Precious Kashmir

LG greets people on Navratras, Navreh, Ramzan

Front

02/04/2022

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of Navratras, Navreh, and Ramzan.

In his message, the Lt Governor said the auspicious festivals strengthen our faith in the goodness of mankind and inspire one and all to lead a virtuous life. May these festivals bring peace, prosperity and happiness and foster the spirit of compassion and brotherhood.

Extending wishes for the auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratras, the Lt Governor said that the divine atmosphere of the prayer, chanting, and meditation observed during the nine days of Navratras brings in us spiritual freshness.

The Lt Governor also extended his wishes to the people on the commencement of the holy month of Ramzan. He said that the holy month signifies the values of patience, self-restraint, tolerance, and austerity.

The Lt Governor also extended his warm greetings to the Kashmiri Pandits who celebrate the first day of Chaitra Navratras as Navreh.

J&K logs 31 fresh Covid cases

Front

Nadeem Nadu

02/04/2022

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 31 fresh Covid-19 cases while there was no death due to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Friday.

They said one of the fresh cases was reported from Jammu Division and 30 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 453768.

Giving district wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 18 cases, Baramulla 1, Budgam 1, Pulwama 4, Kupwara 2, Anantnag 3, Bandipora 0, Ganderbal 0, Kulgam 0, Shopian 1, Jammu 1, Udhampur 0, Rajouri 0, Doda 0, Kathua 0, Samba 0, Kishtwar 0, Poonch 0, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.

There was no death reported in the last 24 hours, they said. So far 4750 persons have succumbed to the virus—2327 in Jammu and 2423 in Kashmir.

Besides, they said, 13 Covid-19 patients—four from Jammu and nine from Valley— recovered during the time. So far 448849 people have recovered, leaving the active case tally at 169— 9 in Jammu and 160 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said. They also informed that 19083 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Tally dips in March as J&K records 2 deaths, 740 cases

Front

Jahangeer Ganaie

02/04/2022

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Two Covid deaths and 740 cases of the infection were reported in Jammu and Kashmir in March, official data said.

As per the data available with a local news gathering agency, 740 cases including 428 from Kashmir and 312 from Jammu were reported in March. Besides, just two deaths both in Jammu division were reported in March while Kashmir saw zero deaths.

In February, 17,572 cases and 74 deaths were reported in J&K while 146 deaths and 94,135 cases were reported in January. In December last year, 52 deaths and 4,438 cases were reported in J&K.

Also, 4,698 cases and 44 deaths were reported in J&K in November while 2,819 cases and 10 deaths were reported in October 2021.

The figures show that 4,011 cases including 3,234 from Kashmir and 777 cases from Jammu besides that 14 including seven each from Kashmir and Jammu were reported in the month of September 2021 in J&K.

“3,957 cases including 2691 from Kashmir and 1266 from Jammu and 30 deaths including six from Kashmir and 24 from Jammu were reported in August 2021 in J&K,” the data suggests. “5800 cases and 54 deaths were reported in the month of July 2021 and 416 deaths and 25, 197 cases were reported in J&K in the UT in the month of June 2021.”

The figures showed that 1, 14,382 positive cases and 1624 deaths were reported in Jammu and Kashmir in May 2021. J&K reported 45,123 positive cases including 28,540 from Kashmir division and 16,583 from Jammu division. “289 deaths which included 136 from Kashmir division and 153 from Jammu division in the month of April 2021,” the figures said, adding “J&K reported 3,579 positive cases and 53 deaths in January 2021 while 1,998 positive cases and 21 deaths were reported in February 2021 and 4,456 positive cases and 37 deaths were reported March 2021.”

The figures further state that in December 2020 J&K reported 10747 positive cases and 189 deaths, in November J&K reported a total of 15, 439 positive cases and 216 deaths and in October last year, J&K reported 19,715 positive cases and 297 deaths.

Pertinently, 37,373 positive cases and 478 deaths were reported in J&K in the month of September 2020, highest in the year 2020. “17,339 positive cases and 326 deaths were reported in J&K in the month of August 2020,” the figures suggest.

Moreover, 12,862 positive cases and 276 deaths were reported in J&K in the month of July 2020, the data states.

As per the official data, in the first 115 days (from March 08-June 30, 2020) 7,497 positive cases and 101 Covid-19 related deaths were witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir.

It may be recalled that the first case of the COVID-19 pandemic in India was reported on January, 30, 2020.

The virus later spread to various states and union territories in India. Two suspected cases with high virus load were detected and isolated on March 4 in Government Medical College, Jammu. One of them became the first confirmed positive case on 9 March 2020. Both individuals had a travel history of outside J&K. (KNO)

Sgr Airport reduces application fees for night parking by 50%

City

Precious Kashmir

02/04/2022

Sgr Airport reduces application fees for night parking by 50%

Srinagar: In a bid to encourage tourist charter flights, the Srinagar Airport authority has decided to reduce the application fees for night parking of helicopters by 50 per cent.

Director Srinagar Airport, Kuldeep Singh said that the application fees for night parking of helicopters has been reduced by 50 per cent and the people will have to pay only Rs 50,000 plus taxes along the application for night parking permission.

“A very profitable news for helicopter operators. We have reduced the application fees for night parking of helicopters at our airport by 50%,” he said. “Now you have to pay only Rs 50,000 plus taxes alongwith your application for night parking permission.”

He said: “We are sure that this huge reduction will encourage the tourist charter flights in our beautiful Valley.”

ICAI signs MoU with DSEK to promote commerce education

City

Precious Kashmir

02/04/2022

Srinagar: Committee on Career Counselling of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) with the support of Jammu and Kashmir branch of NIRC of ICAI and Srinagar Representative Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Directorate of School Education, Kashmir (DSEK), Government of Jammu & Kashmir for promoting Commerce education amongst government and government aided secondary and Higher/Senior Secondary school students.

The objective of this MOU is to establish mutual Co-operation between both the parties. It is held that DSEK will nominate one representative in each school to coordinate with representatives of Committee on Career Counselling of ICAI for awareness campaign and promotion of Commerce Education more particularly CA Education.

Earlier, during the afternoon, an outreach meeting was held at The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar and the chief Guest for the programme was Dr. Tasaduk Hussain (KAS) Director, School Education, Kashmir.

The ICAI was represented by CA. Hans Raj Chugh, Chairman Committee on Career Counselling, CA. Dr. Raj Chawla, Central Council Member, CA. Nakul Saraf, Chairman of J&K branch.

The Outreach meet was attended by number of Principals of government schools (Kashmir) to promote commerce stream and a presentation was also made wherein Chartered Accountant as a profession was highlighted. The meet was also attended by senior members of the Profession.

Vikas Purdhani, Vice Chairman of J&K Branch, CA Vineet Kohli, Secretary J&K Branch, CA. Samriti Kohli, Convener Kashmir CPE Chapter along with number of Chartered Accountants were also present on the occasion.

CS chairs 9th meeting of JKMSCL BoDs

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

02/04/2022

Srinagar: The 9th meeting of Board of Directors of JKMSCL was held on on Friday under the chairmanship of Vivek Bhardwaj, Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department.

Initially, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Managing Director, JKMSCL gave brief working of the JKMSCL and presented agenda of the meeting through a presentation.

In view of diversified functioning of JKMSCL and on the pattern of other Corporations in the country, the Board approved the change in name of Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited as Jammu and Kashmir Medical Services Corporation Limited and Managing Director, JKMSCL was asked to get the necessary amendments made in Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) as per the guidelines.

Besides this, the Budget Estimate for the year 2022-23, Balance Sheets for the year 2020-21 upto 31st March, 2021. The extension of e-Aushadhi contract with CDAC for another one year and proposal to acquire the JAKFED assets located at B.C. Road, Jammu by JKMSCL for shifting its corporate office Jammu was also approved.

The various decisions taken in the 8th meeting of Finance Committee of JKMSCL were also ratified. The account on purchase of COVID-19 supplies during the third wave was also placed before the Board of Directors, which was noted by the Board.

The meeting was attended by Board of Directors including Administrative Secretary, Planning, Monitoring and Development Department, Director General (Budget), Finance Department, Principal, Govt. Medical College Jammu, Principal, Govt. Medical College Srinagar, Principal Dental College Jammu, Director General, Family Welfare & Immunization, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Director Health Services, Jammu, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director AYUSH, J&K and Director Finance, Health & Medical Education Department, State Drug Controller, General Managers and Financial Advisor of JKMSCL.

2 killed, as many injured separate accidents

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

02/04/2022

Kulgam/Ramban: At least two persons including a lady were killed while two others—father-daughter duo was injured in separate road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

A woman died while her husband and daughter sustained injuries after a scooty they were riding on was hit by an oil tanker at Khudwani bypass along Jammu-Srinagar highway in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday evening, officials said.

A police official said that the trio identified as Mohammad Yousuf Mantoo, his wife Nelofar Jan and daughter Zarka Jan from Buchroo Kulgam was riding on the scooty when they were hit by an oil tanker bearing registration number JK02CR-7345 at Khudwani bypass from the back side, leaving the woman dead on the spot and her husband and daughter injured.

The injured were undergoing treatment at hospital when this report was filed.

“Oil tanker driver identified as Joginder Kumar son of Krishan Chad from Kathua was arrested and further investigation started,” official said.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man working at a stone crusher was killed after he was hit by a tipper at Ramsoo area of Ramban district on Friday, officials said.

An official said that a man identified as Mangtullah Ahmad, son of Ghulam Mohammad from Gangroo was hit by a tipper, resulting in his on the spot death.

The deceased was working in a crusher with four lane construction company HCC. (KNO)

Amusement park in Pahalgam remains shut

Anchor stories

Ahmed Shabir

02/04/2022

Inspection of machinery, equipment done, awaiting nod from top brass: Floriculture officer

By: Ahmad Shabir

Anantnag: As the tourist footfall records increase in Jammu and Kashmir, the visitors, who throng the picturesque Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district return disappointed as the famous amusement park, continue to remain closed for the guests.

Pertinently, the amusement park Pahalgam was handed over to the floriculture department along with many other parks last year.

The closure of the famous park, which used to generate huge revenue for the state has not only disappointed the tourists visiting the famed spot but has affected the livelihood of many locals, who used to setup stalls outside the park.

The Lidder view amusement park until May last year was being operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank and was later handed over to Floriculture department for operation.

Despite the tourist spot witnessing record tourist footfall for last one month, first time in last several years, the park continues to remain shut.

Locals who spoke to Precious Kashmir said that the floriculture department nearly a year after taking over the park has not opened it for public, which is highly ironical.

“For the last nine months since the department took over the park, we have been demanding reopening of the amusement park but they seem to have forgotten it,” said a local, Zubair Ahmad.

Another local, Arif Ahmad said that the park would generate huge revenue for the state but one wonders why the same has been shut.

“After Betab valley, the amusement park used to be most visited site in Pahalgam. Pahalgam for the last one month has been receiving huge tourist footfall but the visitors on reaching near the amusement park return dejected after finding it locked,” Ahmad said.

Besides, he said, the closure of park has affected livelihood of many locals, who used to set up stalls outside.

“Closing the park is tantamount to snatching of livelihood of dozens of families. We appeal the Lieutenant Governor to look into the matter and get the park opened,” he said.

Floriculture Officer, Pahalgam, Asif Ahmad said that they are awaiting the nod from the top officials with regard to opening the park.

“We are almost done with everything like inspection and repair of equipments and machinery. Now, we are waiting for the approval from top authorities. Once we get the nod, we will look for some operating agency and lease it out,” the officer said.

Reduction of AFSPA will boost peace, industrialisation in Assam: CM

National

Indo Asian News Service

02/04/2022

Reduction of AFSPA will boost peace, industrialisation in Assam: CM

Guwahati: A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced to reduce the disturbed areas under the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in three northeastern states — Nagaland, Assam and Manipur — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday that the step would facilitate the continuance of peace and boost industrialisation and economy in the state.

The AFSPA has been in force in Assam since 1990 and as per the Centre’s announcement on Thursday, it would be removed completely from 23 districts, and would remain enforced in 9 districts and one sub-division in Assam with effect from Friday.

Urging the militant outfits to come forward for talks to ensure lasting peace in Assam, the Chief Minister, while making a statement on AFSPA in the state Assembly, said that the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent and other outfits can take the opportunity to resolve their issues.

“Following improved security situation, the Central government has decided to withdraw AFSPA from 23 districts and one sub-division of the state with effect from April 1,” said Sarma, who also holds the home portfolio.

“From today (Friday), AFSPA will not be operational in 80 per cent areas of Assam. Since 1990, the term of AFSPA was extended 61 times,” Sarma said, as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah for the decision to reduce AFSPA.

The special law was last extended in Assam for six months on February 28 this year.

The Chief Minister said that at present, the army is deployed in only five districts — Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Karbi-Anglong and Dima Hasao.

The AFSPA will be in operation in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and Lakhipur sub-division of Cachar district, he said, adding that there would be no AFSPA in central, lower and northern Assam.

It would only be operational in the hill districts and in eastern Assam, he added.

Shah on Thursday announced to reduce the operation of AFSPA in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur following similar demand by many political parties and NGOs.

The demand intensified after the security forces killed 14 people and injured 30 others in Mon district of Nagaland in December last year.

Almost all Chief Ministers of the northeastern states and most political parties welcomed the Central government’s announcement to reduce the number of disturbed areas under AFSPA.

AFSPA — which allows the army and other central para-military forces to conduct raids, and arrest anyone anywhere without prior notice or arrest warrant — was in force in Nagaland, Assam, Manipur barring the Imphal municipal council area and certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Umesh Yadav, Russell help KKR beat Punjab Kings by six wickets

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

02/04/2022

Umesh Yadav, Russell help KKR beat Punjab Kings by six wickets

Mumbai: Umesh Yadav claimed 4/23 and Andre Russell blasted an unbeaten 70 to help Kolkata Knight Riders thrash Punjab Kings by six wickets with 33 deliveries to spare in their IPL 2022 match at the Wankhede Stadium here on Friday.

Yadav set up the Knight Riders for victory with his four for 23 which was instrumental in Punjab Kings being dismissed for a paltry 137 on being asked to bat first. Bhanuka Rajapaksa blasted 31 off nine deliveries but once he got out, PBKS collapsed like nine pins.

Chasing 138, the Knight Riders were in deep trouble at 51/4 with Ajinkya Rahane (12), Venkatesh Iyer (3), skipper Shreyas Iyer (26) and Nitesh Rana (0) were back in the dugout. Russell came to their rescue, hitting sixes at will as he and Sam Billings guided them through to victory.

The bowlers held sway as KKR batters were all at sea. They reached 42/2 in five overs and their 50 came only in 5.5 overs. Russell blasted their first six in the 10th over as KKR crawled to 73/4 at the midway stage.

It was a brilliant display of power-hitting by Russell as the West Indies batter dealt mostly in sixes. He blasted eight sixes and two across in a display of clean hitting to remain unbeaten on 70 runs. He and Billings (24 not out) raised 90 runs for the unfinished fifth-wicket partnership to guide KKR to 141/4 in 14.3 overs.

Earlier, Umesh Yadav claimed a wicket in the first over for the third successive match this season to give KKR a superb start.

Umesh Yadav, who last played a T20I match for India in February 2019, served notice of his abilities ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year as he came up with another brilliant bowling performance.

Having claimed a wicket in his first over in the matches against Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Yadav continued his success by sending back Punjab skipper Mayank Agarwal on the last ball of his first over. This was his 50th wicket in the powerplay in the IPL.

Punjab never recovered from the early blow and though Bhanuka Rajapaksa blasted a 9-ball 31 and Kagiso Rabada made a late charge with a 16-ball 25, they could only manage 137 which in the end proved insufficient.

PBKS lost skipper Mayank Agarwal on the last ball of the first over as Umesh Yadav made one nip back after pitching on the off-stump.

Shikhar Dhawan struck a six and a four during his 16 but Bhanuka Rajapaksa went on a rampage, hitting Tim Southee for a four off the last ball of his first over and giving the same treatment to Umesh Yadav in the next over.

The Sri Lankan batter launched into Shivam Mavi, who was brought in place of Sheldon Jackson, hitting him for a four and followed by three sixes of successive balls — the first over mid-on, the next over long-on and the third a slog-sweep over square leg boundary.

But Mavi had the last laugh as forced Rajapaksa to spoon a simple catch with a delivery pitched on the back of the length that cramped the batter for space. Southee completed a simple catch at mid-off to send the batter back.

The rest of the batters barring Rabada did not contribute much as Punjab failed to last 20 overs.

Brief scores: Punjab Kings 137 all out in 18.2 overs (Bhanuka Rajapaksa 31, Kagiso Rabada 25; Umesh Yadav 4/23, Tim Southee 2/26) lost to Kolkata Knight Riders 141/4 in 14.3 overs (Andre Russell 70 not out, Sam Billings 24 not out, Shreyas Iyer 26; Rahul Chahar 2/13) by six wickets.

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