Precious Kashmir

G’bl villagers face hardships in absence of vital bridge

City

10/08/2021

By: Raja Syed Rather

Ganderbal: The vital bridge connecting 2000 souls of Hayan, Palpora, Ninhama, Tangdaji and other adjoining villages with main highway in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has turned into a death trap as the same poses threat to human lives.

The only approach bridge laid over the gushing waters of Nallah Sindh has been never repaired for more than a decade, the residents of almost half a dozen villages said.

A local said that the bridge is non-operational which has resulted in inconvenience to the general public. “Common masses, transporters and others are facing a lot of inconvenience in reaching different destinations,” he said.

Though, years ago construction of a concrete bridge was started but it was concluded with the erection of two pillars due to non-availability of funds as the reason given by the authorities, the locals alleged.

The inhabitants said that authorities should have given priority to the existing foot bridge instead of wasting money on erecting the pillars for the new bridge.

“The existing damaged bridge is a risk to cross over particularly for children as people suffered badly during bad weather and medical emergencies,” the locals said, adding that “District administration should take immediate steps to mitigate the problem before any untoward incident takes place in the area.”

Officials said that improvement of the bridge has been sanctioned recently under B2V3 Program, and accordingly tendering process has been initiated. (KNO)

DHSK remembers Dr Mir Mohammad Ashraf on his first death anniversary

City

Precious Kashmir

10/08/2021

Srinagar: Directorate of Health Services Kashmir remembered Dr Mir Mohammad Ashraf, who died of Covid last year, on his first death anniversary on Monday and prayed for the departed soul.

In a statement issued here, Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather prayed for the late doctor and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.

The director hailed his contribution and said that his contribution in the health care system would be always remembered.

“He was a real Covid warrior who fought for the people and got himself infected. We remember his sacrifices and pray for the departed soul,” he said.

Dr Mir Mohammad Ashraf was working as a senior medical officer at District Hospital Pulwama. He died due to Covid-19 on 09 August 2020. He was working in Covid ward where he was infected and had died at SKIMS Soura.

His death had caused a shock wave in the doctors’ fraternity and in the general public.

Day 13: 19 persons still missing in Kishtwar

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/08/2021

By: M S Nazki

Jammu: There was still no trace of 19 persons who went missing following a cloudburst at Honzar Dachan in Kishtwar district as rescuers continued the operation on Monday.

Eight women among 19 persons went missing following the cloudburst and subsequent flash floods in the remote village on intervening night of July 27 and 28.

Last week, Director General of Police Dilbag Singh had an aerial survey of the village. He also chaired a high-level meeting during which, among others, he stressed the need for intensifying the rescue operation to trace the missing persons.

Authorities have pressed teams of NDRF and SDRF for carrying out the rescue operation. Several teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) with “sophisticated equipment” were earlier involved in the operation along with other rescuers from police, Army and local volunteers, the officials said.

Success has been eluding the search teams after seven bodies were recovered and seventeen persons rescued in injured condition after the calamity on Wednesday last.

The missing persons include Saja Begum (60) wife of Ghulam Mohidin, Khursheed Ahmed (31) son of Mohammad Iqbal, Fida Hussain (26) son of Mohammad Ramzan, Mohammad Sharif (40) son of Ghulam Rasool, Almina Tasbassum (22) daughter of Mohammad Iqbal, Mata Begum (45) wife of Lala Tantry, Ghulam Mohammad (70) son of Ghulam Rasool, Fazal Hussain (18) son of Rustom Ali Chopan, Tariq Hussain (50) son of Nazir Ahmed, Zarina Begum (40) wife of Tariq Hussain, Mata Begum (45) wife of Ghulam Rasool, Fatima Begum (56) wife of Ghulam Ahmed, Bashir Ahmed (45) son of Rustum Ali, Begum (45) wife of Abdul Rehman, Sharifa Begum (38) wife of Ghulam Mohammad, Shakir Hussain (22) son of Ghulam Ahmed, Ghulam Ahmed (65) son of Abdul Aziz, Zubaida Banoo (25) daughter of Ghulam Ahmed and Khalid son of Haji Gami.

The police have also started a community kitchen since last Saturday to provide meals to affected people of village Hounzar. The police said to have erected tents to provide the temporary shelter at the site. (GNS)

Over Rs 3 lakh recovered from SOP violators in Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/08/2021

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police recovered over Rs 3.44 lakh fine from 3027 persons for violating COVID Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the valley during the past 24 hours.

Police also arrested 33 persons, a police spokesman said on Monday evening.

He said that continuing its efforts to curb the outbreak of 2nd wave of Coronavirus, during the last 24 hours, Police have arrested 33 persons and realized fine to the tune of Rs 3,44,080 from 3027 people throughout the Kashmir valley for violating the various guidelines, rules and SOPs regarding Covid-19.

The special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines continued throughout all the districts of the Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs envisaged by the government to curb Covid-19 pandemic.

Community members are once again requested to cooperate with the Police in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs, guidelines and protocols for their own safety and for the safety of others.

The special drive shall continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures.

Zone Keegam wins Inter Zonal Kabaddi finals at Shopian

Sports

Precious Kashmir

10/08/2021

SHOPIAN: The final match of Inter Zonal (District Level) Kabaddi Boys U/19 year’s category was today held between Zone Imam Sahib and Zone Keegam at Mini Secretariat Arhama here.

The tournament was organised by District Youth Services & Sports (DYS&S) Shopian in collaboration with District Information Centre Shopian under the supervision of District Youth Services and Sports Officer Shopian, Gurmukh Singh Dutta and District Information Officer Shopian, Showkat Ahmed Khan. Zone Keegam won the match by 49: 21, while Zone Imam Sahib ended up as runner up. The 3rd position was attained by Zone Vehil. The final ceremony was presided over by the DDC members of the district.

Next 3 Months ‘Crucial’

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

09/08/2021

While reviewing covid-19 situation last week, the Lieutenant Governor said that next 100 days are crucial as per the experts’ report.
As he rightly underlined, there is need to be alert, vigilant and must adhere to Covid protocols to prevent the third wave.
The statement comes amid worrying sign that the reproductive number (R-value), which indicates how fast Covid-19 is spreading, has risen above one in eight states and UTs —Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Mizoram and Puducherry.
There is a need to reach out to the maximum population to make them aware about the Covid related SoPs.
Some experts have time and again underlined that a third surge and heightened spread could happen if Covid-appropriate behaviour was not followed. Such warnings should not be ignored.
The Health and Information departments and others need to come up with a comprehensive district-level plan for conducting information Education & Communication (IEC) campaign to promote Covid appropriate behavior and healthy habits to contain the pandemic.
The concerned authorities need to rope in religious leaders and community heads for spreading awareness regarding adherence of CAB, besides making informative announcements from religious places to create a sense of responsibility on the part of the general public to follow covid protocols and control the spread of the infection.
The government has now lifted weekend lockdown in all 20 districts in Jammu and Kashmir but at the same time underscored the need to continue with some measures put in the past for keeping the pandemic under check
Vaccination remains the best bet to contain the virus. As per officials, there are at least 5,62,000 vaccine doses available with J&K and would be enough to achieve the set target of covering 60% of the population by this month.
There is as such a need for dedicated focus regarding inoculation of 2nd dose besides ensuring 100% coverage of the 18-44 age group with the first dose.
The government should scale up the surveillance exercises as well as contact tracing to the optimum level to break the spread chain of the virus.
The devastation wreaked by the second wave should continue to spur the authorities to be better prepared on all counts – oxygen, ventilators, ICU beds and medicines. People must be cogent. The lifting of restrictions should not lead to all-round laxity in adhering to the precautionary norms. Reports and visuals of people avoiding masks and social distancing even in crowded city markets underscore the complacency.

Srinagar to get CAT bench soon, process commences

Anchor stories

Precious Kashmir

09/08/2021

Srinagar to get CAT bench soon, process commences

By: PK Correspondent

Srinagar: The stage is set for setting up of two benches of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Jammu and Srinagar which were recently approved by the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the sources the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has mooted a proposal for creation of 72 posts of officers and staff in different grades.

It’s in place to mention here one bench of the CAT is already functioning in Jammu and Kashmir. “A proposal for creation of 72 posts of officers and staff of different grades is currently under process with the Government and might be approved shortly,” official sources said.

Among 72 posts, 36 each will be for Jammu and Srinagar benches respectively.

Jammu bench of the CAT has been functioning by deputing officers/staff on tour or by temporary transfer of officers/staff from different benches of the Tribunal along with posts. But in Srinagar there is no CAT Bench. “With the creation new posts the CAT will get its own permanent staff,” sources added.

The Estates Department of Jammu and Kashmir Government has allotted erstwhile State Vigilance Commission office in old Assembly complex at Shergari in Srinagar to the Central Administrative Tribunal for establishing bench.

“Possession of a part of available space in old Assembly complex allotted to CAT has been taken over but lacks furniture and electricity/water connection. On inspecting the building it has been found that renovation/modification/repair work are pre-requisite and the concerned authorities are required to be approached to execute the work before making the bench operational,” sources said.

The employees of Ladakh can approach any of the two benches for redressal of their grievances, they said.

Significance of two CAT benches in Jammu and Kashmir, can be well gauged from the fact that prior to setting up of one bench in Jammu in 2020, the CAT bench at Chandigarh used to cater to the States like Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Setting up of CAT bench in Srinagar will expedite the disputes pertaining to service matters of employees from Kashmir that are at present being adjudicated by the bench in Jammu.

The posts of Judicial and Administration Members (two each) have already been created for the two benches. Nearly 13000 cases have been transferred to Central Administrative Tribunal from the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir.

MCH Anantnag runs out of beds, expecting mothers suffer

Anchor stories

Ahmed Shabir

09/08/2021

MCH Anantnag runs out of beds, expecting mothers suffer

Doctors mostly refer cases to Sgr in absence of required beds

By: Ahmad Shabir

Anantnag: The acute scarcity of beds at the lone maternity healthcare facility MHC Anantnag, in southern region, is putting the lives of pregnant ladies at risk while the attendants here have alleged it to be a reason of immense hardships.

According to the sources the pregnant ladies, who develops labor pain after 4 pm, and is being taken to MCH Anantnag, are usually being referred to the other hospitals. “Doctors on night duty in the hospital simply refer the patients visiting the hospital after sunset to Srinagar, thus forcing many of them to move to the private nursing homes operation in the town to avoid further delay in the treatment,” the local sources alleged.

Shazia from Laktipora Bijbehara, is the latest case, having been referred to Lal Ded by the doctors due to the non-availability of beds at the facility.

Shazia at around 2 pm on Friday was taken to hospital after she developed labor pains. After being examined and investigated, the doctors told her husband, Abid Beg to take her to Lal Ded, citing non-availability of beds.

“After reaching hospital, the examination and evaluation consumed us more than two hours. Later, the doctors clearly told us that they have no bed available in post operative ward and that we have no option but to refer her to LD hospital Srinagar,” patients husband, Abid told Precious Kashmir.

“There are high chances that she may need to undergo C-section late in the night. But we are telling you clearly that there is no bed available in post operative ward where she can be placed. If you are ready to take the responsibility on your own, we will admit her here. It is you who has to choose between taking the risk of admitting her here and taking her to Srinagar,” Beg said.

Beg, finally chose the referral option and is now attending his wife at LD for two days.

MCH, the lone maternity hospital of southern region is the most overcrowded hospital in the Valley after LD. The hospital caters to the patients from all the four districts of South Kashmir besides parts of Jammu including Banihal and Kishtwar in summers.

Hospital for the last over two years is working under the administrative control of the government medical college Anantnag.

Shazia is not the only patients who had to bear the brunt of bed shortage at the hospital but scores of such gullible patients visiting the hospital from far off villages have to face referrals at the facility.

A paramedic posted at the hospital revealed that at least five expecting women brought to the hospital for treatment are referred to Srinagar in the evening hours as the post operative ward remains completely occupied by then.

Hospital, according to Paramedic has only twenty beds in PO ward against the required 40. “GMC has no issue of funds for purchasing beds but unfortunately there is no space to fix them as a result of which the patients will continue to bear the brunt,” he said.

Head of Gynaecology department, Dr Syed Nawaz admitted that the hospital is facing severe bed shortage given the rush of patients.

“We have a total of 75 beds in all the wards against the required 200. In post operative ward, there should have been at least 40 beds but we have only twenty. There is a space crunch to fix more beds,” Dr Nawaz said.

He said that due to the bed shortage they are left with no option but to refer the patients brought to the hospital late.

Govt will root out militancy from land of Sufi Saint’s: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

09/08/2021

Govt will root out militancy from land of Sufi Saint’s: LG

Says those involved in militant acts won’t be spared

Kulgam: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Sunday said that the militancy will be eradicated from the land of Sufi saint’s and those involved in the militancy won’t be spared.

Sinha visited Kulgam and while addressing a public meeting, paid tributes to policeman Nisar Ahmad Wagay, who was killed in an attack on Saturday.

Extending his condolences to the bereaved family, the Lt Governor said that the whole UT administration is standing in solidarity with the family and would provide every possible support and assistance to them.

“My visit after last evening’s cowardly attack is a clear message to the militants and their sympathizers that we will root out militancy from this pious land. The Government is determined to make development a mass movement”, the Lt Governor asserted.

Addressing a huge public gathering at Kund, the Lt Governor noted that the Government will not bow down to the nefarious designs and motives of militants. He said all those who are directly or indirectly involved in militant acts will not be spared.

The Lt Governor said that this holy land belongs to Saints and Sufi mystics and any kind of violence here is a crime.

Underscoring that youth are the focal point of the government’s Developmental Agenda, the Lt Governor appealed everyone to join their hands for the progress and development of the UT.

“While the government is implementing policies and plans that will strengthen the young generation to fulfill their desire for progress, it is society’s collective responsibility to identify those who mislead our enterprising youth for their own vested interests.”, he added.

Emphasizing that youth is ready to transform the socio-economic landscape of J&K, the Lt Governor observed that it is only a handful of people who want to disturb the process of peace and progress. “The youth of J&K wants platforms to grow and become successful in life,” he said.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also met the Indian Economic Service (IES) topper from J&K, Tanveer Ahmad Khan and lauded him for his momentous achievement. He also felicitated professional cricketer, Arshid Magrey and termed them as inspiration for the youth of UT.

“A few days ago, Tanveer Ahmed Khan of Niginpora Kund village in Kulgam brought glory to the entire Jammu & Kashmir by securing AIR-2 in the IES exam. I have always believed that our youths are inherently capable and full of potential. I am sure his success will inspire the entire young generation to build a better future”, the Lt Governor observed.

Noting that the administration is working day and night for the progress of the people of J&K, the Lt Governor urged the younger generation to strive for peace, prosperity, development of the common man in order to transform the Union Territory.

The Lt Governor highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir is the land of sages, saints, and Sufi mystics and the fragrance of their words, ideals and teaching is in its every corner. Whether it is Nund Rishi, Simnani Sahib, all had spread the fragrance of peace and equality of all religions.

“All the religions whether Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, have flourished here and all have said one thing that progress is possible only through peace and love. If some people are being misled from the path of peace, then it becomes the responsibility of the elders to bring them back onto the right path”, added the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor said that there is no place for people in the society who are radicalizing and brainwashing our youth. It is the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, and community elders to counter radical propaganda machinery.

Underscoring the importance of Education in the overall transformation of a society, the Lt Governor said that the government is continuously reforming the entire education ecosystem in the UT. We are plugging gaps, building infrastructure & human resource capacities, updating courses to match contemporary market requirements and skill sets.

“It is our endeavor to bring a combination of knowledge, wisdom, and necessary skill sets in the education system. Therefore, by making changes recommended by the new education policy, we are focusing more on vocational training, our ancient ethos, and values. This is providing dividends and they have more and more employment opportunities than before”, remarked the Lt Governor.

He said that even with 1.25 lakh teachers in our UT, relatively higher than other peer states/UTs, there are gaps in the system. To remove the gaps in education, we took a big decision and regularized 35,000 teachers who were working on contract basis, so that they can build the future of all the students with a vision. Further, sustained capacity building of educators is being undertaken by the government, said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor said that compulsory training of teachers was also started in J&K as per the ‘Nishtha’ program under the direction of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He informed that J&K is number one in Nishtha program, today.

“Jammu and Kashmir is among the top in the whole country, in terms of education infrastructure and budget, despite having a less population. Our budget for school and higher education this year is Rs 1873 crore, which is Rs 523 crore more than last year”, he added.

The Lt Governor informed that during the Back to Village program, decision was taken for identifying the vacant government buildings and giving them to the Panchayats or other departments for use. It was found that a total of 663 school buildings in Kashmir division and 630 in the Jammu division were lying vacant. They are now being given to other departments for proper use.

“This is just a small example of how money sent by the centre for the welfare of people of J&K was siphoned off. We have made the governance transparent and each work is taken up only after due diligence. We are preparing our youth for Industry 4.0. We have set up two Modern Invention, Innovation and Incubation Centers at Baramulla and Jammu and 12 more such centers will be set up”, added the Lt Governor while addressing the public.

The Lt Governor said that work has been done at many levels and assured that the administration is working with utmost dedication for the prosperity of J&K and progress of its youth.

Noting that 14% of the population of Kund belongs to the Scheduled Tribes category, the Lt Governor said that instructions have been passed to provide the best education to the children. Rs 30 crore has been disbursed as scholarships to the children from the Tribal community and this year 42,000 more students will be given scholarships than the last year.

“Overall scholarships have been given to more than 8 lakh children. In the last one year, 50 such new colleges have been set up, which will provide vocational and professional education with modern infrastructure to prepare the youth for employment. Mission Youth has been created and many programs have been started to empower boys and girls and provide them an opportunity to become entrepreneurs,” he added.

The Lt Governor said that the aim of the administration is to reach the doorsteps of people of J&K with good governance. The district capex budget of Kulgam this year is Rs 537 crore, which is three times more than last year. The infrastructure here, whether it is roads, electricity, or water, will witness change within a year, he said.

It has been 75 years since independence but the common man is still struggling for basic requirements like ‘Sadak, Bijli, Pani’. This is the unfortunate legacy that we have inherited but I assure you, the government will ensure that each and every penny is utilized for the people’s welfare and need for basic infrastructure is fulfilled within a year, the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor further informed that Yaripora-Kulgam 33 KV Grid Station has been completed.

“It will prove to be a game-changer in the power infrastructure in this district. The project will soon be inaugurated and dedicated to the people. Similarly, for safe drinking water, the government is spending Rs 341 crore for Kulgam. I have full hope that District Administration and Jal Shakti Department will complete their target within the time limit, the Lt Governor said.

Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir and Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam accompanied the Lt Governor.

Sanjay Kumar, Social Worker; Sheikh Muzaffar of Jammu & Kashmir Nationalist’s People Front, PRI representatives, Members of Backward Welfare Trust Kund Valley (Kulgam), and a large number of local residents were present on the occasion.

Terror Funding Case: NIA raids 56 locations across J&K

Front

United News Of India

09/08/2021

Srinagar: In a major crackdown, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday conducted raids at over 56 locations in 14 districts of J&K – including all 10 districts of Kashmir valley – in connection with a terror funding case.

An NIA spokesperson said that the its sleuths—assisted by Police and CRPF—conducted raids at the officials of some charitable trusts and residences of the members of Jamaat-e-Islami, an outfit that was banned by the centre in 2019 for its ‘closed links’ with militant outfits. The raids started at around 0500 hrs on Sunday.

He said the raids were conducted in Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal in central; Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipore in north and Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam in south Kashmir. “Jammu division the raids were being conducted in Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Rajouri districts,” he added.

He said a case was registered by NIA on February 5, 2021 in pursuance to order from Ministry of Home Affairs relating to separatist and secessionist activities of JeI, an unlawful association under the UA(P) Act, even after its proscription on February 28, 2019.

“The members of the organisation have been collecting funds domestically and abroad through donations particularly in the form of Zakat, Mowda and Bait-ul-Mal purportedly to further charity and other welfare activities but these funds were instead being used for violent and secessionist activities,” he said.

The spokesperson said that the funds raised by JeI were also being channelised to proscribed militant organisations such as Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and others through well organised networks of JeI cadres. “JeI has also been motivating impressionable youth of Kashmir and recruiting new members (Rukuns) in J&K to participate in disruptive secessionist activities,” he said.

Searches conducted included the premises of office bearers of the association, its members and also offices of trusts purportedly run by JeI. “During the searches today, various incriminating documents and electronic devices were seized from the premises of the suspects,” he added.

Earlier this week, NIA carried out raids and detained a man for questioning in a case pertaining to terror connection in north Kashmir district of Bandipora. On July 31, the NIA raided 14 locations in J&K in connection with cases related to the recovery of IED and the arrest of Lashkar-e-Mustafa top commander Hidayatullah Malik. (UNI)

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