National
J&K considering amnesty to second-time stone pelters: Mehbooba
Jammu, Jan 22 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said her government was considering amnesty to second-time stone pelters in the Kashmir Valley.
The Chief Minister, replying to a question in the upper house of the Assembly, said: “The government is reviewing the cases of second-time offenders involved in stone pelting protests.”
The government had earlier ordered withdrawal of cases against those who stoned security forces for the first time.
Unless the cases are withdrawn, the persons can’t get government jobs.
–IANS
sq/ahm/mr
National
Cheers and Cheers: Barzilla’s Joyful Ode to Inclusivity and Celebration
The RG Marathon Championship Run 2023 in Goa was a testament to inclusivity. Initially resistant to including persons with disabilities, it eventually featured wheelchair and standing categories, thanks to advocates’ efforts. Participants showed exceptional determination, emphasizing unity in diversity. Despite challenging weather, they demonstrated the power of community support, highlighting the need for accessibility and inclusion in all state-level events in Goa.
Following the marathon, a gathering of differently-abled individuals, predominantly wheelchair users, convened for a celebratory lunch at Barzilla. The event, orchestrated by Mr. Shariq Khan and Mr. Zain Aftab, proprietors of Barzilla, honored the birthday of Sadaf Fatima, who also uses a wheelchair and is Mr. Shariq Khan’s wife.
The lunch featured esteemed guests including the Tourism Minister of Goa, MLA Rohan Khaunte of Porvorim, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai, and the State Commissioner for Persons with Disability in Goa, Guruprasad Pawaskar. The event was impeccably hosted by Ms. Falak Fatima and Mr. Adarsh Parashar, offering activities such as Karaoke and Billiards. The youth of Goa exhibited their unwavering support for the community, making the party an unequivocal success.