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Traffic resumes on Jammu-Srinagar Highway after 15 hours

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with rest of the country, was reopened for vehicular traffic on Friday after remaining closed for 15 hours following a landslide in Ramban district, an official said. The highway has been reopened for vehicular traffic on Friday and only stranded vehicles have been allowed to move, the official said. The 270-km highway was blocked by the landslide at around 5 pm on Thursday, the official said, adding that over 1,000 vehicles were stranded. Three people had a narrow escape when a truck came under the debris of a landslide and got trapped at Ramban's Mehar belt, the official said. There is a traffic jam on the highway's Banihal section, the official added. Read the full article

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Traffic resumes on Jammu-Srinagar Highway after 15 hours

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with rest of the country, was reopened for vehicular traffic on Friday after remaining closed for 15 hours following a landslide in Ramban district, an official said. The highway has been reopened for vehicular traffic on Friday and only stranded vehicles have been allowed to move, the official said. The 270-km highway was blocked by the landslide at around 5 pm on Thursday, the official said, adding that over 1,000 vehicles were stranded. Three people had a narrow escape when a truck came under the debris of a landslide and got trapped at Ramban's Mehar belt, the official said. There is a traffic jam on the highway's Banihal section, the official added. Read the full article

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Smriti Irani blasted opposition in Lok Sabha on protectors of rape in country

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday lashed out at the Opposition for politicising rape, saying that they were quite when rape was used as a political weapon in Bengal. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Irani cornered the Opposition MPs and said that "the fact that you shout here today means you do not want a woman to stand up and talk about issues." Irani launched a scathing attack on MPs who weren't letting her speak during the session. "I won't name anyone but a party uses rape as a political weapon in the Bengal panchayat polls and they sermonise here," Smriti Irani said angrily. A fiery debate was seen in parliament today on the killing of four accused in the Hyderabad rape and murder by police on Friday. Many MPs supported the police, who claimed to have opened fire after the accused tried to snatch their weapon and attack them during an investigation at the scene of the crime early this morning. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, while lauding the development, said, "The police have not been given weapons as a showpiece," adding that the process of law had been followed in Telangana. Another MP from the party even stated that encounters should be made legal. On the other hand, Maneka Gandhi, also a BJP leader, condemned the incident and cautioned that it might set a dangerous precedent. "Jo bhi hua hai bohot bhayanak hua hai (Whatever has happened is very dangerous). You can't take law in hands. They would have been hanged anyway. If you will shoot them dead before a fair trial, then what's the point of having a court, police or a legal system," the former Union Minister for Women and Child Developement told reporters in the parliament complex. "We can pick up a gun and shoot anybody then," she added. Read the full article

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Strategy on Political Situation in J&K to be Taken After Release of Party Leaders: NC

Jammu: The National Conference on Thursday said a call on the future strategy on overall political situation post abrogation of Article 370 provisions would be taken by the party working committee after the release of the leadership from detention. It added that no party functionary is accredited to dwell upon these issues before that. NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana said, "A call regarding future strategy would be taken by the working committee of the party after the release of political leaders." On the 114th birth anniversary of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the NC adopted a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to win the hearts and minds of people in Jammu and Kashmir by reaching out to them and understanding their aspirations. The resolution demanded the release of all political leaders including three former chief ministers. Rana expressed concern over continued detention of the NC leadership for four months now and said slapping of the Public Safety Act against Farooq Abdullah is "most unfortunate, painful and highly deplorable". "The National Conference will emerge like a phoenix because of its deep connect with the people," he said. He demanded the status of minister of state for BDC chairpersons as it will enable them to effectively monitor and ensure implementation of various schemes and programmes. Read the full article

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Release of political detainees in Kashmir being reviewed: Advisor Farooq Khan

The Jammu and Kashmir government is constantly reviewing the release of political detainees in Kashmir, a top official said here on Thursday. “The issue is being reviewed regularly and people have been released as well after enquiry. About the rest of the detained leaders, the review is going on,” Farooq Khan, advisor to Lt. Governor Girish Chandra Murmu told reporters. “We are not detaining them for a life term. It was done to control the situation. Some things are inevitable and the administration has to take strict measures… this was done to safeguard the life and properties of people in Kashmir,” Khan said. Three former chief ministers are among close to 50 politicians detained since August 5 — the date when Article 370 was abrogated. While Farooq Abdullah, a sitting MP from Srinagar has been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) at his home on Gupkar Road in Srinagar, his son and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been lodged in Hari Niwas. Another former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was recently shifted to a government accommodation from Chashma Shahi after the onset of winter. Thirty five politicians who were detained in the Centaur Hotel on the banks of the Dal Lake were recently moved to the MLA Hostel in Srinagar, IANS reported. Read the full article

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Lt Colonel Dhoni joins duty in Kashmir

Kashmir: Lt Col MS Dhoni joined Army duty on Wednesday in the troubled south Kashmir region where soldiers are engaged in counter-insurgency operations on almost daily basis. The former India captain and cricket star joined his Territorial Army (TA) unit immediately after arriving here. Dhoni’s active duty period is for 15 days till August 15 and during this time he will be working with the 106 TA Battalion (Para). A senior Army officer said Dhoni, who was made an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in 2011, joined the duty with his unit. Read the full article

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Narcotic Bid Foiled in Banihal, Banned Intoxicant Drugs Recovered

Banihal:J&K police have arrested drug peddlers in Banihal and have recovered banned intoxicant drugs from their possession. On a specific information regarding movement of some valley based drug peddlers in Banihal area, naka point at T chowk was strengthened and personally supervised by senior officers. The checking was intensified and during the process frisking and checking of commuters coming from Railway station side, two of them were found in possession of 240 bottles of Codeine phosphate, 600 tablets and 200 capsules, all banned substances. In this regard case FIR No 107/2019 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act stands registered at PS Banihal and investigation taken up. During preliminary investigation, the duo disclosed their identity as Shahzad Ahmed son of M. Maqbool Khawja and Kaiser Ahmed son of Ali Mohd Mir, both residents of Watergam, Baramulla. They had bought the consignment from valley side to sell it to the youth of Banihal and surrounding areas. Further investigation into the case is in progress. The arrest as well as recovery of the banned drug has been made by police team headed by Insp Abid Hussain Bhukhari, SHO PS Banihal under the supervision of Sajjad Sarwar SDPO Banihal and Sanjay Parihar Addl SP Ramban and overall supervision of Ms Anita Sharma SSP Ramban. Read the full article

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Good News: Non-subsidised LPG gets cheaper by Rs 62.50, checks new rate in your city

New Delhi: Non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) has been cut yet again by Rs 62.50 per cylinder starting Thursday, reflecting the softening international rates for the same. The fresh rate cut comes shortly after the price of non-subsidised LPG was reduced by Rs 100.50 per cylinder in July 2019. Taking both the price cuts into account, the price of non-subsidised LPG has been reduced by Rs 163 in two months. "It may be noted that the price of non-subsidised LPG was reduced by Rs.100.50/cylinder earlier in July 2019 also. Considering this, the price of non-Subsidised LPG cylinder has come down by Rs.163.00/cylinder cumulatively in two months," said Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in a press statement on Wednesday. From today, the price of non-subsidised LPG cooking gas will be reduced by Rs 62.50 per 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi while the price will be reduced by Rs 62 in Mumbai and Chennai. The new rates will be effective starting today as LPG prices are revised every month. "The price of non-Subsidised LPG at Delhi will decrease by Rs.62.50/14.2 Kg cylinder w.e.f. 1st August 2019 based on LPG prices in the international market and US$-Rupee exchange rate. Accordingly, the upfront cash payment by the consumers of domestic LPG will also reduce by Rs.62.50/cylinder. Domestic LPG consumers will now be required to make an upfront cash payment of Rs.574.50/- only per 14.2 Kg cylinder in August 2019 in place of Rs.637.00/- per cylinder for July 2019," said IOC's statement. This means that a non-subsidised 14.2 kg cylinder now costs Rs 574.50 in Delhi, Rs 601 in Kolkata, Rs 546.50 in Mumbai and Rs 590.50 in Chennai. Read the full article

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BJP appoints Avinash Rai Khanna as in-charge for J&K assembly polls

JAMMU: The BJP on Wednesday appointed its vice president Avinash Rai Khanna as election in-charge for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, schedule for which has not been announced yet. Making the announcement, BJP general secretary Arun Singh said the party will work to make members in every booth, an indication that the saffron party will go all out to make its presence felt in the Valley, a region where it has been traditionally an insignificant force. Khanna is also the party’s in-charge for the state’s organisational affairs. The appointment comes a day after the BJP working president J P Nadda chaired a meeting of the party’s Jammy and Kashmir unit core group. The Election Commission is likely to announce the poll schedule after the Amarnath Yatra is over, with official sources indicating that the elections may be held in October-November. Read the full article

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Modi Govt will take necessary steps for benefit of J&K: Ram Madhav on Article 35A

SRINAGAR: Evading a direct response to a question on whether the Centre had any plans to revoke the constitutional provisions giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday the Narendra Modi Government would take necessary steps for the benefit of the state at an appropriate time. “The BJP’s stand on it (repeal of Article 35A of the Constitution) is very clear but it is not the party which is going to decide (on the matter). The decision will be taken by the prime minister and his government, but I can assure you that whatever decision they will take, will be in the interest of the state,” Madhav told reporters here. He said the state’s political parties were creating an atmosphere of fear in Kashmir by linking the movement of central armed paramilitary forces with other issues to save their political turf. “Leaders of local regional parties are creating fear psychosis for their political interests. Moving forces in and out of Kashmir as per the requirement of the security grid is an ongoing process. Extra forces are brought in for Amarnath Yatra or elections, like there is going to be block level elections for panchayat. But linking the movement of forces with other issues is being done for personal interests,” he said. Article 35A of the Constitution gives powers to the state to define the state’s permanent residents. (AGENCIES) Read the full article

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Tributes paid to Martyr Krishan lal in Akhnoor

JAMMU: Army on Wednesday paid tributes to a jawan in Akhnoor area, here on city outskirts. Naik Krishan Lal on Tuesday attained martyrdom in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri when Pakistan violated ceasefire by firing unprovoked. Defence Spokesperson here said that tributes were paid to him in a ceremonial wreath laying ceremony Major General R Dewan, GOC Crossed Swords Division laid wreath and all ranks of Crossed Swords Division paid tributes to the martyr. The mortal remains moved out for his native village Ghagriyal, where the last rites would take place.

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JU issues notice on Misinformation Spread on Social Media

JAMMU: This is being wrongly circulated by miscreants in some sections of social media that University of Jammu has withheld the recognition of certain engineering Colleges because of certain faults made by them. It is clarified to the general public that University of Jammu has not issued any such circular/statement. The students are advised to check the University of Jammu website for any kind of information which is issued by the University.   Read the full article

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Omar Abdullah lauds Zomato for shutting up bigotry after customer seeks non-Muslim rider

SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah lauded food delivery company Zomato for shutting up bigotry after a customer sought non-Muslim rider to deliver his food. ''Respect. I love your app. Thank you for giving me a reason to admire the company behind it,'' Abdullah, who is the vice-president of National Conference (NC), wrote on micro-blogging site twitter. https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1156444778835300352 Abdullah was responding to a tweet by Founder of Zomato Deepinder Goyal who wrote, ''We are proud of the idea of India - and the diversity of our esteemed customers and partners. We aren't sorry to lose any business that comes in the way of our values.'' Read the full article

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Questioning Farooq in an ‘old case’ when parties are trying to protect special status raises questions: Mehbooba

SRINAGAR: Reacting to the questioning by Enforcement Directorate (ED) to NC president Farooq Abdullah in connection with Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association scam, PDP president Mehbooba said that questioning Dr Farooq at this time raises suspicions and questions. Dr Farooq was summoned by ED to appear before the agency at their Chandigarh office today. Dr Abdullah has been previously interrogated by a team of CBI in the alleged scam in January 2018. The investigation in the case is still on. In response to it, Jammu and Kashmir former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said; “JK cricket scam is an old case that’s been under investigation for quite some time. ED questioning Farooq sahab at a time when J&K mainstream parties are collectively standing up to protect its unique identity raises suspicions & questions. Misusing central agencies to harass & intimidate those who dissent or don’t fall in line has become quite blasé & brazen.” https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1156482369332772864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1156482372189114368 In 2015, The Jammu and Kashmir High Court handed over the investigation of the alleged Rs 113 crore scam in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) to the CBI while indicting the state police for failing to carry out the probe in which former chief minister Farooq Abdullah has been named. Read the full article

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Cabinet approves J&K Reservation Bill, gives 10% quota to poor section

\ NEW DELHI: Cabinet has approved the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment)Bill, 2019. Briefing media persons in New Delhi this afternoon after the cabinetmeeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, the bill will pave the way of extending the benefit of reservation of up to 10 per centfor Economically Weaker Sections in educational institutions and publicemployment alongside existing reservations. The cabinet also accorded approval to the introduction of Chit Funds(Amendment) Bill, 2019 in Parliament. Javadekar said, this will fulfil theobjectives of reducing the regulatory or compliance burden of the registeredChit Funds Industry as well as protecting the interest of the Chit Fundsubscribers. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA has also approved Nutrient BasedSubsidy rates for Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers for the year 2019-20. Briefing media persons in New Delhi this afternoon after the cabinet meeting,Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, expectedexpenditure for release of subsidy during 2019-20 will be 22 thousand 875 crorerupees. Mr Javadekar said, this will enable the manufacturers and importers toformalise supply contracts for fertilisers and fertilisers inputs and makefertilizers available to the farmers. Read the full article

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Shri Amarnath Yatra to remain suspended till 4th August 2019

SRINAGAR: India Meteorology Department has predicted heavy rainfall for next few days all over Jammu and Kashmir, which may cause landslides and shooting stones on highway between Jammu and Srinagar, particularly in the stretch between Ramban and Banihal, which is highly vulnerable to landslides and shooting stone. The track from Baltal and Pahalgam has become slippery and slashy due to heavy rainfall and the situation is likely to aggravate in next couple of days in view of weather advisory issued by IMD. In view of inclement weather conditions, shooting stones and landslides particularly in Jammu region, Yatra will remain suspended till 4th August, 2019. Read the full article

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WATCH: CRPF rescues man trapped overnight in landslide on Jammu-Srinagar highway

SRINAGAR: CRPF personnel of 72nd Battalion on Wednesday rescued a man trapped throughout the night in the debris of a landslide on Jammu-Srinagar highway near milestone 147. The man was found with the help of a CRPF sniffer name Ajaxi. He was found trapped under the debris which had occurred last night in the region. After rescuing the man, the security personnel rushed the victim to the nearby hospital for the treatment. Heavy and relentless rainfall in the state has triggered landslides in several areas. A video of the incident shows Kumar buried from the waist down as CRPF personnel used shovels to dig him out. https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1156484311920627713 In the morning, the pilgrimage to goddess Vaishno Devi shrine located in Trikuta Hills was also suspended on Tuesday following a landslide on the New Track situated between Adhkuwari and Bhawan. However, the pilgrimage is continuing through the traditional track. The landslide has occurred at various isolated parts of the region causing traffic snarls at major junctions. Traffic on National Highway-1C (Katra-Reasi-Pouni-Shivkhori) has been suspended, following landslides and shooting stones in the area. (ANI) Read the full article