Showkat Hafiz

02/05/2024

*DSEK orders change in school timing in Srinagar*

Srinagar, May 02 (KNO): The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Thursday ordered change in school timing in Srinagar city from 08:30 AM to 02:30 PM with effect from May-06.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) DSEK said, “Consequent upon the approval conveyed by the competent authority, all Government and Private Recognized Schools within the municipal limits of Srinagar city shall observe school timings from 08:30 AM to 02:30 PM with immediate effect from 06.05.2024.”—(KNO)

30/04/2024

*Water level touches flood declaration mark at Ram Munshi Bagh, Pampore*

*Water level to recede in next 2 hrs; Situation under control, no need to panic as water level in Southern Kashmir receding: I&FC*

Srinagar, Apr 30 (KNO): As the rain has stopped in Kashmir, the water level at Ram Munshi Bagh and Pampore gauges have touched the flood declaration mark. The officials, however, said that water level will recede in next two hours and there was no need to panic.

Cheif Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department Kashmir Naresh Kumar told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that water level in Jhelum at Sangam of South Kashmir has already started receding, but the increasing trend in water level in Central part of Jhelum will remain atleast for next two hours after that it will recede too.

"The peak water volume from South has already reached Central water bodies in Kashmir. Although water level at Ram Munshi Bagh and Pampore has touched flood declaration mark, the water level will recede after next two hours", he said.

He said that everything was under control as the situation was being closely monitored and that people should not panic as weather has also shower a significant improvement.

According to data from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC) Kashmir, reviewed by KNO, the gauge readings at 8:00 AM depicted Pampore flowing over 4.90 meters, while Ram Munshi Bagh recorded 18.08 feet, with both water bodies showing upward trend.

Although the water level of Jhelum at Sangam has begun to recede recording 18.90 ft at 8:00 AM this morning, areas such as Pampore, Ram Munshi Bagh, and Asham continue to witness an upward trend, as reported by the I&FC department Kashmir.

Despite precipitation ceasing since last night, meteorological officials have forecasted generally cloudy weather over most parts of Kashmir Division and mainly clear to partly cloudy skies in Jammu Division.

MeT Srinagar station added that intermittent light spells of rain, accompanied by thunder, are expected over many parts of Kashmir Division and a few places in Jammu Division.

"There is also a possibility of hailstorms at a few places, most likely from the afternoon till evening/night", said MeT Srinagar—(KNO)

17/04/2024

15/04/2024

*LS Polls: ECI cracks down on money power in J&K; Cash, liquor, drugs, freebies worth Rs 4 Cr seized*

*‘ECI on track for highest ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country’*

Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): The Election Commission of India (ECI) Monday stated that in its crackdown on money power, it has seized cash, liquor, drugs and freebies worth Rs 4 Crore in Jammu and Kashmir and that it will continue its drive ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

In a statement issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the ECI said that with General Elections 2024 underway, ECI is on track for the highest ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country ECI cracks down on money power: Rs.100 crore seizure each day since 1st March Rs. 4650 crores seized even before polling begins:

Higher than total seizures in 2019 polls, the ECI said that the action will continue to be strict and non-stop With General Elections 2024 underway. “ECI is on track for the highest ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country. “Enforcement Agencies have made a record seizure of over Rs. 4650 crores in ECI’s resolute fight against money power even before the first phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commences on Friday. This marks a sharp increase over Rs 3475 crores seized during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019,” the statement said. “Significantly, 45% of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics, that are under the special focus of the Commission. The seizures have been possible by comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation and optimal engagement of technology. Use of black money, over and above political financing and accurate disclosure thereof, may disturb the level playing field in favour of more resourceful parties or candidates in specific geographies. The seizures are a critical part of ECI's resolve to conduct the Lok Sabha elections free of inducements and electoral malpractices and to ensure a level playing field.”

The ECI states that the Commission during reviews had always emphasized that there will be multi-pronged surveillance on all modes of transport - check posts and nakas for road transport, Coast guard for coastal routes and DMs and SPs alongside agencies for air routes including checking of helicopters and non-scheduled flights.

The ECI stated that in January and February 2024, the months preceding the official announcement, countrywide seizures totalling another Rs 7502 crores were recorded in the form of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies. This brings total seizure to over Rs 12000 crores so far with six weeks still left in the election period, the ECI said. As per ECI figures,
in J&K, cash worth Rs 1.2466890 Cr, Liquor worth Rs 0.6300640 Cr, Drugs worth Rs 2.3529220 Cr, precious metal worth 0.0025800 Cr, freebies/other items worth Rs0.0559150 Crore. “Total seizures in J&K are worth Rs 4.2881700 Crore,” the ECI statement said—(KNO)

15/04/2024

*Leopard Sighting in Srinagar: Teams deployed at few schools as precautionary measure*

*Authorities urge schools to carry out routine work smoothly*

Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): Amidst reports about presence of leopard in Malabagh area of Srinagar, Wildlife department officials have deployed multiple teams at few schools as a precautionary measure, officials said.

A senior Wildlife official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they have deployed multiple teams at many schools including RP school and Green Valley school to keep a close vigil in the area.

The official asked the resident not panic and urged the schools authorities to carry out routine work as their reams are on ground.

He said that they could not carry out drone survey in the area due to the incessant rainfall and that they will do the same once there is improvement in weather conditions.

After reports of a leopard being sighted in Rangpora, Elahibagh surfaced on social media, the Wildlife department Saturday also confirmed presence of the animal in Malabagh area.

The authorities have asked people to be careful and not allow children to move out, especially during morning and evening hours—(KNO)

21/02/2024

*Gulmarg abuzz as Khelo India Winter games 2024 kick start with a bang*

*J&K on Track to become a Sporting State: Union Minister Nitish Pramanik; Over 600 Athletes participating in grand event, it will renew spirit of brotherhood, peace, among all teams, sports infra gets big push in J&K: LG Manoj Sinha*

Srinagar, Feb 21 (KNO): Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Nitish Pramanik said the centre was making every effort to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a sporting state.

On the inaugural day of Khelo India Khelo Winter Games 2024, Pramanik highlighted the government's dedication to providing extensive support and resources to nurture sporting excellence in the region.

“Every effort is being made to make Jammu and Kashmir a sporting nation. Sports and infrastructure is being development is being prioritised so that athletes get facilities to make a mark in their respective fields,” he said.

The union minister said the governments’ efforts towards sports development in Jammu and Kashmir becomes evident with the centre’s budgetary allocation for Jammu and Kashmir’s sports sector.

“We all witnessed how development of Jammu and Kashmir took place after Article 370 abrogation. Jammu and Kashmir’s sports budget is much more than many bigger states of India. It shows how bright the future is going to be for Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre is taking various measures for the development of the union territory,” he told reporters as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Pramanik said Kashmir is replacing Switzerland as a winter sports destination. “there was a time when athletes used to go Switzerland for winter sports. Now, we have seen that athletes from Switzerland are coming here for winter sports. I saw even in this bone chilling cold weather, people are coming for Khelo India Khelo event, this shows the sporting spirit in India,” he said.

The minister outlined various initiatives and programs are tailored to promote sports at all levels.

The fourth edition of Khelo India Winter Games festival started on Wednesday at Gulmarg.

Athletes from different parts of the country took part in several winter games during the event including Snowboarding, Snow Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, and Alpine Skiing.

The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 Event is being organized by the Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K Sports Council in collaboration with Tourism Department, Gulmarg Development Authority and several other stakeholders.

The first part of Khelo India Winter Games festival 2024 took place from 2 to 6 February in Leh, and it mainly included games like Ice Hockey & Ice Skating.

Speaking on the occasion, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that it is a momentous occasion for more than 600 athletes who have been preparing for this spectacular event.

He invited the athletes, team officials and sports enthusiasts to enjoy the warm hospitality of Jammu Kashmir, enjoy the thrill of Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, snow Mountaineering competitions and also enjoy the incredible sights and cuisine of the paradise on earth.

“The 4th Khelo India Winter Games, over the next 4 days, will honor the hard work, skills, dedication and sporting excellence on ski slope and I am confident it will renew the spirit of brotherhood, peace and harmony among all the teams,” the Lt Governor said.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the government to promote robust sports culture in cities and villages of the Union Territory.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new era of sports has emerged in Jammu Kashmir. Renewed thrust on state-of-art infrastructure and allied facilities has given a huge impetus to the sports sector," the LG said. "Our talented sportspersons have proved their mettle in national and international sports events. Their achievements are inspiring the budding athletes to bring laurels to the UT and the nation," he said—(KNO)

21/02/2024

*Kashmiri language our identity, we shouldn’t feel ashamed of it, experts stress*

*‘Deserves recognition as classical language as it came before Urdu & English’*

Srinagar, Feb 21 (KNO): “Kashmiri language is integral to our identity and we should not feel ashamed of speaking it,” experts remarked on the occasion of International Mother Language Day on Wednesday.

While learning other languages is beneficial, it is essential not to hesitate in conversing in our native tongue and prioritize its instruction for children, they added.

Shabnam Tilgami, winner of the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award and General Secretary of Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK), speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The Kashmiri language has started coming back on track which wasn't seen before. Now, it has been integrated into our schools, colleges and universities, which has contributed to its promotion.”

Tilgami said the vitality of a language relies on its poets and writers. He said there has been a substantial increase in Kashmiri writers and poets. Shabnam remarked humorously, “It seems like every third person here is a Kashmiri writer or poet.”

“It is the responsibility of every Kashmiri to safeguard and uphold our mother tongue, which is intrinsic to our identity. Kashmiri deserves recognition as a classical language, given its historical precedence over Urdu and English. Concrete measures must be taken to foster its growth,” Tilgami stressed.

Renowned writer Dr Tanveer Hayat speaking to KNO said the Kashmiri language is “unconsciously alive, but consciously dead”. “We erect sign boards at Kashmir University in the English language, not in Kashmiri, that's the sign of our being consciously dead,” he said.

He said language is not only a means of communication but also represents a diverse cultural and intellectual heritage.

Citing UNESCO’s report, Hayat said that over 6,700 languages exist globally, with 40% facing extinction. He, however, added, “We cannot ignore that language is fundamental to communication of all kinds. Communication plays an important role in making change and development in human society.”

Farhat Sidique, a Kashmiri actor and director, said, “Every state has its language and our language is Kashmiri. We must take every step to promote and preserve the language.”

She urged people not to shy away from speaking their mother tongue. “We should teach Kashmiri to our children, and shouldn’t feel proud in speaking other languages,” she said.

An official from the Department of Art, Culture and Languages informed KNO that the government is undertaking various initiatives to conserve and promote the Kashmiri language. Numerous programs conducted in Kashmiri are organised annually as part of these efforts, he said—(KNO)

21/02/2024

*Gulmarg abuzz with Khelo India Winter sports activities*

*Army sweeps top 3 positions in Nordic Skiing for men, Karnataka tops Women Nordic Skiing*

Gulmarg, Feb 21 (KNO): After curtains for 2nd Phase of 4th Khelo India Winter Game were raised, the festivities of celebrations kicked on the previous cold & serene night.

With the stage laid open, the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council and associated departments with close coordination & synergy on first Day organized two events of Nordic Skiing one each for Women & Men category.

The Event of Nordic Women Skiing for Sprint 1.6 KM started at the Golf Culb with supporting officials facilitating participants assigning them chest numbers and installing timers at the finishing & starting points.

Twenty Women athletes who participated in the first game of the season represent different states and organizations including ten from ITBP, two from Gujarat, two from Himachal Pradesh, two Ladakh and one each from Karnataka, Meghalaya, Haryana & Uttarakhand.

Bhavani Thekkada from Karnataka emerged the winner in the Nordic Sports event while Selma Soreng and Sapna of ITBP got second and third position respectively.

While the 2nd Sports event scheduled for the day for Nordic Men for Sprint 10 KM witnessed the enthusiastic participation of thirty-three players including ten from Army, nine from ITBP, five J&K, two each from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jaharkhand, Karnataka, and one from West Bengal.

In men's category, all three positions were taken by Army as Padma Namgail achieved first position, Mangeet second while Rameez Ahmad Paddar settled with 3rd position.

The players donning the jerseys and Skiing equipments were pushing themselves against slopes overcoming the friction made rounds along the track with focus on to scale the top position. Some of the players were fresh while others had second or third opportunity carrying with them the past experience.

Geeta Thakur, a coach of Snow Boarding from Uttarakhand representing ITBP, while speaking about the ongoing Winter Games of Khelo India said that with the improvement in the weather, players are in high spirits to display their potential & skill to take home medals, experience & resplendent memories.

Gulmarg is providing unique opportunity, which is better than other destinations, to channelize the talent of youngsters for bigger events like Olympics.

She appreciated Officers of J&K Sports Council for making all the arrangements including Transport & accommodation facilities.

Rajesh Thakur player of Nordic Skiing Sprint 10 KM, representing ITBP, who has participated in all the three Khelo India Winter Games and is also taking part today in the fourth edition. Sharing his experience Thakur says that he feels excited today as the snow accumulation is much better and the weather is also pleasant. He expressed gratitude to the Centre & UT governments for enhancing the facilities all over the destinations.

Talking about the arrangements, he showered all praise to J&K Sports Council and stated that players feel at home and the officials are entirely supporting.

Joginder Kumar, from Haryana said that the players from the state arrived two days before which provided them ample time to practice and refresh for the competitions.

He expressed that all Khelo India Winter Game unfolds vast opportunities for the young generation to make a professional career and represent the nation at international level.

"This event unites Nation by Youth & Culture exchange besides helps players to understand & Know one another", he maintained.

The games commenced amid the traditional local cultural presentation of Bandpether wielding the occasion with music and soulful essence

One of the many attractions of KIWG is the Snow Leopard Mascot, the role is being played by Adil, an employee of J&K Sports council.

He has been enthralling the spectacle with choreographed moves for the second time in KIWG said that the Snow Leopard is commonly found in the mountains of J&K which represents agility & strength—(KNO)

21/02/2024

*LG inaugurates 4th Khelo India Games' snow sports event at Gulmarg*

Gulmarg, Feb 21 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the snow sports event of 4th Khelo India Games at the world-famous ski resort, Gulmarg on Wednesday.

Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Affairs also graced the occasion.

The Lt Governor conveyed his best wishes to athletes from all over the country participating in different winter-sports disciplines. “It is a momentous occasion for more than 600 athletes who have been preparing for this spectacular event,” he said.

He invited the athletes, team officials and sports enthusiasts to enjoy the warm hospitality of Jammu Kashmir, enjoy the thrill of Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, snow Mountaineering competitions and also enjoy the incredible sights and cuisine of the paradise on earth.

“The 4th Khelo India Winter Games, over the next 4 days, will honor the hard work, skills, dedication and sporting excellence on ski slope and I am confident it will renew the spirit of brotherhood, peace and harmony among all the teams,” the Lt Governor said.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the government to promote robust sports culture in cities and villages of the Union Territory.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new era of sports has emerged in Jammu Kashmir. Renewed thrust on state-of-art infrastructure and allied facilities has given a huge impetus to sports sector, the Lt Governor observed.

Our talented sportspersons have proved their mettle in national and international sports events. Their achievements are inspiring the budding athletes to bring laurels to the UT and the nation, he said.

He also expressed gratitude to Government of India, Union Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India for their support and cooperation. Under PMDP, national and international level sports infrastructure has been developed in J&K, he added.

Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, through a video message, extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the Khelo India Winter Games event and encouraged the participating athletes to give their best in the tournament.

Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Affairs lauded the Lt Governor led UT Administration for developing sports infrastructure at grassroot level and setting a milestone for other states as well.

Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, J&K KVIB; Maj Gen J. Fernandes, HAWS; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Youth Services & Sports; Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, senior officials, representatives of Sports Authority of India and various sports organizations, prominent sports personalities and sports enthusiasts in large numbers were present—(KNO)

21/02/2024

*Fisheries dept offices damaged in Sgr blaze*

Srinagar, Feb 21 (KNO): The Fisheries department offices were damaged in a massive blaze at Weir, Chattabal area of Srinagar, officials said on Tuesday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that a single-storey structure belonging to the fisheries department, containing seven rooms, used as joint Director/Assistant Director offices, was damaged in a fire caused by an electric short circuit.

Meanwhile, the official added that no loss of life or any other injury was reported during the incident—(KNO)

21/02/2024

*2 young students suffocate to death in Bandipora*

Bandipora, Feb 21 (KNO): Two students of a religious seminary died due to suffocation in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Wednesday.

A police official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that two students from Darul-uloom Faiz-ul-uloom tragically died due to suffocation in Ashtangoo village of Bandipora.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the Darasgah officials found the children and their father unconscious.

“Despite being rushed to the nearby hospital, the boys couldn't be revived,”he said, adding that their father is undergoing treatment at district hospital Bandipora.

The deceased children have been identified as Muneer Ahmad Chechi, 10, and Tanveer Ahmad Chechi, 9, sons of Qasim Ahmad Chechi from Malangam, Bandipora.

He said the police is investigation the incident and preliminary findings suggest suffocation as the cause of death—(KNO)