India also spoke on the occasion and impressed upon the youth to raise awareness & exchange ideas on the most pressing global issues.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor inaugurated Y20 Exhibition and released the Y-20 Chronicle of the University about the run-up activities to the event.

Y20 and U20 integration, a joint initiative by the respective engagement groups for Jan Bhagidari was also launched.

Delegates & panelists from various Countries and across India, prominent citizens, senior officials, youth representatives, students and scholars were present. (CNS)

SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir said on Friday that its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) investigated the complaint filed by a PhD scholar against her then Supervisor promptly and as per the law, refuting that any "obstruction" was created in the matter.

Referring to a news report on some social media platforms which came into the notice of the University about the instant matter, a KU spokesperson said the University took all steps necessary to address the alleged complaint with promptness and to facilitate the complainant in completion of her PhD degree.

“Upon receiving the alleged complaint from the National Commission for Women, New Delhi, the University referred the matter to its Women's Empowerment and Grievance Committee without delay. Since the complaint involved allegations of sexual harassment, as well as a complaint about the delay in the complainant's PhD thesis submission, the matter was also referred to the University's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC),” the spokesperson said in a statement to GNS, adding that the ICC provided the complainant with a fair opportunity to record her statement freely and without fear, and the faculty member against whom the complaint was made was also provided with the same opportunity.

To arrive at a just conclusion, the Committee also contacted the teaching and non-teaching staff at CCAS to record their observations. According to the complainant's recorded statement before the ICC, she alleged that she was harassed in 2016 while she was preparing her synopsis and had not yet registered for her PhD,” the spokesperson said.

“However, she did not file a complaint with the authorities until December 2019 i.e. a gap of almost three years. As per the provisions of UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in HEIs) Regulations, 2015, an aggrieved person/complainant can file a written complaint within three months of the incident. However despite this time lapse, the ICC went ahead with the investigating the complaint and subsequently submitted its report to the competent authority,” the spokesperson said, adding that the ICC's report concluded, among other things, that the complaint was a result of "animosity resulting from non-compatibility between the scholar and the supervisor."

“In view of the non-compatibility, a Co-Supervisor was nominated by the University to Co-supervise the complainant’s PhD and undertake all the process including evaluation/examination, academic clearance, formulation of panel of examiners, supervisor's report, viva-voce, and any other necessary formalities. The co-supervisor, from the Department of Sociology, was also authorised to assess and examine the thesis of the complainant and undertake all other formalities leading to the award of the PhD degree.”

The PhD degree was subsequently awarded to the complainant on 12.12.2022.

The University strongly denies any obstruction of action in the matter at hand. The University reiterates that it is fully committed to address any complaints related to sexual harassment and it recognises the importance of handling such complaints with utmost sensitivity. We are deeply committed to creating a fully secure academic institution/workplace for our students and women employees in all our campuses, and we will continue to ensure that complaints related to sexual harassment are handled in a timely, just and fair manner,” the spokesperson said.

The allegation that the University delayed action in the matter is far from the truth and is strongly refuted. “The University reserves the right to take appropriate legal action in case of furnishing wrong information since it involves the prestige and reputation of the institution,” the spokesperson said. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A Ph.D scholar has accused the University of Kashmir of shielding a senior faculty member, Professor Tareek Rather, who allegedly sexually harassed her. The victim has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the University for obstructing action against Rather, who is the head of Institute of Kashmir Studies.

The victim has alleged that Rather subjected her to mental torture and sexual advances by talking salaciously, passing obscene comments, and narrating obscene dreams. She further stated that in 2018, she requested the Director Central for Centre Asian Studies to change Rather as her supervisor, but the university refused to do so. Instead, a co-supervisor was assigned in the year 2020 after a prolonged struggle to monitor her research work.

Feeling dejected, the victim approached the National Women's Commission (NWC) New Delhi in the same year, but the accused allegedly tried to sabotage her research work. The university constituted two committees, Women Empowerment Grievance Committee and Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), but the victim claims that the members of these committees were friendly to the accused.

She said that authorities kept on discouraging her with various threats including putting her PhD degree on hold. “The authorities used different tactics like delaying the PhD thesis submission and sitting on the notices from the NWC notice and LG’s office regarding the sexual harassment case. They even tried to coerce me to compromise and withdraw the complaint, which I refused,” the victim said.

According to ICC guidelines, a professor should be relieved of all assignments when facing an inquiry in a sexual harassment case. In February 2021, the case was referred to the prevention of sexual harassment committee, which submitted its report in May. However, the university has not shared the report with the victim, citing "institutional interests and respect."

The victim says the university is denying her access to the report in violation of ICC rules. She alleges that the university has been protecting the accused professor from day one, and that the members of the committees appointed to investigate her complaints were manipulated by the accused.

The victim has accused the University of prioritizing its institutional interests and respect over justice and accountability. The case highlights the need for universities to establish a safe and supportive environment for their students and staff, free from sexual harassment and discrimination.

Prof Aneesa Shafi, the head of the ICC, told Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com that “We have conducted the investigation objectively and submitted the report to the office of the Vice Chancellor. “The complainant should approach the VC office to get the report,” Shafi said without divulging the details of the recommendations of the report.

The accused professor has refuted the charges leveled against him. “These are all made up charges to defame me,” Rather said, adding that her PhD thesis was not worth submitting for final publication, so I raised objections. “Instead of improving the quality of the thesis, she started running a character assignation campaign against me,” Rather added. (KDC)