Train to chug in remote district of Kupwara, Northern Railways set for drone survey

‘District Admin grants conditional permission for survey, Rail line to come up on 33.7 kms between Sopore to Kupwara

Kupwara, Jan 27 (KNO): In a major feat for the northern district of Kupwara, the border district will get connected with the rail line as the Northern Railways is set for a drone survey after a go ahead by the district administration.

Officials told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the permission for conducting Drone Survey for FSL work of New Rail Line between Sopore to Kupwara has been granted which aims to facilitate the connection of the border district Kupwara through the railway network.

The railway alignment from Sopore to Kupwara spans 33.7 kms and the survey is anticipated to yield crucial insights and data for a project of great importance, contributing to the enhancement of transportation infrastructure in the region, the officials said.

However, the permission is subject to specific conditions designed to ensure the safety and security of the area.

According to an official communique accessed by KNO, Northern Railways is required to cooperate with local police, PMF and sister agencies, assuming personal responsibility in case of any eventuality.

The further conditions for the NRs include that they will cooperate with the local police/PMF and other sister agencies and in case of any eventuality they will be personally responsible. “That they will report at the concerned police station police posts before their travel, journey in the said areas. That they will not cause obstruction in free flow traffic,” the permission read, adding that “there shall not be annoyance to the general public/educational institutes/religious places and other important establishments. That they will not use drones near LoC and sensitive areas.”

The permission issued by the DC Kupwara also stated that the organisers of the survey should follow the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court or any other court of competence. “That the photographer should use drone during day time i.e. from 9 am to 4 pm,” the permission order read—(KNO)

Weather Update for Jammu and Kashmir: Preparing for Winter’s Last Stand

As the winter season continues to unfold, the latest weather update for Jammu and Kashmir brings a mix of anticipation and caution. The meteorological forecast for the region, spanning from January 28th to February 4th, outlines various weather phenomena that residents and travelers should be mindful of in the coming days.

Overview of Weather Forecast:

1. 28th-29th Jan:
– Expect light to moderate rain/snow across many places in Jammu and Kashmir.
– Anticipate heavy snowfall in isolated higher reaches of Kashmir Division, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam districts during the afternoon of the 28th to late afternoon of the 29th.

2. 30th-31st Jan:
– Possibility of light to moderate rain/snow in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
– Higher reaches, particularly in the mentioned districts, may experience heavy snowfall.

3. 1st-2nd Feb:
– Generally cloudy conditions with the likelihood of light rain/snow in many areas during late afternoon/evening.

4. 3rd-4th Feb:
– Continued possibility of light to moderate rain/snow across the region.

Weather Advisory:
– Temporary closure of roads in higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna & Razdan pass, Zojila, etc. is expected, especially during 28th-31st Jan.
– Travelers are strongly advised to plan their journeys accordingly, considering potential road closures and challenging weather conditions.
– Farmers are urged to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application, draining excess water from orchards and fields during this period.
– A significant drop in day temperatures is anticipated, necessitating appropriate measures for warmth and safety.

Preparedness and Safety Measures:

As the region braces for the upcoming weather events, it is crucial for residents and visitors to take proactive measures to ensure their well-being and safety. Travel plans should be adjusted to accommodate potential road closures, and individuals are advised to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.

Farmers, in particular, should heed the advisory to protect their crops and orchards. With the possibility of heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, taking preventive measures can mitigate potential damage.

the weather update for Jammu and Kashmir serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter. While the picturesque landscapes may be covered in a blanket of snow, it is essential for everyone to stay vigilant and prepared, ensuring a smooth navigation through the challenges that the changing weather patterns may bring.

J&K Government Orders Massive Reshuffle in Police Department; Vijay Kumar ADGP L&O Entrusted With Add’l Charge of ADGP Armed & Commandant General HG/CD/SDRF

Rayees Mohammad Bhat DIG SKR Posted As DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Sujit Kumar DIG CKR As DIG CID Kashmir, Yougal Kumar Manhas SSP Kupwara As SSP Poonch, SSP Sopore Shabir Nawab As Commandant JKAP-5th Battalion

Srinagar, Jan 28 (GNS): Government of Jammu and Kashmir affected with immediate effect a massive reshuffle in the Police Department in both divisions of the Union Territory.

As per an order, a copy of which lies with GNS, Deepak Kumar, IPS, Director Prosecution, J&K, holding additional charge of the posts of Director General, Prisons, J&K and Managing Director, Police Housing Corporation, J&K, is transferred and posted as Director General, Prisons, J&K, against an available vacancy; S.J.M. Gillani, IPS, ADGP Armed, J&K, holding additional charge of the post of Commandant General, HG/CD/ SDRF, J&K, is transferred and posted as ADGP Railways, J&K. The officer shall also hold the charge of the post of Managing Director, Police Housing Corporation, J&K, relieving Deepak Kumar, IPS, of additional charge of the said post; Sunil Kumar, IPS, ADGP Railways, J&K, is transferred and posted as Director Prosecution, J&K, vice Deepak Kumar, IPS; Vijay Kumar, IPS, ADGP Law & Order, J&K, shall hold the additional charge of the posts of ADGP Armed, J&K and Commandant General, HG/CD/ SDRF, J&K, in addition to his own duties, till further orders; Sunil Gupta, IPS, DIG Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range, is transferred and posted as DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, vice Shakti Kumar Pathak. The officer shall also hold the additional charge of the post of DIG, Rajouri-Poonch Range, in addition to his own duties, till further orders; Sujit Kumar, IPS, DIG Central Kashmir Range, is transferred and posted as DIG CID Kashmir, vice Altaf Ahmad Khan; M. Suleman Choudhary, IPS, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, is transferred and posted as DIG (Pers) PHQ,against an available vacancy; Shakti Kumar Pathak, IPS, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, is transferred and posted as Assistant Director, Anti Corruption Bureau, against an available vacancy. The officer shall also hold additional charge of the post of Director, Anti Corruption Bureau, till further orders and Dr. Mohd. Haseeb Mughal, IPS, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range, is transferred and posted as DIG Traffic, Jammu, vice Shri Shridhar Patil.

Similarly, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, IPS, DIG South Kashmir Range, is transferred and posted as DIG, Udhampur-Reasi Range, vice Mohammad Suleman Choudhary; Shridhar Patil, IPS, DIG Traffic, Jammu, is transferred and posted as DIG, Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range, vice Sunil Gupta; Altaf Ahmad Khan, IPS, DIG CID, Kashmir, is transferred and posted as DIG, South Kashmir Range, vice Rayees Mohammad Bhat. The officer shall also hold the charge of the post of DIG Central Kashmir Range, in addition to his own duties, till further orders and Nisha Nathyal, IPS, DIG Armed, Jammu, is transferred and posted as DIG (Headquarters) PHQ, against an available vacancy.

In a separate order, a copy of which is lying with GNS, the Government ordered transfers and postings of sixty-two more police officers.

According to the order, Ms. Sargun, IPS, SSP PCR, Jammu, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-15th Battalion vice Shri Mubassir Latifi; Sandeep Gupta, IPS, SP (Tech), CID Headquarters, is transferred and posted as SSP Ganderbal, vice Nikhil Borkar, IPS; Shobhit Saxena, IPS, SP State Investigation Agency, Jammu, is transferred and posted as SSP Kupwara, vice Yougal Kumar; P.D. Nitya, IPS, awaiting adjustment upon repatriation, is posted as SSP Doda, vice Abdul Qayoom; Anuj Kumar, SP Special Crime Wing, Jammu, holding additional charge of the post of SP CICE, Jammu, is transferred and posted as SSP Ramban, vice Mohita Sharma; Nikhil Borkar, IPS, SP Ganderbal, is transferred and posted as SSP (Tech), CID Headquarters, vice Sandeep Gupta; Mohita Sharma, IPS, SP Ramban, is transferred and posted as SSP Reasi, vice Amit Gupta; Divya D., IPS, SP Hqrs Baramulla, is transferred and posted as SP Sopore, vice Shabir Nawab; Deepika, IPS SP Hqrs Anantnag, is transferred and posted as SP State Investigation Agency, Jammu, vice Shobhit Saxena; Mubassir Latifi, IPS, Commandant IR-15th Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-10th Battalion, vice Aijaz Ahmad Bhat; Rashmi Wazir, IPS, Commandant Women Battalion Jammu, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-12th Battalion, vice Abrar Ahmad Choudhary; Anita Sharma, IPS, Commandant IR-14th Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-1st Battalion, vice Ramesh Chander Kotwal; Dr. Koshal Kumar Sharma, IPS, Commandant IR-19th Bn., is transferred and posted as SSP PCR, Jammu, vice Ms. Sargun; Showkat Ahmad Dar, IPS, Commandant IR-4th Battalion, shall hold the charge of SP PTWS Srinagar, in addition to his own duties, till further orders; Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, IPS, Commandant IR-10th Bn., is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-6th Bn., against an available vacancy. The officer shall also hold additional assignment of Staff Officer to Director General of Police (Camp) Srinagar; Ranjit Singh Samyal, IPS, SSP Security, VIP Tech, shall hold the charge of the post of SSP Security, Jammu, in addition to his own duties, till further orders; Mohd. Yaseen Kichloo, IPS, SSP Security Civil Secretariat, is transferred and posted as SSP CICE, Jammu, against an available vacancy, relieving Anuj Kumar of the additional charge of the said post; Sanjeev Kumar Khajuria, IPS, Commandant IR-24th Bn., is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP-4th Security Battalion, vice Ashok Kumar Sharma; Ramesh Kumar Angral, Commandant IR-22nd Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-18th Battalion, vice Kulbir Singh; Tahir Sajad Bhat, Commandant JKAP-8th Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP-6th Battalion, vice Suram Singh; Kulbir Singh, Commandant IR-18th Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-11th Battalion, vice Sandeep Kumar Mehta; Shailender Singh, SSP Crime, Jammu, is transferred and posted as SSP Railways, Jammu, vice Mohal Lal Kaith; Dalip Kumar, SSP, upon repatriation from Anti Corruption Bureau, is posted as Staff Officer to ADGP Armed, J&K, vice Mehmood Ahmad; Benam Tosh, SSP Samba, is transferred and posted as SSP Crime, Jammu, vice Shailender Singh; Javid Hassan Bhat, Staff Officer to IGP, Kashmir, is transferred and posted as Commandant Border Battalion, Srinagar, against an available vacancy and Mehmood Ahmad, Staff Officer to ADGP Armed, J&K, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-21st Battalion, against an available vacancy, relieving Liaqat Ali of the additional charge of the said post.

Similarly the order reads, Shamsher Hussain, SSP Security, Jammu, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-20th Battalion, against an available vacancy; Ashok Kumar Sharma, Commandant JKAP 4th Security Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-24th Battalion, vice Sanjeev Kumar Khajuria; Pawan Kumar Parihar, Commandant IR-16th Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-7th Battalion, vice Sukhdev Raj; Yougal Kumar, SSP Kupwara, is transferred and posted as SSP Poonch, vice Vinay Kumar; Shabir Nawab, SSP Sopore, is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP-5th Battalion, against an available vacancy; Sandeep Kumar Mehta, Commandant IR 11th Battalion, is transferred and posted as SSP Special Crime Wing, Jammu, vice Anuj Kumar, IPS; Amit Gupta, SSP Reasi, is transferred and posted as Staff Officer to DGP, J&K (Camp) Jammu. One post of Superintendent of Police is transferred to Police Headquarters from the overall reserve of JKPS, for the purpose of drawl of salary of the officer; Tahir Saleem Khan, Commandant JKAP-9th Battalion, is transferred and posted as Staff Officer to IGP Kashmir, vice Javid Hassan Bhat; Javid Iqbal, Commandant IR-17th Battalion, is transferred and posted as SSP Pulwama, vice Mohd. Yousuf; Mohd Yousuf, SSP Pulwama, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-17 Battalion, vice Javid Iqbal; Khalil Ahmad Poswal, SSP Kishtwar, is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP-9th Battalion, vice Tahir Saleem Khan; Liaqat Ali, Commandant IR 9th Battional, holding additional charge of Commandant IR-21st Battalion, is transferred and posted as Staff Officer to DIG, Central Kashmir Range, vice Sajad Khaliq; Ramesh Chander Kotwal, Commandant IR-1st Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant Women Battalion, Jammu, vice Ms. Rashmi Wazir and Abrar Ahmad Choudhary, Commandant IR-12 Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-14″ Battalion, vice Ms. Anita Sharma.

The order further reads that, Sunil Raj, Commandant JKAP 7th Security Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP 12th Battalion, vice Sanjay Singh Rana; Sukhdev Raj, Commandant IR-7th Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-16th Battalion, vice Pawan Kumar Parihar; Sanjay Singh Rana, Commandant JKAP-12th Security Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP-7th Security Battalion, vice Sunil Raj; Abdul Qayoom, SSP Doda, is transferred and posted as SSP Kishtwar, vice Shri Khalil Ahmad; Suram Singh, Commandant JKAP 6th Battalion, is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP 8th Battalion, vice Tahir Sajad Bhat; Vinay Kumar, SP Poonch, is transferred and posted as SP Samba, vice Benam Tosh; Mohan Lal Kaith, SP Railways, Jammu, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commandant, JKAP-4th Security Battalion, against an available vacancy; Ramnish Gupta, SP Hqrs, Jammu, is transferred and posted as Assistant Director SKPA, Udhampur, against an available vacancy; Sajad Khaliq Bhat, Staff Officer to DIG, Central Kashmir Range, is transferred and posted as SP Security Civil Secretariat, vice Mohd. Yaseen Kichloo, IPS; Shaheen Wahid, SP South, Jammu, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commandant, Women Battalion, Jammu; Rahul Charak, awaiting orders of posting, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commandant, IR-1″ Battalion; Irshad Hussain Rather, Deputy Commandant IR-23rd Battalion, is transferred and posted as SP Hqrs, Jammu vice Ramnish Gupta; Feroz Ahmad Qadri, SP PTWS Srinagar, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commandant, IR-5th Battalion, against an available vacancy; Pawan Kumar, Deputy Commandant, JKAP-4th Security Battalion, is transferred and posted as Addl. SP, Kishtwar, against an available vacancy; Nayeem Wani, Deputy Commandant, Border Battalion Srinagar, is transferred and posted as Addl. SP PCR, Srinagar, vice Yasar Qadri; Syed Yasir Qadri, Addl. SP PCR, Srinagar, is transferred and posted as Addl. SP, Baramulla vice Divya D; Sajad Ahmad Sheikh, Deputy Commandant, Women Battalion Kashmir, is transferred and posted as Addl. SP Anantnag, against an available vacancy; Ajay Sharma, Addl. SP, SIA, is transferred and posted as SP South, Jammu, vice Ms. Shaheen Wahid and Shukat Rafiq Wani, awaiting adjustment is posted as Addl. SP Shopian, against an available vacancy.

The order went on to read that in partial modification of the Government Order No.44-Home of 2024 dated 22.01.2024, the following postings are ordered, Amit Verma, under orders of transfer as Deputy Commandant, IR-17th Battalion, is posted as Deputy Commandant, Border Battalion, Jammu; Imtyaz Ahmad Rather, under orders of transfer as SP West Srinagar, is posted as Deputy Commandant, IR-10th Battalion and Imtiaz Ahmed, under orders of transfer as Deputy Commandant, IR-10th Battalion, is posted as SP West, Srinagar. (GNS)

MeT predicts ‘extended’ wet spell from Jan 28 To Feb 3

Says There’s Possibility Of ‘Heavy Snowfall’ Over Higher Reaches In Valley

Srinagar, Jan 27 (GNS): As two Western Disturbances are most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas, weatherman on Saturday forecast an extended wet spell from afternoon of January 28 till February 3.

“A couple of moderate Western Disturbances most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from 28th afternoon onwards,” a meteorological department official told GNS.

Under the influence of weather systems, he said, an “extended” wet spell from Sunday (afternoon) onwards till February 3 was most likely over J&K and adjoining areas.

He said on January 28-29, there is possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places with “heavy snowfall” over isolated higher reaches of Kashmir Division (Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian and Kulgam) during the night of January 28 late afternoon to January 29 late afternoon and evening.

On January 30-31, there is possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places with chances of “heavy snowfall” over few higher reaches (Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian and Kulgam).

From February 1-3, he said, there is possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at many places.

“There is possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in plains of Jammu Division with light snowfall over higher reaches and moderate snowfall over isolated higher reaches during 28th night to 3rd February (afternoon)”

The MeT office issued advisory, saying that the system may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan pass, Zojila etc. particularly during January 28-31.

“Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” he said.

He said farmers are advised to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application and drain out excess water from orchards and fields during the period.

“A significant drop in day temperature is expected during the period,” he said.

Meanwhile, night temperature hovered above normal at most places barring twin capitals with Srinagar recording a low of minus 2.3°C against minus 0.5°C on previous night and it was 1.3°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 2.2°C against minus 0.2°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 0.4°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 5.1°C against minus 0.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 0.8°C against minus 0.1°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 1.8°C for the place, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.4°C against 2.5°C on the previous night and it was 0.1°C above normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 6.4°C against minus 3.7°C on the previous night and the temperature was 1.1°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 7.0°C and it was below normal by 1.7°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of 0.4°C, Batote 3.1°C and Bhaderwah minus 0.2°C, he said.

Kashmir valley is under ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, which will end on January 29. However it does not mean an end to the winter. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)