Tag: Jammu and Kashmir

5.9MN Tonnes Lithium Deposits Found In J-K

5.9MN Tonnes Lithium Deposits Found In J-K

By LokMarg

The Union Government on Thursday said that 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves have been found for the first time in the country in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in EV batteries.
“Geological Survey of India for the first time established Lithium inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Ministry of Mines said on Thursday.

It further that 51 mineral blocks including Lithium and Gold were handed over to respective state governments.

“Out of these 51 mineral blocks, 5 blocks pertain to gold and other blocks pertain to commodities like potash, molybdenum, base metals etc. spread across 11 states of Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana,” the ministry added.

The blocks were prepared based on the work carried out by GSI from field seasons 2018-19 to till date.

Apart from these, 17 reports of Coal and Lignite with a total resource of 7897 million tonnes were also handed over to the Ministry of Coal.

Seven Publications on different themes and intervention areas in which GSI operates were also released during the meeting.

“The proposed Annual Programme for the ensuing Field Season 2023-24 was presented and discussed during the meeting. During the ensuing year 2023-24, GSI is taking up 966 programmes comprising 318 mineral exploration projects including 12 marine mineral investigation projects,” the ministry further said.

The Geological Survey of India has formulated 115 projects on strategic and critical minerals and 16 projects on fertiliser minerals.

“55 programmes on geoinformatics, 140 programmes on fundamental and multidisciplinary geosciences, and 155 programs for training and institutional capacity building have also been taken up,” the Mines ministry stated.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was established in 1851 to find coal deposits for the Railways. Over the years, GSI has not only grown into a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country but has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisation of international repute.

Its main functions relate to creating and updating of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment. These objectives are achieved through ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geoscientific, geo-technical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies, glaciology, seismo-tectonic study and carrying out fundamental research.

GSI’s chief role includes providing objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy-making decisions, and commercial and socio-economic needs. (ANI)

Read More:http://13.232.95.176/

Twin Blast In Jammu

Nine Injured In Twin Blast In Jammu; Army Team Visits Site

By LokMarg

Nine people got injured in the twin blast, that took place in Jammu’s industrial area- Narwal– on Saturday morning, officials said.

“Nine people have been injured and all of them are being monitored and needed medical interventions are been done,” Government Medical College and Hospital Authorities said.

Senior officials of the Army and Security Impact Analysis (SIA) teams also reached the site of the incident.

Earlier in the day, additional director general of police (ADGP) Jammu Zone Mukesh Singh said that twin blasts occurred in the Narwal area of Jammu.

This comes at a time when Rahul Gandhi is in the Union Territory for Bharat Jodo Yatra.

“We have the information of two blasts and we are investigating the matter. Any further revelations would be shared,” said Shakti Pathak, DIG Jammu on the site.

Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off and security has been enhanced. Vehicles are also being checked as part of a search operation.

The Forensics team collected samples from Narwal in Jammu as a part of their investigation.

“2 weeks before yatra began, I met Jammu and Kashmir LG and all our leaders in UT are in constant touch with the security personnel. It is their responsibility to take care of such incidents. Bharat Jodo yatra will continue no matter what,” said KC Venugopal, Cong General Secretary on the blasts.

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha also strongly condemned the blasts that have taken place in the Narwal area this morning. Senior police officials briefed the Lt Governor about the blast and on the state of the investigation. He called for urgent steps to identify and take action against those responsible.

“Such dastardly acts highlight the desperation and cowardice of those responsible. Take immediate and firm action. No efforts should be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the Lt Governor told the security officials.

LG Manoj Sinha also announced a relief of Rs 50,000 to those injured in the incident. The Lt Governor said that the administration would ensure the best possible treatment and extend every help required by the families.

Sheralli, an eyewitness of the blast, while narrating the harrowing incident said, “We were sitting inside a shop at that time of the blast. The car blew up and parts of it fell near the shop. A person was hit by one of those parts. The other blast took place half an hour later at some distance. Initially, people thought that it was a gas blast in the car but it sounded bigger than that. It was an SUV car and the mechanics were repairing it. “People are in panic now,” she added. (ANI)

Read More:http://13.232.95.176/

Congress supporters

J-K Congress spokesperson resigns ahead of Bharat Jodo Yatra

By LokMarg

Jammu and Kashmir Congress spokesperson Deepika Pushkar Nath has resigned from the party after its state unit “allowed” former BJP leader and minister Choudhary Lal Singh to join Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra which is scheduled to enter the union territory on January 20.

Nath resigned from the party on Tuesday. Taking to Twitter, Nath said that she is leaving the party on ideological grounds as Singh was responsible for “sabotaging” the 2018 Kathua rape case by “brazenly defending” the rapists of an eight-year-old nomadic girl.
“In view of Choudhary Lal Singh’s proposal of joining Bharat Jodo Yatra and Congress allowing the same, I am left with no other option but to resign from Congress. Lal Singh was responsible for sabotaging the Kathua rape case in 2018 by brazenly defending rapists,” she tweeted.

“Lal Singh divided the entire region of Jammu & Kashmir to protect the rapists and @bharatjodo is ideologically opposite. On ideological grounds, I cannot share the party platform with such a person,” she further tweeted mentioning Rahul Gandhi.

Notably, when the People’s Democratic Party came into collation with the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh was forced by then chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to resign as forest minister.

Bharat Jodo Yatra will enter Jammu and Kashmir on January 19 where Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah Sanjay Raut, MY Tarigami, Mehbooba Mufti will join the yatra at different locations. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

34 Naxals Surrender In Chhattisgarh, 4 Having Bounty Of Rs 1L

Rajouri Attack: One More Succumbs At Hospital, Toll Reaches 7

By LokMarg

One more civilian succumbed to his injuries taking the number of killed persons up to seven in two separate firing incidents that took place in the Dhangri area of Rajouri district, officials said on Sunday.

The deceased identified as Prince undergoing treatment died at Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu.
Notably, six civilians including two children were killed and many more injured in two terror attacks in Upper Dangri village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district last Sunday evening and Monday morning.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army on Sunday said that the security forces have neutralized two terrorists involved in the attack.

“On Saturday, around 8 PM, the alert troops of Indian Army deployed on the border fence in Balakot (District Poonch), observed suspicious movement ahead of the border fence and subsequently neutralized two terrorists,” Indian Army said.

The official further said that the area has been cordoned off and operations are in progress.

Six civilians including two children were killed and many more injured in two separate terror attacks in Upper Dhangri village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district in subsequent evening and morning incidents.

Central Reserve Police Force jawans have also been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri.

After the killing incident on January 1, the locals of the Dhangri village demanded the deployment of forces to boost security in the area.

The Union Home Ministry had issued an order to deploy an additional 18 companies to Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the civilian killings in the two terror attacks in the Rajouri district.

While four people were gunned down on January 1 evening, two children were killed and several others injured after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast occurred in the same vicinity in Rajouri’s Upper Dhangri village on January 2 morning.

The injured were being treated in Jammu hospital. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act 2019

LeT’s Member Arbaz Ahmad Mir Declared As Terrorist

By LokMarg

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) member Arbaz Ahmad Mir as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 for his involvement in targeted killings in Jammu and Kashmir, including a female teacher Rajni Bala.

The MHA made the announcement through a late Friday night notification, stating that Mir, who belongs to Jammu and Kashmir, is presently based in Pakistan and is working for LeT from across the border.
“Mir is involved in target killing and has emerged as the main conspirator in killing one female teacher, Rajni Bala in Kulgam, Jammu, and Kashmir. He is also involved in coordinating terrorism in Kashmir valley and supporting terrorists by transporting illegal arms or ammunition or explosives from across the border,” said the notification.

Rajni Bala from Jammu was shot dead outside her workplace, Government High School, Gopalpora, in Kulgam district on May 31, 2022.

Mir, son of Manzoor Ahmad Mir, who belongs to Gufbal village in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, is involved in coordinating terrorism in Kashmir valley and supporting terrorists by transporting illegal arms or ammunition or explosives from across the border, it said.

The notification said, “The Central Government believes that Arbaz Ahmad Mir is involved in terrorism and he is to be added as a terrorist in the exercise of the powers conferred section 35 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.”

With his inclusion in the Fourth Schedule under UAPA, Mir will be the 51st individual to be designated a terrorist, it said.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, of 1967 has been enacted to provide for more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations and for dealing with terrorist activities and for matters connected therewith.

The Centre uses clause (a) of sub-section (1) and sub-section (2) of section 35 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 to add the name of an individual in the Fourth Schedule to the Act, if it believes that he is involved in terrorism. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

₹42-Cr Project To Revolutionise Mushroom Farming In J&K

By LokMarg

Agricultural diversification is key to reducing the risk in farming activities and the J&K Government is constantly employing the latest technological interventions to diversify the agriculture sector across Jammu and Kashmir.

Mushroom cultivation is one important tool in not only enhancing the agricultural income of the farming community but also securing it against rising changes in climate and soil resources.

With this in mind, the Government of J&K is implementing a full-fledged project on ‘Promotion of Round the Year Mushroom Cultivation’ (PRYMC) across the UT. The project to be implemented at a cost of around Rs 42 Cr over the next three years by the Agriculture Production Department of J&K will increase the production of Mushrooms by 3.5 times and revolutionize Mushroom Cultivation here, an official statement said.

The project will also increase employment generation by 3 times and more than 768 new enterprises are also being created in the process to ensure the sustainability of the interventions.

“Mushroom farming generates revenue and helps to reduce poverty. The production of mushrooms creates a significant amount of direct and indirect employment opportunities in the fields of cultivation and marketing, as well as providing opportunities for processing businesses and labor-intensive management,” said Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo.

He added that Mushroom farming requires little capital and little technical expertise, and it is even possible to grow mushrooms indoors on a small scale and easily earn a high return on investment. He further said that women can grow mushrooms in their homes with little investment and as a result, mushroom farming not only gives rural women more power but also fights poverty at its source.

‘Promotion of Round the Year Mushroom Cultivation’ is one among the 29 projects, which were approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after being recommended by the UT Level Apex Committee for holistic development of Agriculture and Allied Sectors in UT of J&K.

The prestigious committee is headed by Dr. Mangala Rai, Former DG ICAR, and has other luminaries in the field of Agriculture, Planning, Statistics & Administration like Shri Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAA, Dr. P. K Joshi, Secretary, NAAS, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner MOA & FW, Dr. H. S Gupta, Former Director, IARI, Sh. Atal Dulloo IAS, Financial Commissioner (Addl Chief Secretary) APD apart from the Vice Chancellors of the twin Agriculture Universities of the UT.

“Mushroom is an important cottage industry in rural areas. It leads to the economic betterment of small & marginal farmers, landless laborers, and women. Being a cash crop it is a good means of generating employment opportunities for the youth of the UT”, said Director of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Jammu, K.K Sharma, who is implementing the project in collaboration with SKUAST.

He added that the lack of availability of pasteurized compost & unorganized market were the major constraints in mushroom production and this project is going to address them in a significant way.

Under the project 26 pasteurized compost-making units, 10 spawn production labs, and 72 controlled conditioned cropping rooms (2000 bags capacity), will be established in the span of three years. For the promotion of mushroom cultivation in non-traditional areas, 1.5 lakh subsidized pasteurized compost bags will be distributed among mushroom growers. Women empowerment through the establishment of 300 women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) will be undertaken.

The project also focuses on the value addition of the perishable commodity through the creation of four canning units and the distribution of 60 solar dryers among mushroom growers. In addition to this, an amount of Rs 2.1 Crs has been earmarked for research and development.

Under this emphasis will also be laid on the promotion of medicinal mushrooms and the introduction of new strains of mushrooms. It will also have a specific emphasis on the standardization of locally available substrates and documentation of conditions for their optimal growth.

The mushroom sector in J&K is about to witness a resurgence in the form of unprecedented institutional and capital support which will boost production, productivity as well as export of mushrooms from the UT.

This information was provided by the Department of information and public relations J&K. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176

Attacks On Civilians Centre

Amid Attacks On Civilians, Centre To Deploy 18 Additional CRPF Companies In J-K

By LokMarg

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will send additional 18 companies to Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of recent killings of civilians in two fresh terror attacks in the Rajouri district, sources familiar with the development said.

The 18 CRPF companies – approximately 1,800 personnel – will be rushed to the Jammu region for deployment mainly in Poonch and Rajouri districts.
As per inputs, eight CRPF companies will be deployed very soon from nearby locations of deployment in Jammu and Kashmir while 10 CRPF companies are being rushed from Delhi.

The move followed a recent order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs amidst intelligence input about the terror attack in the Jammu region, said the source.

Six persons, including two children, were killed and many more injured in two separate terror attacks in Upper Dangri village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

In the latest terror attack, two children were killed and several others injured after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast took place in Rajouri’s Upper Dangri village on Monday morning.

ADGP Mukesh Singh cautioned people as another suspected IED was spotted in the area near Upper Dangri village, which is about eight kilometers from Rajouri town.

Officials said that the explosion took place near the house where four civilians were killed and many more injured by terrorists in a shooting incident on Sunday evening.

Nearly a dozen people were reportedly injured in the two terror attacks by the terrorists since Sunday evening. The injured were being treated in Jammu hospital.

In the first attack, two armed terrorists barged into three homes separated by a distance of around 50 meters from each other on Sunday evening and opened indiscriminate fire. The attack led to the killing of four civilians and injuries to six others.

These separate attacks are the third such incidents of civilian killings in the Rajouri district in the past two weeks after two people were killed outside an Army camp on December 16.

The attack has sparked panic in the district. Several organizations have called for a strike today to protest against the incident and demand swift action.

Army and the CRPF have launched a massive search operation to nab the two “armed men” behind the attack at Upper Dangri village.

The office of LG Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh and a government job to the kin of those killed in the firing incident.

“An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh and a government job would be given to the next of kin of each of those civilians martyred in the dastardly attack. Seriously injured would be given Rs.1 lakh. Officials have been directed to ensure the best treatment to injured,” the Office of LG J-K said in a statement.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also visited the village where security has been enhanced. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176

Mata Vaishno Devi

Huge Rush Witnessed At Mata Vaishno Devi Ahead Of New Year

By LokMarg

The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu witnessed a huge rush of devotees on Saturday as serpentine queues were seen on the Trikota hills of Katra despite the severe cold conditions ahead of New Year.

Devotees hailing from different regions of the country, including children, were seen chanting “Jai Mata Di” as they made their way up and down the hill, wishing each other the best ahead of the new year.
“I am getting a good feeling. I come here on the eve of every new year. I have been coming here for 5-6 years to pray to Mata Devi. I am feeling good,” said Manish Kumar, a devotee from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, who was seen chanting “Jai Mata Di”.

Poonam Sharma, another devotee said, “I wish that ‘Mata Rani’ shower her blessings upon everyone. Everyone remain happy. May the new year turn out well and bring happiness to everyone”.

Reminded about the Vaishno Devi stampede of January 1, 2022, in which 12 people were killed and 16 were injured, Sharma said, “It was an unfortunate incident.” And hoped more facilities would be provided in the future.

Ranjan, a devotee who came from Punjab along with her family wished happiness for all.

“I am feeling very happy. May God shower her blessings on everyone — is my wish. I feel fortunate to have come here along with my family to pay our respects at the feet of Mata Devi. I wish happiness to everyone on the eve of the new year,” Ranjan said.

Earlier this month, Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted a security review of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra of Reasi district.

On December 21, Deputy Inspector General, Udhampur-Reasi Range Mohd Suleman Choudhary held the security review meeting that was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi Amit Gupta, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Commandant, Superintendent of Police, Katra, among others.

The DIG reviewed every security drill of the shrine, the yatra route, safety and security of pilgrims visiting the shrine on a daily basis.

The DIG further directed to conduct of a joint security drill along with the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and other intelligence agencies for the security of the shrine. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176

Severe Cold Wave Conditions Persist In Delhi

By LokMarg

Dense fog and cold wave conditions continued to sweep the national capital with the city recording a minimum temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cold day conditions are likely to abate over northwest India from Wednesday and then resurge from December 31.
According to RK Jenamani, fresh cold wave conditions shall prevail again from December 31 to January 1, 2023.

“Dense to very dense fog will continue to prevail in the belt. There will be an improvement on Dec 29 because of a western disturbance that will bring fresh snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Leh, and Himachal Pradesh. There will be drizzle in north Punjab on Dec 29,” he added,

From Dec 28 onwards there will be a significant improvement as the cold wave will go due to western disturbance, stated Jenamani. In Delhi so far, the lowest temp of 4.0 degrees celsius was recorded at Aya Nagar and a cold wave is still prevailing at isolated places.

Amid a cold wave prevailing in parts of northern India, Palam in Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius while Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 8.4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The IMD has predicted that the minimum temperature in the national capital is expected to remain around 7 degrees Celsius throughout the day.

The national capital reeled under a cold wave and foggy conditions, disrupting normal life. A layer of dense fog was observed in the national capital region, reducing the visibility and the speeds of vehicles across the area.

The visibility at Palam was recorded at 500 meters.

Visibility remained low in Punjab, with Amritsar recording visibility of up to 25 meters and Patiala 200. While Bhatinda recorded zero visibility once more.

Haryana too recorded low visibility. While Ambala recorded a low of 200, visibility in Chandigarh was also 200 meters.

Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly recorded 25m and Bahraich recorded 200m. Bihar’s Purnea and Odisha’s Gopalpur recorded a low of 50m each.

Earlier on Tuesday, IMD predicted “dense to very dense fog very likely to continue over many parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi”.

“Due to prevailing light wind and high moisture in lower tropospheric levels, dense to very dense fog are very likely to continue over many parts of Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, and in isolated pockets over north Rajasthan during the next 24 hours. Its intensity and spread are likely to reduce thereafter,” the IMD said.

Dense fog is very likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura during the next three days, according to IMD.

Meanwhile, cold day and severe cold day is mainly over south Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh. Day temperatures improved over north Punjab, north Haryana and North Rajasthan. Cold to severe cold waves continue over Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan, and Delhi said scientist RK Jenamani, IMD. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

BJP's Yaqoob Appeals Kashmiri Pandit Employees To Return To Valley | Lokmarg

BJP’s Yaqoob Appeals Kashmiri Pandit Employees To Return To Valley

By LokMarg

BJP leader Malik Yaqoob on Monday appealed to fear-stricken Kashmiri pandit employees to return to the valley and assured them of full protection of their lives.

Speaking to ANI, Malik Yaqoob from Srinagar said, “They (Kashmiri Pandits) do not need to fear. Such kinds of threats keep coming. We have faced a lot of threats so far. We have been enduring these threats for the last 30 years”.
“Several workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party were martyred. But we are the citizens of this nation. We have made sacrifices for this nation. We are even ready to sacrifice our children for this nation. We are ready to sacrifice our life for this nation,” Yaqoob said.

Yaqoob was responding to threats allegedly received by Kashmiri pandits from TRF, a terror organization.

‘I appeal to employees of the pandit community to return to Kashmir. The people of Kashmir stand behind you. The Sikh community is with you. Every person is with you. There is no need to fear,” he added.

Yaqoob claimed such threats are a part of the propaganda of Pakistan.

‘Kashmiri Pandits have to show some courage. These threats are just another propaganda of Pakistan. It is a conspiracy not only of Pakistan but of several countries. It is on the agenda of Pakistan which is responsible for killings in Kashmir. Many innocent people including pandits and Sarpanches have been killed. I salute their sacrifices,” Yaqoob added.

The BJP leader assured Kashmir pandit employees that the administration of Jammu and Kashmir is standing with them.

“The BJP government is with you. LG administration of Jammu and Kashmir is with you. Every Muslim in Kashmir is wishing to see you performing your duty. To see you residing at your place of accommodation whether it is in colonies or anywhere,” he said.

“It is not just TRF, but other terror organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba that have killed people in Kashmir. If we get bogged down by fear, we would not able to walk out. The more you fear, the more you will grow weaker,’ he added.

Malik added that Kashmir is in a state of war fuelled by Pakistan for the last 30 years

“It is not India of 1962. Today we can challenge countries like the USA, China, and Russia. So, you do not need to fear anyone. Kashmir is in a state of war started by Pakistan for the last 30 years. It is the duty of the administration of Jammu and Kashmir and the police to give you protection, he added. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/