Precious Kashmir

Sgr records season’s coldest night, MeT predicts snowfall

Front

02/12/2021

Srinagar: Kashmir Valley and Ladakh continued to reel under sub zero temperatures with Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recording season’s coldest night on Wednesday.

A meteorological department official here said Srinagar recorded minus 2.5°C against previous night’s minus 1.5°C. Previously it was on November 23 this year when Srinagar recorded the lowest mercury of 2.3°C.

Qazigund recorded minimum temperature of minus 3.3°C against minus 1.4°C on the previous night, he said. It was 2.3°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir for this time of the year, the official said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 5.2°C against minus 3.3°C on previous night. The famous resort in south Kashmir was coldest place in entire Valley.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.8°C against minus 0.9°C on previous night and normal of 1.4°C, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 3.5°C against minus 2.4°C on the previous night, the official said.

Gulmarg, the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 1.6°C against minus 1.7°C on the previous night, the official said.

Ladakh’s Leh recorded a low of minus 8.6°C against last night’s minus 8.0°C while Kargil town recorded a low of minus 4.4°C. Drass in Kargil, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, recorded a low of minus 12.8°C, the official said.

The weatherman has forecast widespread light to moderate snowfall and rains in plains of Jammu and Kashmir during evening of 4-6th December.

“A fresh western disturbance most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas during 4th (evening) to 6th (Afternoon) December with peak activity on 5th December,” the official said, adding, “”Widespread light to moderate snowfall in middle and higher reaches of Kashmir/Jammu and light snow/rain over plains of Kashmir/Jammu is expected.”

He said higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Shopian and Ganderbal districts may receive 6-9 inches of Snow during the period.

Regarding the probable impact, he said, there may be temporary disruption of air and surface traffic over passes like Zojila, Sinthan Top, Razdan Top, Mugal Road due to snow and freezing temperatures on December 5.

The MeT said that there should be proper prunning of orchards and withheld irrigation and fertilizer application in wheat and mustard crops in plains of Jammu during period. (GNS)

COVID-19: 89 travelers among 234 test positive in J&K

Front

Nadeem Nadu

02/12/2021

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 234 fresh covid-19 cases, 89 of them travelers, while one person succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.

Among the fresh cases, 116 were reported from Jammu Division and 118 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 337086.

There was one death, from Kashmir Valley, due to the virus during the last 24 hours, they said. So far 4477 persons—2185 in Jammu and 2292 in Kashmir—have died due to the virus, they said.

Giving district wise details of the fresh cases, the officials said that Srinagar reported 63 cases, Baramulla 28, Budgam 3, Pulwama 1, Kupwara 5, Anantnag 0, Bandipora 6, Ganderbal 6, Kulgam 6, Shopian 0, Jammu 20, Udhampur 2, Rajouri 2, Doda 1, Kathua 0, Samba 0, Kishtwar 2, Poonch 1, Ramban 0 and Reasi 88. They said 89 of the fresh cases were travelers and 87 alone from Reasi district.

Moreover, 171 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time, 26 from Jammu Division and 145 from Kashmir, they said.

So far 330922 patients have recovered, leaving active case tally at 1687—381 in Jammu and 1306 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 49 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said.

The officials also informed that 59134 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Court sentences man to 3 yrs jail for accident caused by his minor son

City

Precious Kashmir

02/12/2021

Court sentences man to 3 yrs jail for accident caused by his minor son

By: Aqib Ahmad

Srinagar: Special mobile magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar has convicted a man and sentenced him to three years simple imprisonment for an accident caused by his minor son.

As per Section 199A Motor Vehicle Act 1988, when the offence under the Act is committed by a juvenile, the guardian of such juvenile or the owner of the motor vehicle shall be deemed to be guilty and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

“Since, the accused (man) has pleaded guilty and does not want to avail the opportunity to defend himself, as such there is no need to proceed further with the trial,” said Special mobile magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar Shabir Ahmad Malik as per the judgment.

“Therefore, keeping in view the facts and circumstances and the statement of the accused person wherein he pleaded guilty, the accused person is accordingly convicted for the commission of offence under section 199A

M.V Act and I propose to sentence him to three (3) years simple imprisonment and twentyfive thousand rupees (25,000) of fine.”

However the Special mobile magistrate (Traffic) gave benefit of probation to the violator, underling that the offence committed by him does not involve any moral turpitude and the violator has not been previously convicted.

“Therefore, considering the facts and circumstances the accused is directed to execute a bond to the tune of rupees 30,000 for keeping peace and good behavior for the period of One (1) year,” the court said, adding, “In case violation of any condition of bond during that period of One (1) year, the accused shall receive the proposed sentence.”

The court said that underage driving is one of the major causes of traffic snarls and causes danger to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads.

“Minors are often found driving bikes, Scooties etc. They hide behind cars or heavy vehicles to escape the police at signals and if Police chase them, they may fall or skid, that can result in injuries or even death,” the court said as per GNS, adding, “It is important for us to realize that we all are responsible as a society.” Parents and guardians are responsible for providing vehicle to their minor children, rincipals/Teachers/in charge of education institutes/coaching centers are responsible for allowing minor students to use the vehicle.

“It is observed many times that students driving vehicle, riding bikes in and around schools or crowded places resulting accidents / loss of lives,” the court said, adding, “It is the first and foremost duty of parents not to provide their minor children any vehicle unless they attain majority and have license to drive the vehicle. It is also the duty of Principals/Teachers not to allow the minor students to drive the vehicles and impart education regarding these issues.”

The court directed that a copy of the judgment be forwarded to the Commissioner Secretary School Education of J&K “with a request to circulate it in all the schools (government or private)”. He also directed them to educate the students as well as their parents and guardians regarding these issues. (GNS)

Infiltration, militant attacks on decline since 2018 in J&K: Govt

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

02/12/2021

Infiltration, militant attacks on decline since 2018 in J&K: Govt

New Delhi: Incidents of infiltration and militant attacks have decreased significantly in Jammu and Kashmir since 2018, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

In a written reply, the Minister shared data regarding details of estimated net infiltrations and militant incidents since 2018.

He informed that 28 infiltration incidents were reported up to October 31 this year, 51 in 2020, 141 in 2017, and 143 in 2018.

During the last 12 months from December 2020 to November 2021 (upto 26.11.2021), 14 militants have been apprehended and 165 militants have been killed.

The data further mentions 200 militant incidents were recorded up to November 21 this year, 244 in 2020, 255 in 2019 and 417 in 2018.

As per the data shared by the Minister from October 2020 to October 2021, a total of 251 militant incidents took place in Jammu and Kashmir.

Of the 251 incidents, a total of 37 militant incidents were reported in October this year followed by 14 in September, 36 in August, 26 in July, 22 in June and 13 in May, 12 in April, 11 in March, seven in February and eight in January.

However, a total of 28 militant incidents were reported in December 2020, 15 in November and 22 in October.

In terms of the number of casualties suffered by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir during October 2020-October 2021, the data mentions the number touches 51. Of these casualties, 32 are mentioned as martyrs of different security forces ad 19 of Jammu and Kashmir Police. (KINS)

J&K constitutes panel to frame Land Grant Rules

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

02/12/2021

By: Faizan Wani

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government is in the process of finalization of rules governing the grant of land on lease in the Union Territory.

An official order reveals that a committee headed by additional secretary Revenue department has been formed to examine/ prepare Jammu and Kashmir Land Grant Rules-2021.

The committee has been directed to examine the Rules of other states and Union Territories before finalizing its recommendations.

According to the order, the committee has been directed to submit its recommendations/ suggestions to the higher authorities by or before December 10.

It is pertinent to mention that earlier this year, the government constituted a Board of Revenue for the Union Territory under the Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act.

The Board is the chief controlling authority regarding all the matters provided in Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act (Samvat) 1996.

According to the law, the Board shall exercise, perform and discharge powers, functions and duties conferred upon it by or under The Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act or any other law for the time being in force.

It has also been empowered to decide all the matters relating to the repealed land laws, within one year from the constitution of the Board. (KNO)

Omicron: Sgr admin sets up 3 special quarantine centers for foreign guests

City

Precious Kashmir

02/12/2021

Srinagar: Srinagar administration has set up three special quarantine centers for international guests in the wake of the outbreak of new virus variant—Omicron, officials said Wednesday.

A senior official of the district administration said that three special quarantine centres have been set up for the foreign guests in Srinagar district.

“Mariage hall at Sanantnagar area of city and two hotels with all facilities have been converted into quarantine centers. After undergoing Covid tests at the Srinagar international airport, international travelers will have to stay for eight-hours mandatory quarantine at these centers,” the official said.

He said in case any traveller tests positive for the Covid-19 or the new virus mutant, he/she will be shifted to DRDO Covid hospital for special treatment. The Srinagar administration has taken this step in the wake of the spread of new virus variant— mutated Omicron.

Kashmir is all set to witness international tourist arrival in the wake of onset of winter and the activities to be conducted by the tourism department including adventure tourism etc. (KNO)

Posts at SKIMS: Aspirants stage protest, demand final selection list

City

Precious Kashmir

02/12/2021

Srinagar: The aspirants, who have applied for different posts at SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding issuance of the selection list.

According to a local news gathering agency, scores of aspirants assembled here at Srinagar’s press enclave to press for their demands.

They said that they have applied for different posts in SKIMS on 25 December last year, saying that the merit list has already been declared on 5th Oct 2020 while the selection list is still awaited.

The protesting aspirants said that they have been facing immense hardships in absence of the selections list, adding that the two-month delay in declaring the final selection list is adding to the miseries of the candidates.

We appeal the Lieutenant Governor led administration and other concerned authorities to look into the matter at an earliest and ensure that the final selection list is made public, they said. (KNO)

DC Sgr chairs DLAFC meet for commemoration of Flag Day

City

Precious Kashmir

02/12/2021

Sanctions funds for upgradation of infra at Sainik Bhawan

Srinagar: In connection with Armed Forces Flag Day to be commemorated on 7th December, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Wednesday chaired a meeting of District Level Armed Forces Committee (DLAFC), here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.

Joint Director Planning, General Manager DIC, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Zila Sanik Officer and other concerned were present in the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that 7th December is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day to remind all of us to express gratitude as well as appreciation to the military personnel including soldiers, sailors and airmen who valiantly safeguard the nation.

The DC said that the need of the hour is to increase the contribution through various means for Ex-Servicemen. He assured the Zila Sanik Officer that all possible support will be provided from District Administration for infrastructure upgradation in addition to support under SDRF for welfare of Ex-military personnel.

The DC further said that a voluntary contribution box shall be set up in the DC Office, in addition to the contribution made by the employees regarding Armed Forces Flag Day. The DC also directed for providing a Computer system to the Zila Sainik Bhawan. He also sanctioned funds for upgradation of infrastructure at Sainik Bhawan.

The Deputy also directed for providing 50 blankets out of Red Cross on the eve of Armed Force Flag day which shall be distributed among the war widows on the day.

World Aids Day: JKSACA says over 5500 positive cases reported in J&K

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

02/12/2021

Srinagar: World Aids Day was celebrated across Kashmir on Wednesday to create awareness about this deadly disease.

December 1 is marked as World AIDS Day and the whole world comes together to mourn those 35 million people, who have succumbed to the condition ever since its identification in 1984.

According to J&K State Aids Control Society (JKSACA) figures, over 5500 people have been detected in J&K so far. Majority of them are from Jammu region.

While Government Nursing College Baramulla Wednesday celebrated World Aids Day to educate people about this deadly disease, the nursing students held a debate and discussion about the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

They also held a rally and distributed pamphlets to create awareness about this life threatening disease.

Similarly, as part of webinar series, the fifth multidisciplinary webinar was organised by the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry GMC Srinagar, Department of Immunology SKIMS and J&K AIDS Control Society emphasising on this year’s theme, End Inequalities: End AIDS.

The webinar was inaugurated by Prof. Samia Rashid, Principal/ Dean GMC Srinagar. Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor & HOD Community Medicine gave the keynote address emphasizing the importance of convergence stakeholders in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Muzamil Hassan, Lecturer, Community Medicine and organising secretary gave a detailed presentation on the Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, global scenario and its management modalities.

Dr. Imtiyaz Rasool, senior resident, department of Immunology SKIMS gave an extensive PowerPoint presentation on the mechanism of HIV transmission and it’s effects on various immunity cells in the body. He discussed the mechanism of antiretroviral therapy, including HAART and therapeutic vaccines and future directions.

Dr. Syed Mehvish, registrar at the department of Psychiatry, IMHANS-K, GMC Srinagar deliberated on the psychiatric perspective of neuropsychiatric manifestation and management of cases with HIV/AIDS.

She emphasised that HIV/AIDS is an illness due to behaviour and require multi disciplinary approach to address it.

She talked about the bidirectional relationship between HIV/AIDS and mental illnesses.

Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan, assistant director, JK AIDS control society gave an overall scenario of HIV/AIDS in Jammu and Kashmir, efforts made by JKSACS in containment of HIV/AIDS.

The webinar was conducted under aegis of J&K branches of Indian association of preventive and social medicine (IAPSM) and Indian public health association (IPHA).

Aids is a life threatening disease in which a person’s immune system becomes weak and redundant, thereby causing it to easily get affected by various common infections which is most cases lead to death. (KINS)

Winter begins

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

02/12/2021

Officially, as put by the Director meteorological department, the winter has begun from December 1. The preceding few weeks already have seen freezing weather conditions with mercury recording freefall almost on a daily basis. The first day of the winter started with mercury in Srinagar falling to minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, the lowest so far this season. Hilly areas have been under a deeper freeze. The ensuing days are bound to be freezing. Also, people of J&K, more particularly people of Kashmir Valley, are hoping that they do not have to endure severe curtailment of the facilities necessary to alleviate the sufferings. One of the important facilities, if not the facility, is availability of electricity. Unfortunately, there is already curtailment in the schedule daily supply and more so agonizing power outages have started to haunt the people of Kashmir Valley. In fact, it is an old story that people of J&K have been subjected to time and again, notwithstanding the claims by the successive governments regarding improvement. People have to bear the harshness of the winters in absence of electricity.

Despite augmenting power supply, the uninterrupted power supply or providing it even as per the time schedule announced by the PDD seems a far cry. Rather it appears to be unattainable. The people have been craving to see the concerned department improve its performance, and to provide electricity for a reasonable time. The absence of electricity makes life miserable, irrespective of whether it is spring, summer, autumn, or winter. However, in terms of severity, it ought to be winter. The scale of hardships caused by it is not something one needs to explain. The importance or dependency on electricity is simply more in contemporary times as against the past when people would do with burning woods or utilize charcoal differently.

Given the importance, the frequent and unscheduled power cuts are nothing short of violating the basic requirements of life. The concerned authorities must be held responsible for this. While people need to use electricity judiciously, the authorities need to respond to the public outcry on the important matter urgently. Gaps need to be fixed and demand-supply ensured. Senior officers of the department recently said that there was need for “reasonable and fair curtailment schedule” as also its strict adherence. Hopefully statements are complied with in practice in toto rather than the breach and not restricted to paper only as has been the case in the past.

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