By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Ten cases of Omicron were detected in Jammu and Kashmir, which includes three non-local travelers, taking the tally of total detected cases to 13 in J&K, officials said on Tuesday.

A top health official said that the first case of Omicron was detected in Kashmir on Monday while four more were detected today.

He said that three among the five detected cases include three non-local travellers whose samples were taken in Anantnag and they have already returned back.

An official said that the person from Shopian and pregnant lady from Uri who were detected positive for Omicron are stable and have recovered as well.

“Robust teams are working to trace contact of the two persons who have been tested positive for Omicron,” an official said.

He said that we are working to find out with whom people have met since a person tested positive for Covid-19 and later omicron.

While giving details of cases, he said that three tourists whose samples were detected positive for Omicron include a 19-year -old male and 22-year-old female from Maharashtra and 40 year-old male from Gujarat and their samples were taken from 22 December and 26 December respectively.

He said that a sample of a pregnant lady from Dhani Syden, Baramulla was taken on December 20, while details of a person from Shopian were sample was detected positive for omicron on Monday were not known.

Dr Shashi Sudan Principal GMC Jammu said that five fresh cases of omicron were detected in Jammu division on Tuesday whose samples were taken in last month.

Officials said that among one two belongs to Channi Himmat Jammu and one from Canal road Jammu.

It is pertinent to mention here that earlier three cases of Omicron were detected in Jammu including two women from Saraswati Vihar in Talab Tillo Bohri and a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya Bantalab, however, all three patients had already recovered. (KNO)

Srinagar: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Tuesday suspended all the theory classes in respect of MBBS and B.Sc. Paramedical Courses with immediate effect.

“Pursuant to Government Order No: 03-IK(DMRRR) of 2022 dated; 09/01/2022 issued under endorsement No: DMRRR/PS/Secy/551/2020 dated: 09/01/2022, all the Theory Classes in respect of MBBS and B.Sc. Paramedical Courses are hereby suspended with immediate effect,” reads an order by Principal /Dean Medical College Srinagar.

“However, online teaching and Clinical Postings shall continue as per the roster issued by the respective Departments,” the order added.

Srinagar: Authorities at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura on Tuesday ordered cancellation of winter vacations for faculty members.

“In view of the upsurge of COVID-19/Omicron cases, the Winter Vacation- 2022 of faculty members of SKIMS Soura, Srinagar is hereby cancelled. All the faculty members shall resume their duties immediately, without any delay,” reads the order issued by Director SKIMS Dr Parvaiz A Koul.

Koul said that the decision has been taken in view of the upsurge of COVID-19 cases to ensure adequate availability of staff at this juncture.

He said that patient care is top priority of SKIMS while putting emphasis on installation and implementation of online Payment Gateway system at SKIMS on priority to facilitate patients.

Meanwhile, in view of the surge in Covid positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and Government Medical College Rajouri Tuesday ordered suspension of offline classes.

The online teaching and clinical posting shall continue as per the roster issued by the respective departments.

“Pursuant to Government Order No: 03-JK(DMRRR) of 2022 dated: issued under endorsement No: DMRRR/PS/Secy/551/2020 dated: 09/01/2022, all the Theory Classes in respect of MBBS and B.Sc. Paramedical Courses are hereby suspended with immediate effect,” reads the order issued by Principal/Dean GMC Srinagar.

“However, online teaching and Clinical Postings shall continue as per the roster issued by the respective Departments,” the order said.

“In pursuance to Government Order no 03-JK (DMRRR) of 2022 Dated 09-01 2022 issued vide endorsement No DMRRR/PS/Secy./551/2020 dated: 09-01-2020, all the UG Classes (MBBS, B.Sc Paramedical) are hereby suspended till further orders. However, the classes will be taken as per scheduled by respective departments in online mode without interruption,” reads the order issued by Principal GMC Rajouri.

Jammu: In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday constituted a committee of senior officers regarding the issue of commemoration of Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday and its observance as a public holiday.

An order issued by the J&K administrative department said a 4-member committee headed by the Principal Secretary General Administration Department will go into the issue of commemoration of late Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday and its observance as a general/public holiday under the negotiable instruments act 1881.

Maharaja Hari Singh was born on September 23, 1895 in Jammu city and he died on April 26, 1961 in Mumbai.

There has been a growing demand by the residents of Jammu, especially the Dogra Rajput community, to observe the late Dogra Maharaja’s birthday on an official scale and declare it as a public holiday.

Late Maharaja Hari Singh is seen as an icon of the Dogra pride and valour although the end of his rule in 1947 is observed as the Independence Day of Jammu and Kashmir.

The late Maharaja was negotiating a standstill agreement with India and Pakistan in 1947 when the Afridi tribals invaded the state and started looting and plunder with the support of Pakistan.

The decision to encourage and support the tribal invasion of J&K in 1947 by Pakistan is believed to have been prompted by the efforts of late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah who was negotiating the accession of the Muslim majority state with India against the doctrine of the Two Nation Theory. (IANS)

 Chairs high-level meeting to analyze 2021 police performance, plans for 2022

Jammu: Stating that both modern and traditional policing are equally important in dealing with the crimes at different fronts, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Tuesday advocated for ‘public support’ for prevention of crimes.

“More ‘public support’ should be gained for prevention of crimes,” the police chief said while chairing a high level meeting here to analyze 2021 police performance and plans for 2022 held at Zonal Police Headquarter.

Directing for setting the targets for immediate disposal of pending UAPA and NDPS cases, the DGP stressed for improving the quality and techniques of investigation to ensure the conviction of the guilty.

He directed that special teams under the direct supervision of district SSsP should be constituted for investigation of the NDPS, UAPA and cases of special nature.

ADGP Jammu, Mukesh Singh also chaired the second session of the meeting.

Appreciating the ADGP Jammu for conducting this meeting which he said would help in setting up the targets for 2022, the DGP asked the officers to follow the SOPs while investigating the UAPA and asked ADGP Jammu to circulate the copies of SOPs to all distinct SSsP.

He emphasized for deputing the Parivi officers in the courts which he said would act as value addition for police in courts.

“Launch a special drive in tracking the absconders and also maintain close surveillance on anti-social and anti-national elements and take every step to neutralize attempts of anti peace elements,” the police chief added.

With regard to National highway the DGP directed the officers to submit their requirements if any to PHQ so that security of National highway is further augmented.

He also stressed making organized plans of accident prevention and accident response on highways and directed for deputing the first aid teams on accident prone places.

He also asked the officers to take up the work of improving the accommodation and other facilities of cops and officers on a fast track basis.

Referring to the crimes against women, the DGP directed for opening up of special women help desks in every district so that women folk would fearlessly report crimes against them and they will be able to express their grievances more comfortably.

With regard to community policing, the DGP said that besides conducting police public meetings more public centric initiatives should be taken to further strengthen the police public bond. “Law abiding people should be respected and it should be ensured that they are not put to any inconvenience in any situation,” the DGP said and directed the officers that every possible help and assistance should be provided to the families of martyrs.

He directed the officers to make it a routine to visit the families of martyrs to express solidarity and know the well-being of these families adding that the problems faced by these families if any should be addressed on priority.

The officers representing different districts of Jammu Zone briefed the meeting through PowerPoint presentations regarding the 2021 performance of their respective districts and plans made to deal with the crime more effectively and efficiently in 2022.

Srinagar: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar on Tuesday asked officers to make all necessary and required arrangements in connection with 26th January for ensuring peaceful celebrations of the event.

The directions were passed by him while chairing a security review meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir through video conferencing with Range DIsG and district SSsP of Kashmir Zone. DIG CKR Srinagar and SSP Srinagar attended the meeting at PCR Kashmir.

A police spokesman said that IGP Kashmir was briefed by the participating officers about the overall security scenarios in their respective areas and the security measures being adopted to counter the challenges.

IGP Kashmir was also briefed about the security measures and preparations put in place in connection with upcoming R-Day besides, the measures taken in view of third Covid wave.

While interacting with the officers, IGP Kashmir discussed the initiatives taken for the maintenance of law and order besides anti-militant operations in the valley, the spokesman said.

“IGP Kashmir also appreciated them for their commitment towards their duties and contribution in maintenance of law and order and in conducting successful anti-militancy operations with no collateral damage,” he said, adding, “(The IGP) emphasized upon them that such efforts and coordination with other forces working on ground should continue to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the Valley.”

He directed the officers to make all necessary and required arrangements in connection with 26th January for ensuring peaceful celebrations of the event. He also directed the officers to personally supervise the arrangements required in connection with the event, the spokesman said.

IGP Kashmir directed the officers to ensure that the police personnel who are the frontline workers be provided with Covid-19 booster dose in view of surge in Covid cases and the existing infrastructure including isolation wards etc be got activated to meet any eventuality.  He also stressed that the police personnel be sensitized about adhering to Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB).

The IGP Kashmir also directed the officers to intensify the war against drug peddlers and root out the menace from the society, saying that this is spoiling the career of youth.  He also directed them to personally supervise the probe into the narcotics cases to improve the conviction rate. Besides, he also directed the officers to build up strong police-public relationship at all police levels and conduct regular interactive meetings with general public as such meetings particularly with youth will not only help in curbing the drug menace but will strengthen the police-public interface, the spokesman added.

“IGP Kashmir was concerned over the incidents of theft of copper wire along the railway track meant for electrical trains,” the spokesman said, adding, “He directed the concerned district SSsP in whose jurisdiction the railway track passes to take all possible measures to prevent such thefts as also to identify the culprits involved in the crime.”

The officers were also directed by the IGP Kashmir to ensure timely help to those who require any assistance in view of inclement weather conditions and the special help-lines so established shall remain functional 24×7 with dedicated manpower.

“IGP Kashmir also said that persons involved in disturbing the prevailing peaceful atmosphere should be dealt strictly under law.”

He said that stringent action shall be taken against such elements who misuse social media platforms for inciting violence including trouble makers and rumour mongers, the spokesman said. “He also instructed all District SSsP to enhance anti militancy operations in their respective areas besides, taking strict action against OGW network.”

By: Faizan Wani

Srinagar: The government employees in Jammu & Kashmir will now have to declare details of only those moveable assets whose value exceeds his/her two months’ salary.

The administration of Jammu & Kashmir on Tuesday amended the rules governing declaration of assets by government employees.

In a notification, the General Administration Department (GAD) today ordered that public servants shall declare details of only those moveable properties in their annual returns whose value exceeds his two months’ salary.

“Every public servant shall bring to the notice of the prescribed authority the acquisition or transfer of movable property where the value of such property exceeds his two salary in each case,” reads “The Jammu and Kashmir Public Servants Declaration of Assets and Other Provisions Rules, 1998”.

Before the amendment, the employees had to declare details of their moveable properties if their value exceeds Rs 20000 in each case.

According to the rules, the employees have to declare details of their cash balance, saving bank deposits, shares, cash certificates, fixed deposits, debentures, security bond jewellery/ornaments and household items (electric and electronic items only) in their annual returns. (KNO)

Extends greetings on National Youth Day

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha paid homage to Swami Vivekananda and extended National Youth Day’s greetings to the people.

National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

In a message, the Lt Governor said “Swami Vivekananda was one of our greatest spiritual leaders, who inculcated a national consciousness among the people.”

Swami Vivekananda gave a universal message of rationality and righteousness. His vision of building character and instilling human values among youth, and unity and brotherhood has far-reaching appeal and relevance even today, observed the Lt Governor.

Development is creative refinement of youth energy. J&K has a great demographic dividend in the form of our youth. The young energy manifested in our socio-economic landscape is now transforming into unprecedented growth of the UT of J&K, said the Lt Governor.

On this National Youth Day, let us all strengthen our resolve to follow the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and work selflessly for the betterment of the society, added the Lt Governor.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government has identified new trekking routes in Kashmir Valley to promote “adventure tourism”.

Last year, Kashmir witnessed massive tourist traffic around six lakh.

“Now we are going to open new trekking routes,” Jammu and Kashmir Director Tourism Ghulam Nabi Itoo said.

“Be it Gulmarg, or Pahalgam, now adventure routes of Gurez, Tosamaidan and Bungus valley will be the new hot spots in Kashmir where we have identified new trekking routes and would be put through for the tourists undertaking trekking,” he said. Earlier these routes were not highlighted given their inaccessibility.

He described the direct Srinagar-Dubai flight as a positive initiative paving the way for the foreigners to visit Kashmir.

“I hope that the foreign tourists who prefer to come for trekking to Kashmir would undertake these routes, once the Covid restrictions are eased out,” he said.

Foreign tourists usually look for “adventure tourism” including skiing. “We have updated slopes in the famous ski resort of Gulmarg for adventure tourism,” he added.

Hopefully the Ski lovers all over India and other parts of the world also visit during this winter, he said.

Ski resort of Gulmarg remained a favourite spot for the tourists, be it domestic, local or foreigners last year. “We hope during the winter they would also throng for adventure tourism here,” he said.

Gulmarg, draped in snow, is witnessing capacity booking this winter, for the first time during the past few years.

He said, we have a plan to start Heli Skiing again in Kashmir. “Due to Covid-19 pandemic, for the past two years there was not much international tourism in Kashmir and Heli Skiing could not be started… definitely that already is in the plan and will help to bring foreign tourism back in Kashmir”, he said.

Heli Skiing was started in Kashmir valley in 2011 in the Pir Panjal range of Western Himalayas based in Gulmarg ski resort.

There was a slide in foreign tourist numbers due to the suspension of international flights amid the Coronavirus pandemic. (UNI)