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Suspicious Scorpio evades security naka in Ramban; later seized near Dalwas

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Suspicious Scorpio evades security naka in Ramban; later seized near Dalwas

Banihal, Aug 07: A major security alert was triggered in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district early Friday after a suspicious Scorpio vehicle bearing registration number JK02AK-1743 allegedly breached a police security checkpoint at Chanderkote and fled towards the Nashri area despite repeated attempts by police to stop it.

According to initial information, the incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. when the Scorpio was travelling from Srinagar side towards Jammu. Police personnel deployed at the Chanderkote security naka signalled the vehicle to stop, but the driver allegedly ignored the instructions and sped away.

Sources said police personnel fired three rounds at the fleeing vehicle in an attempt to stop it, but it continued towards Nashri, prompting a massive search operation involving the district police, CRPF and the Army.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Arun Gupta, who reached the spot to supervise the operation, said the suspicious Scorpio was later seized near Dalwas.

“The district police have seized the suspicious Scorpio near Dalwas, and further investigation is underway. Detailed information will be shared after the investigation progresses,” the SSP said.

Security forces have intensified searches in the area, while the motive behind the vehicle’s attempt to evade the security checkpoint is yet to be ascertained. Police are investigating all aspects of the incident.

Greater Kashmir

D2CIA presents suggestions on Ease of Doing Business, Industrial Policy

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D2CIA presents suggestions on Ease of Doing Business, Industrial Policy

The D2CIA Kashmir Chapter on Thursday participated in a stakeholder consultation convened by the Jammu and Kashmir government to gather suggestions for strengthening the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) framework and revising the Union Territory’s Industrial Policy.

The meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Shailendra Kumar, was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, Managing Director and CEO of J&K Bank Amitava Chatterjee, and representatives of various industry and trade bodies.

The consultation focused on measures to simplify regulatory procedures, reduce compliance requirements, improve investment facilitation and create a more business-friendly environment.

The exercise forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to formulate a revised industrial policy through stakeholder consultations.

Representing the D2CIA Kashmir Chapter, Vice President Haya Qazi stressed the need to extend Ease of Doing Business reforms to the education sector, describing education and skill development as key drivers of industrial growth and long-term economic development.

She said a strong education ecosystem is essential for developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting future investments in the region.

Qazi proposed the introduction of a single-window clearance system for educational institutions to streamline statutory approvals and facilitate the establishment and expansion of quality educational infrastructure.

She also recommended targeted incentives for women-led educational institutions, including simplified No Objection Certificate (NOC) procedures, longer registration and renewal periods, and other measures aimed at encouraging greater participation of women entrepreneurs in the education sector.

The D2CIA Kashmir Chapter welcomed the government’s consultative approach and reiterated its commitment to supporting policy reforms that promote investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

Greater Kashmir

Associated District Hospital GMC Handwara without dialysis centre, people suffer

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Associated District Hospital GMC Handwara without dialysis centre, people suffer

The absence of a dialysis centre at the Associated District Hospital, GMC Handwara has been causing immense hardships to patients. The residents said that since the hospital caters to patients from across the district, the lack of a dialysis centre has forced kidney patients to suffer unnecessarily.

“Since my father is suffering from kidney failure, I have to get his dialysis done every week by paying over Rs 2000 at a private dialysis centre at Sopore. Had there been a government sponsored dialysis centre in Handwara, I would not have to pay the amount,” said a local.

“I am unable to figure out how a district hospital has been deprived of a dialysis centre. This tells about the callous attitude of authorities towards this health institution,” he added.

Apni Party leader Sofi Irfan said that patients suffering from kidney failure are facing severe hardships due to the absence of a dialysis centre at District Hospital (DH) Handwara.

He said that officials at the Associated District Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara had earlier assured that a dialysis centre would be established after the hospital was shifted to its new building.

However, nearly two years have passed since the hospital was shifted to the new building, but the dialysis centre has yet to be established due to reasons best known to the authorities.

Reacting to the concern Superintendent Associated District Hospital GMC Handwara Dr Aijaz Ahmad Bhat said that a dialysis centre already stands approved which will be installed soon.

Greater Kashmir

World Breastfeeding week at KMCH Sempora

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World Breastfeeding week at KMCH Sempora

The Departments of Paediatrics and Community Medicine at Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, Srinagar, on Thursday observed World Breastfeeding Week by organising an awareness programme to promote breastfeeding and educate mothers on its vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of both infants and mothers.

The event was attended by Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad; Executive Director Insha Qazi; Principal Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Khan; Medical Superintendent Dr. Syed Mubashir; Head of the Department of Paediatrics Dr. Qazi Iqbal; heads of various departments, faculty members, doctors, nursing staff, and students.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad, said that greater awareness needs to be created among mothers about the importance of breastfeeding, as many are still reluctant to breastfeed their babies.

He stressed the need to reach out to communities and encourage mothers to adopt breastfeeding by highlighting its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers.

He noted that reluctance towards breastfeeding is particularly noticeable in some urban areas, underscoring the need for sustained awareness campaigns to promote and support the practice.

Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Qazi Iqbal, highlighted that mothers should initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed infants for the first six months of life, and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.

He said that breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for newborns, providing all the essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development while protecting babies against infections, allergies, and several childhood illnesses. “Breast milk is a baby’s first vaccine and the purest expression of a mother’s love,” he said.

The doctors also emphasised that exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of malnutrition, diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory infections, and other common childhood illnesses.

They noted that breastfeeding not only strengthens a child’s immune system but also contributes to improved cognitive development and long-term health outcomes.

The experts highlighted that breastfeeding offers important health benefits to mothers as well. It helps in faster recovery after childbirth, reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding, and lowers the chances of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

They urged families and communities to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers, stating that awareness and family support play a crucial role in ensuring successful breastfeeding practices.

A special presentation was also delivered during the programme, focusing on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, its scientific benefits, and the World Breastfeeding Week theme. The presentation encouraged mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continue breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding thereafter.

The programme concluded with an interactive session, where participants discussed strategies to improve breastfeeding awareness, address common myths, and strengthen community support for mothers, reaffirming KMCH’s commitment to promoting maternal and child health through education and preventive healthcare initiatives.

Greater Kashmir

Jharkhand exam irregularities protest enters 13th day with 6 on fast; issue to rock Assembly

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Jharkhand exam irregularities protest enters 13th day with 6 on fast; issue to rock Assembly

The protest against alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand is likely to rock the Monsoon Session of the Assembly on Thursday, as the stir gained steam over the past 13 days with six demonstrators on hunger strike.

The protest, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium here, emerged as one of the biggest student-led movements in the state in recent years.

The demonstrators are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment test either by the CBI or by a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.

Greater Kashmir

Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan primary win jolts US Democrats, secures Senate nomination

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Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan primary win jolts US Democrats, secures Senate nomination

Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in the Democratic primary for the US Senate seat in the key battleground state of Michigan has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, with political observers viewing it as a major setback for the party establishment, the BBC reported.

El-Sayed, a progressive candidate backed by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens despite her strong support from the Democratic leadership and heavy campaign spending.

According to the BBC, the result has intensified the debate over whether a left-wing candidate can win a statewide election in a politically divided state and help Democrats regain control of the US Senate in the November midterm elections.

The BBC said Michigan is a crucial swing state, and the outcome is being closely watched as a possible indicator of the Democratic Party’s direction ahead of the 2028 presidential race. If El-Sayed succeeds in November, it could strengthen the case for a more progressive presidential nominee in the future.

Greater Kashmir

BJP condemns human rights violations in PoJK

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BJP condemns human rights violations in PoJK

Jammu, Aug 6: J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday condemned the Pakistani state and its army for what the party alleged “committing atrocities and human rights violations against peaceful protesters demanding civil rights in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).”

J&K BJP spokespersons Ankur Sharma, Zorawar Singh Jamwal and Vikram Malhotra, while addressing a joint press conference at the party headquarters in Jammu, also criticised the role of Kashmir based political parties for “not raising their voices strongly against Pakistan and Pakistani atrocities on the people of PoJK.”

“For decades Pakistan has used Kashmiris as cannon fodder. First PoJK was turned into a launch pad for terror activities against India. Second, Kashmiris were made to kill other Kashmiris in the name of “jihad” and now when the people of PoJK demanded basic rights, flour and dignity, Pakistan declared them, their organisation JAAC as a “terror organisation” while world designated terrorists like Hafiz Saeed of Lashkar and Masood Azhar of Jaish roam freely under Pakistani state protection because they are Pakistan’s assets against India,” they alleged.

Ankur Sharma, while condemning human rights violations in PoJK, claimed, “Pakistan, which is a totalitarian state, is rapidly dismantling and on the verge of collapse.”

Sharma asserted that Pakistan’s foundation as a theocratic state was a “failed idea”—a reality first exposed by the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. He predicted that this ideological failure would eventually reach its logical conclusion with the secession of more of its provinces. Highlighting the ongoing people’s movements against what he alleged, “state-sponsored barbarism in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Sindh”, he stated that their separation, much like that of Bangladesh, was only a matter of time.

Sharma reiterated that PoJK remained an undisputed part of India and would be reclaimed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the spirit of the 1994 Parliamentary Resolution.

Elaborating on the human rights violations, Ankur Sharma said that the demands for fair elections, greater political autonomy, protection of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, reduction in electricity tariffs, subsidies, transparent governance, release of detained activists, independent investigations into protest related deaths were being met with excessive use of force resulting in killings of scores of peaceful protestors.

“Pakistan government was resorting to arbitrary arrests and detentions, more restrictions of freedom of expression, media gag, internet and communication shutdowns to quell peaceful protests and their demands were being met with enforced disappearances and use of anti-terror laws,” he alleged.

Zorawar Singh Jamwal noted with concern that since mid-2026, people in PoJK had been facing atrocities and killings at the hands of the Pakistani State. He appealed to the international community to flag the genocidal nature of the Pakistani state while simultaneously calling for a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into all the killings and forced disappearances through an independent body comprising members of the international community.

Vikram Malhotra, while criticising the Pakistani Army for its atrocities against peaceful protestors in PoJK, brought the media’s attention to the observations made by the office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) against Pakistani action against peaceful protestors. He quoted from the observations and said that even the OHCHR also formally recognised that the Pakistani state was restricting freedom of expression, freedom of association, indulging in institutional discrimination against minority communities, using anti-terror laws against political opponents.

OHCHR, he further said, also called for greater accountability and independent investigations.

Greater Kashmir

PSAJK, Civil Defence Budgam hold session on BLS

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PSAJK, Civil Defence Budgam hold session on BLS

The Private Schools Association J&K, in collaboration with Civil Defence Budgam Thursday organised a day-long session on Basic Life Support (BLS) Training Programme at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall, Budgam.

The programme witnessed the participation of school representatives, drivers, support staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders with the aim of promoting life-saving skills and emergency preparedness.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, emphasized that BLS training was s an essential life skill that empowers ordinary citizens to respond effectively during medical emergencies.

He appreciated the initiative of the PSAJK and Civil Defence Budgam for creating awareness about CPR and emergency response, stating that timely intervention can save countless lives. He urged educational institutions to ensure that such training programmes are conducted regularly.

Earlier, President PSAJK Baba Nazrul Islam delivered the welcome address and highlighted the commitment of PSAJK to promoting safety, health awareness, and disaster preparedness in educational institutions.

He expressed gratitude to Civil Defence Budgam and all collaborating organizations for their support in making the programme successful.

Addressing the gathering, Amara Naseem, Deputy Controller Civil Defence Budgam, stressed the importance of public awareness regarding Basic Life Support, CPR, choking management, and first aid.

She said that Civil Defence remains committed to building a trained and resilient community capable of responding to emergencies before professional medical assistance arrives. Chief Education Officer (CEO) Budgam, Bashir Ahmad, appreciated the initiative and said that teachers, school staff, drivers, and helpers are often the first responders in school emergencies.

He encouraged all educational institutions to actively participate in such training programmes to ensure a safer learning environment for students. State Coordinator,Tariq Hussain Bali, said that awareness and preparedness are the foundation of disaster risk reduction.

He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among educational institutions, government departments, and civil society organizations to strengthen community resilience through continuous capacity-building programmes.

Rahi Riyaz Ahmed Divisional Warden Civil Defence Srinagar and TOT Kashmir, delivered an informative session on BLS and emphasised that every individual should be equipped with the knowledge of CPR, choking management, and emergency response techniques.

He said that immediate and correct action during the first few minutes of an emergency can significantly increase the chances of survival.

He encouraged participants to practice these life-saving skills regularly and share the knowledge within their communities.

In his vote of thanks, Shahnawaz Ahmad District President PSAJK Budgam expressed gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Civil Defence Budgam, CEO Budgam, trainers, organizers, and all participants for their wholehearted support and cooperation.

He reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to organizing more such awareness and capacity-building programmes in the future.

The programme concluded with practical demonstrations of CPR and other BLS techniques by Civil Defence trainers, followed by an interactive session where participants actively engaged with the resource persons. The event received an enthusiastic response and reinforced the importance of equipping communities with essential life-saving skills.

Greater Kashmir

Territorial Army strengthens security, national outreach in J&K: Defence Minister

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Territorial Army strengthens security, national outreach in J&K: Defence Minister

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday hailed the Territorial Army’s contribution to national security and public outreach in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the volunteer force has played an important role in strengthening border security, supporting internal stability and expanding the government’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign in J&K.

Addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi, Singh said the Territorial Army continues to exemplify the concept of the “citizen-soldier”, with volunteers balancing civilian professions while remaining trained and ready to serve alongside the armed forces whenever required.

The minister said the force has evolved into a crucial component of India’s security architecture by providing trained manpower that can be mobilised rapidly during emergencies while also contributing to nation-building initiatives beyond its conventional military role.

“The Territorial Army not only strengthens the country’s defence preparedness but also serves as an important bridge between the armed forces and civil society,” Singh told the committee, noting that personnel return to their civilian occupations after completing their military assignments, carrying with them first-hand experience that inspires greater public participation in national service.

Highlighting its role in J&K, Singh said Territorial Army personnel have actively supported the government’s outreach efforts under the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, helping extend the nationwide initiative across the Union Territory while continuing to discharge operational responsibilities related to border management and internal security.

The minister described the force as a valuable reserve for the regular armed forces, capable of augmenting military operations during periods of heightened security requirements, natural disasters and other national emergencies.

Senior defence officials briefed members of the parliamentary committee on the Territorial Army’s operational mandate, organisational structure and recent achievements, while Members of Parliament offered suggestions aimed at strengthening the force and enhancing its effectiveness.

Singh said the Territorial Army has also emerged as an important contributor to India’s broader development agenda through its involvement in environmental conservation, disaster relief and community welfare programmes.

According to the Defence Minister, the force currently comprises around 44,400 personnel organised into 59 units and has participated in numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across the country, including rescue missions during floods in Assam and Kerala and cyclone response operations in Odisha.

He also highlighted the work of the Territorial Army’s Ecological Task Forces, saying they have planted nearly 100 million saplings across the country while maintaining an estimated 80 to 85 percent survival rate, making a significant contribution to afforestation, ecological restoration and climate change mitigation.

Describing the Territorial Army as a force that combines patriotism with public service, Singh said its unique structure allows ordinary citizens to contribute directly to national security without giving up their civilian careers, thereby reinforcing the connection between society and the armed forces.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State (MoS) Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishvajit Sahay and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.

Greater Kashmir

Inter-department football, table tennis tournaments kick off at KU

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Inter-department football, table tennis tournaments kick off at KU

Srinagar, Aug 6: The Directorate of Physical Education & Sports (DPES), University of Kashmir (KU) on Thursday commenced the Inter-Department Football and Table Tennis Tournaments for Men, marking the beginning of series of sporting events, aimed at identifying emerging talent from across the University campuses and departments.

The tournaments, as per a KU statement, have witnessed an overwhelming response from the teaching departments and satellite campuses of the University. As many as 19 teams are participating in the football tournament, while 15 teams are competing in the table tennis.

The  Inter- Department tournaments are organised with a view to provide students with a competitive platform to showcase their sporting abilities and earn opportunities to represent the University in forthcoming Inter-College, North Zone, and All India Inter-University Championships.

The inaugural Football match was played between the Department of Media Education Research Centre (MERC) and the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies turned out to be a thrilling match. After both teams scored 2 goals each by end of full time, the match was decided through a penalty shootout, where the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies held its nerve to register a 2-1 victory.

In 2nd match, Department of Computer Sciences defeated Department of History by 3 goals to 1.

Director, DPES KU, Prof. Raies Qadri, appreciated the enthusiasm displayed by the students and said that sports play a pivotal role in shaping responsible  citizens and future nation-builders by instilling values of dedication, perseverance, and mutual respect.

Prof. Qadri also highlighted that the remarkable performance of Indian athletes at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has inspired the sporting fraternity across the country.

He further announced that the Directorate will organise a series of inter-department and inter-collegiate tournaments in the coming weeks to provide greater competitive exposure to student-athletes.

The tournaments are being coordinated by Assistant Directors, DPES KU, Dr. Basharat Ali and Tausif Bhat, Football Coach, Sajid Dar, and Sports Assistant,  Surjeet Kour.

Greater Kashmir

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