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J&K Govt notifies rates for PET scans in hospitals

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 22 (NVI): In a significant step towards improving access to advanced medical care services in Jammu and Kashmir, the elected government today announced the official rates for PET scans and CBCT machine charges for all government run hospitals and health institutions of Health and Medical Education department except SKIMS.

As per the government order issued by Health and Medical Education department, the rates per scan/test for,                                                                                                          1.PET Scan Whole Body will be Rs. 10,000,                                                                      2.PET scan Cardiac metabolism is Rs. 4000,                                                                      3.PET guided Biopsy is Rs. 1200,                                                                                    4.PET scan review from outside is Rs. 600                                                                      5. CBCT machine charges is Rs. 1200.

This significant step has been taken by the government with an aim to provide more affordable diagnostic services to patients, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.(News Vibes of India)

KPDCL Raises Alarm Over Surge in Distribution Transformer (DT) Damage

Damaged DT at KPDCL workshop for repairs

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 22(NVI): The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has once again urged consumers to use electricity judiciously to prevent damage to local Distribution Transformers (DTs) and the resultant power outages.

On November 21 alone, 49 DTs were damaged across the Kashmir valley, highlighting a sharp increase in unsanctioned heating loads throughout all divisions of the region.

Expressing concern over the rising rate of DT damage as winter sets in, a KPDCL spokesperson urged domestic consumers to strictly adhere to their sanctioned load limits and avoid using unauthorized heaters and boilers, which are banned by the government. “While 49 DTs were reported damaged on November 21, 32 were damaged on November 20, 37 on November 19, and 40 on November 18,” the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson further clarified that KPDCL’s central workshop in Pampore, along with divisional workshops, is operating in double shifts to repair damaged DTs and restore them to service. “Out of the 158 DTs damaged across the Kashmir valley in the last four days, 143 were repaired and restored during the same period,” he said.

Attributing the rising rate of DT damage and power outages to the widespread use of unauthorized heaters and boilers, as well as illegal hookups to bare conductors in metered areas, the spokesperson stated that KPDCL has intensified its inspection and disconnection drives across all electric divisions in the Kashmir valley to curb power theft.

“On November 21, KPDCL conducted 1484 inspections across all 18 electric divisions, during which 1396 domestic and 514 commercial installations were disconnected for unauthorized power use,” the spokesperson said. He added that the inspection drives will be further intensified on a daily basis across all districts in the Kashmir division.

Anticipating further DT damage during the peak winter months, KPDCL has maintained a buffer stock of 1554 DTs. “We have also kept a reserve stock of DTs to manage any unforeseen damage due to increased load,” the spokesperson said, noting that last year’s buffer stock was pegged at 1412.

Reaffirming KPDCL’s commitment to replacing damaged DTs within the stipulated timelines, the spokesperson clarified, however, that repeat damage to DTs due to unsanctioned loads may lead to longer repair timelines, considering the limited manpower available at KPDCL’s central workshop in Pampore and divisional workshops.   (News Vibes of India)

MP Ruhullah Mehdi Clarifies Stance on Reservation Policy, Focuses on Rationalization

File Photo : MP Aga Ruhullah

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 22(NVI) National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi emphasized that the government is committed to rationalizing the reservation policy, not undermining anyone’s rights. He clarified that any changes would focus on making the system more balanced.

Mehdi explained that the rules of business were still unclear, and the document related to the reservation policy had been sent to the Lieutenant Governor’s office. “Once we receive a response from the LG’s office, decisions will be made accordingly,” he said. He assured that the elected government was addressing matters within its domain seriously and taking necessary actions.

On the issue of merit-based reservations, Mehdi said that it was important to adjust the current system. “I wanted to make it clear that if the government doesn’t act on this, I will join the demand for rationalization and take it up with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure the issue is resolved quickly,” he added.

Regarding the recent fire in the Abi Gurpora area of Dal Lake, Mehdi, along with local MLAs Tanvir Sadiq and Farooq Shah, visited the affected families. He assured that the government is working to support the 26 families whose homes were damaged in the blaze. “Efforts are underway to ensure that all families are rehabilitated before the onset of winter,” he said.   (News Vibes of India)

Cabinet Sub Committee constituted to review Reservation Policy in J&K : Omar Abdullah

File Photo : J&K CM Omar Abdullah

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 22 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that in the Cabinet meeting held in Jammu, a Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) was constituted to review the reservation policy and submit a report in a time-bound period.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Polo view Srinagar, Omar assured that the special status resolution passed in the Assembly has not been rejected. “The resolution is still alive, and the door remains open,” he said. He also emphasized that the government will push for further action once Jammu and Kashmir gets its full statehood back.

On the issue of political prisoners, Omar explained that while the law and order remains under the central government, the state has made efforts to ease the verification process. “Once statehood is restored, we will focus on the release of political prisoners,” he added.

The Chief Minister also shared an update on a new cabinet sub-committee formed to review the reservation policy in light of the Supreme Court’s directives. “The committee will submit a report soon, and we will work on rationalizing the policy,” he stated.

Addressing the recent allegations of torture in Kishtwar, Omar urged the army to conduct a thorough investigation. “If any soldiers are found guilty, they should be court-martialed,” he said, stressing that no deaths had occurred during the incident—(NVI).

J&K Cabinet approved LG address to LA promising constitutional guarantees : Javaid Rana

File Photo : Minister for Forest, Ecology Tribal affairs, Javaid Rana

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 22 (NVI): Senior National Conference leader and Minister for Forest, Ecology Tribal affairs, Javaid Rana today said that the today’s cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah approved the LG Manoj Sinha’s address to the Legislative Assembly and set the 100-days target for fulfilling major promises made in the party manifesto.
“We met in the Cabinet under the leadership of CM Omar.

The LG’s address to the Legislative Assembly was approved by the Cabinet. The address by the LG has promised restoration of Statehood and constitutional guarantees to J&K,” Rana said addressing press conference in Jammu.

He said that the Cabinet also discussed immediate response measures to be taken in case of snowfall. “We are waiting for the snowfall,” he said.
Rana said that the Cabinet also approved the construction of new Legislature Complex in Jammu.

The Minister said that cabinet also decided to set 100-day target for fulfilling major promises made in the poll manifesto. “The election manifesto is now a government document,” he said. “We have completed one month in office and in next two months, major promises will be fulfilled.”

He said the cabinet approved a policy to address the rising unemployment problem in J&K. About reservation policy, the Minister said that cabinet decided to constitute a cabinet- sub committee that would talk to all stakeholders and find a solution.

About special status resolution, the Minister said the resolution has been passed in the Legislative Assembly recently. “Once a resolution is passed in the House, there is no need to debate on that,” he said.

On the return of Kashmiri Pandits, he said even as nothing about this was discussed in today’s meeting, but National Conference government is committed for the dignified return of KPs back to Valley. He said the cabinet resolved to take all sections of the society along. (News Vibes of India)

Mehbooba Mufti Condemns Alleged Torture in Kishtwar, Demands impartial probe

File Photo : Former CM & PDP President Mehbooba Mufti

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 22(NVI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has strongly condemned the alleged torture of civilians in Kishtwar district by the army and has demanded an impartial probe.

She expressed grave concern over the suffering of Sajad Ahmad, Abdul Kabir, Mushtaq Ahmadand Mehraj-ud-Din, residents of Kuath village, who were allegedly summoned to an army camp for questioning and subjected to extreme physical abuse.

According to reports, the victims sustained severe injuries, rendering them unable to walk and requiring assistance to reach a hospital for treatment. The incident has drawn comparisons to similar allegations of human rights violations in Bafliaz, Surankote earlier this year.

In a statement on social media, Mehbooba Mufti said: “Allegations of severe torture have emerged from Kishtwar, taking us back to the disturbing events that took place in Bafliaz Surankote earlier this year. Sajad Ahmad, Abdul Kabir, Mushtaq Ahmad, and Mehraj-ud-Din, all from Kuath village, were summoned to the army camp for questioning where they were allegedly subjected to extreme physical torture.

The victims, left severely injured and unable to walk, had to be carried to the hospital. I urge the UT government to take swift action against those involved to ensure accountability and prevent such heinous human rights violations from recurring.”

The PDP leader has called for an impartial investigation into the matter, demanding that the authorities hold those responsible accountable. She stressed the urgency of ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians, warning that such violations undermine public trust and exacerbate alienation in the region.

Mehbooba Mufti also appealed to civil society and concerned citizens across India to closely monitor the situation and push for justice. She reiterated her party’s unwavering commitment to fighting against injustice and safeguarding the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.                            (News Vibes of India)

Main Accused in 1993 Deoband Bomb Blast case Arrested After 31 Years from Budgam in Kashmir

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 22(NVI): Nazir Ahmed Wani, the prime accused in the 1993 Deoband bomb blast case has been arrested from Budgam district of Central Kashmir after evading capture for 31 years.

The arrest was made on November 17 during a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh(Saharanpur) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Deoband Police team and Kashmir Police in the Budgam district of Kashmir.

Nazir Ahmed Wani, who has been a fugitive for over three decades, was reportedly involved in the bombings that rocked Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, in 1993, causing multiple injuries to two policemen. His arrest marks a significant development in the long-pending investigation into the deadly attack.

After his arrest, Wani was brought before a court in Uttar Pradesh yesterday, where legal proceedings are expected to follow. His capture is seen as a major breakthrough in a case that had remained unsolved for years, with Wani being one of the last remaining key suspects still at large.

Authorities have praised the coordination between the ATS and J&K Police, which led to the successful arrest. This operation is being viewed as part of broader efforts to strengthen counter-terrorism operations and bring long-wanted criminals to justice.

The Deoband bomb blasts had left a deep scar on the community, and the arrest of Wani has brought some relief to the victims’ families, who had long awaited justice.

A police officer from UP confirmed the arrest of Wani stating that he was presented before the court yesterday. “Law will take its own course now”,  he said.

Meanwhile, former DGP J&K, Shesh Paul Vaid wrote on X that:
“The main accused in the 1993 Deoband bomb blasts, Nazir Ahmed Wani, has been arrested from Srinagar in a joint operation by the
@Uppolice
Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and
@JmuKmrPolice
after evading capture for 31 years.”

“Terrorists and hardened criminals often escape the police dragnet due to massive, unfiltered data scattered in silos across the country. This highlights the urgent need for collating such data with the help of AI in a mission-mode approach, as suggested by Home Minister AmitShah two days ago at the Police Science Congress in Gandhinagar, Gujarat,” he said. Vaid also said the Wani was living under five fake names to stay away from police gaze over the last three dcades-. (News Vibes of India)

Two Journalists Booked for False Reporting in Sopore

Representational Image

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 21 (NVI): Police in Sopore have taken action against two media persons, accusing them of spreading false information about a hit-and-run case.

The individuals, identified as Mueeb ul Haq from Sopore and Suhail Khan from Delina, Baramulla, allegedly misrepresented the case as a murder on social media platforms, which police claim had the potential to disrupt public order.

The incident revolves around the hit-and-run of Dr. Azhar Janwari on November 5. He succumbed to his injuries on November 18 at SKIMS. Sopore police identified and arrested the accused driver, Nadeem Badam, who confessed to the offense.

An FIR (No. 238/2024) has been registered under relevant sections, and both journalists have been arrested. Sopore Police emphasized the importance of sharing verified information, urging the public and media to avoid content that may harm peace or hinder investigations.—(News Vibes of India)

Army launches Probe into Alleged Civilian Misconduct in Kishtwar

NVI Correspondent

Kishtwar, Nov 21 (NVI): The army today launched a probe into the alleged civilian misconduct in Kishtwar district of Jammu as the pictures some civilians with serious torture marks went viral.

In a Tweet on Social Media’s X platform, the Army’s White Knight Corps, noted reports of alleging mistreatment of civilians during the operation. “Based on specific intelligence of the move of a group of terrorists in the #Kishtwar Sector, an operation was launched by #RashtriyaRifles on 20 November 2024,” the Tweet of Army’s White Knight Corps read.

It also reads as, there are some reports on the alleged ill treatment of civilians during the conduct of the anti-terrorist operation. “An investigation is being launched to ascertain the facts. Necessary follow up action will be ensured. Further move of the group of terrorists is being monitored,” the army said.

Earlier, pictures of civilians with severe marks of injuries on their faces and buttocks had gone viral on social media.(News Vibes of India)

IGP Kashmir V.K.Birdi Reviews Crime and Security Situation in Bandipora

IGP Kashmir V K Birdi with senior police officers during security review meeting at Bandipora

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 21(NVI): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, visited Bandipora district today to review the region’s crime and security situation.

This visit is part of an ongoing initiative to assess security measures across Kashmir Valley.

“During a meeting at the District Police Lines (DPL) Bandipora, IGP Birdi discussed key security challenges and crime trends with senior officers, including DIG North Kashmir Range Baramulla, Shri Maqsood-Ul-Zaman, and SSP Bandipora, Shri Harmeet Singh Mehta. SSP Mehta briefed the IGP on recent crime patterns and the steps taken to maintain law and order in the district,” reads a statement issued, a copy of which lies with NVI.

It reads as, IGP Birdi emphasized the importance of constant vigilance and urged officers to ensure effective and timely responses to potential threats. He stressed the need to strengthen surveillance on Anti-National Elements (ANEs) to prevent any disturbances.

“As part of his visit, the IGP inspected the Special Operations Group (SOG) camps, underlining the importance of regular training and preparedness of police personnel. He also directed enhanced coordination among security agencies to sustain peace in the district,” reads the statement further.—(News Vibes of India)

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