NEW DELHI, Dec 15: Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Thursday will review the issue of crowding at airports, particularly in Delhi and Mumbai, with key stakeholders, officials said.
Bhalla has convened a meeting in the wake of continuous complaints from passengers about the rush at the entry gates, luggage dropping, and security check areas.
Representatives of key stakeholders such as the Civil Aviation Ministry, airport operators, CISF, and Bureau of Immigration are expected to attend the meeting, an official said.
Over the last two weeks, passengers have been posting pictures and videos of long queues and crowding at the IGI in Delhi and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai prompting authorities to take note and asking airlines and airport operators to ease the traffic.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has formed a pool of more than 100 personnel to man additional security counters expected to be handed over to it to ease the congestion at large airports of Delhi and Mumbai, official sources said.
The central paramilitary, designated as the national aviation security force, has informed airport operators, airlines, and the Union civil aviation ministry that while it can bring on board some more security personnel, there can be “no compromise on security protocols and standard operating procedures followed by it for regular frisking of passengers and scanning of cabin baggage apart from fliers required to undergo extensive search due to specific profiling.”
The civil aviation ministry had on Tuesday asked airlines to deploy adequate manpower at all check-in and baggage drop counters, besides requesting the scheduled airlines to update their social media feed with real-time numbers on the waiting time at airports’ entry gates.
The continued commotion at the airports has forced airlines to ask passengers to reach airports early, do a web check-in, and carry only one piece of hand baggage for faster movement. (Agencies)
Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla to review crowding issues at Delhi and Mumbai airports
Popular govt alone is the panacea for ills afflicting J&K: Harsh Dev
Chenani, 14-12-2022: Accusing the present regime for its indifference and neglect of the common masses facing denial of even the basic amenities, both in urban and rural areas, Mr. Harsh Dev Singh, Former Minister and senior AAP leader said that a democratically elected govt alone was the panacea for the ills afflicting the centrally ruled UT of J&K. He said that babus requisitioned from other states mostly UP and Bihar had hardly any idea about the peculiar problems of the UT’s diversities and had failed to satisfy the urges of the people. While the common masses had hardly any access to the ‘babus’ operating from their cocooned Chambers, the latter too seemed to have abdicated their responsibilities of interacting with public so as to ascertain their difficulties and to take the appropriate remedial action for redressal of their genuine grievances, asserted Mr. Singh. He was addressing huge gatherings in Mada and Bhatla villages of Chenani constituency today.
“While the frequent power outages and acute drinking water problems had made the lives of people a living hell, the helmsmen seemed to be least bothered about the sufferings of the public. As the affected people were protesting on roads on day to day basis, a highly impudent and apathetic bureaucracy preferred to remain cocooned in their sanitized environment quite unmindful of the woes of the agitating masses. Not only was the common man annoyed over the administrative apathy towards their basic concerns but varied sections of society had expressed their disapproval with the proxy rule of the centre. The unemployed youth including the contractuals, consolidated and daily wagers assured of a fair deal had all felt betrayed and cheated and were fighting for their rights on roads and streets with none to listen to their woes.
Mr. Singh maintained that the people in the rural areas in particular were the worst victims of govt apathy with none to respond to their shrill cries for justice. Deprived of proper connectivity and communication, the people residing in several remote and far-flung areas had lost contacts with the civilized world due to road blocks and disruption of traffic on damaged roads for months together. Sadly there were no takers for even the staff deficient and defunct schools thereby jeopardizing the careers of rural students.True Indian Secular Sun Shines In Jammu DSS Brings Kashmir to Kerala together
Various religious scholars reflected unique unified diversity of cultures
and religions practiced in J&K UT. An adorable bouquet of Muslims with
Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Christians, that live together here happily and amicably
as Dogras were seen in a healthy mix of all the religions. We are proving the
verdict of the last Maharaja, Hari Singh who aptly said, quote “All religions are
my religions & my religion is justice” unquote, reminded Th. Gulchain Singh
Charak, President Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) and former minister of J&K Govt.
For the first time J&K witnessed two Governors together on a stage proving the
dictum of ‘Kerala to Kashmir” one India.
Overwhelmed with the unity in diversity prevailing in J&K Governor
Kerala Shri Arif Mohd Khan held the audience in jam packed hall spell bound
with his very impressive talk on ancient Indian values that bound us together
as a nation. Our own Lt Governor also in his purposeful talk gave a clear
message against any divisive forces and terror mongers. “ Peace is not bought,
but established” said he, without mincing words.
The 118 years old DSS, an apolitical, secular social organisation
has once again successfully endeavoured to keep the diverse populations of
this region together in mutual respect and brotherhood. It was proved again by
bringing together national warriors, intelligentsia, religious heads and learned
well meaning prominent citizens from all trades and walks of life on one
platform.
DSS has stood firm by their message of unconditional ‘Humanity and
amicable brotherhood’ by organising what they called “Payam-e
Insaniyat/Manavta ka Sandesh/ Message of Humanity at Teachers Bhawan
Jammu.
It was a grand success in fostering and strengthening ties of equitable
and mutual love among various cross sections of Duggar Land as the Hon’ble
Governor Shri Arif Mohammad Khan and the J&K Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinah
were seen together with the luminaries of all the four prominent religions of
the nation. It has boosted our traditional brotherhood and gave a clear cut
message to one and all when the climate is getting surcharged with elections
expected shortly in J&K UT. The opening address was given by Incharge DSS
Youth Wing Shri Gambhir Dev Singh Charak. The religious luminaries that
enlightened the audience included S/ Shri Vishwa Murti Shastri, Maulana
Shehzad Anwari Qasmi, Maulana Ghulam Hussain Rizvi, S. Ranjeet Singh Tohra,
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Tharsis & Shri Sandeep Jain. College and School students
gave very impressive presentations on the theme of ‘Message of Humanity’.
The grand event was also graced by highly decorated national warriors
like our legendry warrior Col Dr Virendra K Sahi, VrC & CI Champion Col
Rajinder Sharma KC, SC, SM. Present among them were also veteran Generals
Sh. G.S. Jamwal, Sh. R.K. Sharma, Sh. L.M. Arora, Mrs. Sunita Kapoor and
others, besides, large number of educationists, Legal luminaries, Artists,
Writers and representatives of Trade and Social organisations. Earlier Th. G.S.
Charak and Sh. Abdul Majid along with members of the reception committee
felicitated the Hon’ble Governor Sh. Arif Mohd. Khan and Hon’ble Lt. Governor
J&K by offering them Dogra Turbans and presenting Shawls.
Sabha leaders also disclosed that they will continue their efforts to spread this
message of humanity among the public of this region by organising such
conferences in different areas.
Prominent among others present during the Press Conference were, Sh. Abdul
Majid, Col K.S. Jamwal, Sh. Prem Sagar Gupta, Brig. M.S. Jamwal, Sh. G.A.
Khawaja, Sh. Gambhir Dev Singh Charak and Sh. Amanat Ali Shah.
NC will not beg Centre for polls in J&K, will be ready whenever they are held: Omar Abdullah
SRINAGAR, Dec 14: National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah Wednesday said his party will not beg the Centre for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters after a party function in Pahalgam, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, he said the delay in the polls does not worry his party. The BJP is ”scared” and lacks the courage to conduct the polls in the Union territory, he added.
”We will see to it whenever elections take place. But I have been saying this, we will not beg for these elections,” Abdullah said.
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the NC would be ready whenever the Centre decides to conduct polls in the Union territory. The party is ready, but ”we will not beg for it”, he said.
”BJP members are scared, they do not have the courage to conduct the elections. Let them find the courage, plunge into the fray and then we will see where people stand,” Abdullah added.
Asserting that the party’s public meetings were not a signal to its workers that the elections were approaching, the NC vice-president said party leaders were meeting with workers in an endeavour to strengthen the organisation, identity loopholes and plug them.
On criticism over his remarks on Tuesday that the NC will revoke the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) after it forms the government in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah asserted that he had not said anything new.
”I have been continuously saying it for the last few years. I think I said it in the 2019 parliamentary polls as well, and I stand on this. When the NC forms the government, we will remove this law from the statute,” he added.
On the government’s latest order asking all outgoing lessees to immediately handover possession of the land taken on lease, the NC leader said it was very ”unfortunate”.
”I understand the leases have expired and they (government) want to renew those leases, but those people who have kept these institutions, structures, and businesses running in very difficult times, they should get first priority.
”Let the government fix the rates, ask the lease holders to renew at such rates, and if they cannot do that, then let the government look out for others. How is it justified that you want to vacate them from there first,” he asked.
The government aims to vacate them as it wants to bring people from outside, Abdullah claimed. (Agencies)
9 states have withdrawn general consent to CBI: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, Dec 14: Nine states, including Telangana and Meghalaya, have withdrawn general consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation for probing certain offences, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said today.
As per section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, the CBI needs consent from the respective state governments to conduct investigations in their jurisdiction, he said in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha.
In terms of the provision of section 6 of the DSPE Act, 1946, the state governments have granted general consent to the CBI for the investigation of a specified class of offences against specified categories of persons, enabling the agency to register and investigate those specified matters, Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel, said.
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal have withdrawn general consent to the CBI to investigate cases, he added. (Agencies)
Cong’s Digvijaya Singh arrives in Jammu to oversee preparations for ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’
JAMMU, Dec 14: Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh arrived here on Wednesday for a two-day visit to oversee preparations for the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ march in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Congress, the Rahul Gandhi-led yatra from Kanyakumari is likely to enter the Union territory in the third week of January.
Singh, a member of Rajya Sabha who is looking after the preparations for the yatra, was received at the Jammu airport by senior Congress leaders led by former minister Yogesh Sawhney, chief spokesperson of the Pradesh Congress Committee Ravinder Sharma said.
He said Pradesh Youth Congress president Bhanu Chib and Seva Dal chief Sahil Singh Langeh were also present at the airport.
Gandhi will spend eight days in Jammu and Kashmir during the final phase of the yatra, which started from Kanyakumari on September 7 to mobilise public support against the politics of ”fear, bigotry and prejudice” and the economics of livelihood destruction, increasing unemployment and growing inequalities, the party said. (Agencies)
Army recues 30 passengers in sub-zero temperature on Mughal Road
Jammu: Army last night rescued at least thirty passengers stranded along Mughal road after a truck slipped and blocked the thoroughfare, leading to a traffic jam.
“On 13 Dec 2022, at 2030 hrs, Indian Army received a distress call from Civil administration seeking assistance for rescue of stranded passengers at KM 40 on Mughal Road as a truck had slipped & blocked the road leading to traffic jam”, reads a statement adding approximately 15 vehicles and 30 passengers were stranded in sub zero temperature conditions.
“On receipt of information, a team of the Indian Army immediately sprung into action. On reaching the site, the team quickly cleared the blockade and rescued the passengers who were brought to KM 28 and provided hot meals”, the statement reads.
“Prompt action by the Indian Army to rescue the stranded passengers with safety, which was highly appreciated by all”, the statement further read.
Security forces launch massive search operation in Rajouri
Jammu: Security forces Wednesday launched a cordon and search operation in a village in border district of Rajouri following information about suspicious movement, officials said.
The villagers of Muradpur, six kms from Rajouri town, reported movement of two suspected persons, believed to be militants, in the village around 4 am, the officials said.
After getting information, Police along with Army immediately launched a joint search operation in the village and adjoining areas but there was no trace of the suspected persons so far, they said.
The officials said the operation is in progress when last reports were received. (Agencies)
“We fully support India’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate situation,” US on India-China Arunachal border clash
WASHINGTON [US], Dec 14: The United States’ Department of Defence said that it continues to closely watch developments along the Line of Actual Control at the India-China border and noted that China “continues to amass forces and build military infrastructure along the so-called LAC.”
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder in an on-Camera Press Briefing on December 13 (local time) said that China is growingly asserting itself and being proactive in areas directed toward US allies and partners in Indo-Pacific.
Asked about the December 9 face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh, the spokesperson said, “The DoD continues to closely watch developments along the line of actual control at the India-China border.
“We have seen the PRC continue to amass forces and build military infrastructure along the so-called LAC. But I would defer you to India in terms of their views. It does reflect though, and it’s important to point out, the growing trend by the PRC to assert itself and to be provocative in areas directed towards US allies and our partners in the Indo-Pacific,” the Pentagon spokesperson said.
“…We will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the security of our partners. And we fully support India’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate this situation, Ryder said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament on Tuesday that Chinese troops had attempted to transgress the LAC at Yangtse in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh in a bid to “unilaterally change the status quo” but were given a firm and resolute response forcing the Chinese side to retreat. In his statement in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Singh said the face-off led to a physical scuffle that led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides but “there was no fatalities or serious casualties” to Indian soldiers.
“The Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquility along the border. The issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels,” Singh told Parliament.
On Tuesday (local time), the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that US is closely monitoring the situation and that Washington is ” glad to hear that both sides appear to have quickly disengaged from the clashes.”
” We are closely monitoring the situation. We encourage India and China to utilize existing bilateral channels to discuss disputed boundaries. Again, we are — we’re glad to see that there has been some disengagement on the clashes at this time,” the White House Press Secretary said.
The US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price also in his press briefing on December 13 (local time) stated that the Price stated that the US is glad to hear both sides have quickly disengaged after the clashes in Tawang.
“…we’re continuing to monitor very closely and to engage with our Indian partners,” Price said.
Responding to a question on the strategy of the US in case the situation escalates, the spokesperson said, “India is indeed an important strategic partner of the United States bilaterally, in the Quad, and other multilateral fora as well. So we’re always, with that in mind, in close contact with our Indian partners, both from our mission in India as well as from the State Department here in Washington.”
“… we do strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions, military or civilian, across the border at the established Line of Actual Control,” he said adding that, “We encourage India and China to utilize existing bilateral channels to discuss disputed boundaries.” (AGENCIES)
Oppn leaders meet in Congress President Kharge’s chambers, ahead of day’s Parliament Session
New Delhi, Dec 14: Ahead of the beginning of the day’s proceedings in Parliament, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday convened a meeting with floor leaders of opposition parties to discuss the December 9 faceoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal’s Tawang sector.
On Tuesday, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were rocked by the issue with the Opposition staging a walkout after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the Tawang clash.
“A total of 17 parties attended today’s meeting and decided to raise the issue for discussion if not allowed it has been decided that parties will walk out from the house,” a leader who participated in the meeting said.
The Opposition, the participant said, has also decided that if a discussion is not allowed, they will boycott the House.
The meeting was held in Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s chambers to plan the Opposition strategy on India -China tussle and other issues in the House.
Kharge on Tuesday said that the opposition staged the walkout as Singh did not give a clarification on his statement in Parliament on the reports of clashes between the Indian Army and Chinese troops.
Speaking in both Houses separately, the Defence Minister informed that the “Indian Army bravely stopped the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) PLA troops from encroaching on Indian territory, and forced them to withdraw to their posts”.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary meeting also took place in Parliament Library building today in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Singh and National BJP president JP Nadda were also present at the meeting.
The BJP MPs gave a rousing reception to PM Modi and also congratulated the BJP state president of Gujarat CR Paatil for the historic win in the western state.
The Winter Session of the Parliament began on December 7 and will have 17 working days. (Agencies)