Precious Kashmir

COVID-19: DPG prisons authorized to extend parole of prisoners

Front

29/07/2021

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir administration has authorised the Director General of Police (DPG) prisons to extend special parole to certain categories of convict prisoners for a period of 90 days in COVID-19 pandemic situation in the Union Territory.

”In exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (5) of section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the Government hereby authorizes the Director General of Police (Prisons), J&K being the Competent Authority, under the Jammu and Kashmir Suspension of Sentence Rules, 2020, to grant/extend Special Parole, in respect of categories of convict prisoners, mentioned in Government order No. 100- Home of 2020 dated 02.04.2020, for a further period of 90 days,” an order issued by the J&K Home department read.

The order further said that the special parole is extendable for another one month if the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the UT of J&K doesn’t improve or further worsens, subject to the conditions laid down in the order ibid.

The administration had in the month of March 2021 authorised the DGP (prisons) to grant special parole to convicts for a period of two months, extendable for another two months if the coronavirus situation in the Union Territory does not improve.

The number of fresh COVID-19 cases has witnessed a considerable decline during the last over a month with the total number of Coronavirus active cases standing at 1124 in the Union Territory. However, the administration is taking precautions in view of apprehensions of a possible third wave of COVID-19 pandemic. (UNI)

PM approves proposal for setting up CAT benches in J&K capitals

Front

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2021

Jammu: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal moved by his DoPT Ministry for setting up Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) benches in both Jammu and Srinagar regions.

Taking to micro-blogging site, Dr Singh wrote that PM has approved the proposal moved by DoPT Ministry of Personnel, for creation of 2 posts of Judicial Members and 2 posts of Administrative Members for the 2 new benches of CAT to be set up at Jammu and Srinagar respectively, to cater to the UT of J&K and Ladakh.

“Benches of Central Administrative Tribunal to be set up at #Jammu and #Srinagar respectively, to cater to the Union Territories of #JammuAndKashmir and #Ladakh,” Dr Singh tweeted.

One die, 160 test positive for Covid-19 in J&K

Front

Nadeem Nadu

29/07/2021

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 160 new covid-19 cases even as one person succumbed to the contagion in last 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.

They said 60 of the cases were reported from Jammu Division and 100 from Kashmir Valley, taking the case tally to 321026.

Providing the district-wide details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 42 cases, Baramulla 20, Budgam 12, Pulwama 0, Kupwara 6, Anantnag 4, Bandipora 1, Ganderbal 13, Kulgam 1, Shopian 1, Jammu 8, Udhampur 6, Rajouri 6, Doda 8, Kathua 1, Samba 1, Kishtwar 2, Poonch 7, Ramban 7 and Reasi 14.

A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic labouratories of CD hospital and GMC Anantnag. The CD cases include male (43) from HMT, male (40) from Guzarbal, male (14) from Prichoo Pul, male (45) from Sirnoo Pul, female (70) from Tumlihal Pul, male (25) from Chakoora Pul, female (56) from Tral, female (50) from Kuchmulla, female (27) from Charsoo, female (15) from Doompora Pul, female (32) from Samboora, two males (23, 26) from B B Cantt Srg, female (48) from Lal Bazar Srg, two males (79, 98) and female (47) from Srg, male (45) from Pulwama, two males (75, 33) and female (70) from NA, male (30) from Drabgam, female (32) and male (45) from Batmaloo, male (25) from Bemina, male (42) and female (14) from Khanyar, male (39) from Hyderpora, male (37) from Zakura, female (50) from SR Gunj and female (42) from Baramulla.

The GMC Anantnag cases include female (22) from NA, female (27) from Jablipora Bij, male (48) from Tailwani, female (34) from Brienty, male (26) from Khanpora, female (62) from Kadder, male (68) from Aoudasoo, male (60) from Gadal Ang, female (60) from Nasoo Ang, male (70) from Kokernag Ang and male (20) from Fohar Siligam.

While there was one fresh death due to the virus from Jammu, so far 4376 people have fallen victim to the pathogen in J&K—2140 in Jammu division and 2236 in Kashmir.

Moreover, they said, 144 more COVID-19 patients in last 24 hours have recovered— 43 from Jammu Division and 101 from Kashmir, taking the number of people who have recovered in J&K to 315511. With this, there are now 1139 active cases—434 in Jammu and 705 in Kashmir.

There was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 35 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials added. (GNS)

2 stillbirths occur allegedly for want of doctors at SDH Tangmarg

Front

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2021

Srinagar: Some people on Wednesday staged protest after two babies were reported to have died inside the womb of mothers allegedly for the want of doctors.

Reports said the attendants of two pregnant women alongside local inhabitants staged protest, demanding action against the non-availability of doctor promptly at the hospital to treat the patients.

Fayaz Ahmad, relative of a woman said that “first there was the careless on part of the USG Specialist and on top of it, a particular doctor reached to duties very late while we were kept waiting since 7 a.m.”

“The doctor visited us at 11 a.m. and the unborn had died,” Fayaz said, adding, “After seeing the approach of hospital administration, we removed the patient to a private hospital at Srinagar and her condition remains worrisome as the surgery is yet to be conducted.”

“We have written an application to SDM concerned to initiate action against the hospital administration,” Ahmad said, adding “We hope that matter will be looked into for proper action.”

Another family also alleged death of the unborn in mother’s womb due to non-availability of the particular doctor on time.

SDM Gulmarg Sameer Jan said that he himself visited the hospital to assess the situation soon after being informed about it.

“Soon after receiving information, I went there and saw few of the employees absent from their duties”, he said, adding, “Process has been started and explanation sought from the hospital administration into the incident.”

Appropriate action as mandated by law would be taken, he further said. (GNS)

J&K political parties grieved over loss of lives in Kishtwar

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2021

Srinagar: The former chief ministers and other political leaders on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in Kishtwar district due to flash floods triggered by cloud burst today.

National Conference (NC) President, Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the death of seven persons in a Cloudburst that hit Kishtwar’s Honzar Hamlet of Dachan Tehsil.

Expressing grief over the unfortunate incident, Dr Farooq said, “I am deeply saddened over the loss of lives due to the flash floods caused by a cloud burst in Dachhan Kishtwar. I express my condolences with the bereaved families, whose loved ones were devoured in the catastrophe. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. I hope the underway rescue operation bears positive results,” he said.

While expressing grief over the incident, Omar Abdullah prayed that those missing are recovered safe and sound. “My deepest sympathies are with the bereaved families. I share the grief of those whose loved ones have lost their precious lives in the mishap. May those whose valuable lives were devoured in the mishap find peace in the hereafter,” he said.

General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional GS Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, Sajad Ahmed Kitcloo, Khalid Najeeb Suharwhardhy, Sajad Shaheen, and Aijaz Jan have also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the catastrophe. The functionaries prayed for positive results in the underway rescue operation.

Meantime, party’s senior leader G R Naaz has expressed grief over the losses to people due to the cloudburst and subsequent flash floods in Aloosa, Halmatpura, and Chichinar hamlets of District Bandipora.

While expressing grief over the losses incurred by the people in these areas, Naaz said the incident has played havoc with the standing crops and livestock of the entire populace inhabiting these areas. He stated that the calamity has washed away scores of dwellings and caused severe damages to public properties and mosques in these areas. He impressed upon the district and divisional administration to come to the rescue of affected families by working out a compensation for them at an earliest. Naaz also sought resumption of road connectivity to these areas at an earliest.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed grief over the loss of lives in Kishtwar district today.

“Distressed to hear about the cloudburst in Kishtwar today. My deepest sympathies with those who have lost their loved ones & prayers for those missing,” Mehbooba tweeted.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President on Wednesday expressed deep shock and grief over the casualties due to cloudburst that struck upper reach in Kishtwar. He also prayed for safe recovery of missing persons.

In a statement, JKPCC president grieved over cloudburst causalities in Kishtwar and conveyed deepest condolences to bereaved families.

I would urge the government to speed up the work to trace out the missing persons and pray for their safe recovery, JKPCC president said.

It was terrible and unfortunate news, I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the Kishtawar cloudburst incident, Mir added and expressed his solidarity with the bereaved families.

CPI (M) senior leader and former Kulgam legislator, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami also expressed grief over the loss of lives in Kishtwar district.

Tarigami prayed for the speedy recovery of those who have been hospitalized after they were rescued.

He also appealed the administration and rescue teams to speed up work to trace the missing persons.

ACB registers disproportionate assets case against Jr Asst of RDD

City

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2021

Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday claimed to have registered disproportionate assets case against a Junior Assistant in Rural Development Department (RDD), Mohabbat Ali Khan.

A statement issued by ACB reads that it has registered FIR against Mohabbat Ali Khan Junior Assistant in Rural Development Department regarding the allegations of possessing of disproportionate assets and indulging in business activities while in active government service

“The instant case was registered on the basis of a verification conducted by ACB. The verification reveals that the said public servant has accumulated huge assets beyond his known source of income in the shape of immovable properties in his name as well as in the name of his family members. Subsequently, Case FIR No. 08/2021 u/s 5 (1)(e) r/w5 (2) P.C Act Smvt-2006 and section 168-RPC has been registered in PS ACB Baramulla,” the statement said.

“During the course of investigation, the search warrants were obtained from Hon’ble Anti corruption Court Baramulla and in pursuance to said Court order. Searches of the residential/ commercial premises of Mohabbat Ali Khan at Hyhama Kupwara, Srinagar, Jammu and at Hot Mix Plant (M/s National Infra Construction Company) Gutlipora, Kupwara were conducted,” the statement said, adding that further investigation in the case is going on. (KNO)

Over 3100 people fined for violating Covid norms in Kashmir: Police

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

29/07/2021

Srinagar: As many as 3139 people were fined Rs 3.89 lakh while 15 shops were sealed during the last 24 hours for violating COVID-19 guidelines in Kashmir valley.

A police spokesperson said that continuing its efforts to curb the outbreak of second wave of Coronavirus, police have realised fine to the tune of Rs 3,89,300 from 3139 people in the valley for violating the various guidelines regarding COVID-19.

Besides, he said 15 shops were also sealed in Kulgam for defying COVID-19 norms. ”The special drive against the violators of COVID-19 guidelines continued in all the districts of Kashmir to ensure that people adhere to SOPs/guidelines envisaged by the government to curb the pandemic,” he said.

He said community members are once again requested to cooperate with the Police in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the guidelines 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,” he added.

2nd T20I: Depleted India go down to Sri Lanka by 4 wickets

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

29/07/2021

Colombo, July 29 (IANS) A below-strength India, who were forced to make seven changes in the XI after nine players were ruled out due to Covid-related issues, stretched Sri Lanka before losing by four wickets in the last over of the second T20 International here on Wednesday night.

India, who were asked to bat, had made 132/5 wickets at the R Premadasa Stadium as the batting line-up, which included only four specialist batsmen and wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, couldn’t set a total in excess of 150 which they had managed in the first T20I (164).

Sri Lanka, riding on Dhananjaya de Silva’s 40 off 34 balls, won with two balls to spare after a few hiccups.

India skipper Shikhar Dhawan grafted 40 off 42 deliveries with five fours on a pitch that was difficult to bat on and shared an opening stand of 49 in seven overs with Ruturaj Gaikwad (21 off 18 balls). Debutant Devdutt Padikkal grafted 29 off 21 deliveries.

India were coasting at 81/1 after 12 overs before Dhawan fell. Soon Padikkal and Samson were bowled while trying to increase the scoring rate, with the former missing the line during a sweep and the latter letting the ball sneak past bat and pad and on to the stumps.

From then on, India lost track and could not make use of the last few overs.

The Sri Lankans, in reply, got off to a decent start, making 36/1 in the powerplay phase. However, a few wickets brought India back.

Over the seven overs after powerplay, India conceded only 36 runs and picked three wickets. But 15 runs off Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav’s (2/30) fourth over brought the Sri Lankans back. Kuldeep had earlier picked two wickets to peg the home side back.

With 46 required off 36 balls and six wickets in hand, the odds were in Sri Lanka’s favour. India picked a couple of more wickets but de Silva and Chamika Karunaratne (12 off 6), who hit a six off Bhuvneshwar, saw the host through.

Due to nine players in isolation, India were forced to hand T20 International debut to four players — Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nitish Rana, and Chetan Sakariya. Padikkal and Gaikwad made their international debuts.

The Covid-affected Krunal Pandya was among those who missed the match.

Earlier, before the match started, the Board of Control for Cricket in India had drafted the five net bowlers – Ishan Porel, Sandeep Warrier, Arshdeep Singh, R Sai Kishore and Simarjeet Singh – into the squad for T20Is on Wednesday and Thursday.

None of these reserve players, however, played the second game on Wednesday.

Rakesh Asthana takes charge as Delhi Police chief

National

Indo Asian News Service

29/07/2021

New Delhi: A day after the Centre appointed former CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana as the Commissioner of Delhi Police, the 1984 batch Gujarat cadre IPS officer took charge on Wednesday and said that he aims to focus on core policing matters.

Asthana arrived at the police headquarters here on Wednesday morning and took charge in the presence of several senior officials. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival.

After taking charge, Asthana addressed the top police brass.

Hailing Delhi Police as the premier police force in the country with a formidable reputation in delivering services and handling challenging situations, Asthana outlined the basic policing duties — prevention and detection of crime and maintenance of law and order — and drew attention to the special tasks that need to be carried out on priority.

He also praised the track record of Delhi Police in handling law and order situations and stressed upon continuing the good work in busting cyber crime, terror module, narcotics racket, gun smuggling etc.

He also stressed on community policing initiatives like YUVA, senior citizen services etc.

Asthana said detection of crime and strong preventive measures not only reduce the crime burden, but also ensure a feeling of safety and security in the city, particularly among women and vulnerable groups, for which the police should keep making more and more efforts.

Asthana also emphasised on team work to achieve the goal of making Delhi Police one of the best metropolitan force in the world.

Asthana will be in-charge of Delhi Police for a period of one year till July 31, 2022. His date of retirement was July 31, which has been extended by one year “as a special case in public interest”.

Asthana had also served as the police commissioner of Vadodara when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was serving as Gujarat Chief Minister.

The government had given additional charge of Delhi Police to Balaji Srivastava after the retirement of S.N. Shrivastava on June 30.

Asthana was currently holding the post of Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) and chief of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Asthana as the DG of NCB was at the forefront of drug seizures and had directed the investigation into the influx of cocaine and synthetic drugs in the Mumbai film industry.

He also led the NCB probe into the drugs angle in the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput last year.

As BSF DG, Asthana had pushed the force to make the borders more secure by unravelling tunnels used by Pakistan-based terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Decade on, Sagam village craves for drinking water facility

Jammu & Kashmir

Jahangeer Ganaie

29/07/2021

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Anantnag: Even as the government has claimed to provide tap water to every household in Jammu and Kashmir by March 2022, Sagam village in Kokernag has been craving for potable water for the past one decade.

Residents of Sagam village which is just few kms from Kokernag area alleged that tall claims of Jal Shakti department are getting punctured as authorities have failed to provide drinking water facility to the area.

Locals said that the authorities have ‘failed’ to install water pipelines to supply potable water to the village, thus leaving the entire population to consume unsafe water.

According to locals, the PHE department started a water supply scheme in nearby area a decade back with an aim to provide drinking water facilities to many villages including Sagam.

However, the residents said a decade has passed but they are yet to get a single drop of drinking water from the proposed scheme.

The locals further said that they approached the concerned authorities several times, requesting them to provide drinking water to the village, but to no avail.

“Over 150 households are without drinking water facility due to which locals are facing immense hardships,” they said.

Locals urged the concerned authorities to look into the issue so that they could heave a sigh of relief. (KNO)

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