SRINAGAR: Former Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Monday alleged that the government has squeezed the freedom of the press in Jammu and Kashmir.

She was reacting over the news outlet ‘The Kashmir Walla’ that has been blocked by the government.

“It’s not about the Fahad Shah who is languishing in jail or ‘The Kashmir Walla’ but almost all the media men running newspapers have been deprived of advertisements. Even they are being dragged out of their quarters.

“Here is the only one man who is the media advisor of LG and is a private person is calling the shots. Although he has no authority, he decides which ‘Dailies’ will get advertisements and which news reports will decorate the pages of newspapers. Either he is doing it or was being done by their man against whom 25 FIRs stand lodged. They are talking about the constitution but have actually ravished it,” she said.

Mehbooba Mufti said that no law works in Jammu and Kashmir this time. “Those who speak the truth and show the mirror to power are being deprived of advertisements. And those who are obliging to the government and publish its narrative are being given advertisements, quarters, and other perks.

Mehbooba Mufti claimed that all decisions are being taken by the advisor of the Lieutenant Governor when it comes to dealing with the media. [KNT] 

SRINAGAR: The exquisite Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, nestled in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, today earned a prestigious spot in the World Book of Records (London).

This coveted recognition hails the garden as Asia’s largest tulip paradise, adorned with breath-taking array of 1.5 million tulip bulbs, representing a stunning ensemble of 68 distinctive tulip varieties.

In a formal ceremony held today at the Tulip Garden, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad was honoured with the certification by President and CEO of World Book of Records (London), Santosh Shukla.

Editor of World Book of Records (London), Dilip N Pandit, Director Floriculture Kashmir, other officers and gardening staff were also present on the occasion.

Speaking about this remarkable accolade, the Commissioner Secretary, expressed his profound gratitude to the World Book of Records(London) team for acknowledging the magnificence of Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.

He deemed this recognition as a monumental achievement, one that would not only elevate the stature of Srinagar’s floral treasure but also contribute to the growth of the local economy in the serene valleys of Kashmir.

He said the inclusion in the World Book of Records is not only a recognition of Srinagar’s blossoming gem but also a celebration of the enchanting bond between humanity and nature.

President and CEO of World Book of Records, Santosh Shukla, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Central Working Committee of the organization for the feat. He added that this recognition underscores the unparalleled beauty and magnificence of Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, positioning it as a symbol of nature’s splendour and human ingenuity.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, affectionately known for its breathtaking vista, not only boasts a splendid collection of tulips but also serves as a haven for a myriad of flower species. Delicate Daffodils, fragrant Hyacinths, resplendent Roses, charming Ranunculi, vibrant Muscaria, and enchanting Iris blooms flourish alongside the iconic tulips, creating an enchanting tapestry of colors and fragrances.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: A man lost his life in a road accident in Harnag area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district on Saturday.

An official told the news agency Kashmir Scroll that road accident happened at Harnag Anantnag between school van and bicycle.

He said that in the incident bicycle rider Bashir ahmad Dar Son of Gh mohd Dar resident of Muniward Harnag Anantnag was critically injured and wass shifted to GMC associated hospital Janglat Mandi Anantnag where he succumbed.

Meanwhile police have taken up investigation in this regard.(KS)

SRINAGAR: Kashmir's chief cleric and All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will send a legal notice to concerned authorities over his continuous house detention.
The managing body of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid said Mirwaiz has been pushed to take the legal route to clarify his status and initiate proceedings for his release from house detention.

In a statement, Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid said that Mirwaiz Umar was again disallowed today from offering obligatory prayers for the consecutive 208th Friday at Jamia masjid.

The Anjuman said after LG Manoj Sinha’s latest interview where he said that “I have made up my mind … he ( Mirwaiz) will also offer Friday prayers at Jama Masjid“, people reached out to them to inquire if Mirwaiz will be coming to Jamia Masjid today.

“To get clarity on this , Anjuman reached the concerned Police authorities to ask if in the light of LG Sahabs statement Mirwaz will be allowed to come to Jama Masjid today. The concerned authorities said that they have not been intimated anything on this matter by the higher authorities and so cannot comment on it , so the status quo of detention continues,” the statement said.

Anjuman said that in view of these “conflicting statements” , and despite repeated appeals for his release from all quarters, and also in view of the LG Sahabs own statements, Mirwaiz continues to be under house detention for the last four years.

“Mirwaiz sahab has been pushed to take the legal route now, and has decided to send a legal notice to the concerned authorities to clarify his status and initiate proceedings for his release from house detention, so that his religious and other public obligations don’t suffer any further,” the statement said.

Anjuman said it is hopeful that Mirwaiz will get relief through the Courts and people eagerly awaiting his return to Jama Masjid pulpit.

Mirwaiz has been under house detention since August 5, 2019, when the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked and the region split into two Union Territories. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Police on Friday found body of a militant, nearly two weeks after a gunfight at Khawas Budhal area of Rajouri district in which his colleague was neutralised and his corpse recovered on same on August 5.  

The army and police had said that one militant was injured in the encounter on the day.

 “Body of second militant injured in encounter at Khawas Budhal of district Rajouri has been found by police’s SOG at Dhakikot area” a police officer said. He said grenades, magazines and other material have been found from the possession of militant.

SSP Rajouri Amritpal Singh confirmed the recovery of the body. He said body was found towards Reasi area. With the recovery, two militants have been killed in the gunfight. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Continuing its action against drivers who fail to wear helmets while riding their motorcycles, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) today suspended 24 driving licenses under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA).

In a statement issued here, it was given out that the department has been tirelessly working towards creating awareness about the importance of wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers, despite these efforts some individuals continue to disregard the safety regulations, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.

It was made clear that the RTO Kashmir is committed to ensuring road safety and will not tolerate any negligence in this regard.

Under the provisions of the MVA, it is mandatory for all two-wheeler riders to wear helmets. Failure to comply with this requirement not only violates the law but also endangers the safety of the individual and others on the road.

The RTO Kashmir urges all two-wheeler riders to prioritize their safety and adhere to the helmet-wearing rule.

SRINAGAR: The locals from Budgam Thursday staged a massive protest against the installation of Smart Meters.

The protesters particularly women blocked the traffic and stopped Power Development Department from installing the meters.

While reacting over the installation of Smart Meters, former Cabinet Minister and three-times legislator from Central Kashmir’s Budgam Ruhullah Mehdi said that this administration believes in ‘coercion and intimidation’ and has been imposed on the people of Valley.

Ruhullah Mehdi was reacting after the locals from Haknipora village of Budgam blocked the road and staged a protest against the installation of Smart Meters.

“These things (installation of Smart Meters) can’t be imposed. These are peoples’ decisions and their involvement is inevitable. The current administration believes in force,” he said.

Ruhullah Mehdi as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said that the installation of Smart Meters is a welcome step but the economic condition of the people should be improved. “Since the 2014 floods, the economy collapsed in Kashmir. Let the administration improve the economic condition of the people and then install the Smart Meters,” he said.

He added that the administration is hell-bent to get the Meters installed as it is not the peoples’ administration but the one that has been imposed on the masses and believes in force. “This village (Haknipora) is a poverty-ridden village. The basic aim of the state was the social welfare and if you really want people to grow then it is important to make them socially and economically vibrant,” he said.

In response to a question, Ruhullah Mehdi said that it is a futile exercise to talk to the local administration and still he wants to convey to them not to force mothers and sisters to hit to roads. “Improve their economic conditions and then install the Smart Meters,” Ruhullah Mehdi said. [KNT] 

SRINAGAR: A 10 year old boy died in a road accident in Tarzoo Sopore area of North Kashmir Baramulla district on Wednesday. An official told the Kashmir Scroll that an accident took place at Tarzoo when a vehicle hits a bike in which minor received critical injuries. He said that minor identified as Adnan Azad Malla (10) son of Wali Mohmmad Malls resident of Tarzoo Sopore was shifted to nearby hospital from where he was referred to SKIMS Srinagar where he succumbed.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance and started investigation.(KS)

SRINAGAR: A special drive was carried out in Jammu Province wherein surprise inspections of Drug Sale Establishments were carried out under the supervision of Concerned Empowered Authorities.  The drive was targeted to ensure that  the  drugs consisting of habit forming ingredients  are strictly sold to the needy patients as per  mandate of law  and pharmacies operate strictly in consonance with the mandate of law and in the best interest of patient care.    

Statutory Drug samples of nearly Two Hundred formulations of various categories were lifted randomly for determination of strength and purity. These samples were referred to Drug Testing Laboratories locate within the U.T of J&K  for framing of  legal opinion to ascertain their quality parameters and to ensure that quality medicines are being sold to the end users.

Operations of Twelve   Retail Sale Establishments ( Four in Jammu, Three  in  Samba District, Two   in Poonch District , One each  in Kathua &  Ramban, were disallowed u/s 22 (d) of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 on spot.   The reasons for suspension ranged from Non maintenance of Sales records, Impersonation, Improper storage conditions etc.

Moreover, Stocks of  Drugs worth Rs 3,86,100 that were found to be contravening the provisions of the D&C Act  have also been confiscated from the supply chain  by the Regulatory Officers  of the organization  under section 23  of the  Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

During the said drive, the stocks of drugs worth Rs 27,465 was seized on Form – 16  from an unlicensed shop being run at Lower Kud  the custody /permission of which was obtained from the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Udhampur. Investigation in the matter has been initiated and Notice under section 18 ( a) served upon the accused  for further legal action in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Licensing Authority cancelled the license of a Wholesale firm at Rajouri that was found indulging in unethical trade practices. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: In the backdrop of rising cases of dengue, Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, Principal Dr Ashutosh Gupta on Wednesday said the department is fully prepared to cope with the situation.

"Jammu GMC is fully prepared to cope with the situation arising due to increasing dengue cases,” Gupta told a media conference here. He was flanked by top doctors of the hospital.

Epidemiologist Dr Harjeet Rai said, “We have a total of 56 cases in J&K till now, out of which 42 is from Jammu Division. Seven patients were admitted to GMC Jammu out of which four are discharged.”

Notably, 8264 cases were reported last year.

He said the department has scaled up the preventive activities like vector control activities (bio-larvicide fish, spraying and fogging) and IEC/BCC activities and spread awareness about prevention against the dengue virus.

He appealed to the people to help control the dengue spread and ensure cleanliness and avoid the collection of water in and around the residential colonies and houses.

He also requested the public to call on 104 Medical Helpline numbers for any kind of information and advice for health related services.

Head of Department Paediatrics, Dr. Ghanshyam Saini said that all arrangements are in place to deal with the situation like dedicated wards, paediatrics ICU, testing, etc, adding, “we dedicated 10 bedded old ICU for severe cases and also kept 40 beds in ward 19 in after stabilizing the patient.”

Dr J B Singh from the Medicine Department said, “We only admit patients with high warning signs and designated emergency areas and keep one floor for dengue patients in GMC Jammu.”

Dr. Meena Sidhu, HoD Blood Bank said that patients having platelets count of more than 10000 do not require platelets most of the time and should be always given on the physician’s advice.

The blood bank is fully equipped and has facilities for platelet apheresis.

She requested the general public to come forward for voluntary blood donation and voluntary platelet apheresis
Dr. S C Bhardwaj, Head of Department Pathology said, “Labs are fully functional in GMC Jammu and Associated Hospitals with all the equipment and round the clock is on duty.”

HoD Microbiology, Dr Sandeep Dogra said the facility for NS1 Elisa test recommended by Govt. to test dengue is available in GMC Jammu and AHs. "We are collecting samples from various spots in GMC Jammu so that early treatment can be started," he added. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: A body of an unknown lady was recovered from Nallah Sindh in Ganderbal district on Wednesday officials said.

They told the news agency Kashmir Scroll that body of unknown lady was recovered from nallah Sindh village in Pathribal near Rayill Gund Ganderbal.

They said that police had taken cognizance and started investigation.(KS)