Kashmir Fast, Srinigar (2025)

16/01/2025

Legal Metrology Department, J&K Cracks Down on Illegal Petrol Pumps; 30 Unauthorized Petrol Pumps sealed in Kashmir Valley in a single day

Srinagar, Jan 16, CNS: In a significant enforcement drive, Legal Metrology under the close supervision of Anuradha Gupta, Controller Legal Metrology J&K sealed 30 outlets today which were found selling petrol and Diesel in violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009. This action was taken as part of a comprehensive effort to protect the consumer interest by ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules. The specially constituted teams of the Legal Metrology Department carried out simultaneous inspections in seven districts of Kashmir division where these outlets were operating illegally.

Earlier, special inspection teams were constituted for this purpose by way of a special orderissued by the Controller, Legal Metrology and intensive inspection drives were carried out by the respective teams today during which it was found that these illegal fuel outlets were violating key legal standards and regulatory norms, including the use of unverified Nozzles and tempering with the measuring devices. It was observed that these fuel dispensing units were operating without any authorisation either from the Oil Marketing Companies or the Petroleum and Safety Organization and the Nozzles which were used for delivering fuel to Consumers were found without any verification from the Legal Metrology Department. The quantity of Petrol or Diesel which was paid by the Consumers was not guaranteed to them in absence of the certification and checks by the concerned agencies. In light of these facts all such dispending units were sealed today in Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar and Anantnag.

Cases have been registered against the owners/operators of these sealed petrol pumps and legal proceedings under the relevant sections of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules are underway. The Order issued by Anuradha Gupta has mentioned that there are reports of variousoutlets operating in Kashmir valley in contravention of Section 24, Section 12, Section 30 and Section 26 of Legal Metrology Act 2009 which not only goes against the interest of Consumers but they also pose a serious hazard to the public safety as they are operating without any safety standards required from Petroleum and Safety Organisation.

The order further reads that these outlets are operating in violation of the terms and conditions laid down under Rule 141 of Petroleum Rules and the allied From XIII & Article 4 therein and this non-compliance with the Legal Metrology Act and the rules therefore compromises with the transparency and consumer interest.

The breach of Petroleum Rules further jeopardizes the safe handling and storage of flammable substances like Petrol and Diesel.Anuradha Gupta Said, " The Legal Metrology has been receiving complaints of short delivery and overcharging from the aggrieved consumers. It was found that these outlets were operating illegally. Therefore, special teams were constituted to inspect and take action under law. We will continue such drives to ensure compliance and deter future violations. Consumers are also advised to get fuel from authorised outlets only,”. The department urges consumers to be vigilant and report any short delivery at fuel stations to the department. The cooperation of Consumers is vital in curbing illegal operations and ensuring fair and safe fuel distribution.It is pertinent to mention that Legal Metrology Department also had a major crackdown on the illegal helmet sellers across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir during which about 5000 helmets were seized for not specifying the legal requirements. (CNS)

06/01/2025

In Pictures: Hundreds gathered in Uri to say a tearful goodbye to the family of five who tragically lost their lives in the Pandrethan incident. The pain and sorrow were felt by everyone as the community came together to mourn their loss

06/01/2025

Winter Safety Tips: Preventing Hazards from Electric and Gas Heating Devices

Video:GMC

06/01/2025

"No reason to worry, a closely monitoring situation": Union Health Minister Nadda after three cases of HMPV in India

New Delhi, January 6: After three cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday assured the people that there is no need to worry as the health systems and surveillance networks of the country are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed the detection of two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. Health Ministry said that these cases were detected as part of ICMR's ongoing efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses across the country.

In a video statement, Nadda asserted that there is no reason to worry and that the government is closely monitoring the situation. "Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world for many years. HMPV spreads through the air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months," he said.

The Union Health Minister also highlighted that the Health Ministry, the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are keeping a close watch on the situation in China as well as in the neighbouring countries.

"WHO has taken cognisance of the situation and will share its report shortly with us. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory viral pathogens is observed in India. A joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Director General for Health Services on January 4 to review the situation," Nadda said.

"The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation," he added.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that is already circulating globally, including in India. It has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries, although there has been no unusual surge in cases in India.

The ICMR emphasised that despite the detection of three cases, there has been no significant increase in Influenza- Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country. (ANI)

06/01/2025

Tariq Karra expresses grief over Pandrathan Tragedy; Delegation offers condolences, solidarity
Srinagar, Jan 6, CNS: On the directions of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra, a delegation visited Pandrathan, Srinagar, to offer condolences to the bereaved family and assess the tragic incident that claimed the lives of five family members. The delegation included General Secretary (Organization) Kashmir Abid Kashmiri, Youth Congress Leader Dr. Waleed Karra, Former Corporator G.M. Alaie and other representatives.

In a statement, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra conveyed his profound grief and shock over the heart-wrenching loss of a family originally hailing from North Kashmir’s Baramulla District. The victims, including parents and their three young children, succumbed to suffocation in their rented accommodation in the Pandrathan area of Srinagar.

“It is deeply shocking to hear that five members of a family, including a 28-days-old infant, an 18-month-old toddler, and a three-year-old child, have lost their lives in this tragic incident. This heartbreaking tragedy is unbearable and has left the entire community in mourning. Words cannot adequately express the grief and sorrow I feel upon hearing this devastating news,” Karra stated.

General Secretary (Organization) Abid Kashmiri, who led the delegation, described the incident as “an unfortunate and preventable tragedy that highlights the urgent need to ensure safe living conditions, especially during harsh winters.” He assured that the JKPCC would stand with the bereaved family during this difficult time and offer full support.

Youth Congress Leader Dr. Waleed Karra, while offering condolences, said, “The loss of such young lives is a grim reminder of the challenges faced by underprivileged families. We urge the authorities to take stringent measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Immediate compensation must be provided to the bereaved family to help them cope with this irreparable loss.”

He continued, “Additionally, the administration must ensure better safety measures, access to essential resources, and support systems for vulnerable communities. This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of marginalized sections of society. Such unfortunate events highlight the urgent need for long-term policies that uplift and protect those who are most at risk.”

The JKPCC delegation met with local residents and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The party reiterated its commitment to standing in solidarity with those affected and emphasized the need for urgent intervention to address safety concerns in residential accommodations across the region. (CNS)

06/01/2025

Sakeena Itoo conducts whirlwind tour of South Kashmir, assesses post-snowfall scenario
Assesses snow clearance operations, availability of essential commodities, restoration of essential services
Inspects functioning of district Hospitals, GMC Anantnag
PULWAMA/SHOPIAN/KULGAM/ANANTNAG, JANUARY 06:
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today undertook a comprehensive tour of South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian to gather first hand account of impact of recent snowfall in these districts.
She chaired meetings at each district headquarter and took stock of snow clearance operations, availability of essential commodities, restoration of essential services like water supply and power supply and other public welfare measures.
At Pulwama, Sakeena Itoo inspected district hospital and took stock of medical facilities available for patients. She interacted with on duty doctors and paramedical staff at these hospitals.
The Minister also chaired a meeting at district headquarters Pulwama and took stock of post snowfall scenario in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, senior officers of district administration and other concerned district and sectoral officers were also present in the meeting.
Later, Sakeena Itoo visited Shopian and chaired a meeting to review snow clearance operations and provision of essential service delivery in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar apprised the Minister of snow clearance plans in place and prompt response of the administration in snow clearance and restoration of power and road connectivity post yesterdays snowfall.
During her visit, the Minister also inspected District Control Room to review its functioning and the grievance redressal mechanism in place for winter mitigation measures.
She also inspected the District Hospital Shopian and reviewed the healthcare facilities. She emphasized on the augmenting heating arrangements in healthcare institutions across the district.
MLA Zainapora, Showkat Hussain Ganie; MLA Rajpora, Gh.Mohi-ud-din Mir and other senior officers also accompanied the Minister during the visit.
Afterwards, the Minister visited district Kulgam and took stock of post-snowfall scenario in the district.
She chaired a meeting with the administration of district and reviewed snow clearance operations, availability of essential services and other public welfare measures in the district.
MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad; Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, district and sectoral officers were present in the meeting.
Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Minister stressed upon the officers for timely clearance of snow in several remote areas which are blocked due to recent snowfall. She asked them to prioritise roads leading to hospitals and other essential service institutions.
The Minister also called for timely restoration of drinking water supply in affected areas. She directed the concerned officers for regular deployment of drinking water tankers in affected areas till restoration.
During the visit, the Minister also inspected district hospital Kulgam and took stock of medical care facilities. She inspected different sections of the hospital and also interacted with on duty doctors, staff patients and their attendants.
She stressed on the district administration for augmenting heating arrangements in view of the harsh cold.
Later, Sakeena Itoo visited district Anantnag and took stock of post snowfall scenario. She also visited GMC and Associated Hospital Anantnag and took stock of medical care facilities at the facility.
Chairing a meet at district headquarters Anantnag, the Minister called upon the officers of district administration for timely restoration of all essential services.
While reviewing the snow clearance operations in the district, the Minister delved upon the officers for timely restoration of connectivity in all remote areas. She asked them to prioritise roads leading to hospitals, CHCs and PHCs. She also asked to provide alternative sources of drinking water in affected areas till pipelines are restored.
During the meeting, the Minister said that the government is working round the clock to address the immediate challenges brought about by the heavy snowfall. “Our priority is to ensure that basic services are restored swiftly and that no one is left behind”, Sakeena said. She highlighted that the district administrations have been directed to continue their efforts and provide relief in the most effective and timely manner.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, senior officers of district administration and other concerned district and sectoral officers were also present in the meeting.
Pertinently, the tour was held in the backdrop of Chief Minister’s direction of moving around the districts to review the situation on the ground.

06/01/2025

Ganderbal Police Extend Support to Poeple Amid Fresh Snowfall

Ganderbal, Jan 6, CNS: In response to the ongoing harsh weather conditions, Ganderbal Police have stepped up efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, particularly tourists and passengers stranded in snow-affected areas.

Dedicated teams have been deployed across the district, including key tourist destinations and regions vulnerable to heavy snowfall. The police teams are actively assisting stranded individuals, including tourists, passengers, and vehicles stuck in snow, with a special focus on critical locations such as Sonamarg, Gund, and Kangan.

Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols while traveling in these challenging weather conditions. The police have assured round-the-clock support to provide assistance and ensure no one is left in distress.

For emergencies, the District Police Ganderbal has asked public to reach them out on their helpline number can be reached via the following helpline numbers (9906668731, 9419371774, 9541786731) or dial 112.
J&K Police have also advised residents and travelers to remain alert and stay updated on weather forecasts to avoid unnecessary risks. The district police remain committed to ensuring the safety of all during these adverse conditions. (CNS

06/01/2025

Mahila Congress District President Kupwara Sheikh Tahira Celebrates Guru Gobind Jayanti with Heartfelt Greetings

Kupwara Jan 06– In a warm and spirited celebration, Sheikh Tahira Bashir, the Mahila Congress District President Kupwara, extended her heartfelt greetings to the community on the auspicious occasion of 10th Guru Gobind Singh Ji's birth anniversary.

In her message, Sheikh Tahira said, “Today, we celebrate not just the birth of a great Guru, but also the values he stood for—courage, equality, and selflessness. His teachings inspire us to strive for a better society, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.”

Gathering with members of the community, Sheikh Tahira emphasized the importance of unity and brotherhood, echoing the Guru’s message of inclusiveness. “Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught us the power of standing together. Let’s honor his legacy by fostering a spirit of harmony and cooperation in our daily lives,” she added.

The celebrations included prayers, as well as discussions on how the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji can guide us in today’s world. Sheikh Tahira encouraged everyone to reflect on the Guru’s teachings and implement them in their actions, saying, “Let’s commit to living out the principles of compassion and justice that Guru Ji embodied.”

As the community comes together to celebrate this significant day, Sheikh Tahira invites everyone to join in spreading love and positivity, ensuring that the spirit of Guru Gobind Singh Ji continues to thrive in Kupwara District and beyond.

16/09/2024

SSP Anantnag Holds Meeting with Officers Ahead of Upcoming Elections

September 16: In preparation for the upcoming elections on 18 September 2024, SSP Anantnag, Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy-IPS, chaired a crucial meeting with Zonal Officers (ZOs), Sector Officers (SOs), and other concerned officers.

The SSP provided detailed briefings on the necessary "Do's and Don'ts" to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process. Key areas of focus included maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the integrity of the democratic process.

Key directives from the SSP included:

- Upholding impartiality and neutrality
- Maintaining high vigilance
- Preventing any form of electoral malpractice
- Ensuring effective communication
- Coordinating seamlessly with other agencies

The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that all officers are fully prepared to fulfill their responsibilities with professionalism and diligence during the elections.

Police is committed to ensuring safe, secure, free, fair, and peaceful elections.

16/09/2024

This election is between BJP and Gandhi-Abdullah alliance: Amit Shah

Kishtwar — Ahead of the crucial Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir which are being held after a gap of 10 years Union Home Minister Amit Shah drew the battle lines and said that this election is between the BJP and the alliance between Congress and the National Conference.

Speaking at an election rally in Kishtwar on Sunday Amit Shah said, "The upcoming elections are between two forces. On one hand, you have the BJP which walks on the ideals of Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. It's clear to us that J&K was and will always be an integral part of India. When we fought against the idea of '2 Vidhaan and 2 Pradhan' for the country, the Congress Party, under the leadership of Nehru, opposed our campaign. Farooq Ji used to say that even if Modi Ji becomes Prime Minister 10 times, he cannot remove Article 370. Mehbooba ji used to say that if Article 370 is removed, there will be bloodshed. But our Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Article 370 and established one flag, one leader and one constitution in the country."

He further asserted that till the time BJP is there no one would be able to remove Article 370.

"This election is between those who have abrogated Article 370 and those who brought Article 370. I wish to ask the Gurjars and Pahadis in the last 70 years what has Article 370 given to you? Due to Article 370 the Gurjars, Pahadis, Dalits or women of Jammu and Kashmir did not get the benefits of reservation. PM Modi gave reservation to Paharis, OBCs and Dalits without touching the reservation of the Gurjars. For 70 years they ruled Jammu and Kashmir but why panchayat polls were not held? PM Modi within 10 years conducted Gram panchayat, block panchayat and district panchayat polls," the Union Home Minister said.

PM Modi has strengthened the democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amit Shah said, "Modi Ji strengthened democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. I want to ask Farooq Abdullah that your three generations ruled, but did the people of Jammu and Kashmir ever get free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh? Modi ji provided free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to everyone, from the valley to the plains and the second Rs 5 lakh would be given the senior citizens above the age of 70 years. Abdullah's family ruled Jammu and Kashmir for three generations. Did anyone get 5 kg rice free during their rule? PM Modi has given rice to every house."

The Home Minister questioned the Abdullah family and asked them if they had done anything to bring water to every house like the BJP government had done under the scheme "Har Ghar me Nal se Jal".

"If the BJP government is formed then we are committed for the development of Jammu region, Rajouri and Poonch. They (Abdullah-Gandhi) say that if they come to power then all those who are in jail on charges of terrorism will be freed. Once the Abdullah, Gandhi and M***is are defeated we will completely eradicate terrorism from the valley. Congress put Sheikh Abdullah in jail for anti-national activities, if Rahul Gandhi has the courage he should keep the white paper in front of the country which was given to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly then. The same Congress which blamed Abdullah family for terrorism and kept Omar Abdullah's father in jail are now forming alliance to win polls," Amit Shah said.

Congress and the National Conference have formed an alliance for the assembly polls. Assembly polls will be held in Jammu and Kashmir in three phases on September 18, September 25 and November 1. Votes will be counted on October 8. — (ANI)

16/09/2024

Taliban suspends polio vaccination in Afghanistan: UN

United Nations, Sep 16: The United Nations (UN) announced on Monday that the Taliban has suspended all polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan.

UN agencies said that they were notified about the suspension just days before the scheduled September immunisation campaign, though no official reason was provided.

Representatives from the Taliban-led government did not comment on the situation immediately.

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries in the world where the spread of the paralysing and potentially fatal disease has not been eradicated.

Despite the polio eradication programme’s continuous efforts in Afghanistan, the last phase of the campaign to achieve polio-free status has faced significant challenges.

Over the past three years, the number of polio cases have risen in the country, with the virus spreading to provinces that had remained free of the disease for an extended period.

UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and various non-governmental organisations, has been working through the Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) to explore innovative methods to ensure every child is reached with vaccines.

The focus was also on building trust and demand for vaccination campaigns among the population.

So far, 16 Afghan provinces have been affected, with a total of 56 cases of Wild Poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) reported.

The southern region of Afghanistan remains the most severely impacted, accounting for 66 per cent of the country’s total polio cases in 2020.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the polio programme has ensured 100% adequacy of vaccine supplies for all polio-related activities, including immunisation campaigns, case responses, and the deployment of Permanent and Temporary Teams (PTT).

The successful introduction of vaccines such as mOPV2, mOPV1, and tOPV for case response campaigns has been made possible through capacity building in vaccine management and accountability.

Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the polio programme managed to conduct three National Immunisation Days, two Sub-National Immunisation Days, and three Case Response Campaigns across Afghanistan.

However, the current suspension by the Taliban adds uncertainty to future vaccination efforts, raising concerns about the ongoing fight to eliminate polio in the country.–(IANS)

16/09/2024

J&K Polls: 40 Pc Independents in Fray; Most Sponsored by BJP to Divide Votes, Claim Rivals

Srinagar, Sep 16 (PTI) More than 40 per cent of the 908 candidates contesting the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are Independents, leading to claims that a large number of them have been propped up by the BJP to divide votes.

These are the first assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and its reorganisation into two Union territories."

The number of assembly seats has also risen from the earlier 87 to 90 -- 47 in the Kashmir Valley and 43 in Jammu -- following a delimitation exercise in 2022.

The high number of Independent candidates in the fray have led to the National Conference, Congress and the People's Democratic Party to allege that they were being supported by "Delhi".

A total 365 candidates have filed their nominations as Independent candidates to contest the three-phase polls.

This is the second highest number of Independents to contest the polls in Jammu and Kashmir. In the 2008 assembly elections, held in the immediate aftermath of the Amarnath land row agitation that left dozens dead and hundreds injured, 468 candidates had contested as Independents.

The total number of candidates this time is also the second highest ever. In 2008, a whopping 1,353 candidates had contested the elections.

In 2014, the last time assembly elections were held in the erstwhile state, 831 candidates had contested the elections. Of the total, 274 had contested as Independents.

This time, there are 367 candidates for the 43 seats going to the polls in the Jammu division, where the BJP has a strong base, while 541 are slugging it out for 47 seats in the Valley.

On an average, there are five Independent candidates for each of the 47 assembly segments in Kashmir. This number drops to 2.93 per constituency in the Jammu division.

The Sopore assembly segment -- once a hotbed for militancy and the epicentre of election boycott campaigns in Kashmir -- has the highest number of Independent and total candidates.

There are 22 aspirants in the fray, 14 of whom are Independents.

Among the Independent candidates in Sopore are Ajaz Guru, the brother of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

The Sonawari segment in Bandipora district has 20 candidates in the fray, including 11 Independents. The area has a strong presence of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami.

Amid this glut, there are four constituencies where there are zero Independent candidates. These are Budhal, Kangan, Ramangar and Srigufwara-Bijbehara.

The Srigufwara-Bijbehara seat in Anantnag district has three candidates in the fray, one of them being People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba M***i's daughter Iltija M***i.

Doda West, Nowshera and Ramgarh each have one Independent candidate. The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir president Ravindra Raina, a frontrunner for the post of chief minister if the saffron party wins the elections, is the candidate from Nowshera.

On the high number of Independent candidates in the fray, Mehbooba said they had been fielded "by Delhi to divide votes".

"We have to be together so that the large number of Independents fielded by Delhi does not succeed in dividing the votes," she added.

National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah, who is contesting the polls from the Ganderbal and the Budgam segments, has said Delhi was fielding a large number of Independents against him to muzzle his voice.

"Delhi is not trying to silence any politician in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Kashmir, as much as they are trying to do with Omar Abdullah," the former chief minister said.

There are 15 candidates in the fray in the Ganderbal segment. Seven of these candidates -- including jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay alias Barkati who hails from south Kashmir's Shopian district -- are Independents.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also raked up the issue of an "unusually high number" of Independent candidates in the fray.

"The Congress and the National Conference are contesting the elections together, which has made the BJP nervous. Now they are trying to break the alliance," he said.

"They are even fielding private players and supporting them indirectly as Independents in an attempt to defeat our candidates. Otherwise, where do they (Independents) get the money from? Who is behind them?" he asked during his visit to Kashmir last week.

The three-phase elections to the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will be held on September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be declared on October 8.(PTI)

Kashmir Fast

16/01/2025

06/01/2025

06/01/2025

06/01/2025

06/01/2025

06/01/2025

06/01/2025

06/01/2025

16/09/2024

16/09/2024

16/09/2024

16/09/2024

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category