KISHTWAR: The District Administration Kishtwar has started the arrangements for the upcoming Annual Shree Hudh Mata Trisandhiya Yatra of Dachhan and Shree Singhasani Mata Yatra of Chittoo Paddar, starting on July 8 and July 2, 2024, respectively.

In this regard, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav on Wednesday chaired a joint meeting of line departments and the members of the Managing Committees of the Yatras to discuss the requirement of amenities and other logistics for the convenience of the pilgrims.

The meeting was attended by SSP Abdul Qayoom; CEO Kishtwar Development Authority Dr. Rishi Kumar Sharma; ACD Phulail Singh; AD FSC & CA Shafqat Hussain Keen and other concerned district officers, ExENs, and representatives of the respective Managing Committees.

The members of management committees projected various demands including the up-gradation of the infrastructure and availability of basic amenities like drinking water and uninterrupted power supply, shelters, sanitation and hygiene, transportation and security for the smooth conduct of the twin Yatras.

The management committee members also informed the chair about the dates of commencement of both Yatras and scheduled halts at various locations along the route up to the shrines.

Responding to the issues and needs, the Deputy Commissioner issued necessary directions to the concerned officers and Executive Engineers, asking them to make all arrangements and develop infrastructure at required locations for encumbrance-free pilgrimages, well before the start of the Yatra.

During the meeting, the SSP Kishtwar assured that comprehensive security arrangements and a fool proof traffic management plan will be put in place to ensure the convenience and safety of the pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.

The concerned Executive Engineers and Wildlife authorities assured that the repair work on the bridle paths and wooden bridges at required locations en route to the Bhawan of both Shrines will be completed on priority well ahead of the start of Yatra.

The CEO, Kishtwar Development Authority, assured that an adequate number of logistics will be made available at halt points, including at Shri Gori Shankar Mandir Sarkoot and other base camps during these Yatras to provide a spiritual and devotional experience to the pilgrims.

The KDA will make necessary arrangements for the cleanliness, decoration, and lighting of the Shri Gori Shankar Mandir premises to create a serene ambiance for Yatris during both Yatras.

JPDCL authorities were asked to install additional Hybrid Solar Units at the required halt points en route to the Shree Hudh Mata Yatra.

AD FSC&CA was instructed to ensure the accessibility and availability of ration and fuel in the depots for the convenience of Langar management committees.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was instructed to deploy doctors and paramedical staff during the entire progress of the Yatras.

Furthermore, directions were given for the deployment of the SDRF team at the base camps and Bhawans to ensure emergency response readiness.

The CEO, KDA, and the District Information Officer (DIO) were asked to seize the opportunity and promote the linkage between the Yatra and the tourism potential of these areas through hoardings at designated places.

The DC assured the management committee members that linking Yatra with tourism can be an effective way to promote the tourism destination and attract more visitors. He stressed the importance of identifying the tourist attractions and points of interest in and around the pilgrimage site. This can include historical sites, natural landmarks, cultural events, local markets, and recreational activities.

The Deputy Commissioner also stressed the development of informative materials and engaging content for social media that provide details about the pilgrimage site as well as the nearby tourist attractions.

During the meeting, the DC emphasised the coordinated and collaborative efforts of local administration and Management Committees for the smooth conduct of these Yatra.

#JAMMU: Sitting MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and Dr. Jitendra Singh retained his seats and secured a third consecutive victory in the Lok Sabha seat.

Sharma, who has been an MP since 2014, received 6,87,588 votes, defeating his closest competitor Raman Bhalla, Jammu and Kashmir Congress vice president, by a margin of 1,35,498 votes.

Bhalla, who had also lost to Sharma in the 2019 elections, garnered 5,52,090 votes.

#KATRA : In a significant move to curb tobacco usage and protect public health, the Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, Vishesh Paul Mahajan has announced a complete ban on cigarettes in Katra, effective from August 01, 2024. This announcement was made during a program held in connection with World No Tobacco Day in the holy town of Katra, in Reasi district.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the detrimental effects of tobacco on the youth. “Tobacco usage is severely impacting the lives of our youth, and it is imperative that we take strong measures to safeguard their health and future,” he stated.

In light of these concerns, the Deputy Commissioner has decided to implement a complete ban on cigarettes in Katra and announced that such orders are being issued tomorrow. He further stressed that strict actions will be taken against individuals found smoking in public places, ensuring a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike.

In his address, DDC Vishesh Mahajan highlighted the detrimental effects of drug addiction on individuals, families, and society at large. He emphasized the importance of awareness and enforcement measures in combating the menace. He urged students to stay vigilant and seek help if they or anyone they know is struggling with addiction.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the Reasi district administration to promote public health and well-being. The ban is expected to contribute significantly to reducing tobacco-related illnesses and fostering a smoke-free environment in the holy town of Katra.

The event was aimed to educate and sensitize students about the perils of drug abuse and the importance of making informed choices. District Development Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Mahajan was the Chief Guest.

Commandant Yardum Bunkar, CRPF 06 Battalion, Katra, shared insights on the psychological and physical repercussions of drug abuse. He stressed the significance of a supportive community environment in rehabilitation efforts.

SDM Katra Piyush Dhotra; SP Vipan Chandran; Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Katra, Tehsildar Katra, Assistant Director Tourism Katra, EO Municipal Committee Katra, Principal GHSS, Katra, Block Medical Officer Katra and other senior officers present.

#JAMMU: Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, today virtually inaugurated a two day e-Courts Phase III Regional Cluster Workshop for North Zone, High Court(s), which is being held at J&K Judicial Academy, Srinagar.

The delegates from the High Courts of Delhi, Uttrakhand, Rajasthan and Allahabad along with the High Court of J&K and Ladakh are participating in the workshop which is being presided over by the members of e-Committee, Supreme Court of India and the NIC, Pune team.

 The Chief Justice inaugurated the workshop virtually from Jammu wing of the High Court, in presence of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Chairperson IT, Committee, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Sanjay Dhar & Justice Rahul Bharti, Members, IT Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

Justice Sanjay Dhar graced the occasion in person while other members of the IT Committee along with Justice Vinod Chatterjee Koul, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri & Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani, joined  the event virtually from Jammu Wing of the High Court.

In his inaugural address, the Chief Justice while embarking on the journey of the e-Courts project deliberated as to how it helped in streamlining the management and transition of various facets of judicial dispensation by overcoming various challenges encountered during the journey.

While highlighting the advantages of the technology, Justice Kotiswar emphasized that his addressing the participants in today’s workshop seamlessly through virtual mode and joining of Joint Secretary, Department of Justice, Government of India was made possible only because of technological advancement made in the Judicial infrastructure. He expressed happiness that the fear developed due to intervention of technology was overcome and Justice delivery system has become not only convenient but also transparent and accessible to the common masses with introduction of Case Information System, Digitisation, E-filing, and E-payment etc. The Chief Justice emphasised that Phase III is going to transform the overall Indian Judicial Scenario in the coming days in incredible ways.

In his special address, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Member IT Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, shared the historical perspective of development of e-courts project and hoped that its Phase III will prove to be a boon in the justice delivery system. He lauded the contribution of Justice Badar Durez Ahmad, former Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, for  providing impetus to the e-Courts initiatives both in the High Court and District Judiciary of J&K. He urged the delegates to derive maximum advantage out of the present workshop.

Joint Secretary, Department of Justice, Government of India, P.P Pandey, virtually addressed the inaugural session from New Delhi and complimented all the stakeholders for timely achieving the targets of e-Courts project. He also expressed optimism by stating that phase III of the e-Courts project will bring the Indian Judicial system far ahead in the world so far as the use of technology is concerned. He assured full support of the Department of Justice, Government of India in the execution of the project.

Arulmozhi Selvi, Member (Human Resources) E-Committee, Supreme Court of India, addressing the participants, stated that it was the initiative of the Chief Justice of India, to organise such workshops in different zones of the Country so that the developments in technology and the needs of the Project are brought to the doorstep of the actual stakeholders.

Earlier, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, Y.P.Bourney, presented a formal welcome address.

The proceedings of the event were conducted by Anoop Kumar Sharma, Registrar Computers (IT) cum Central project Coordinator, High Court of J&K and Ladakh who also presented formal vote of thanks.

Other dignitaries and guests who graced the occasion included D.C.Raina, Advocate General, Tahir Shamsi, Deputy Solicitor General, India, Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General, Jawad Ahmad, PDJ, Srinagar, Tasleem Arief, Registrar Vigilance, Rajendra Sapru, Registrar Rules, Sandeep Kour, Registrar Judicial (Jammu), Prem Sagar, Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee, Rajni Sharma, Joint Registrar (Judicial), Jammu and Abdul Bari, Joint Registrar (Judicial), Srinagar.

The event was also live streamed on YouTube channel of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

#JAMMU: In Jammu and Kashmir, the Government today suspended six officials including Motor Vehicle Inspector posted at Regional Transport Officer, Kathua and attached them to the office of Transport Commissioner, J&K Jammu with immediate effect.

As per reports that the move comes after twenty-two pilgrims mainly from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, on way to Shivkhori Shrine in Reasi district were killed and sixty-nine others were injured when the bus, they were travelling in, fell into a deep gorge near Tanda in Akhnoor sub district of Jammu district yesterday. The dead included six children and eight women while the injured also included seventeen children and twenty-nine women.

The Government has initiated an enquiry, and the appointed IO has been directed to conduct in-depth enquiry and submit the report along with recommendations for the conduct/dereliction and non-performance of duties on part of officers/officials within one week’s time positively.

Additional Secretary (Technical), Secretariat of Road Safety Council, J&K, Parmvir Singh is appointed as Inquiry Officer who will conduct in-depth enquiry for non performance of their legitimate duties.

#KATHUA: The election authorities have put in place adequate arrangements for counting of votes for the 4-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency. There are 12 candidates in fray for the Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency.

The counting will be held at Government Degree College Kathua, secured with multi-tier security and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance to ensure a free and fair election process.

Votes from all 18 assembly segments, including Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar, will be counted in dedicated halls assigned to each Assembly Constituency. Additionally, three halls have been designated for the counting of Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) votes.

A total of 225 tables have been set up for the counting process, with three personnel assigned to each table. For ETPBS votes, 60 tables have been designated, also with three persons per table.

Nearly 10,000 staff members will be involved in the counting process, including the transfer of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from the Strong Room to the counting halls. Each table will be supervised by a counting agent, a micro observer, and a supervisor, along with each Assistant Returning Officer (ARO).

CCTV surveillance of the EVM Strong Rooms has been shared with political party representatives since the safe deposit of EVMs after polling.

A Counting Control Room has been equipped with the necessary logistics to compile and update hourly trends throughout the day. The entire process will be executed and monitored under the supervision of Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Returning Officer for the 4-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, who is also the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Kathua.

A fully functional and well-equipped Election Media Centre has been established to facilitate media personnel. The centre features LED screens with DTH connections for continuous news access and WiFi to ensure internet connectivity. Provisions for displaying hourly trends have been made to keep everyone updated with the latest results. Media personnel will have controlled access to the counting process as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.

Meanwhile, the training of all stakeholders to be involved in Counting in votes has been successfully completed on Thursday.

 Returning Officer Dr Rakesh Minhas said that adequate logistics and security arrangements have been made to undertake the Counting of Votes for Parliamentary Constituency. “Besides catering to the necessary human resource and other logistics Food, water, and refreshments will be provided to all individuals involved in the counting process on June 4, ensuring their well-being throughout the day” he added.