Precious Kashmir

AK-47 rifles, pistols, 17.3 kg drugs among BSF recoveries in 2021

Front

25/01/2022

New Delhi/Srinagar: The Border Security Force on Monday said that it has successfully recovered and seized three AK-47 Rifles, six 9MM pistols, 1071 ammunitions, 20 Hand Grenades, two IEDs and 17.3 kg Heroin worth around Rs 88 crore in different operational incidents during the year 2021 in J&K.

Holding an annual press conference at Srinagar, the BSF Inspector General Kashmir Raja Babu Singh said that the Kashmir Frontier has been manning the Line of Control (LoC) Kashmir Valley with full zeal and devotion.

“Despite many challenges, like inclement weather conditions, constrained living in bunkers, infiltration, danger of Border Action Team (BAT) of Pakistan, snipers, etc., to name a few, but valiant BSF Jawans guarding the LoC round the clock with utmost dedication and unflinching spirit and would continue its endeavour to safeguard the LoC from nefarious designs of Pakistan in maintaining active communication and coordination with all the stakeholders,” Singh said.

He also said that in addition, the Force also looks after the well-being of the populace residing in border/near LoC areas. Through various Civic Action programmes, which include Free Medical Camps, Sports and cultural activities, evacuation (airlifted) of civilians patients from snow-bound areas and also efforts to help the people in need on LoC, the IG further said. In addition, the BSF also has initiated campaigns about awareness and preventive measures to stop spread of the coronavirus and sanitization drives, he added.

Talking about the ‘Aazadi Ka Amrit Mohtsav’, a yearlong campaign started by the government, the BSF officials said it celebrated ‘International Yoga Day’, ‘Children’s Day’, ‘Police Commemoration Day, ‘Run for Unity and campaign of ‘Fit India Run’ and ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’ (Clean India Mission). Many initiatives were taken to improve the basic infrastructure at the grassroots level to provide maximum facilities to Jawans in Kashmir Frontier while keeping in view the welfare of Jawans and their family members, Family Welfare Centers (BWWA) are functional in each unit where various Civil/Vocational courses are being run for families of BSF personnel.

“We are always there to serve the people of Kashmir” and ensuring their well-being is our first and foremost priority,” the BSF IG Singh said.

The IG BSF said that it guards 96 kms of LoC in Kashmir.

Highway reopens for fresh traffic after 2 days closure

Front

Precious Kashmir

25/01/2022

Srinagar: Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, will reopen for “fresh one-way traffic” after two days closure on Tuesday, officials said.

The highway remained closed till around 1300 hours on Monday as a “loaded truck was deeply embedded in the mud” near Panthyal area in Ramban district. The truck was later retrieved with the help machines employed by the officials and the stranded traffic moved from Jammu towards Srinagar.

Authorities had Sunday announced that only stranded traffic shall be allowed on thoroughfare which was closed following mudslides and shooting stones at many places on the weekend.

“On 25-01-2022, subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs (passenger)/private cars shall be allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu (strictly one way) on Jammu-Srinagar highway,” a traffic department official here said. Traffic Control Unit Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic, he said.

Regarding cut off timing, he said, for LMVs/private cars from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side) it is at 0900 hours to 1200 hours, “subject to change depending on the road position then”.

Regarding HMVs/load carriers, he said, subject to fair weather and better road conditions, they shall be allowed from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side) towards Jammu after assessing the traffic situation on highway. TCU Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the HMVs, the official said.

“Security Forces are advised/requested not to ply against advisory/ traffic plan in view of traffic congestion on Jammu-Srinagar highway,” he said, adding, “they may ply from Srinagar towards Jammu after confirming the status of highway.’

Meanwhile, Mughal Road, connecting Shopian with Poonch and Rajouri districts, remained closed for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali.

Also, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road remained shut for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation on Zoji la axis and has been closed till further orders. Kishtwar-Sinthan road also remained closed in view of snow accumulation, the traffic department official said. (GNS)

ACB arrests Patwari for accepting bribe in Kupwara

City

Precious Kashmir

25/01/2022

ACB arrests Patwari for accepting bribe in Kupwara

Srinagar: Anti-Corruption Bureau on Monday trapped a Patwari, a revenue official, while accepting bribe, officials said.

They said Anti Corruption Bureau received a complaint, wherein the complainant alleged that Abdul Aziz Dar, Patwari of Halqa Mufalpora, Tehsil and District Kupwara was demanding bribe for providing revenue extracts.

The complainant alleged that the accused Patwari was adopting delaying tactics and was not preparing revenue extracts which were required by the complainant for registration of sale deed for the land purchased by him recently. “The complainant had also deposited necessary fee of Rs 420 in form of GR in the Tehsil office Kupwara on 14-01-2022. It was also alleged by the complainant that patwari had already taken bribe of Rs 10,000 from them and is demanding more for providing revenue extracts,” the officials said, adding, “Upon receiving the instant complaint prima facie offence U/S 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 was found made out and consequently case FIR No. 02/2022 was registered at P/S ACB Baramulla.”

Subsequently, they said a trap team was constituted. “The trap team caught Abdul Aziz Dar, Patwari red handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 5000/- from the complainant. He was arrested and taken into custody by ACB Team,” the ACB in a statement, adding, “The bribe money was also recovered from his possession in presence of independent witnesses.”

Further investigations of the case is going on, the ACB added.

In over 2 months, Govt sacks 28 teachers of School Edu deptt

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

25/01/2022

In over 2 months, Govt sacks 28 teachers of School Edu deptt

By: Bhat Imran

Srinagar: With the termination of two more teachers of School Education Department, the government in past more than two months has sacked at least 28 teachers from the services for remaining absent un-authorizedly.

In an order issued by the Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), said that these teachers have been remaining absent unauthorized from their legitimate duties.

One of the orders issued by the DSEK states that one among the terminated teachers continues to remain absent un-authorizedly for 19 years.

“One of the teachers posted at Primary School Khumriyal in north Kashmir’s Kupwara remained un-authorizedly absent from her legitimate duties from 01-07-2002; and the teacher did not resume her legitimate duties and continued to remain un-authorizedly absent for 19 years,” it reads.

It also states that the teacher was provided an opportunity to be heard by DSEK on 06-07-2021 wherein she was directed to present herself before the directorate along with a statement of defense within seven days.

DSEK said that the teacher responded the notice on 15-07-2021 but on its examination it was found unsatisfactory and unsubstantiated and could not justify her long unauthorized absence

“The issue was placed before the Designated Committee and pursuant to the decision of the committee, the teacher is hereby removed from the service of the State in terms of Article 113 of J&K Civil Services Rules (Volume I) of 1956 and rule 30(vii) of J&KCCA rules 1956,” it reads.

Likewise, another teacher was also terminated for remaining unauthorized absent from her legitimate duties.

DSEK said that the teacher was absent from 01-10-2014 and had proceeded outside the country without obtaining prior station leave permission or the sanction of leave from the competent authority.

On January-14, the government has terminated three teachers of School Education Department from the services for remaining absent un-authorizedly.

In the first week of December-2021, the government sacked one teacher followed by six more in the last week of November-2021 for remaining absent un-authorizedly. (KNO)

COVID-19: Antibiotics sell like hot cakes in Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir

Jahangeer Ganaie

25/01/2022

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Antibiotics like Dolo, Azithromycin, Nicep, Levocitrezene are selling like hot cakes in Jammu and Kashmir as self medication shows an increasing trend since the emergence of Covid-19 third wave.

Experts and doctors said that people, whoever, are having any symptoms avoid visiting hospitals and prefer to go to chemist shops and resort to self medication.

They said since the beginning of Covid-19, people have resorted to self-medication but it has increased manifold in the third wave.

They said that the positivity rate currently is very high but around 90 percent of the positive patients are in home isolation and without consulting doctors most of them are resorting to self-medication.

“Taking antibiotics too often or for the wrong reasons can change bacteria so much that antibiotics don’t work against them. This is called bacterial resistance or antibiotic resistance. Some bacteria then become resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics available,” experts said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to one-third to one-half of antibiotic use in humans is unnecessary or inappropriate.

The appropriate use of antibiotics — often called antibiotic stewardship — can help to preserve the effectiveness of current antibiotics, extend the lifespan of current antibiotics, protect people from antibiotic-resistant infections and avoid side effects from using antibiotics inappropriately.

Dr Owais Ahmad from GMC Anantnag said that every other person is suffering from flu like illness these days most likely Covid (Omicron Variant) until proved otherwise with common symptoms being itchy, scratchy throat (most common), running nose, fever, dry cough while some people have associated body aches and headache

He said that the symptoms usually resolve within a week but the matter of concern is self medication as people are taking medicines on their own by visiting local medical shops (which otherwise need to be strictly taken under medical supervision).

He requested people to avoid self medications which can be detrimental especially in those who are suffering from chronic diseases like HTN, diabetes, chronic liver and kidney diseases

“Antibiotic resistance is a huge concern amid self medication with antibiotics due to inappropriate dose and regimens,” he said, adding that overdose of antibiotics damages the liver mostly.

Owais said that every patient doesn’t need paracetamol or antibiotics and people should avoid self-medication at any cost which otherwise can prove dangerous as every drug becomes poisonous when it is overdosed.

“People just need to take symptomatic treatment under medical supervision and watch their pulse rate, saturation and respiratory rate,” he said.

“I request people to strictly adhere to Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) especially wearing of masks and maintaining physical distance besides that take a good protein diet apart from boosting your immunity by taking ample fruits,” Owais said. “People are also requested to get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible as both morbidity and mortality rates are significantly lower in vaccinated people.” (KNO)

Budget Session: Parliament to function in two shifts owing to Covid

National

Indo Asian News Service

25/01/2022

Budget Session: Parliament to function in two shifts owing to Covid

New Delhi: The Parliament will function in two shifts during the Budget Session from February under which the Rajya Sabha will function from 10 am to 3 pm, and the Lok Sabha from 4 pm to 9 pm, owing to the prevailing Covid situation.

The Budget Session will be held in two parts this year, from January 31 to February 11 and from March 14 to April 8. The Union Budget for FY23 will be tabled in the Parliament on February 1.

All Covid protocols will be in place in the Parliament to prevent the outbreak of the disease.

As per the schedule, President Ram Nath Kovind will address the joint sitting of the two Houses at 11 am on January 31.

“During the sittings from 31.1.2022 to 11.2.2022, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers and their galleries will be used for sitting of members in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said a bulletin.

The bulletin said that members should arrive at the Parliament by 10.30 am on January 31 in order to obviate any inconvenience.

The President will arrive at the Central Hall of the Parliament at 10.55 am along with the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
Seating arrangements for members have been made in the Central Hall, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers and their galleries.

On Sunday, Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu tested positive for Covid-19.

The Secretary Generals of both the Houses have been instructed to suggest measures for the safe conduct of the upcoming Budget Session.

Sources said that over 700 Parliament staff have tested positive for Covid till now during random testing.

Smriti Mandhana named ICC women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2021

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

25/01/2022

Smriti Mandhana named ICC women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2021

Dubai: India opener Smriti Mandhana on Monday was named ICC women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2021. After being named in the ICC’s women’s T20I team of the year, Smriti has now won the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy awarded to the ICC women’s cricketer of the year for the second time after 2018.

The left-handed opener beat competition from Tammy Beaumont of England, Lizelle Lee of South Africa and Gaby Lewis of Ireland to clinch the honour. Smriti has also become the second women’s cricketer after Australia’s Ellyse Perry to win the honour more than once.

“I am truly honoured for receiving the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2021. I am grateful to my teammates, my coaches, my family, friends and fans who believed in my potential and supported me in this journey,” said Smriti in her acceptance of the award.

Despite India enduring a difficult 2021, Smriti stock continued to rise this year, scoring 855 runs in 22 international matches at an average of 38.86 with one century and five half-centuries.

In the limited-overs series against South Africa where India won just two of the eight matches at home, Smriti played a major role in both wins. She made 80 not out as India chased down 158 in the second ODI that helped them level the series and scored 48 not out to win the final T20I.

Smriti then played a sublime knock of 78 in the first innings of the one-off Test against England at Bristol that ended in a draw. She played an important knock of 49 in India’s only win in the ODI series. Her 15-ball 29 and fifty in the T20I series went in vain though as India fell short in both the matches and lost the series 2-1.

“A recognition of such high class from the global governing body of cricket in an exceptional and difficult year will motivate me to continue to better my game and contribute to Team India’s success going forward. I look forward to 2022 with a clear focus on winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand as we continue to prepare as a team and unit,” added Smriti.

Smriti was in good touch in the multi-format series against Australia, starting with the ODI series where she scored 86 in the second match. She compiled a brilliant century in the only Test (the first of her career), and was awarded the Player of the Match for the same. She scored her second T20I fifty of the year in the final T20I, though India fell short and lost the series 2-0.

She made India’s first-ever pink-ball Test even more memorable by smashing her maiden century in the longest format. The left-hander played her natural game to begin with, and scored a run-a-ball half-century, playing with caution under the lights.

Smriti was caught on 80 but was given a reprieve after replays showed Ellyse Perry had overstepped. She made the most of the lifeline, reaching her first Test century in style with a boundary. Her innings finally came to an end at 127, after putting India in a strong position. The match ended in a draw, and Mandhana was declared the Player of the Match.

Green Cover Loss

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

25/01/2022

According to a recent official report, over 23% of the total forest area in Jammu and Kashmir is facing degradation due to various factors.

The geographical area of Jammu region, according to official data is 26293 square kilometers. Out of it, 12066 square kilometers (45.89% of the geographical area) is forest. The geographical area of Kashmir region is 15948 square kilometers out of which 8128 square kilometers is the forest area (50.97%).

As per the Working Plans of J&K, a total of 4520 square kilometers of forest area is under various stages of degradation and has been recommended for rehabilitation. The official report underlines that some of the forests which were earlier well-stocked have also been degraded over a period of time and are required to be rehabilitated under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).

As per the official document, the forests are under tremendous pressure to meet increasing demands for fodder, grazing, small timber and other forest produce due to rapid increase in human and livestock population.

The human population of J&K has increased from about 1.01 crore in 2001 to 1.25 crore in 2011 recording a decadal growth of 23.71%”.

The degradation and loss of forests threatens the survival of many species, and reduces the ability of forests to provide essential services.

The 15th century saint and poet Sheikh ul Alam famously remarked: “Ann poshi teli yeli wan poshi”, meaning “food is subservient to forests.” Simply put, the food will last as long as forests last.

Jammu and Kashmir has been known for its greenery all over the world. People have been for ages depending on forests for timber and other services for construction and nourishing herbs besides other numerous benefits.

The effects of degradation of forests are already visible due to accelerated soil erosion, flash floods, silting up of reservoirs, loss of biodiversity and reduced forest productivity.

There seems to be a lack of appreciation of the unseen benefits of forests but the already existing impact is for everyone to perceive. Efforts should be to save and protect the forests.

There is an urgent need for a targeted investigation to assess the extent of tree cover loss along with the creation of a decentralized system of forest management. Community forest management has had some success in incorporating local communities as guardians of green cover.

Delimitation Commission likely to get another extension

Front

Ibni Maqbool

24/01/2022

Delimitation Commission likely to get another extension

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The Delimitation Commission constituted by the Government of India to redraw Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral map is likely to get another extension.

Sources told The Precious Kashmir that there is a strong possibility that the panel headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice (retd.) Ranjana Desai is likely to get an extension beyond March 5, 2022 to complete its work.

“The panel’s extended tenure is coming to an end on March 5, 2022 but it is yet to complete certain phases of the exercise. So it is likely to get one more extension,” they said, adding that there are bleak chances that the panel would finish its work before the March 5, 2022 deadline.

On March 6, 2020, the Government of India constituted the delimitation commission for fixing boundaries of 90 Assembly seats of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory. It has also been mandated to reserve seats for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes within the 90 seats.

On December 20, 2021, the panel shared details about district-wise seat allocation with associate members from Jammu & Kashmir.

According to the proposal shared with associate members, Jammu will get six additional seats and Kashmir only one seat.

The commission also told the associate members that nine seats would be reserved for STs and seven for SCs.

Sources told The Precious Kashmir that the commission will now focus on drawing boundaries for the 90 Assembly segments.

“The panel would share details about cartography of assembly segments with associate members and ask them to come up with their suggestions/objections on the proposal,” they said, adding that the panel would then put proposals in public domain to seek feedback from public/political parties.

According to sources, the commission would also hold public sittings at different places in Jammu & Kashmir to decide on suggestions/ objections received from the public.

COVID-19: 7 die as 6253 test positive in J&K

Front

Nadeem Nadu

24/01/2022

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 6253 fresh daily Covid-19 cases while seven persons succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.

1754 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 4499 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 397202, the officials said.

Regarding the deaths, they said, three were reported from Jammu division and four from Kashmir. So far 4605 people have died due to the virus—2249 in Jammu division and 2356 in Kashmir Valley.

On Saturday last, the J&K recorded its highest daily case count since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 as it recorded 6568 cases.

Giving district wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 1464 cases, Baramulla 564, Budgam 590, Pulwama 150, Kupwara 344, Anantnag 578, Bandipora 261, Ganderbal 320, Kulgam 174, Shopian 54, Jammu 1075, Udhampur 114, Rajouri 35, Doda 140, Kathua 83, Samba 47, Kishtwar 26, Poonch 10, Ramban 176 and Reasi 48.

There has been surge in covid-19 cases in J&K since the start of the New Year. On January 1, J&K reported 169 cases, 165 cases on January 2, 178 on January 3, 199 on January 4, 418 on January 5, 349 on January 6, 542 on January 7, 655 on January 8, 687 on January 9, 706 on January 10, 1148 on January 11, 1695 on January 12, 1966 on January 13, 2456 on January 14, 3251 on January 15, 3499 on January 16, 2817 on January 17, 4651 on January 18 and 5818 on January 19 and 5992 on January 20 besides 5720 on January 21.

A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of GMC Anantnag and District hospital Pulwama.

The GMC Srinagar cases include male (60) (NA) from Lalbazar, female (60) (NA) from Lalbazar, male (43) (NA) from H. no 29 Amida kadal, female (30) (NA) from Lalbazar, female (13) from khaniyar, male (26) (NA) from Kupwara, female (02) (NA) from Lalbazar, female (03) (NA) from Lalbazar, female (62) (NA) from Hyderpora, female (54) (NA) from Elahibagh, male (61) (NA) from Habbak, male (27) (NA) from Habbak,female (61) (NA) from Habbak, male (60) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (29) (NA) from Bemina, female (28) (NA) from Malbagh, female (45) (NA) from Umarabad, female (33) (NA) from Tral, male (42) (NA) from Poonch, male (23) (NA) from Baramulla, male (35) (NA) from Kishtawar, female (18) (NA) from Kupwara, male (65) (NA) from Sgr, female (82) (NA) from Sgr, female (25) (NA) from Sgr, female (75) (NA) from Budgam, male (25) (NA) from Bemina, male (28) (NA) from Budgam, male (27) (NA) from Budgam, male (26) (NA) from Sgr, male (25) (NA) from Sgr, male (39) (NA) from Sgr, male (70) (NA) from Eidgah, male (35) (NA) from Zainakadal, male (23) (NA) from Pulwama, female (66) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (24) (NA) from Pulwama, male (10) (NA) from Sgr, female (40) (NA) from Sgr, male (32) (NA) from Sgr, male (13) (NA) from khayam, female (22) (NA) from Karanagar, female (22) (NA) from Karanagar, female (23) (NA) from Karanagar, male (64) (NA) from Ahmed nagar, female (60) (NA) from Ahmed nagar, female (40) (NA) from Budgam, female (31) (NA) from Ganderbal, male (66) (NA) from HMT, female (36) (NA) from HMT, female (09) (NA) from HMT, male (08) (NA) from HMT, male (06) (NA) from HMT, female (04) (NA) from HMT, male (21) (NA) from Kupwara, male (26) (NA) from Boys hostel, female (30) (NA) from Nawakadal, female (50) (NA) from Chattabal, female (25) (NA) from Sgr, female (56) (NA) from Qamarwari, male (40) (NA) from Bemina, male (25) (NA) from Kupwara, female (28) (NA) from Girls hostel, male (45) (NA) from Sgr, male (35) (NA) from Ganderbal, female (60) (NA) from Sonwar, male (82) (NA) from Sgr, female (70) (NA) from Sgr, male (40) (NA) from Sgr, male (30) (NA) from Bemina, female (34) (NA) from Sgr, female (28) (NA) from Girls hostel, female (40) (NA) from Anantnag, female (29) (NA) from Eidgah, male (30) (NA) from Tangmarg, male (27) (NA) from Karanagar, female (27) (NA) from Anantnag, female (35) (NA) from Bemina, female (24) (NA) from Kulgam, male (35) (NA) from Pakherpora, female (30) (NA) from Soura and male (30) (NA) from Soura.

The DH Pulwama cases include male (35) from Sirnoo, female (26) from Ratnipora, male (50) from Parigam, male (56) from Dangerpora shopian, male (55) from Bandzoo, female (16) from Tenghara, female (40) from Dalipora, male (50) from Arihal, female (26) from Murran, male (64) from Murran, female (46) from Murran, female (38) from Murran, female (11) from Murran, female (26) from Wasoora, male (30) from Newa, male (24) from Chandigam, female (32) from Chakoora, female (30) from Karimabad, female (30) from Beighpora, female (35) from Newa, male (40) from Ratnipora, female (28) from Ratnipora, female (30) from Babhara, female (35) from Achan, male (40) from Inder, female (32) from Rakh children, female (36) from kashbayar, female (31) from Tahab, female (32) from Parigam, male (60) from Malikpora, female (32) from Gongoo, male (32) from Pulwama, female (25) from Malikpora, female (26) from Tenghara and male (15) from Drabgam.

Besides, they said, 2493 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time—997 from Jammu Division and 1496 from Kashmir. So far 349731 people have recovered, leaving active case tally at 42866 —13233 in Jammu and 29633 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 22955 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

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