Precious Kashmir

5 shops gutted, Army help put off the fire in Barmulla

City

06/12/2021

Srinagar: A massive fire broke out in the main market area of Village Fatehgarh in north Kashmir district of Baramulla causing damage to the public property.

Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency officials said five shops were gutted in a devastating fire incident at Fatehgarh causing damage to the property.

Defence spokesman Col Emron Musavi said, a massive fire broke out in the main market area of Village Fatehgarh in the night of December 4 – 5 around 2110 hours.

He said the fire soon engulfed a large densely populated area built with wooden shops and residential areas. Trees in the vicinity also caught fire which extended the conflagration zone in the market.

Initially local volunteers from the village tried to control the blaze but failed to contain it followed by which help was sought from the Indian Army.

Responding to the break of fire, two teams of army including one Quick Reaction Team swiftly rushed to the site with fire fighting equipment.

Army troops without caring for their own safety, quickly formed a human chain from the water point to the incident site. The fire was contained and not allowed to spread to adjacent Shops, houses and trees.

Meanwhile local police, Fire Fighting teams from the fire service department and assistance from other security forces with water bowsers and other fire fighting equipment also moved for place of the incident.

Army troops paved the way for the local fire brigade and continued extinguishing the fire alongside the firefighters. After a strenuous firefight, the blaze was finally tamed at 01:15 AM.

Village Panchayat members witnessing the incident lauded the selfless efforts, professionalism and courage displayed by Army personnel for timely assistance provided in extinguishing the fire thereby minimising losses.

Senior Citizens of the village present also extended the thanks for the spirit of unity displayed by men in uniform.

Drug peddlers nabbed in Kathua

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

06/12/2021

Jammu: Police on Sunday have arrested drug peddlers with 950 bottles of banned intoxicants in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Ramesh Kotwal said around 950 bottles of banned intoxicants (corex syrup) has been seized from inter-state narco peddlers.

He said one luxurious vehicle has also been seized while drug peddlers have also been taken into the custody.

“We are investigating the matter,” said the SSP.

IND vs NZ, 2nd Test: All eyes again on Rachin Ravindra

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

06/12/2021

IND vs NZ, 2nd Test: All eyes again on Rachin Ravindra

Mumbai: India will be keeping a wary eye on New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra, who along with last man Ajaz Patel had defied India for nearly 10 overs and denied the hosts victory in the first Test of the series in Kanpur.

Ravindra is again in the middle at stumps on the third day of the second and final Test at the Wankhede here on Sunday, batting on two along with Henry Nicholls (36) as New Zealand stare down a barrell, having 400 more runs to score to win this match.

Ravindra had survived 52 deliveries along with Ajaz Patel in Kanpur and New Zealand will be hoping that he works out the same magic here on the next two days. The 22-year-old batter of Indian-origin said they have their work cut out for Monday.

“I think we have lost a few wickets, we have to take it ball-by-ball and we have a very long road ahead. Hopefully, we can build some partnerships and play ourselves in. Two of them (Mitchell and Nicholls) showed us how to get it done and we will hope to build on it,” Ravindra said at the post-match press conference on Sunday.

Asked about his defiance against India at Kanpur, Ravindra said it was a team effort and not him alone that denied India victory in the first Test.

“Yeah, I think it’s important to keep our intent high. Get into good positions and smother the ball nicely. It wasn’t just me (who defied India in the first Test), it was the team that did it. Pretty cool to be there at the end though. Two days and a lot of cricket to play here. Take it ball-by-ball and maybe do something special,” he said.

Asked whether they would take a defensive approach or play his natural game on Monday, Ravindra said, “Whatever your natural game is. Keep the good balls out and put the bad ones away. Back our game plans and play accordingly.”

Asked about the incredible performance of Ajaz Patel, the other batsman of Indian-origin in the Black Caps lineup here, Ravindra said he was very happy for him.

“I couldn’t be happier for Jazzy (Ajaz). He’s an incredible bloke and a great spinner. Taking 14 wickets is ludicrous. Each time we gave him the ball, we knew he was going to give us a result. Having him in the team is also helpful for me and the others in the team.”

Ravindra, who had not been keeping well for the last few days, had broken Ajaz’s streak of taking all 12 Indian wickets to fall in the match so far when he got Shubman Gill out, claiming his maiden victory wicket.

Asked what was said in the huddle after he had taken that wicket, Gill said, “It was pretty funny because we thought he was going to take all 20. They congratulated me for taking my first wicket. That first wicket was very special.”

Asked what was the discussion in the team after they were bundled out for 62 in the first innings, Ravindra said they tried to put it behind them.

“It’s always tough being bowled out for 62. A lot went wrong. Everyone is a fighter and everyone tries to be better. We tried to put it behind and get better. Our plans were a bit more clear in the second innings. We just tried to do the same things over and over,” he said.

Responsibility Towards Pandemic Orphans

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

06/12/2021

Many children have been unfortunately left orphaned by the covid-19 pandemic. There are many who want to contribute for their better upbringing. Most people believe that it will give these children a shot at a better life than they can get from impoverished surviving relatives. However, sometimes even well-intentioned initiatives may go wrong. At the same time there is a tendency that some bad intentioned people try to take advantage of the plight of these children. It is here that the government must ensure balance and make certain that the interests and rights of such children are secured. The Supreme Court of India has held that no adoption of children orphaned since pandemic should be permitted contrary to the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. It is imperative that the order is adhered to, as past experience shows that the danger of children falling victim to traffickers under the guise of adoption is ever-present. The recent incident at Pampore Pulwama is a reminder of the lurking dangers. There are bound to be cruel elements, those who seek to exploit the innocent and helpless children rendered orphans or without caregivers.

In a quick action, the J&K government has arrested two persons following an investigation by a news organisation and subsequent probe by the authorities concerned. Office of the NGO has been sealed after the “sale” of two children for Rs 75,000-1.75 lakh per child surfaced.

The Chief Secretary rightly called for the need for strict action by all concerned including the Social Welfare Department and the law enforcement agencies to prevent occurrence of such incidents in future.

The direction by the chief secretary calling for the constitution of joint teams of the social welfare education department, Magistrates from DC office and police to verify the records of nari ashrams, bal ashrams, concerned NGOs and trust and orphanages is right. The child welfare committees in a welcome direction have been asked to meet covid orphans identified by the department and submit a report.

With the pandemic still raging and a third wave looming, it is essential that a proper record of the affected children is kept to prevent them from falling prey to the big wolves lurking around. There is need for due diligence and surveillance at the district level to enable a foolproof intervention for the children in need of care.

Incident like the one at Pampore is a necessary reminder to the authorities that they have a special responsibility to protect the interests and welfare of children in times like this.

Omicron: Govt braces up to contain spread in Kashmir

Front

Precious Kashmir

04/12/2021

Omicron: Govt braces up to contain spread in Kashmir

Conduct RT-PCR test of all int’l travelers at Sgr Airport: Div Com to officials

Srinagar: A day after the two confirmed cases of Omicron were detected in Karnataka, the administration in Jammu and Kashmir has geared up to contain the spread of new variant in Kashmir.

In this regard, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole took stock of measures put in place for handling of international passengers at Srinagar International Airport.

On the occasion, he chaired a meeting attended by Dir Srinagar Airport Authority; CMO, Srinagar, DCCRK officers, CISF officers, Medical Officer Srinagar Airport and other officers.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir stressed for conducting RT-PCR test of all international travellers upon their arrival at Srinagar International Airport.

He enjoined that after collection of samples travellers should be sent to administrative quarantine either government or private as per their choice.

Besides, he directed for establishing additional covid testing kiosks for the convenience of international as well as domestic passengers at the Srinagar International Airport besides directed for establishment of private RT-PCR testing facility for those passengers who will prefer to avail such facilities.

Further, he directed for establishment of IT desk at Srinagar International Airport to get the details of Srinagar bound international travelers in advance so the passengers arriving to connecting flights are not missed.

Meanwhile, he also directed for transportation of passengers to administrative quarantine centres established at Marriage Hall Sanat Nagar, Abi Hayat Hotel Boulevard and other centres.

He stressed on coordination among the concerned agencies and deployment of dedicated medical staff at Covid Care and quarantine Centres.

Later, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir visited 100 beded quarantine centre at Sanat Nagar and Abi Hayaat Hotel Boulevard to check the facilities available to the persons isolated for mandatory quarantine duration at the centres.

On the occasion, he stressed on maintaining proper registration of persons including their contact details admitted by respective quarantine centres. Besides, he also checked the quality food to be served there.

During the visit to quarantine centres, he was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; ADC Srinagar, Divisional Covid Control Room, Kashmir Officers and health officers.

J&K road maintenance policy: 6-member panel formed for management, monitoring

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

04/12/2021

J&K road maintenance policy: 6-member panel formed for management, monitoring

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: Nearly two months after coming up with a road maintenance policy, the administration of Jammu & Kashmir has constituted a high-level committee for planning, budgeting, management and monitoring of maintenance of road infrastructure.

To begin implementation of the policy, the government has constituted a committee headed by the administrative secretary of the Public Works department for planning, budgeting, management and maintenance of road infrastructure in J&K.

The six-member committee comprises Development Commissioner Works(PWD), Chief Engineer PW(R&B) department Jammu/ Kashmir, Chief Engineer PMGSY Jammu/ Kashmir, Director Finance PW(R&B) department and Director/ Joint Director Planning PW(R&B) department.

On October 7, the administrative council headed by LG Manoj Sinha approved the road maintenance policy -2021 and standard operating procedure for maintenance of the road network in J&K.

The road maintenance policy provides a guiding framework for establishing objectives, making arrangements for, and establishing a set of procedures for undertaking maintenance and repair works by PWD.

The policy provides for upgrading cross drainage systems of roads; ensuring timely clearances and repair works for proper maintenance of roads; getting repair works done during and after the completion of defect liability period; implementing audit of roads and bridges besides ensuring road safety measures on critical spots and regular inspection of roads by the field staff through visits as per a standard schedule.

Additionally, the policy also includes provisions for empowering the field staff to ensure fortnightly site inspections and reporting; restoring potholes and craters within 7-days by mobile teams, and introducing the latest technology and gadgets including digital survey vehicles for speedy and precise assessment of road conditions.

It is worthwhile to mention that J&K has a gross road length of 41,600 km and it is expected to reach 46,000 km length by 2022.

In 3 months, Kulgam sees 2nd fossil discovery

Anchor stories

Precious Kashmir

04/12/2021

In 3 months, Kulgam sees 2nd fossil discovery

Govt officials on trekking discover site at Kandimarg

By: Aabid Hameed

Kulgam: For the second time in just three-months, the South Kashmir’s Kulgam district has witnessed the discovery of twin fossil sites. A fresh fossil site has been discovered in Dragdan Kandimarg area in the district.

Earlier, a fossil site was discovered by two lecturers in last week of August this year.

After the passage of three months, another fossil site has been discovered within the district. The site has been discovered by Tehsildar Damhal Hanjipora, a local patwari and a team of education department.

Tehsildar DH Pora, Niyaz Ahmad told Precious Kashmir that it is his habit to explore new places during holidays. “On Sunday last, he along with some other officials were going to Nun-Kul in Kulgam, however, on way, they found some impressions on stones in Kandimarg area and conducted studies on it for hours and we found that it is a fossil site.”

He said that later experts and a team of education department was contacted, who also confirmed that there is fossil site.

Khurshid Ahmad, a lecturer at Government Higher Secondary School Kulgam, who was part of the education team, said that fossil is an impression traced or a body part of an once living organism and as per the study conducted, this fossil is of Palazoic era, which is also known as Devonian period.

He said that this fossil rate is around 250 million-years-old and is rich in medicinal plants also and its discovery is good sign for Geo-tourism.

Patwari, Mukeen Ahmad said that it is a good sign of Geo-tourism and the government must bring area on Geo-tourism map so that it will be help in the development of the area and open job opportunities for local youth.

Locals also demanded the government to bring this area on Geo-tourism map for their upliftment.

12 admitted in Delhi’s Lok Nayak hospital

Front

United News Of India

04/12/2021

New Delhi: Twelve suspected cases of Omicron variant have been admitted to Delhi government-run Lok Nayak Hospital till Friday evening, a top official said.

Hospital Director Suresh Kumar informed that of the 12 suspects who arrived in India from various regions that have reported Omicron cases, eight have tested positive for Covid-19.

“Eight cases have tested positive while results of rest of the four are awaited,” he said.

“The samples of positive patients have been sent for whole-genome sequencing. We are awaiting its results as well,” he added.

Kumar further said that the hospital is expected to receive the results of genome sequencing in a day or two.

He also added that the symptoms of all the positive cases are mild in nature so far. We are constantly monitoring their symptoms, he said.

According to officials, four of the 12 passengers arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) from the UK, four from France, two from the Netherlands and the remaining two travelled from the US.

So far, two individuals have been detected with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the country.

The cases include a South African national and a doctor who were found infected with the Omicron or B.1.1.529 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Bengaluru.

The individuals, both male, aged 66 and 46 have recently travelled to South Africa where the majority of the cases for the new variant have been reported from. (UNI)

Ready to tackle any situation: J&K Govt

Front

Jahangeer Ganaie

04/12/2021

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Reacting to the new Covid variant, the administration on Friday said that it is fully prepared to tackle any situation and that the public support is must to tackle any eventuality.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, P K Pole said that the public has to play a pivotal role in keeping the new Covid variant, ‘Omicron’ at bay. He said that in order to tackle the threat of the new Covid variant, the active support of the public is a must.

He said that if people follow Covid Appropriate Behavior in letter and spirit, the government will be able to defeat the new variant easily. He appealed to people to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands regularly, avoid unnecessary travel and maintain hygiene.

Pole said that the government was ready to tackle any situation as it is fully prepared for any situation and there was no need to worry but the public must follow the government’s directions and adhere to Covid Appropriate Behavior. (KNO)

Eliminating militancy, sympathizers Govt’s priority: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

04/12/2021

Participates in BSF’s 57th Raising Day celebrations
Says won’t forgive those trying to disrupt peace

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Friday said that eliminating militancy and its sympathizers is government’s priority.

Sinha participated in the 57th Raising Day celebrations of Border Security Force at the Frontier Officers Institute, in Paloura, Jammu.

Extending his warm wishes to all BSF personnel, officers, veterans, and their families on BSF’s Raising Day, the Lt Governor lauded the commitment and exemplary courage displayed by the BSF men while discharging their duties.

The Lt Governor also joined the BSF officers, their families and veterans for dinner, on the occasion.

“The country is indebted to our security forces for dismantling the eco-system of militancy, militant funding and eliminating anti-national elements to establish a secured and safe environment for the people, said the Lt Governor.

“I bow to all the martyrs of the BSF and their families who have made supreme sacrifice in service of the nation”, the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor said that we will never forget and never forgive those trying to disrupt peace and inflicting wounds on our social fabric.

“Eliminating militancy and its sympathizers is our priority. Today, if every citizen of J&K is contributing fearlessly to UT’s journey of progress and development, it is all because of the sacrifice and valor of our security forces”, the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor noted that whether it is peaceful conduct of DDC elections in the UT, public service programs in the border villages, assistance during the Covid pandemic, or preventing cross-border infiltration and smuggling of drugs, the BSF has successfully fulfilled all its responsibilities and has made unprecedented contributions to maintaining peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

BSF, nurtured by the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of our brave-hearts, has always lived up to its motto of “Jeevan Paryant Kartaya -Duty for Life”, enriching the 57 years of inspiring tradition of dedication, valor, and love for the motherland, said the Lt Governor.

We shall always remember our valiant BSF personnel who maintain an eternal vigil to safeguard our frontiers in difficult terrains and adverse conditions, combating emergent situations and making supreme sacrifices while safeguarding India’s territorial integrity, the Lt Governor observed.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; D K Boora, IG BSF Jammu frontier; Dr Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Anshul Garg, DC Jammu, besides senior officers of BSF, Police and Civil Administration were present on the occasion.

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