By: Sheikh Danish

Srinagar: A traffic policeman was on Wednesday evening injured after suspected militants opened fire in Rajouri Kadal area of Srinagar.

Official sources informed that the militants fired upon a man in blue identified as Muhammad Abdullah in Rajouri Kadal when he was performing his duty in the evening.

Abdullah was rushed to SMHS hospital here where he is undergoing treatment.

An official in the hospital said that the injured is being operated upon, adding that he has received three bullets in his arm and cheek.

Meanwhile, police in a tweet said that the area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers.

“#Militants fired upon & #injured a traffic police personnel who was busy in regulating traffic at Rajouri Kadal, #Srinagar. He has been shifted to hospital. Area has been #cordoned off. Further details shall follow,” Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

Medical Superintendent SMHS hospital Dr Kanwaljeet Singh said that the injured has received three bullets and is being treated. (KNO)

Reviews security scenario in Anantnag, Pulwama

Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Wednesday directed the officers to strive harder to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Singh visited South Kashmir districts of Anantnag and Pulwama and chaired an officers meeting to take stock of the security scenario.

He later visited Pulwama district to compliment Police and security forces for killing two militants in an encounter, a police spokesman said.

IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar and DIG South Kashmir Range Abdul Jabbar accompanied the DGP during his visit to district Pulwama.

The DGP while addressing media persons in Pulwama said that today’s encounter was a successful operation of Police and security forces in which two militant commanders of JeM were killed. He said that Yasir Parray who was known as an IED expert had joined the militant group in 2019 and was involved in various incidents. He was involved in killing two Army officials and injuring some others by triggering an IED blast.

The DGP said that the other foreign militant killed was known as Ali Bhai and he too was involved in various incidents. The DGP said that the duo were working together in radicalising youth and were involved in a dozen FIRs.

Complimenting the Police and security forces for successful operation, the spokesman said that the DGP said that it was clean operation without any collateral damage. He complimented the local people for their cooperation and behaviour, at times some people gets involved in unlawful activities during encounters, the spokesman said.

The DGP said that people of South Kashmir have always been cooperative and there is no law and order situation because of public support. He said that police and people have been working together for peace.

He said security forces are protecting borders and police in the hinterland are active to thwart any attempt of infiltration.

Earlier, on his arrival at Anantnag the DGP was received by IGP Kashmir and DIG SKR. He chaired a meeting of senior officers of district Anantnag.

In the meeting the DGP impressed upon the police officers to strive harder to maintain peace and order in the J&K. He emphasized that the police personnel must deal strictly with elements involved in the radicalization of youth and pushing them towards militancy.

He directed the police officers to identify and book the persons involved in these activities. He directed the officers that people’s cooperation is pivotal for the force to achieve more success on the anti-militancy front and emphasised for better police public relations.

New Delhi: A total of 165 militants have been killed while 14 have been arrested by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir this year, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told the Rajya Sabha, in a written reply, that there has been a substantial decrease in incidents of infiltration and militant attacks in the Union Territory since 2018.

As on October 31 this year, a total of 28 incidents of infiltration occurred as against 51 in 2020, 141 in 2019 and 143 in 2018.

Similarly, 200 militant incidents have been reported till November 21 this year, as against 244 in 2020, 255 in 2019, and 417 in 2018.

Giving details, Rai said that there were 37 incidents of militant attacks in October, 14 in September, 36 in August, 26 in July, 22 in June, 12 in April, 11 in March, seven in February and eight in January. In December 2020, a total of 28 militant attacks occurred, 15 in November, and 22 in October.

The minister also said that during this period (from October 2020 to October 2021, a total of 32 security forces personnel and 19 from Jammu and Kashmir Police were killed.

The house was also told that in October 2021, around 115 Kashmiri Pandit families living in Kashmir moved to Jammu. These families are of the government employees, many of whom moved to Jammu in winter as part of movement of officials and winter vacation in educational institutions. (IANS)

New Delhi: Four travelers from London (UK) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) have been admitted to the Lok Nayak Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Tuesday night, sources said.

The passengers are suspected of being infected with the new Covid-19 variant ‘Omicron,’ sources said here on Wednesday.

Sources said that their samples have been sent for genome sequencing at the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) lab.

On Monday, the Delhi government in an order had said that it designated the Lok Nayak Hospital to treat patients detected with the new Covid-19 variant Omicron.

The government also directed that no Covd-19 patient of the new variant will be denied admission on any ground.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 83rd ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, had called upon the countrymen to take precautions against Novel Coronavirus, in the wake of the new Covid variant.

“Corona is not over yet. It is the responsibility of all of us to take precautions,” Modi had said. (UNI)

New Delhi: A total of 6 persons have been found positive for Covid-19 travelling from ‘at risk’ countries on the first day of the operation of the revised guidelines for international travellers.

A total of 11 international flights have landed at various airports across the nation coming from ‘at risk’ countries since the implementation of the revised guidelines in the wake of new Covid variant Omicron. These flights carrying 3,476 passengers landed from ‘at risk’ countries from midnight to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, said the Union health ministry.

All 3,476 passengers were administered RT-PCR tests at the airports and 6 out of them were found Covid-19 positive. The samples of the positive passengers have been sent to INSACOG labs for Whole Genomic Sequencing.

The government revised the guidelines for international travellers as a public health response measure for the control and management of the new variant of Covid-19 which has been designated as a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.

“Government of India continues to keep track of the evolving situation, and supporting states, UTs in the fight against the pandemic through ‘whole of Government’ approach”, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

The Centre on Tuesday advised the states and UTs to ensure preparedness of health infrastructure like availability of ICUs, O2 beds, ventilators, etc. and to implement ECRP-II, with the focus on rural areas and paediatric cases.

In a virtual meeting with states and UTs on the public health response measures, Dr Balram Bhargav, DG ICMR, said that the Omicron variant doesn’t escape RT-PCR and RAT tests. Hence, the states and UTs were advised to ramp up testing for prompt and early identification of any cases. The states were advised target testing of passengers from countries not “at-risk”, as part of the ramped up testing. (IANS)

New Delhi: The government, before taking any final decision on the resumption of international flight operations, is “closely monitoring” the situation emerging out of the detection and spread of coronavirus’ Omicron variant.

According to civil aviation regulator DGCA, stakeholders are being consulted on the evolving situation.

“In view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new ‘Variants of Concern’, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders,” the DGCA said in a circular issued on Wednesday.

“An appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course.”

Lately, a chorus has grown against the opening of normal international flight operations from December 15 against the backdrop of the new and reportedly more infectious variant.

The demand coincides with the Centre’s advisory to states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure preparedness of health infrastructure like availability of ICU, O2 beds, ventilators, among others, and to focus on rural areas.

At present, several nations have either closed their air spaces or placed strict restrictions on incoming passengers.In this environment, especially after suffering the massive second wave of Covid-19 which was unleashed by the Delta variant, many are questioning the Centre’s move to open up the sector.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation clarified on post-arrival testing protocols.

“Travellers undergoing random sampling may give the sample and be allowed to leave. Now, the random sampling would be limited to 2 per cent as per latest Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines and it would be on a self-paid basis.

“Airlines or airports may co-ordinate with the officials of state or UT governments to select the passenger at random sampling.”

The ministry also said that post-arrival testing can be exempted “if a person is travelling from a ‘not at risk’ country and has only a transit in ‘at risk’ country before taking the destination flight”.

“However, if the person has travelled to any ‘at risk’ country in the last 14 days, he or she will be asked for post arrival testing and other additional restrictions, etc.”

The Delhi airport said that operations for international arrivals have been “running smooth” post the implementation of the new guidelines laid down by the Union Health Ministry after the emergence of the new variant.

A total 1,013 passengers from four ‘at-risk’ flights successfully completed arrival formalities due to availability of Rapid Antigen Test’ along with RT-PCR test, the Delhi International Airport Ltd said in a tweet on Wednesday morning.

As many as 792 passengers decided to take the Rapid PCR Test and 221 passengers opted for the RT-PCR rest, it added.

As per Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, under the latest directive issued by the Maharashtra government, passengers from high-risk countries will be segregated from passengers arriving from low-risk countries.

It said that there is adequate RT-PCR testing facility for international arrivals in the form of 48 registration counters and 40 sampling booths, while a large sitting area for the passengers awaiting their RT-PCR results has been activated with amenities like washrooms, foods and beverages.

On the other hand, a tussle erupted between the state and the Central governments on the matter of post-arrival protocols.

The Centre took on the Maharashtra government which had unilaterally imposed a 14-day mandatory home quarantine requirement on arriving passengers even if they test negative upon arrival.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a letter to the Maharashtra government, said this is “in divergence” with the standard operating procedures and guidelines issued by the Union Ministry.

“I would therefore urge you to align the orders issued by the state with the guidelines issued by the Govt of India so that uniform implementation of the guidelines may be ensured across all states and UTs,” the letter added.

Recently, India decided to allow resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services from December 15. However, the government said there will be a calibrated resumption of operations from the countries recognised as “at risk” by the Union Health Ministry.

There are more than 10 countries in the “at risk” list, including countries in Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana and China, among others.

Passenger air services were suspended in late March 2020 due to the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19. While domestic flight services resumed from May 25, 2020, international flight services were only maintained through bilateral ‘Bubble Agreements’, currently with 28 countries. (IANS)

Srinagar: After being mentioned by Lieutenant Governor in his recent radio talk show ‘Awaam ki Awaaz’ Sajad Ahmad Sofi from Aishmuqam, district Anantnag thanked him for his response.

Sofi reverberated that the LG has ‘outstanding contribution’ in the development of the UT. He also recorded that LG Sinha has put immense hard work in serving people at the front.

Earlier, Sofi has put forth certain demands pertaining to public development works & creation of infrastructure here. He has made his observations about the design and accessibility to public convenience infrastructure across valley. Sofi says that these public utilities are unfortunately less user-friendly for old aged and specially-abled persons.

He believes that these public conveniences are lacking advanced features that could assist old, weak, and disabled to use them easily. He observes that people with orthopaedic problems and other physical disabilities are suffering for want of such facilities in public toilets.

He suggests that such facilities like construction of ramps and other disable-friendly utilities should be constructed in public places and government offices also.

Sofi mentions that he heard the previous episodes of Awaam ki Awaaz where demands put forth were instantly approved. He thanks the Lieutenant Governor for devising this platform for listening to people’s suggestions and views.

Srinagar: At least 14 houses were gutted in a devastating fire at village Kelshay close to the Line of Control in Gurez in north Kashmir district of Bandipora, officials said on Wednesday.

They said as per the preliminary report received from the field, 14 structures comprising ten families have been completely damaged.

However, they said the exact details of damages and families affected including partially if any would be known after proper assessment in due course of time.

District authorities said they are on job to provide immediate relief to the affected families.

“Sub division administration of Gurez is on the job to assist the affected families with additional immediate relief consisting of blankets, utensils. food kits and cash assistance has been dispatched through a district team headed by Assistant Commissioner Revenue Bandipora”, they added.

The officials said, process for assessment of loss and damages caused to the property has also been initiated by a team of concerned officials from Revenue, Animal and Sheep husbandry departments for providing a comprehensive relief as per SDRF norms.

“Temporary rehabilitation shifting of affected families shall also be arranged whenever required”, the official added.

Earlier a fire and emergency spokesman official said fire broke out in a house at the far flung village of Kelshay late at night and engulfed other adjacent houses.

He said the village Kelshay is about 25 km away from Tulial valley in Bandipora.

“There is no motorable road, mobile or wireless connectivity available to the village”, the officer said, adding “fire fighters left on foot from Tulail with whatever firefighting equipment they could and further details are awaited”.

The cause of fire and damage to the property was not yet known due to the communication gap.

He said senior administrative and police officials left for the spot to ascertain the damage and cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while expressing solidarity with the affected families tweeted “Very unfortunate. I hope the local administration reaches our & helps these people with relief & assistance. especially as winter is very tough in this area.” (UNI)

Jammu: Expressing deep anguish over the Fire Incident at Village Kilshay of Tulail in Sub Division, Gurez, which razed several houses, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha had directed the District Administration Bandipora to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and provide immediate relief to the affected families.

Acting on the directions, the district authorities have immediately supplied Blankets, Sustenance Kits (Cooking Oil, Pulses, etc.), Household Utensils and immediate cash assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh (15000/- to each family), besides every possible support shall be extended to the families. Temporary rehabilitation/ shifting shall also be arranged wherever required.

Further, a relief of Rs 1.10 lakh to each affected family whose residential structure has been completely damaged shall be released tomorrow under SDRF norms.

The Lt Governor has directed the district administration to ensure each family is properly looked after and further support for building new houses should be extended to the affected families.

Senior Sub Divisional Administration officers are also stationed on the spot for the assistance of the affected families.

Srinagar: An online news article regarding alleged illegal adoption and ‘sale’ of Covid orphans has today come to the notice of Mission Director, ICPS J&K, in which serious allegations have been made against two people by an NGO.

In this connection, Mission Director ICPS has directed the concerned authorities and FIR has been lodged at Police Station Pampore against the alleged culprits.

Also, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda has taken up the issue with IGP, Kashmir, in order to ensure immediate action in the matter and initiate legal course of action under relevant laws.

In addition, Mission Director, ICPS J&K, Shabnam Kamili, has issued instant orders to Child Welfare Committees to meet Covid orphans personally which have already been identified by the department and uploaded on different online portals of Government of India and submit a report to the Directorate of ICPS within a day’s time.

Further, fact finding committees were also constituted for Jammu and Kashmir divisions in order to ascertain the number of orphans/Covid orphans and their well-being in all the districts of J&K.