Precious Kashmir

Step up operations to check movement of militants: DGP to officers

Jammu & Kashmir

11/12/2021

Step up operations to check movement of militants: DGP to officers

Reviews internal, border security arrangements in Poonch

Jammu: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh Friday visited the border district of Poonch, Jammu region and reviewed internal and border security arrangements in the district while chairing joint officers meetings.

Accompanied by ADGP, Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh, the DGP was received by senior Army and Police officers. The DGP visited 6th Sector Brigade headquarters Potha, Surankot and 120 Infantry Brigade, Bimber Gali. He chaired joint security meetings at these places.

The meeting at headquarter Bimber Gali among others was attended by Brig. V. K Slathia and SSP Poonch. At 6 Sector the meeting was attended by Brig. Mandeep Singh DIG Rajouri Poonch range Vivek Gupta, SSP Poonch Vinod Kumar, CO 16 RR Ashutosh, CO 39 RR Ashok Kumar, CO 37 RR Amrit, SSP Rajouri Sheema Qasba and other senior Army, CAPF and Police officers.

During the visit, the DGP was given a detailed presentation by the senior officers on the security measures put in place along the LoC, against the infiltration attempts by the Pak agencies to push in militants and narcotics.

Discussions were held on the recent bids foiled by the border security grid and militants and their guides eliminated in the recent operations.

It was pointed out that Pak agencies are indulging in narcotics and weapon smuggling and transportation of cash across the LoC for funding militant activities. Many of such consignments have been interrupted by the JKP and the security forces deployed in the area.

The DGP observed that Pakistan is attempting to involve the youth in the drug menace, as they did in Punjab after their other nefarious designs failed. He said that twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch of Jammu have been witnessing militant infiltration bids sponsored by the Pakistani authorities and added that due to synergy and close liaison between the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and other security forces many of such acts were thwarted on the border and in the hinterland successfully.

He emphasized strengthening of Naka points on Mugal road as also on national highway to keep check on transportation of drugs, weapons and other criminal activities.

Singh directed the officers to maintain synergy for well coordinated efforts to uproot the militancy, militant networks and narco-militancy in the Range. He emphasized upon the officers to strengthen the intelligence grid and ensure input sharing for rapid action by the forces.

He emphasized regular interactions/briefing of the subordinates at different levels. He stressed for stepping up operations to “check the movement of criminals and militants and other suspicious elements.

Stressing for counter strategies and preventive measures, he emphasized on the officers to remain extra alert and take appropriate counter measures to prevent evil attempts of militants and their masters from across the border.

The DGP said that Police Public meetings, especially in the border villages, should be conducted on a regular basis. He said that people’s cooperation in the fight against narco-militancy and other crimes is must. He directed jurisdictional officers to seek people’s cooperation in the fight against drug abuse and other social crimes.

Police denies seizing two-wheelers, acting like court

City

United News Of India

11/12/2021

Police denies seizing two-wheelers, acting like court

Srinagar: A month after Additional Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Sandeep Chaudhary “to call the report from all the police stations within the district” over illegal seizure of bikes, the officer in its reply to the court has denied the allegations and termed it baseless.

“That, this office received a copy of order dated 06/11/2021 passed by this Hon’ble Court, whereby Sr. Superintendent of Police, Srinagar- Non-applicant no. 3 has been directed to call reports from all Police Stations with regard to allegations that District Police Srinagar has been allegedly detaining vehicles illegally and allegedly exercising powers of a Traffic Magistrate by releasing them of their own,” reads the reply.

“That, at the very outset, it is most humbly submitted that allegations levelled against District Police Srinagar/non applicants are vehemently denied, being baseless, far from facts and reality and nothing more than a mere figment of imagination on part of the applicant herein,” it reads.

On November 6, the special court directed the SSP to submit the compliance report before the court within a period of ten days. However, the police had sought some more time to file the reply.

In October, police in the valley confiscated hundreds of two wheelers despite due papers and licenses being produced by their rightful owners. However, residents and several mainstream politicians were angry over the unnecessary harassment from the police.

Directions from the court came after social activist and lawyer Naveed Bukhtiyar moved to the special court against the seizure of two-wheelers.

“From last one month Jammu and Kashmir Police has been detailing two wheelers illegally in violation of the provision of the Motor Vehicle Act and thereafter releasing the same by exercising the power of Mobile Magistrate/Traffic Judge,” reads the plea filed by Bukhtiyar.

In the application it was further pleaded that the “illegal” action has not only caused humiliation, mental agony but also taken away people’s fundamental rights.

The case was filed against the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General, senior superintendent, zonal headquarters Batmaloo Srinagar, Sub division police officer Shaheed Gunj Srinagar, Station Head Officer Batamaloo Srinagar.

Earlier, the Kashmir police chief had said that seizing of some bikes and shutting down the internet of some towers is related to militancy. (GNS)

75 trek routes to be developed in J&K

City

Indo Asian News Service

11/12/2021

Srinagar: A total of 75 trek routes are being developed in J&K, the UT’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr Mohit Gera, who is on four day tour to Kashmir, said on Friday.

He said the Forest Department, in pursuance to government directions, is developing 75 trekking routes both in Jammu and in Kashmir, of which many are already in operation like Badrikali to Galganzara, Bhadrakali to Sanzipora, Rajpur-Pathri-Trimukhan-Kairvan Diver in north Kashmir and Mansar to Mahoregarh, DKG to Ratanpeer, and DKG to Noori Chamb in Jammu region.

“Trekking in Jammu and Kashmir provides a closer sneak peek into the culture of mountain dwellers as one enjoys the rugged mountains, lush green meadows, diverse forests and breathtaking scenic views dotted with wetlands,” Gera said.

He said it is expected that this initiative of the government will create significant employment opportunities, especially for local youth, besides leading to well-being of forests, wildlife and overall biodiversity of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the department has released a booklet on trek routes giving details of all the 75 trek routes across Jammu and Kashmir. (IANS)

‘230 killed, property worth Rs 250 Cr damaged in blazes since 2018’

Jammu & Kashmir

Jahangeer Ganaie

11/12/2021

By: Umaisar Gul Ganai

Srinagar: The fire related incidents have seen the death of 230 people and property worth Rs 250 crore damaged in Kashmir since 2018, reveal official figures.

Figures suggest that in 2018, the Fire and Emergency department Kashmir received 2790 fire calls. “The year 2018 saw deaths of 64 people in various fire related incidents while 11 persons sustained injuries. 1800 structures, 50 shopping complexes, 59 vehicles and 216 electric transformers were damaged in the year 2018,” the figures reveal, adding that “In year 2019, the department received 1841 calls while 45 persons lost lives and eight people were injured. The year also saw damage of 1409 structures, 72 vehicles and 46 shopping complexes while 91 electric transformers also were damaged in the fire.”

The data states that in 2020, the F&ED received 2373 fire calls and the year saw the death of 64 persons in fire related incidents across the Valley. “In 2020, 1578 structures, 39 shopping complexes, and 73 vehicles got damaged in fire related incidents while 145 electric transformers got damaged. From 2019 to 2020, property worth Rs 188 Crores suffered damage in fire incidents,” the data suggests.

In the ensuing year (2021) F & ED department received 1929 fire calls. “The ensuing year saw 65 deaths in fire related incidents in the ensuing year while property worth Rs 64 Crore got damaged,” the data states.

Deputy Director Fire and Emergency department Kashmir Bashir Ahmed Shah said that majority of fire incidents take place in the month of November which is a “harvest season” when people would keep the harvest nearer to the residential houses which become the reason for the fire.

“November month, apart from being harvest season, also pushes people to store coal, kerosene, and gas in their homes in view of harsh winters. Every year, new vehicles are added to the fleet of the Fire and Emergency department. This year, 50 new vehicles were added since last one year to replace old ones,” he said.

He urged people to cooperate with the officials of F&ED when they are on job to douse the flames as engaging officials in arguments and quarrels as that leads to wastage of time and spreads fire. (KNO)

CDS Rawat’s demise: Condolence ceremony held at Gulmarg

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

11/12/2021

Srinagar: Condolence ceremony was organised at Gulmarg to pay homage to deceased Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat.

On the first day of the two-day event, all ranks of Gulmarg garrison paid homage to the departed soul along with Police & Para Military personnel, followed by civilians, both locals and tourists, paying their respects to the country& first CDS.

The second day was marked by a number more serving personnel paying their respects along with civilians from various walks of life who also joined in to pay tributes to the General.

The event saw a great patriotic fervor among the people who had gathered for the event and a large number of people hailed the motherland and its fallen hero.

Review Prescriptions

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

11/12/2021

Prescription is an important means of therapeutic intervention by a doctor which reflects his approach towards safe prescribing. It’s a well researched fact that inappropriate use of drugs is a global health problem, especially in developing countries. Irrational prescriptions have an ill effect on health as well as health-care expenditure.

Prescription auditing is an important tool to improve the quality of prescriptions, which in turn improves the quality of health care provided.

It is important that the prescription is in line with the best practices mentioned in the World Health Organization guidelines as well as the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare which was founded in 2006. In a step towards meeting this endeavor, the Health and Medical Education Department had formed a committee comprising doctors (Medical Superintendents) and Nodal Officers (doctors) to conduct prescription audits in Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Srinagar and its Associated Hospitals. The panels had been tasked to prepare and submit fortnightly reports to the respective HODs, who shall prepare a comprehensive monthly report along with their recommendations, highlighting the actionable points, which shall be submitted to the Administrative Department. The panels, if still in practice, need to check if the medical practitioners are indulging in practices that go against medical ethics such as prescribing medicine not even required by the patient for mere promotional purposes. According to a survey conducted by Pune-based Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiatives (SATHI), pharmaceutical companies’ lure doctors with high-value bribes through medical representatives. On the other hand, doctors’ bodies questioned its authenticity. Indian Medical Association (IMA) blamed a few “miscreants” who according to it give a bad name to the entire community. It would be unfair to blame the entire community but at the same time there is no denial that promotional practices eventually lead to irrational prescriptions and pushing of high-cost drugs. One cannot ignore the complexity of the medical field and beyond doubt, a well-meaning ethical doctor may prescribe an expensive brand of the drug only for a better outcome. Quality of the drug is crucial but at the same time, the question that begs answers is: who is keeping a tab on that? The answer may not be simple to find given the perplexities in the field. It is imperative for the government to take appropriate measures for the holistic clinical audit and quality improvement process that seeks to improve patient care.

‘Health Technology Assessment bridging gap between researchers, real world’

National

Indo Asian News Service

11/12/2021

‘Health Technology Assessment bridging gap between researchers, real world’

New Delhi: The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is bridging the gap between the researchers and the real world, Minister of State for Health Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar on Friday while addressing the International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment.

Underlining the role of International Symposium, Pawar in her address said that it has provided a platform to discuss the global best practices in HTA, development of a sustainable model of evidence-based decision making through HTA institutionalisation in India in order to achieve universal health coverage.

The ‘International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment’ was organised on the theme of “Translating Knowledge and Best Practices into Policy for Evidence Informed Decision making in Healthcare Sector for Universal Health Coverage” by the Health Ministry in collaboration with International Decision Support Initiative.

Pawar also released a video on “The Power of HTA” and two books — “Policy Briefs” and “Development of Health-Related Quality of Life Value Sets (EQ-5D-5L) for India”.

Dr V.K. Paul, Member (Health) NITI Aayog said that HTA is the pillar for policy formation. However, Dr. Balram Bhargava, Secretary-DHR and DG, ICMR, stressed on the need for institutionalising HTA in the country.

Rohit Sharma begins preparation for South Africa tour

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

11/12/2021

Rohit Sharma begins preparation for South Africa tour

New Delhi: Ahead of the South Africa tour, India’s newly-appointed white-ball captain Rohit Sharma on Friday began his preparations with a training session in Mumbai on Friday. The 34-year old Sharma took to social media to share a video clip in which he can be seen working with throw-down specialists on a pitch full of pace and bounce.

He can be also seen defending the ball or leaving it, focusing on his Test cricket game.

“Getting started in 3..2..1,” wrote Rohit on Instagram along with the video.

The star Indian opener, who began his tenure as full-time captain in T20Is with a 3-0 win over New Zealand last month, was appointed the captain of the ODI side on Wednesday.

Rohit has also been named the new vice-captain of Team India in Tests, replacing Ajinkya Rahane. So, the upcoming South Africa tour will be huge for him.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami also returned to the nets at the National Cricket Academy where he can be seen getting a few overs under his belt. He was rested from the recently-concluded home series against New Zealand along with fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

The Indian team will play three Test matches and three ODIs in South Africa.

Principles of democracy should guide global governance: PM Modi

Front

United News Of India

10/12/2021

Principles of democracy should guide global governance: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed that the principles of democracy should also guide global governance, and that given technology’s ability to impact democracy positively or negatively, tech companies should contribute to preserving open and democratic societies.

PM Modi made the remarks at the first Summit for Democracy, hosted by President Joe Biden.

He also emphasized the need for democratic countries to deliver on values enshrined in their constitutions.

Participating in the Leaders’ Plenary Session, PM Modi outlined sensitivity, accountability, participation and reform orientation, as four pillars of the Indian democratic governance, said sources.

As a special gesture, PM Modi was invited to participate in the main Leaders’ Plenary Session hosted by President Biden. This closed-door Session saw interventions from 12 select countries, including India.

In his remarks, PM Modi also recalled that exactly on this date 75 years ago, India’s Constituent Assembly had held its first session. He highlighted India’s civilizational ethos as one of the original sources of democracy.

PM Modi said that the democratic spirit, including respect for rule of law and pluralistic ethos, is ingrained in Indians. The Indian Diaspora carries it too, thereby contributing to economic wellbeing and social harmony of their adopted homes, the sources added.

The second Leaders’ Plenary Session was hosted by President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Tomorrow, PM Modi will deliver India’s national statement, which will be open to the public.

This virtual Summit envisages participation of leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector. It comprises numerous activities in different formats, details of which may be seen on the US State Department website.

As the world’s largest democracy, India has commended this innovative initiative. India has always stood ready to share its experiences with fellow democracies. (UNI)

Allot required land for air cargo infra at Sgr airport: MPs committee to AAI

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

10/12/2021

Allot required land for air cargo infra at Sgr airport: MPs committee to AAI

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The department-related parliamentary standing committee on commerce has recommended to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to allot required land to the Customs department at Srinagar airport for constructing an air cargo complex.

In its report, a copy of which is in possession of The Precious Kashmir, the parliamentary panel has recommended that the required land should be allotted to the Customs department on a priority basis at Srinagar airport for constructing an air cargo complex.

“The committee recommends that the Airports Authority of India should ensure promptitude in completing the construction work at the airport within a reasonable time frame. It exhorts that the required land should be allotted to the Custom department on a priority basis which would provide unhindered transition of air cargo from Srinagar since the exports from the region comprises goods of extreme perishability such as apples, apricots and other horticulture and floriculture items,” reads the report.

The committee also said that it is of the considered view that an optimal framework should be devised to undertake collaborative efforts by both Customs department and Airports Authority of India to make Srinagar as an air cargo export hub of the region.

In its visit to Jammu & Kashmir earlier this year, the committee visited the Air Cargo Complex at Bishamber Nagar, Srinagar to have an overview of air cargo infrastructure.

“While interacting with officials of the Custom Department, it learnt that the cargo complex is at a considerable distance of 15 kilometers from the airport of Srinagar. This results into undue delay in exports due to custom facilitations and examination of the export cargo at a faraway distance from the airport. The officials, therefore, urged that a dedicated space at the airport may be allotted to the Custom department on an immediate basis which would be used for constructing an air cargo complex,” reads the report,

However, according to the report, the Airports Authority of India submitted that the required space to Custom department would be allotted only after the completion of new constructions which may take considerable time (up to 3 years).

The committee said a dedicated space, previously used by the defunct Jet Airways, was allotted to the Custom department by AAI on a short term basis after its intervention.

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