GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

Day: May 23, 2025

  • Rajouri Police crack murder case within 48 hours; wife among family members arrested.

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    SHYAM SOOD 

    **The deceased was known for alcohol abuse and domestic volence.

    RAJOURI MAY 23:-Rajouri police have solved a blind murder case within 48 hours of the crime and have reportedly arrested three members of the deceased’s family, including his wife (names withheld).
    On Tuesday morning, the badly mutilated body of one Parshotam Lal, son of Amarnath, was found near his house in the Kaga hamlet of Khawas tehsil, in the Koteranka subdivision.
    Although the police have not released an official statement, a senior officer disclosed that Parshotam Lal had a long-standing addiction to alcohol and would frequently cause disturbances at home under its influence.
    A laborer by profession in Katra, Parshotam would occasionally return home and reportedly spend all his earnings on alcohol. According to local residents, whenever his family tried to intervene, he would physically abuse them. This pattern of behavior had reportedly continued for several years. He was also known to get into altercations with people outside the home while intoxicated.
    On Monday evening, Parshotam allegedly consumed alcohol again and created a scene at home. When his family attempted to restrain him, he became violent, prompting them to take an extreme step. The accused family members reportedly tied him with a rope and killed him using a sharp weapon. They then wrapped the body in a bedsheet and dumped it near the house.
    The police have arrested the family members involved and seized the weapon used in the murder, along with the rope and the bedsheet.

  • After Poonch ; TMC delegation Visits Rajouri, meets grieving families.

    After Poonch ; TMC delegation Visits Rajouri, meets grieving families.

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    SHYAM SOOD 

    RAJOURI MAY 23:-After a day-long visit to Poonch to assess the loss of lives and damage to infrastructure due to indiscriminate shelling by the Pakistan Army, a five-member team from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) visited Rajouri on Friday. The delegation toured the affected areas and met with the injured at the Associated Hospital, GMC Rajouri.
    The TMC delegation included MPs Derek O’Brien, Sagarika Ghose, and Mohammad Nadim-ul-Haque, West Bengal Minister Manas Bhunia, and former parliamentarian Mamata Thakur. The visit was part of their three-day tour of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
    At least 20 people were killed and over 70 injured between May 8 and 10 during heavy shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), following India’s launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’ to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
    At GMC Rajouri, the delegation met with injured civilians, listened to their accounts, and assured them of ongoing support and solidarity.
    “We met Imtiaz Ahmed, who lost his hand; we saw 14-year-old Arfa, who lost her leg; and many others. Twenty-six injured individuals were brought to GMC, along with three deceased. The doctors, under the supervision of Principal AS Bhatia, provided the best available treatment. We salute them,” said Sagarika Ghose and other delegation members.
    The team also paid respects at the residence of late Additional Deputy Commissioner Raj Kumar Thappa, who was killed when a Pakistani artillery shell struck his home in Rajouri.
    The delegation members expressed their determination to raise the plight of the border residents in Parliament. “We are returning with heavy hearts after witnessing the devastation caused by Pakistani shelling,” they stated.
    “We witnessed the pain, suffering, and loss endured by the families in Poonch. This has been a journey of sympathy, empathy, and solidarity,” they added.
    Sagarika Ghose emphasized that people living in border areas are among the most vulnerable and often the most neglected. She criticized the government, alleging that local communities in these regions are being overlooked.
    “People from all communities have suffered. We stand with them—the people of Bengal stand with them—and so does the entire country,” said Ghose.

  • Faculty of Forestry Celebrates International Biodiversity Day 2025

    Faculty of Forestry Celebrates International Biodiversity Day 2025

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    SHAKIR BHAT 

    SRINAGAR MAY 23:-The Faculty of Forestry, Benhama, Ganderbal, under the esteemed guidance of Prof. A.H. Mughal (Dean, Faculty of Forestry), proudly commemorated International Biodiversity Day 2025 with a vibrant and engaging celebration on May 22. This year’s global theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” underscored the critical role of collective efforts in combating biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems.

    The event brought together students, researchers, and faculty members to promote awareness and action for biodiversity conservation. A variety of interactive sessions including debates, quizzes, poetry and painting competitions, and a biodiversity photography exhibition showcased the richness of flora and fauna.

    The programme commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Sabeena Nabi (Programme Coordinator) and Dr. Tahir (Co-Coordinator), followed by active participation from division heads, faculty, and students. Spearheading the event, Prof. P.A. Khan delivered a compelling address emphasizing sustainable practices and the pivotal role of academic institutions in leading biodiversity preservation.

    Students enthusiastically took part in several creative and educational activities, reflecting their commitment to eco-consciousness and environmental stewardship. The event concluded with a heartfelt pledge ceremony, where attendees reaffirmed their dedication to protecting the planet’s natural heritage.

    The programme was skillfully anchored by Ms. Madiha (Ph.D. Scholar), Ms. Vineeqa Pandita (UG Student), and Mr. Shahzaib Ajaz (UG Student). The event was beautifully captured by Mr. Suhail from the ACT, Faculty of Forestry.

    This celebration not only highlighted the richness of life on Earth but also reinforced the shared responsibility to safeguard it for future generations.

  • Islamic Scholars Pay Homage to Martyr Dr. Raj Kumar Thappa ; Religious leaders express solidarity with bereaved family, recall officer’s public service Legacy

    Islamic Scholars Pay Homage to Martyr Dr. Raj Kumar Thappa ; Religious leaders express solidarity with bereaved family, recall officer’s public service Legacy

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    LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

    RAJOURI, MAY 23 :-A delegation of prominent Islamic scholars from Rajouri paid a heartfelt visit to the family of Late Dr. Raj Kumar Thappa, the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) who was martyred in cross-border shelling on May 10 in Rajouri.

    The scholars extended their condolences and expressed solidarity with the grieving family, emphasizing that the people of Rajouri stand united in mourning the loss of the dedicated officer.

    During their interaction with the family, the religious leaders reflected on Dr. Thappa’s commendable service in Rajouri, highlighting his commitment to public welfare and his proactive role in addressing local issues.

    The delegation included noted scholars Dr. Maulana Nisar Ahmed Qazi Nadvi, Mufti Abdul Rahim Asmi, Mufti Mohammed Tayyab Qasmi, Maulana Mohammed Tanvir Qasmi, Qari Mohammed Tariq, Mufti Abdul Shakoor Nadvi, and Maulana Nadeem Iqbal Saqib.

    Their visit was a symbol of communal harmony and collective grief shared by the people of the region for an officer remembered not just for his position, but for his service and humanity.

  • Delhi government issues advisory to hospitals amid rising COVID-19 cases

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    NEW DELHI MAY 23:-In view of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in various parts of the country, the Delhi government has issued an advisory directing all hospitals to ensure preparedness for the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines.

    The advisory urged all health institutions to send positive samples for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital to facilitate early detection of any new variants.

    “In view of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, it is reiterated that all medical directors, medical superintendents, administrators of all government and private hospitals should ensure hospital preparedness in terms of availability of beds, oxygen, antibiotics and other drugs and vaccines,” it said.

    It also said that all the equipment, such as ventilators, BiPAP, oxygen concentrators, psa et, etc., must be in functional condition and refresher training of dedicated staff must be conducted.

    The advisory said that Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in all health facilities (OPD/IPD) must be reported daily on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.

    Additionally, confirmed influenza and COVID-19 cases may also be reported on the IHIP under the L form. All parameters must be reported daily on the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal.

    The advisory called for adequate testing as per the COVID-19 testing guidelines and to ensure COVID-19 testing of 5 per cent ILI cases and 100 per cent SARI cases. ICMR guidelines for testing are attached.

    It also asked to send all positive COVID-19 samples for Whole Genome Sequencing to LokNayak Hospital so as to enable timely detection of new variants, if any and share the number of samples sent for WGS with the State Surveillance Unit.
    “Respiratory etiquette is being followed, including wearing a mask on hospital premises and in health facilities,” it said further.

    As of May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257 — a very low figure considering the country’s large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required.
    The country also has a robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR.

    The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health.

    While COVID-19 is now considered another type of viral infection, basic precautions such as hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded areas and avoiding unnecessary gatherings are still encouraged, the statement said.–(ANI)

  • VHP, Bajrang Dal Unit Rajouri Extend Support to Victim of Cross-Border Shelling in Rajouri

    VHP, Bajrang Dal Unit Rajouri Extend Support to Victim of Cross-Border Shelling in Rajouri

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    LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

    RAJOURI MAY 23:-In a gesture of solidarity and swift humanitarian outreach, a delegation from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal unit Rajouri visited the home of Vikram, a resident of Mubarakpura in Rajouri, whose house was recently damaged in cross-border shelling.

    The delegation, led by VHP State president Rajesh Gupta, included regional general secretary Abhishek, deputy secretary Karan Singh, organizational secretary Rajinder, and Bajrang Dal regional co-ordinator Kartik Abdullah they were joined by local leaders including District President Kewal Sharma, District General Secretary Gourav Mahajan, District Cashier Deepak Sapotra, District Secretary Anil Verma, and City President Pankaj Chandan.

    The team assessed the the damage to Vikram’s residence and assured full support to the affected family, which includes specially-abled members. On the directives of the VHP’s provincial leadership, the district unit provided essential materials to assist in recovery efforts.

    “This act is a reflection of our core values. The VHP stands firmly with society in every difficult situation,” one of the leaders remarked during the visit.

    The visit underscored the organization’s commitment to aiding communities during times of crisis, particularly those impacted by regional conflicts.

  • DC Rajouri conducts Surprise inspection of Urban Health Training Centre, Tehsil Office Rajouri; Stresses on Service-Oriented Governance

    DC Rajouri conducts Surprise inspection of Urban Health Training Centre, Tehsil Office Rajouri; Stresses on Service-Oriented Governance

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    RAJOURI, MAY 23:– To strengthen public services delivery and reinforce accountability in the district administration, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma today conducted surprise inspections of the Urban Health Training Centre located at Town Hall and the Tehsil Office.

    During his visit to the Urban Health Training Centre, the Deputy Commissioner took a comprehensive review of the functioning of the facility and assessed the quality of services being provided to the public. Expressing concern over punctuality and the standard of service delivery, he directed the staff to maintain strict discipline and ensure that patients receive timely and quality healthcare.

    Emphasizing the need to bolster healthcare services at the grassroots level, he stated, “We are here to serve the people. Every official must remember that our prime responsibility is to ensure public welfare through responsive and transparent administration.”

    *As an immediate impact of the visit, two intern doctors were deployed at the Urban Health Training Centre on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner to strengthen the healthcare delivery mechanism and ensure adequate medical support for visiting patients.*

    Later in the day, the Deputy Commissioner also visited the Tehsil Office Rajouri to assess the functioning of various sections. Interacting with the officials, he underscored the importance of dedication, efficiency, and the timely redressal of public grievances. He urged the staff to adopt a proactive approach and work with sincerity and commitment.

  • JKRCEEA Urges Immediate Restoration of Reservation in Promotion in Light of Supreme Court Orders

    JKRCEEA Urges Immediate Restoration of Reservation in Promotion in Light of Supreme Court Orders

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    JAMMU MAY 23:-The J&K Reserved Categories Electrical Engineers Association (JKRCEEA) strongly appeals to the administration of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to immediately restore reservation in promotion for reserved category employees, as mandated by various constitutional amendments, Supreme Court judgments, J&K High Court ,CAT Jammu as well as Srinagar bench orders and statutory laws.

    While addressing the media in Jammu, Legal Advisor JKRCEEA Shashi Bhushan Thappa and Advocate Anwar Chaudhary , advocate Parvez Ahmed Choudhary, Mohd Akram Choudhary said, In 2015, the Division Bench of the Hon’ble High Court of J&K struck down reservation in promotion under the Reservation Act 2004 and Rules 2005 in the Ashok Kumar Sharma & Others vs State of J&K case. This judgment was stayed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in multiple tagged Special Leave Petitions (SLPs), including those filed by Mohammad Hanief Lone, Gagan Jyoti, judiciary officers, and engineers in Nasib singh vs State of J&k SLP. The Supreme Court allowed promotions for reserved category employees, subject to eligibility and availability of vacancies.

    Despite clear legal backing, certain officers in the Law and General Administration Departments misled the Executive Heads, resulting in the non-restoration of promotion reservations. In 2019, the President of India extended the 77th Constitutional Amendment to J&K through a Presidential Order, rendering the High Court’s 2015 judgment infructuous. Post the abrogation of Article 370 and enactment of the J&K Reorganization Act 2019, the Reservation Act 2004 remained fully applicable to the UT, yet reservation in promotion remained withheld.

    Further, GAD Circular No. 10-JK(GAD) of 2021 introduced an illogical policy on reserved slots that was challenged and quashed by the Hon’ble Central Administrative Tribunal benches in Jammu and Srinagar. The Hon’ble High Court of J&K and Ladakh, in Mohammad Jamal Sheikh & King Kumar vs J&K UT (judgment dated 06-03-2025), also directed the government to promote reserved category employees on their respective slots based on quantifiable data and barred further promotions unless this is ensured.inspite of filling vacant reserved category slots, Govt. is making placement/ incharge promotions to deprive the reserved categories employees from promotions.

    Adding to this, the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s judgment in Jarnail Singh & Others vs Lachhmi Narain Gupta & Others (28-01-2022) restored reservation in promotion nationwide, directing all governments to collect quantifiable data and implement reservation accordingly. Following this, most states and UTs complied—except J&K, which continues to deny promotions under the false pretext of pending litigation.

    JKRCEEA calls for accountability against those officers in GAD and Law Department responsible for misleading the administration and causing injustice to lakhs of SC/ST/OBC employees, who comprise nearly 50% of J&K’s government workforce. Departments issuing “look-after” and “staff gap” promotions are in direct contempt of the High Court’s rulings and must immediately cease such practices.

    We urge His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Hon’ble Chief Minister (when appointed), Hon’ble Members of Parliament, Chief Secretary, and all MLAs from reserved categories to intervene decisively. It is imperatives that reservation in promotion be restored immediately in compliance with constitutional, legal, and judicial mandates to uphold the rights of marginalized communities in the Union Territory.

  • TMC Delegation Visits Poonch, meets grieving families, assesses ground situation.

    TMC Delegation Visits Poonch, meets grieving families, assesses ground situation.

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    SHYAM SOOD

    **Delegation to submit report to Mamata Banerjee on possible cooperation with J&K Government

    RAJOURI MAY 22:-A five-member delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), West Bengal, visited Poonch to express solidarity with families affected by recent cross-border shelling. The team also met those who lost loved ones in the attacks.
    The delegation comprised Derek O’Brien, MP and Parliamentary Party Leader, Rajya Sabha; Mohammad Nadimul Haque, Chief Whip, Rajya Sabha; Manas Ranjan Bhunia, Minister, Government of West Bengal; Sagarika Ghose, Deputy Leader, Rajya Sabha; and Mamata Thakur, MP, Rajya Sabha.
    The visit aimed to assess how the Mamata Banerjee-led government in Bengal could potentially collaborate with the Jammu and Kashmir Government in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
    “We met the families of those killed in Pakistani shelling during the war. The families are grieving,” said Derek O’Brien, describing the day as emotional for all the members.
    The delegation first visited the family of martyr Army officer Amarjeet Singh (52), who was killed on the morning of May 8 while attempting to move his family to a safer location. The team met his father, wife, and two children to offer condolences and solidarity.
    “We met the bereaved families, offered our condolences, and assured them that their voices will not go unheard,” said the TMC leaders.
    The delegation also visited Christ School, which was directly hit by shelling and claimed the lives of twin siblings, Zayn Ali and Zoya. The children were critically injured along with their father, Ramees Khan, as they were fleeing the school when a shell landed nearby. The twins died on the spot, while Khan remains under treatment in a Jammu hospital and is reportedly unaware of the tragedy.
    Another student from the school, Vihan Bhargava, was killed near a petrol pump in the area. The school’s bunker, a refuge for many residents, was also damaged by the shelling.
    Residents informed the delegation that the intensity of the shelling was unprecedented.
    The TMC leaders also visited Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom, a religious and educational institution (madrasa), where they met Hazrat Maulana Saeed-e-Habib, the deputy head (Naib Mohtamim), and extended their condolences over the death of teacher Maulvi Qari Iqbal in the attack.
    Several residents raised the urgent demand for the construction of more bunkers to ensure safety during future incidents.
    The TMC delegation is expected to visit Rajouri on Friday to meet with families of victims from that district.