The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Leaders across political spectrums extended warm greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, celebrated as 'Herath' by Kashmiri Pandits, emphasizing the festival's significance in fostering harmony and unity among communities.

Awami National Conference (ANC) President Khalida Shah and Senior Vice President Mr Muzzafar Shah conveyed their heartfelt greetings to Kashmiri Pandits, recognizing Maha Shivratri's religious and cultural importance.

Former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, greeted people on the auspicious occasion, recognizing the festival's values of devotion, brotherhood, and harmony. She echoed sentiments of unity and prayed for peace and prosperity.

In a statement, ANC also stated, "Maha Shivratri, which our Pandit brethren celebrate as Herath, is one of the auspicious festivals. It has both religious and cultural significance, keeping our composite culture alive." They wished for a prosperous celebration, hoping the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to all.

Similarly, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, extended greetings, highlighting the festival's representation of devotion, brotherhood, and harmony. He emphasized its role in teaching unity among diverse communities, praying for peace and prosperity.

Director General of Police, J&K, R.R Swain, acknowledged Maha Shivratri's profound significance, symbolizing strength and resilience. He paid tribute to police personnel and martyrs, urging citizens to join hands in fostering a secure environment, emphasizing values of unity and justice.

SRINAGAR — Maha Shivratri, locally known as 'Herath,' is being celebrated with religious zeal and enthusiasm throughout Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

Kashmiri Pandits are observing the occasion by offering prayers at temples and paying homage. The largest congregation is anticipated at the Shankaracharya Temple, which overlooks the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Special prayers are also scheduled at Ganpatyar and Hanuman Temple in Amira Kadal, Srinagar.

"The festival holds great significance for the Pandits, who commemorate the wedding of Lord Shiva with Parvati by preparing traditional Kashmiri dishes, particularly fish," remarked a Kashmiri Pandit.

"Maha Shivratri, known locally as Herath, is celebrated across J&K and holds a special place in the hearts of Kashmiri Pandits," he added.

Maha Shivaratri, or Herath, is traditionally marked by a night dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

During this festival, Pandits distribute walnuts as a symbol of reverence to the Hindu deities, while temples are adorned with vibrant colours and flowers in the days leading up to the celebration.

Meanwhile, R.R Swain, Director General of Police, J&K, extended warm greetings to citizens, police personnel, security forces, and the families of martyrs on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

In his message, the DGP emphasized the profound significance of Maha Shivratri, symbolizing strength, determination, and resilience. He urged citizens to unite with the police force in creating a secure environment for all, emphasizing the values of unity, integrity, and commitment to justice that Maha Shivratri embodies.

The celebration of 'Herath' underscores the cultural richness and religious diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.

PULWAMA — A Kashmiri Pandit passed away due to cardiac arrest on Wednesday in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district, according to official sources.

The deceased, identified as Gayan Bhat from Tahab, had been residing in Jammu. Sources reported that Bhat was visiting relatives in Pulwama when he experienced chest pain during the night hours. He was swiftly rushed to the District Hospital Pulwama, where medical personnel pronounced him deceased.

The sudden demise of Gayan Bhat has cast a pall of mourning over the community, prompting arrangements for his final rites. Officials have indicated that his body will be dispatched to Jammu once road clearance is ensured, facilitating the completion of his last rites in his hometown.

SRINAGAR — The vibrant and much-anticipated annual mela at Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district has kicked off with fervor, bringing together Kashmiri Pandits in a heartfelt prayer for peace and the return of old times to the Valley.

Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, a dedicated devotee expressed her hopes and aspirations, emphasizing the longing for harmony and brotherhood among all communities.

Speaking to the news agency KNS, the Pandit lady devotee, deeply connected to the spiritual significance of the mela, passionately expressed her wishes for the revival of the bygone era of unity and tranquility in the Valley. She fervently prayed for the return of peace, where people from different backgrounds can coexist in harmony and mutual respect.

As the mela unfolded, the local Muslim community extended their unwavering support and assistance, garnering heartfelt appreciation from the Kashmiri Pandits. Their commendable efforts in making all the necessary arrangements for the annual event have fostered an atmosphere of inclusivity and shared cultural heritage.

The collective gratitude expressed by the Kashmiri Pandit community towards their Muslim neighbours echoes the spirit of unity and brotherhood that lies at the core of Kashmir's rich history. "This heartening gesture reinforces the idea that peaceful coexistence and cultural exchange can help heal the wounds of the past and pave the way for a brighter and more harmonious future," said another Pandit devotee.

He also said that the Mata Kheer Bhawani mela, a cherished tradition in the region, not only serves as a platform for religious devotion but also symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the people of Kashmir. "It serves as a reminder of the shared cultural roots that bind the diverse communities of the Valley together," he said.

"As devotees gather in large numbers to seek blessings and offer prayers, the mela becomes a testament to the enduring faith and unwavering hope that transcends boundaries and unites people in their quest for peace and spiritual fulfillment," he added.

SRINAGAR — A bank security guard was killed by suspected militants in Achan area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday morning.

A senior police officer told the news agency KNS that militants fired upon a Kashmiri Pandit identified as Sanjay Pandith, a resident of Achan, this morning. "The injured was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries," he said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) South Kashmir, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, said the police are acting swiftly to investigate the matter of the killing of the minority community member and promised to bring justice.

He said that the incident took place around 10:30 AM. "Terrorists fired upon a member of a minority community when he was going towards a market along with his wife. We are searching for the terrorists and we will neutralize them as early as possible," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the dastardly attack and said that the administration has given free hand to the security forces to deal with the militants.

LG said the administration is standing strong with the bereaved family. "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," he said and added that the administration has given a free hand to the security forces to deal with the militants. "We will continue to combat such acts of militancy firmly and decisively."

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah expressed his condolences over the death of the Kashmiri Pandit in Pulwama. “I'm deeply pained. This bloodshed must end. Unfortunately, Kashmiri Pandits continue to be targeted. I will appeal to Muslims in the valley to protect Kashmiri Pandits. We have to face Allah one day. What will we say to Allah if we fail to protect our Pandit brethren,” said Abdullah.

Farooq Abdullah added, “I urge the government not to force Kashmiri Pandit government employees to return to the valley. Sadly, the situation is not conducive to the survival of the Pandits in the valley. Pandit employees must be adjusted in Jammu and their salaries should be released.”

People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti blamed the BJP-led Centre for failing to protect Kashmiri Pandits. The former chief minister also hit out at the perpetrators of the attack.

Talking to reporters here, she said, "A few days ago, right-wing terrorists killed two Muslims in Rajasthan. Today, you have killed a Hindu. What is the difference between you and them?"

Mufti accused the BJP government of endangering the lives of minorities in Kashmir while projecting a picture of normalcy in the valley.

Meanwhile, a pall of gloom descended on the victim's village. "The gunman martyred our brother. Whosoever killed him, we condemn this brutal killing. This attack is not on individuals but on our brotherhood and attack on Ganga-Jamni Tehzeeb. The entire village condemned the killing of our brother," locals of the area said.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that all Kashmiri Pandits will return to their homeland very soon.

Speaking to reporters in Jammu, LG Sinha said the day is not far when all the Kashmiri Pandits will return to their homeland Kashmir.

He said Kashmiri Pandits, who have resumed their duties, are also being paid their salaries while it is being ensured that these employees are properly rehabilitated by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department.

"We want the Kashmiri Pandits to get the maximum benefit from different schemes of the government," he said.

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that security agencies have launched a final assault on militancy and its eco-system to ensure everlasting peace in the Union Territory.

Addressing the Republic Day gathering at Moulana Azad Stadium Jammu, LG Sinha, as per the news agency KNO, said that the morale of security forces is high in J&K and all efforts to destabilize the peace are being given a befitting reply. “Security agencies are busy in the last assault on the terror, its ecosystem and its supporters to ensure everlasting peace in the UT,” Sinha said.

The LG said that the administration and the Centre have taken a series of steps for the welfare of security agencies operating in J&K. He said that the administration received 8400 applications from Kashmiri Pandits, whose land and property were grabbed forcibly in 1990. “Administration is working to ensure such properties are retrieved and handed over to Kashmiri Pandits,” he said.

He said the J&K situation was returning to normalcy and the evil designs of the enemy are being foiled. The LG said that the year 2022 saw a 55 percent decrease in civilian killings and there is a significant dip in the killing of security forces personnel as well.

He said a series of developmental initiatives are going on in J&K to push UT to new heights of achievements. “Srinagar and Jammu will soon have metros, the tubes on the Srinagar-Jammu highway are also being set up on war footing,” the LG said.

He said that for the first time, J&K will have a Women Industrial Estate while promotions of almost 2000 officers that didn’t take place since 2001 are being cleared. The LG said that the special focus of the administration is on the youth as J&K’s 70 percent economy is dependent on agriculture.

SAMBA — A Kashmiri migrant Pandit delegation met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Samba district and briefed him about their various issues including "targeted killings" of the community members and the resultant protest by those employed under a prime minister's package.

Social activist Amit Koul, who was part of the delegation, said they have invited Mr. Gandhi to their Jagti township along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and that he is likely to visit the community on his way to Kashmir.

"We had a very good interaction with Mr. Gandhi and we briefed him about the issues of the community, especially the prime minister's package employees who were provided jobs by the previous UPA government led by Manmohan Singh. They are on protest over the past six months in Jammu and their salaries have been withheld," Ms. Koul said, as per the news agency PTI.

Nearly 4,000 Kashmiri migrant Pandits are working in different departments in the valley after their selection under the prime minister's employment package announced in 2008. The package has two major components -- 6,000 jobs for the youth from the community and building as many accommodation units for the recruited employees.

However, many of the employees fled to Jammu after one of their colleagues, Rahul Bhat, was shot dead inside his office in Budgam district on May 12 last year in what was described as a case of targeted killing. They are on a strike demanding their relocation out of the Valley.

"We also raised other issues of the community including the need for enhancement of relief. We requested him to visit our township Jagti or send a delegation but he assured us that he will visit Jagti himself and raise their issues within and outside Parliament," Ms. Koul said.

Another member, Jitendra Kachroo, said he has come all the way from Uttar Pradesh, where he has settled after migrating from Kashmir, to meet Mr. Gandhi with other members of the delegation.

"He (Gandhi) is a very nice human being and a very simple person. He patiently heard our issues and it was heartwarming that he had time to listen to us," Mr. Kachroo said, adding that they were initially supposed to meet him as a 13-member delegation but several more joined them and "we raised issues which the community is facing".

Charging the BJP with using the community to further its political agenda, Mr. Kachroo said, "They do not really mean to solve the problems of the Kashmiri Pandits because for them it is a political agenda for them to spread hate on the basis of religion. "We used to live together in Kashmir -- both Muslims and Hindus -- as we share culture, dressing, and even surnames. There was never such a type of atmosphere, and we all were living together," he said.

'Lieutenant Governor owes an apology to Kashmiri Pandits'

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha should apologize to Kashmiri Pandits for telling them that "they should not be begging", Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said, following the meeting with members of the community in Jammu during his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.

"When a delegation of Pandits met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, he told them that 'they should not beg'. Lieutenant Governor ji, Pandits are not begging, they are asking for their rights. Lt Governor owes an apology to the Pandits," Mr. Gandhi told a gathering at the end of the day's Yatra at Satwari in Jammu.

Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue of restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, terming it "the biggest issue". The Congress leader said that "non-locals are running Jammu and Kashmir and gobbling up businesses in the region".

"The biggest issue is the restoration of statehood, and Congress will do everything for it. Jammu and Kashmir was run by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, it is being run by outsiders," he said.

Mr. Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, which began in September from the southern tip of the country in Kanyakumari and has travelled around 3,500 km, is set to conclude with a mega rally in Srinagar, expected to be attended by leaders from nearly two dozen national parties.

JAMMU — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday handed over the appointment letter to Sweety Bhat wife of Kashmiri Pandit Puran Krishan Bhat, who was shot dead by suspected militants in south Kashmir's Shopian district last year.

The job letter was handed over to the window of Puran Krishnan at Raj Bhavan Jammu. LG also assured the widow of all possible help.

Notably, on October 16 last year, militants shot dead Puran Krishnan Bhat in Chodrigund village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

JAMMU — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that whosoever would be found part of the “terror ecosystem” will face action as per the law and that it was the prime duty of police and security agencies to trace such people.

“Whosoever is found to be part of terror ecosystem will face action, none will be spared. It is the prime duty of police and security agencies to track down such people,” LG said while replying to a query whether action would be also taken against politicians if found involved in “supporting terror or terrorism”. The LG was addressing a press conference in Jammu, as per the news agency KNO.

He said that almost all migrant Kashmiri Pandits have been posted at various district headquarters and there may be some whose issues are being settled down. “We have a nodal officer who is monitoring the grievances of migrant KPs. All measures are being taken to resolve their issues,” the LG said, adding that it was not like one would sit home and enjoy salary and other perks.

He, however, said that some targeted killings of KPs took place after which migrant KP groups raised certain concerns. “The administration took swift action and resolved the issues confronting the KP employees working under PMRP,” the LG said.

To a query that there were militant threats about the opening of developmental centers in J&K, the LG said that it was the J&K administration and the Centre that takes calls on who would work, who would open offices, and who would invest here. “Yahan koun rahega aur koun nahi, ye prashasan aur kender Sarkar decide karegi (Who has to stay here and who not, will be decided by the J&K administration and Government of India),” the LG said as per KNO.

Asked whether the administration would allow Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra set to enter J&K in January, he said the government believes in democratic principles and no drive or march that is held within such principles is banned or disallowed. “As far as Covid protocol is concerned, we will see and monitor what would be Covid situation (in January),” he said, adding that only such activities that go against India’s sovereignty are banned and disallowed.

To a query that some media reports suggest investment proposals were on paper only, the LG said that he too came through such news reports. “But the fact remains that there have been investments of Rs 100 Crore, 200 Crore, and even Rs 900 Crore as well. We are facing infrastructure-related issues in some places that are being addressed. I assure you all that Rs 70,000 Crore investment will be a reality soon,” he said.

The LG said that in the next five years, every town will be developed under the 'My Town My Pride' program while aspirational Panchayat Developmental Programs will be launched for the development of Panchayats. He also announced a slew of measures that his administration will be taking to promote and push J&K’s agriculture and its allied sectors to promote the UT’s economy.

SHOPIAN — In yet another instance of communal harmony, the local Muslims in south Kashmir’s Shopian district helped perform the last rites of a 75-year-old Kashmiri Pandit lady, who died on Thursday late evening.

Setting an example of communal harmony and brotherhood, the local Muslims in Pargochi village of Pulwama came together to help perform the last rites of their Pandit neighbour.

According to the news agency KNO, Chunni Devi (75), wife of Kanna Lal, resident of Pargichi village about 10 kilometres from Shopian town, died of prolonged illness on Thursday and her last rites were performed on Friday.

As only a few of her family members were around, Devi's local friends and neighbours from the Muslim community took it upon themselves to help perform her last rites.

The local Muslims organized and performed her last rites and mourned her death as one of their own. They shouldered her coffin and arranged wood for the cremation in the village.

“She was one of us. We never thought of her as a Kashmiri Pandit. We arranged everything needed for the cremation,” said Bashir Ahmad, a local resident.

She has been living here among them for many years. “We have lived alongside each other and done everything together,” said another local while participating in her last rites which were performed in the locality.

"We share a bond that goes back hundreds of years. When we heard about the sad news, all of us rushed to console the family members and arrange the last rites," he added.

A Pandit from the village said that Muslims of the village always help in times of need and they don’t intervene in their religious affairs. "They sit at a distance when a ritual has to be done by a Pandit or family members, but the rest of the arrangements are wholly and solely done by our Muslim brethren."

SHOPIAN — In a span of 102 days, militants targeted the Kashmiri Pandit (KP) community again by killing a KP farmer and leaving his brother injured. The death, however, displayed communal harmony yet again as a large number of Muslims took part in the last rites of the slain KP member in Chotigam, Shopian district of south Kashmir.

Kashmiri Pandits living in Chotigam, Shopian who didn't leave Kashmir during the 90s were attacked again, resulting in the on-the-spot death of Sunil Kumar Bhat while as injuries to Petamber Nath Bhat.

On Tuesday, as news of the attack on Kashmir Pandits spread, Muslims of the locality rushed to the spot to take Pintoo to hospital and to console other pandits living there.

Three Pandits families comprising around 16 family members are living in this village who didn’t migrate during the 1990s.

Sabzar Ahmad, a neighbour of Sunil and Pintoo, said that all arrangements for the last rites of Sunil were made by Muslims who were also consoling Pandits living here.

Eyewitnesses, as per the news agency KNO, said that Muslims made all arrangements for last rites and were seen raising slogans in favour of unity besides an end to innocent killings.

“We have always lived here peacefully and we share our grief and celebrations for decades,” said a Pandit living in Chotigam. He said the back-to-back attacks in the last four months have definitely raised the level of fear among them yet again bringing back the gory memories of the 90s.

He said that guards were deployed here again in April but how can they save them every time as “we can't restrict our movement to our residence only as we have to go to our land, orchards or to do any work to earn livelihood otherwise we will die of starvation.”

Pandits living there said that they were guarded by government forces till 2016, however, it was taken off during the Burhan agitation and since then, they were offered security several times but declined as they weren't feeling any threat till April this year.

“But how guards deployed there can provide us security as we have to go to market, farmland and students have to go to school every day,” they said.

SRINAGAR — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday rolled out ‘Accidental Insurance Scheme’ for employees of the J&K Government. Under the scheme, Jammu & Kashmir Bank will extend free group personal insurance cover of Rs 15 lakh to all the employees.

The Lieutenant Governor also launched J&K Bank’s 'Phone Pe Loan' facility for the government employees. He said that people-centric initiatives such as 'Phone Pe Loan' & 'Accidental Insurance Cover' will ensure hassle-free credit flow and social security net for employees.

J&K Bank, with a strong and diversified banking system and serving all sectors of the economy, is reaching out to all sections of society for financial inclusion and delivering financial services to the last man in queue, the Lieutenant Governor observed.

With consistent reforms in the last two years, J&K Bank has demonstrated resilience in adapting to the challenges, and emerged as one of the most trusted and reliable banks in the UT, said the Lieutenant Governor.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the bank to enhance the insurance amount from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh from the next financial year.

Highlighting several steps being taken to end the non-transparent credit culture and bridge the gap in credit availability, the Lieutenant Governor said that the UT government is making dedicated efforts to strengthen the credit flow system.

Higher credit flow was witnessed in agriculture, MUDRA, small scale industries, SHGs and promotion of entrepreneurship, and infrastructure related investment, the Lieutenant Governor added.

Financial assistance is being extended to the enterprising youth from Panchayats to realize their dreams and transform their entrepreneurial ideas into reality.

Last year, 44,403 young boys and girls, self-help groups were provided financial assistance. In the first four months of this year, 3,407 youth have been turned into entrepreneurs by this financial assistance, the Lieutenant Governor said.

Under Prime Minister’s Stand Up India Mission, 1560 beneficiaries have received the credit of Rs 10 lakh to one crore for starting their business ventures. More than 2.62 lakh accounts have been opened, and Rs 5696 crore has been disbursed to small and micro-entrepreneurs under the MUDRA Yojana. For the first time, the street vendors of Jammu and Kashmir have been connected with the banking facility and loan has been disbursed to 14,682 beneficiaries till date, the Lieutenant Governor added.

J&K Bank has been the leader in implementing Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, connecting poor families to the formal financial system. Out of the 43 lakh accounts under this scheme, 25.65 lakh accounts were opened in Jammu and Kashmir Bank alone, he further added.

The Lieutenant Governor also enlisted the measures taken to reach out to the population living in such areas as remained disconnected with the banking and financial system.

As many as 99 villages out of the 104 villages in the UT with population above 5000 with no banking outlets have been connected to the financial system and the remaining villages will be covered soon. Besides, 147 small villages, which were outside the financial sector, were also being linked with banking facility, he added.

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary congratulated the J&K Bank on the occasion, and commended its continuous efforts for extending hassle-free banking services to the people.

Baldev Prakash, MD & CEO, J&K Bank, speaking on the occasion, expressed gratitude to the UT Government for extending support to the Bank for its effective functioning.

J&K Bank has registered an annual net-profit of Rs 501 crores for the financial year 2021-22, which is the best performance of the bank in the last seven years, he informed.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also handed over Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana sanction letters to the beneficiaries.

The free group personal insurance cover is extended to all the permanent employees of J&K Government in addition to the offers that they are entitled to on behalf of MoU between J&K Bank and J&K Government. The Bank has contracted with Oriental Insurance Company for extending the cover.

The policy for group accidental insurance shall cover personal accidental deaths under all circumstances including militancy, on anytime and anywhere basis. The insurance company will be required to settle the claims within 15 working days of submission of all requisite papers.

Under ‘Phone Pe Loan’ scheme, the salaried employees can avail personal consumption loan and cash credit facilities at discounted rate of interest, it was informed.

The launching event for several schemes of J&K Bank was organized by the bank in connection with ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Syed Rais Maqbool and Chetan Paljor - General Managers J&K Bank, besides other senior officers of the bank were present on the occasion at the auditorium of J&K Bank Corporate Headquarters.

AC approves scheme for promotion of PM package employees

In a bid to streamline the career progression of employees engaged under the Prime Minister’s Development Package, the Administrative Council (AC) which met here under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Wednesday approved the scheme for promotion of the PM package employees.

This will remove the bottleneck in career progression of employees appointed under the PM package.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The scheme envisages maintaining a separate seniority for Kashmiri Migrant employees appointed under the PM package, by respective appointing departments which will run parallel to the seniority of regular employees and will take effect from the date of appointment against the supernumerary posts under the PM Package.

Accordingly, the Administrative Council sanctioned creation of pre-facto supernumerary posts at corresponding higher levels to pave way for timely career progression of Kashmiri Migrant employees, by reducing the supernumerary posts at lower levels in the same ratio. However, these promotions will be based on seniority and eligibility requirements as per the recruitments rules.

Further, for maintaining the spirit of the PM Package, all posts under the PM Package have been re-designated as divisional level posts in Kashmir Division. The new structure will provide avenues for in-situ promotion to all PM Package employees as per eligibility and seniority.

The implementation of the scheme will be monitored at the highest level to ensure that the eligible employees avail the benefits of the scheme at the earliest.

Pertinently, during the financial year 2008-09, Prime Minister’s Package was rolled out for return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Migrants to the Kashmir valley which included various incentives like Housing, Employment, Transit Accommodations etc.

The employment component of the package extended employment to 6000 eligible candidates by creating various supernumerary posts in different departments.

GANDERBAL — The annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela started on Wednesday at Tullmulla village of Ganderbal with Kashmiri Pandits and tourists flocking the temple to pay obeisance after a gap of two years.

As per the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Tulmulla shrine in addition to being the holiest shrine of the Kashmiri Pandit community is also the symbol of centuries-old eclectic culture and brotherhood among different communities of Kashmir.

The spring inside the shrine has historic significance as locals believe that the colour of its water on the festival day forebears the events that follow till the next year.

A local Dharmarth Trust maintains the shrine complex spread over a large piece of land surrounded by springs.

Tulmulla area of district Ganderbal witnessed enthusiastic scenes as a large number of devotees arrived at the temple of Mata Ragnya Devi.

A Kashmiri Pandit devotee said that it is after almost two years that devotees are arriving at the temple to pay obeisance and to pray for themselves and the entire humanity. “We urge Kashmiri Pandits to come to this temple and enjoy the spiritual feeling here,” he said.

Tourists were also seen paying obeisance at the temple. A group of tourists from Maharashtra told KNO that they have seen the Kheer Bhawani shrine for the first time and are feeling happy. “There is a solace and we feel enchanted over seeing Muslims and Pandits celebrating the Mela together,” said Meenakshi, a tourist.

Most Kashmiri Pandits were seen performing the rituals of the festival at the temple besides that Muslims were seen greeting Pandits and making arrangements.

A sign of communal harmony is always revisited at this temple during the historical festival which provides an opportunity to local Muslims who wait eagerly to re-unite with the Pandit community who migrated from Kashmir in the early 1990s. Muslims were seen greeting Pandits by showering flower petals.

Local shopkeepers at Tullmulla Ganderbal said they suffered heavy losses due to the pandemic and expected a good rush of devotees. “We are still hopeful that normalcy will prevail in Kashmir valley again and devotees will come here in large numbers in future,” they added.

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, R. R. Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta, Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir and other dignitaries attended the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela and paid obeisance at Mata Kheer Bhawani temple and some political leaders including Nirmal Singh, G A Mir, Tarigami, Darakshan Andrabi, SMC Mayor Junaid Mattu attended the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela and paid obeisance.

SRINAGAR — 55 civilians were killed in J&K since January 2021 by militants, with 35 and 20 among them gunned down in 2021 and till 2nd June of this year, respectively.

As per the data collected by Srinagar-based news agency Kashmir Dot Com, 20 targeted killings took place in J&K this year till June 2 which is almost double the killings that were recorded in the corresponding period in 2021.

In 2022, the first killing took place on February 5 of a person, Mohammad Akram Shah in Targain village of Jammu’s Poonch district, which was followed by the killing of another civilian, Shakeel Ahmad, in the same month in Amshipora area of Shopian, as per the data. The other 18 among 20 persons were killed between March 2022 to June 2, 2022, which include the victims of both target killings and grenade attacks.

The majority of the civilian killings so far this year were seen in south Kashmir, followed by Budgam and Srinagar, the data shows.

However, in 2021, the first six months saw 11 killings with another remaining six months recording 24 killings, a part of the year which is yet to be witnessed this year.

In the last month of May, six civilian killings took place, which include a Kashmiri Pandit employee Rahul Bhat in Chadoora Budgam; Rajini Bala, a teacher in Kulgam; Ambreen Bhat, a TV artist in Budgam; Ranjit Singh, who was killed in a grenade attack on a liquor shop in Baramulla and others.

A recent addition to target killings was a Bank Manager Vijay Kumar from Rajasthan, who was killed on June 2 in Kulgam followed by a non-local labourer Dilkush Kumar in Budgam on the same day.

This year so far, four Panchayat members were killed by militants. The slain Panchayat members include a Panch Mohammad Yaqoob Dar of Kulpora Srandroo Kulgam, who was shot dead at his residence on March 2; a PDP Sarpanch Sameer Bhat was killed in the Khonmoh area of Srinagar on March 9; Sarpanch Shabir Ahmed Mir from Audoora Kulgam was killed near his residence on March 11 and an independent Sarpanch Manzoor Bangroo, who was killed in Pattan area of Baramulla district on April 15.

In the backdrop of the recent target attacks in the Valley, the Kashmiri Pandits have been protesting for their relocation after the killing of Rahul Bhat by militants in broad daylight in his office premises. The protests further intensified after a teacher Rajini Bala was killed in a school in south Kashmir’s Kulgam.

As the situation turned grim in the Valley with the spurt in the attack on civilians and non-locals, a meeting was conducted in New Delhi between Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and RAW chief Samant Goel.

Meanwhile, a meeting is underway at North Block, New Delhi between Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Doval, RAW Chief, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, LG Manoj Sinha, DG CRPF Kuldeep Singh, BSF Chief Pankaj Singh, J&K Chief Dilbag Singh and other top officials.

SRINAGAR — Following the killing of a migrant teacher, the School Education Department is mulling directing the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of Kashmir division to post non-Muslim employees of the department at their desirous and safe places.

Sources in the department informed the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the “authorities have directed the CEOs to place non-Muslim employees at the places of their choice and safe zones.”

Official sources on Wednesday said that the Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to immediately post Kashmiri migrants, employed under the prime minister's special package and other employees belonging to minority communities posted in Kashmir division in the secured locations in the Valley by June 6.

The sources said that the decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, which was attended by the administrative heads, and senior police officers.

The decision comes after a series of targeted killings of government employees belonging to a certain community by militants in Kashmir.

On Wednesday, news agency KNO reported that the Jammu and Kashmir government said that all the Kashmiri Pandit employees working under Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package (PMRP) and employees from other minority communities will be posted at secured locations by June 6.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole had said that all the PM Package employees and others from minority communities posted in the Kashmir division will be immediately posted at secured locations and the process to be completed by Monday (June 6, 2022).

Pole said that approximately 4500 migrant employees have been posted in District or Municipal Town areas. “In last week, around 500 employees, as per their request, transferred to the location as preferred by them, including around 100 employees' couple,” he said.

“Other than migrant employees will be considered for posting at these places as per option by Saturday,” he said.

Pertinently, in the past few weeks, Kashmir has witnessed a series of attacks on non-Muslim employees posted here.

JAMMU — Former chief minister and senior Congress leader, Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said that the delimitation commission's final report is "tailor-made", aimed at benefitting some leaders.

Talking to media persons in Jammu, Azad, as per the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), while reacting to the demands of Kashmiri Pandits, said that the security-related concerns of all the vulnerable people, be it KPs, Muslims or Sikhs, must be addressed.

About the delimitation report, he said it seems tailor-made, aimed at benefitting particular leaders and defeating other leaders.

He further said that everybody has to play their role in eradicating militancy, adding that the government should not consider the footfall of tourists as the only parameter of normalcy.

“The credit for massive tourist footfall everywhere across the country goes to Almighty as the temperature remained pleasant, which lead to the good tourist season across the country,” he said.

SRINAGAR — Kashmiri Pandits on Saturday hit the streets again in Rajbagh area of Srinagar in central Kashmir to register their protest against the killing of Rahul Bhat at Chadoora, Budgam.

Witnesses told the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the protesters were holding banners that read, "Our only demand relocation/Deputation of all valley posted migrant employees to any other place in India to stop our bloodshed."

"We make it clear that without relocation, we will not accept any decision of the government regarding our safety and security," the protesters said.

Chanting slogans, they demanded an end to the targeted killings of the members of the Pandit community. The protesters said that their only demand is to relocate them from Kashmir as they don't feel safe here.

"We are not getting any attention from the government so far, that is why we have been protesting for the last 10 days. Send us out of Kashmir because we are not here to die," a female protester said.

"I do not understand why the government is not awake yet. No concrete decision has yet been taken by the government for our safety," Vinod, another protester said.

SRINAGAR — The Central government has decided to deploy an additional 15,000 government forces personnel in Kashmir Valley in wake of the recent killing of a minority civilian in the Valley.

Sources told news agency Kashmir Dot Com that this troop deployment will be in addition to the forces deployed for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

They said that the decision of deploying additional security forces in the Valley has been taken in wake of the recent killing of Kashmiri Pandit employee Rahul Bhat in Budgam district last week.

“Centre has decided to deploy around 15,000 additional forces in Kashmir Valley in wake of the recent killing of minorities in Jammu and Kashmir. This will be in addition to the forces which will be deployed for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra,” they said.

SRINAGAR — The Divisional Administration Kashmir has framed a new policy for the Kashmiri Pandit (KP) employees working under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package (PMRP) that entails the same place of posting for the couples and no more remote area postings for the employees.

The administration is also working providing safe and secure accommodation to the employees.

Talking to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) exclusively, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole said that in the wake of concerns expressed by the KP members, especially the employees working under PMRP following the killing of their colleague in Chadoora, Budgam, the administration has decided to place the couples at one place of posting. “It won’t be like husband will be in one district and wife in another. They will share the same place of posting,” he said.

The Divisional Commissioner said that no KP employee would be posted in a remote area where he or she can become a soft target for militants. “There will be no more remote area postings for KP employees irrespective of their gender,” he said.

Pole said that the administration was also working on providing safe and secure accommodations to KP employees across Kashmir. “It will be ensured that KPs feel safe and secure at the places they will be putting up,” he said, adding that other measures are also in the pipeline that will be accordingly taken.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir visited Vessu, Qazigund along with IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar and held a face and to face interaction with the protesting KPs.

The KPs are up in the arms for the past week against the killing of their colleague Rahul Bhat. Bhat was shot dead inside Tehsil office Chadoora, Budgam last week.

Bhat's killing evoked massive protests and condemnations from the KP community and the civil society. The KPs had threatened to leave Valley en-mass if the administration fails to take concrete measures for their protection and safety.