Day: April 2, 2024

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SHYAM SOOD 

Nation is proud of its Army. The Govt is committed to facilitate Army in their forward movement: Rajnath Singh.

RAJOURI APRIL 02:–Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday addressed the Indian Army’s apex leadership on the third day of the Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, in New Delhi.
The Defence Minister address was preceded by an address by CDS, COAS, CNS and CAS as also a brief on the ‘Technological Infusion and Absorption Roadmap for Indian Army’ plans.
The Army Commanders’ Conference was conducted in virtual mode on 28th March and thereafter in physical mode on 1st and 2nd April 2024.
During the event, Indian Army’s apex leadership comprehensively deliberated upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus.
The conference also focused on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernisation through indigenisation, induction of Niche technologies and assessment of impact of the various existing global situations.
Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the faith of the billion-plus citizens in the Indian Army as one of the most trusted and inspiring organisations in the country.
He highlighted the stellar role played by the Army in guarding our borders and fighting terrorism apart from aiding the civil administration in every need of hour.
“The Army is present in every domain from Security, HADR, Medical Assistance to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country. The role of the Indian Army is very important in Nation building as also in the overall national development, said Rajnath Singh.
The Defence Minister complimented the Indian Army’s approach on the infusion and absorption of cutting-edge technology & stressed upon the present complex world situation which affects everyone globally.
Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war will be part of the
future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade, and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that Armed Forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies,” Defence Minister. said.
On the current situation along the Northern borders Rajnath Singh said, “While troops are standing firm, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution will continue and disengagement and de-escalation is the way forward”.
He also complimented the efforts of BRO, which has led to the quantum improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working
under difficult conditions.
Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism, however the proxy war by the adversary continues.
“I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in J&K. The synergised operations in the UT of J&K
are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should continue,”. Said Rajnath Singh.
He also paid tributes to all the brave hearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland.
The Defence Minister complimented the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies.
He appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries, including premier educational institutions and thereby progressing towards the aim of ‘Modernisation through Indigenisation’ or ‘Atamnirbharta’.
The government is committed in every manner towards the welfare of the Veterans and the Next of Kin of all categories of Battle Casualties and the nation remains indebted to the sacrifices made by valiant soldiers and their family,” said Rajnath Singh.
“Issues related to “Defence diplomacy, indigenisation, information warfare,
defence infrastructure and force modernisation should always be deliberated upon in such a forum. Doctrinal changes whenever required should be made to make the Armed Forces future ready.,” he said.
“The recommendation and suggestions made by the senior leadership in such a forum as Commanders Conference should be deliberated upon and be taken to a logical conclusion with midcourse review and modification if required,” said the Defence Minister.
“The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitate the Army in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernisation”, he added.

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SHYAM SOOD

Action after proven evidence for receiving consignments through drones from Pak: DGP
Out of 7 identified 3 arrested during the last 24 hours: DGP.
OGWs received & further distributed money, arms, ammunition narcotics etc: DGP.

RAJOURI, APRIL 02:–Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, R.R Swain on Tuesday said that J&K Police have busted a module of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit and have arrested three out of seven identified members-including a wife of already arrested hard core OGW- from Kotranka subdivision of Rajouri district.
It is pertinent to mention here that during the last many months several incidents of dropping of narcotics, cash, arms, ammunitions, IEDs, etc along the LoC from Pakistan through drones have increased.
“All the identified members were involved in receiving and distributing arms, ammunition, explosives, cash, IEDs and narcotics dropped through drones from across the border,” said DGP.
The arrested persons have been identified as Gulshan Naaz wife of notorious arrested and jailed OGW Talib Hussain Shah resident of Draj village (presently at Kotranka), her brother Abid Shah and Imitiaz Ahmed resident of Larkuti (Kotranka) and as per sources his brother is also a terrorist.
Talib Hussain Shah r/o Draj (Kotranka) and self-styled LeT commander was captured by the people at Tuksan Dhok (pasture) in Reasi district in the month of July 2022 along with Faizal Ahmed Dar r/o Pulwama and the police recovered 2 AK-47 rifles, 7 grenades, one pistol and large quantity of ammunition from their possession.
DGP, RR Swain said that the mastermind of the module is Mohd Qasim Gujjar @ Sulliman of Mahore r/o Reasi district and presently operating from Sialkot in Pakistan.
Mohd Qasim has been declared a designated terrorist by the Government of India, and J&K police have announced a Rs ten lakh award on Qasim & a poster was also released.
DGP, RR Swain further said that Qasim is involved in sending arms and explosive material, cash, and narcotics, and is involved in networking in Rajouri and Poonch districts & is also luring people, especially youth to join militancy through VPN & PoIP networking.
DGP appealed to the youth not to fall prey to his (Qasim’s) nefarious design and report any such suspicious activity.
“We have digital and electronic evidence against them (arrested OGWs) as they were in touch with the mastermind in Pakistan. They have also distributed money in lakhs to forward linkages & investigation against them is also going on,” DGP said.
DGP added that after it was proved against these accused persons that they have received & distributed (to forward linkages) consignments dropped through drones from Pakistan, cases were registered against them.
“In a planned manner, a joint team of Jammu Zone police & Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB) raided ten places during the last 24 hours and out of seven identified accused three were arrested in Rajouri district” said DGP.
DGP said that during searches police have also recovered money & investigation is in progress as no satisfactory answer was given by the arrested persons

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RAJOURI, APRIL 02: –Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole, today visited the border district Rajouri to oversee preparations being put in place for the upcoming Parliamentary Polls.

The CEO also assessed the status of District Election team while chairing a review meeting with all the concerned officers. He reviewed arrangements related to the conduct of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the district.

During the meeting, the CEO took stock of key aspects of the election preparations.

District Election Officer Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat, provided a detailed PowerPoint Presentation, elaborating the electoral landscape of the district. With 680 polling stations and a total of 4,84,725 voters, the electoral framework of the district was underlined, emphasizing a gender ratio of 918. Notably, the status of additions and deletions in the electoral roll over the past two years was also elucidated.

The meeting also reviewed the status of all AMFs on the essential facilities ensured at all the polling stations.

The DEO highlighted the completion of physical verification of polling stations, ensuring their readiness for the upcoming elections. It was reaffirmed that adequate resources, including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, manpower besides infrastructure, are in place to facilitate smooth conduct of elections. Additionally, establishment of training centers, dispatch/receipt centers and strong rooms was also discussed to ensure operational efficiency of the district team.

Under the SVEEP initiative, robust voter awareness campaigns are being held to bolster voter turnout and inclusivity. The district SVEEP cell is actively engaged in organizing a myriad of awareness programs to ensure that every eligible voter is empowered to exercise their franchise. The vulnerability mapping revealed that there are 379 vulnerable polling stations in the district, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures to safeguard the electoral process. Additionally, the status of cash seizure by Special Surveillance Teams (SST) and Flying Surveillance Teams (FST) was briefed, which was Rs. 1,254,000.

The Chief Electoral Officer engaged with the AROs and Nodal Officers and sought details of the activities being carried out in the district. Subsequently, the AROs and Nodal Officers provided detailed briefings on the ongoing activities.

All Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) were directed to ensure cleanliness of polling stations within their respective jurisdictions besides ensuring proper accessibility of polling stations, for providing conducive environment for voters to exercise their democratic rights during the upcoming elections.

The Chief Electoral Officer reiterated the paramount importance of strict adherence to guidelines, timelines for the Model Code of Conduct, and robust media monitoring to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process. He also outlined various tasks and duties assigned to the concerned stakeholders encompassing a wide array of responsibilities. He directed the officers to exhibit exemplary commitment, dedication and sincerity while discharging their election duties, recognizing their pivotal role in facilitating free, fair and peaceful elections.

Later, P K Pole visited the Counting Centres and strong rooms established at Government Degree College Rajouri.

The officers who attended the meeting were DIG Rajouri Poonch Range, Tejinder Singh, CO 237 Bn, Ashok Kumar, ADC Rajouri, Rajeev Khajuria, ADC Sunderbani, Rajeev Magotra, ADC Nowshera, Babu Ram Tandan, ADC Kalalakote, Mohammad Tanveer, GM DIC, Fareed Kohli, ASP, Abdul Majid Basu, ACR, Mohammad Jhangir Khan, ACP, Sheraz Chowhan, DDE, Zaheer Kaifi, Dy DEO, Shakeel Mir, SDM Thanamandi, Abid Hussain, CPO, Maqsood Ahmed, DSEO, Sandeep Sharma, CAO, Sohan Singh, DPO, Mohammad Nawaz Choudhary, DSWO, Wakeel Ahmed Bhatt, ARTO, Pawan Kumar and other concerned officers.

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RAJOURI APRIL 01:–In a surprising development members of various contractor associations locked the offices of Superintending Engineer (SE) PWD(R&B) Circle Rajouri and Executive Engineer PWD(R&B) Rajouri for non-payments of their works bills before the closing of the current financial year.
Contractors alleged that despite the functioning/operational of treasuries on 29th March, contractors’ payments were put on hold as the government failed to release the required funds.
Contractors also alleged that the Government has violated its own order here at Rajouri because the District Treasury Office only accepted claims till 2 pm on March 27 instead March 29 till 4 pm as per government order.
UT Government vide its order (No.103-Fof 2024 dt 19/3/2024) said that last date/time for receipt of claims for disbursement at treasury for the financial year 2023-24 shall be 29th March 2024 at 4 pmpm.
Contractors further alleged that as per Finance Department directions bills worth crores of rupees were duly submitted in the treasuries by 4 pm on March 29 but maximum payments have not been made by the Finance Department.
Due to non-payment of the bill’s contractors, especially small-scale contractors, have faced huge financial loss due to insensitive and irresponsible acts of the government.
The contractors here at Rajouri didn’t allow the offices of SE & Executive Engineer PWD(R&B) to function for the whole day and the employees were forced to sit outside the offices.
None of the senior district officers, including Deputy Commissioner came to listen to the grievances of the contractors and even SE & ExEn skipped from the spot.
Former Minister, Ch. Zulfikar Ali has appealed to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene in this matter.
In a post on x Ch Zulfikar Ali said: “Contractors in Rajouri in particular  J&K in general are being denied payment despite completing projects. As it is they have to secure huge loans from banks to fulfil tender conditions. Yet despite completing works on multiple projects their payments are withheld under one pretext or another thereby causing great distress to these families. Not to forget Eid too is just around the corner.”.
Mehbooba Mufti has also appealed to Lt Governor to intervene.
Rajouri contractors’ community has warned the UT Government to halt all the ongoing projects if their payments for the completed works were not released soon.