Kupwara, Dec 20: A viral video showing a patient being shifted on a trolley from the Associated District Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, to the market area for a CT scan triggered widespread concern and criticism on social media on Wednesday.

Responding to the incident, the Medical Superintendent of the Associated District Hospital, GMC Handwara, addressed a press conference on Thursday and refuted allegations of negligence levelled by sections of the media and on social platforms. He said the hospital’s CT scan machine had become non-functional due to a software-related issue, following which the patient was advised to undergo the scan at SDH Kupwara or GMC Baramulla.

The Medical Superintendent stated that despite being informed of the alternatives, the patient’s attendants opted to take the patient outside the hospital premises on a trolley after learning that CT scan services were available at a nearby private diagnostic centre. “Our security guard repeatedly requested them not to take the hospital trolley outside, but they did not comply and moved towards the market area,” he said.

He further informed that an internal inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the incident and ascertain the facts. Meanwhile, a Junior Resident Doctor has been placed under suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry, he added.

The incident has once again raised concerns over healthcare infrastructure at the hospital, even as the administration maintained that standard protocols were followed and the matter is under internal review.

Srinagar, Dec 20: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday said that Kashmiri artisans deserve immense appreciation for preserving the region’s centuries-old craft traditions while creatively blending them with modern aesthetics.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Pheran Day – Jashn-e-Chillai Kalan celebrations held at Kashmir Haat, Srinagar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Div Com said the event also marked the 40th anniversary of Kashmiri Artisans’ Day, a milestone that highlights the continuing vibrancy of the Valley’s traditional craftsmanship.

“The traditional attire of Kashmir and our handicrafts are a reflection of our warmth and aesthetics. All the artisans who are with us today deserve a lot of credit for keeping this legacy alive while adapting to changing times,” the divisional commissioner Garg said.

He congratulated the Department of Handicrafts and Handlooms for organising regular initiatives to promote local artisans, including three-day festivals, New Year artisan events, and new marketing platforms. “The department has been proactive in giving artisans exposure and opportunities, especially ahead of the winter and tourist seasons,” he said, adding that the administration is working on the “local for local” concept to strengthen Kashmir’s craft economy.

Inviting visitors to witness the two-day exhibition at Kashmir Haat, he said such events not only celebrate Kashmir’s heritage but also help artisans connect directly with buyers and tourists.

The Divisional Commissioner also extended greetings for the upcoming festival season and briefed on the administration’s winter preparedness, noting that the ‘Integrated Command and Control Centre’ and district-level control rooms are working round the clock. “All DCs have established control rooms in their districts and nodal officers are deployed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, snow clearance, and essential services,” he said.

Garg also issued a fire safety advisory, urging residents to remain cautious during winters. “We have seen many fire incidents in recent weeks. People should audit their winter appliances and ensure electric devices are turned off when not in use to avoid unfortunate incidents,” he said.

Jammu, Dec 20: Security forces have intensified anti-terror operations across the Jammu region following intelligence inputs about a possible infiltration attempt by terrorists from across the border amid dense fog, officials said on Saturday.

Search operations by police, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Army personnel are underway at various locations near the International Border (IB) in Kathua, Samba, Jammu and Rajouri districts, besides the Chatroo forest belt in Kishtwar, they said.

According to intelligence inputs, movement of suspected terrorists has been reported at launch pads along the border opposite Hiranagar, Ghagwal, Ramgarh and Akhnoor areas in the Kathua-Samba-Jammu sector over the past two days, officials said.

To counter a possible infiltration attempt, search and cordon operations are on in Bobiya border outpost, Tappan, Mareed, Paharpur, Pansar, Maniyari, Tarnah Nallah, Bein Nallah, Kishanpur Kandi, Chak Chabbey, Dolka Samyal, and Rukh-e-Sarkar areas in Kathua district.

Besides, security forces are conducting search operations at Babar Nallah, Paloora, Treyal, Mansar, and Chilla Danga in Samba, and Pragwal and adjoining areas in Akhnoor sector, they added.

According to officials, the searches are also part of area domination in view of the prevailing harsh weather conditions accompanied by dense fog cover.

Security forces have also intensified search operations in Rajouri district to thwart any infiltration bid by terrorists, officials said, adding that four grenades were recovered during one of the combing operations on Friday.

In Kishtwar district, security forces conducted searches in over a dozen forest villages for the second day on Saturday after locals reported movement of suspected terrorists.

However, there has been no contact with any suspects so far, they said, adding that the anti-terror operation was ongoing when last reports were received.

Srinagar, Dec 20: Locals from Brain Nishat in Srinagar outskirts have filed an application before the National Green Tribunal alleging that the authorities have begun clearing land and marking trees for the proposed establishment of a Battalion Camping Site for several CRPF battalions inside an ecologically fragile area adjoining Dachigam National Park.

The plea states that around 1324 kanals of land identified for the project fall within the Brain Nishat Conservation Reserve, a notified protected zone under the Wildlife Protection Act. The land also forms part of the catchment of Dal Lake and is categorised as a Green Belt under the Srinagar Master Plan 2035, where construction activity is prohibited.

According to the applicants, thousands of green standing trees, including protected walnut and willow species, face the risk of felling despite restrictions under the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969. They claim that on-ground demarcation work has already begun and that these actions violate environmental safeguards and the Public Trust Doctrine affirmed by the Supreme Court.

The petition as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, highlights that the reserve acts as an important wildlife corridor for critically endangered Hangul, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Grey Langur and Leopard. It further alleges that no seismic, ecological or carbon footprint assessment has been carried out before the initiation of work in the highly sensitive Zabarwan foothills.

The locals maintain that they are not opposed to the establishment of security infrastructure but insist that such facilities should be set up at locations that do not threaten fragile ecosystems. [KNT]

Srinagar, Dec 20: The Anti Corruption Bureau arrested a Patwari in the Sofannaman area of Shopian after he was allegedly caught accepting a bribe from a client. Officials identified the accused as Ashiq Hussain Shah of Turkawangam, Shopian.

According to officials, the action followed a complaint that the Patwari had demanded illegal gratification in exchange for performing an official duty. Acting on the inputs, the ACB laid a trap and apprehended him while he was allegedly receiving the bribe. He was taken into custody on the spot.

Officials said a case has been registered under the relevant provisions of law. Investigators are examining whether the accused was involved in similar acts earlier. The ACB reiterated that it will continue to act against corruption and encouraged the public to report such incidents without hesitation. [KNT]

Jammu, Dec 19: Senior railway officials on Friday conducted an intensive inspection of railway bridges on the Jammu–Pathankot section in the Jammu division to assess passenger safety, facilities and the status of ongoing development work, officials said.

Two key railway bridges on the Jammu–Pathankot track suffered extensive damage during heavy rains and floods in August–September this year.

A team led by Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu Division, Vivek Kumar carried out a detailed inspection of stations and railway sections to review safety measures, passenger amenities and restoration work, a spokesperson of the Jammu railway division said.

As part of the visit, Kumar conducted a surprise inspection of the railway section between Jammu and Pathankot Cantonment, the spokesperson said.

During the inspection, railway bridge number 17, located between Kathua and Madhopur, and railway bridge number 137, located between Ghagwal and Hiranagar, were thoroughly examined, he said. Senior officers of the division were also present during the inspection.

The main objective was to review the progress of repair and restoration work on the bridges damaged by recent rains to ensure the early resumption of full train operations, the PRO said.

Prioritising passenger safety, the railway administration had already initiated repair work, which is progressing smoothly, he added.