Srinagar Jan 26 PTI Internetservices on mobile devices weresuspended in Kashmir on Wednesday as a precautionary measure forensuring smooth passage of Republic Day celebrations in the Valleyofficials said Howevermobile phone services and internet on fixed lines remained unaffectedThe mobile internettelephone services have been temporarilysuspended in the valley for ensuring peaceful Republic Daycelebrations the officials saidSuspension of mobile phone and internetservices on Republic Day and Independence Day have been part of the security drill in the Valleysince 2005 when terrorists used a mobile phone to trigger an IED blastnear the venue of Independence DaycelebrationsThe services are usually restored in the afternoon following culmination of official functions across the Valley Republic Day celebrations were held amidst tight security arrangements in Srinagar City and elsewhere in the valley Officials said here were no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in KashmirPTI MIJ DV DV

Srinagar Oct 23 PTI Three nomads including two women died while another person was critically injured in a mudslide triggered by incessant rains in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir officials said A tent of the nomads belonging to Reasi district in the Jammu Division was buried under the mudslide in Noorpora area of Tral due to heavy rainfall since last night they said The officials said one person was rescued in a critical condition the other three died in the incident Further details are awaited the officials addedPTI MIJ KJ

Srinagar Sep 22 PTI An auto-rickshaw driver was injured on Wednesday after a soldier allegedly opened fire at him in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir officials saidMohsin Ahmad received injuries in his leg when the soldier of a patrolling party in Azadgunj opened fire at him they saidIt was not immediately clear as to why the soldier resorted to firingA defence spokesman said the allegations are being probedPTI MIJ VN SRY

Srinagar Aug 25 PTI A man evading arrest for six years was arrested from Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir a police spokesman said on WednesdayAbdul Hameed Khan was arrested after a warrant was issued against him by a court in Beerwah town of Budgam district he saidThe accused is wanted for his involvement in several criminal cases police said adding that he had been absconding since 2015PTI MIJ SRY

Srinagar Aug 23 PTI In a move to accelerate development process at the grassroot level the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to restrict to local residents of a panchayat the participation in tendering process of works up to Rs three lakh officials said on MondayIn the event of inadequate response to the tenders the participation norms will be relaxed to include bidders from neighbouring panchayats an official spokesman said hereThe decision is aimed at enhancing transparency and speedy execution of developmental works through local participation which will also boost public ownership of the created assets the spokesman saidThe residents of panchayats who wish to participate in the tendering process will have to get registered in a simple system of registration to be maintained at the level of deputy commissionersThese registrations shall be done on the basis of documentary evidence like Aadhaar PAN Card and Domicile Certificate while the verification process shall be completed through panchayats and the local police only the spokesman saidHe said detailed instructions are being issued by the Finance Department on this issueTo address the shortage of engineering staff in the Rural Development Department which may affect the pace of works in PanchayatsRural Development Department has been authorized to engage optimal number of retired engineers on a contractual basis as part of the project management unit in respective districtsInstructions have already been issued for delegation of powers to AEEs in the Rural Development Department the spokesman addedPTI MIJ DV DV