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3 notorious drug peddlers held in Kulgam

Precious Kashmir
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 Srinagar: Police on Sunday claimed to have arrested three notorious drug peddlers and recovered huge cache of contraband from them in south Kashmir district of Kulgam.

A police spokesperson said that following specific information, a checkpoint was established near Balsoo crossing in Kulgam. “Police intercepted a vehicle at the checkpoint and during checking recovered 130 Kgs of Poppy Straw, two grinding machines and a digital weighing machine,” he said.

He said three persons on board the vehicle – identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, Iqbal Ahmad Gani, both residents of Buchroo and Reyaz Ahmad Dar, a resident of Brazloo – were immediately taken into custody. “A case vide FIR No. 161/2020 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Kulgam and further investigation into the case has been taken up,” he said.

He said community members are requested to come forward with any information regarding drug peddlers in their neighbourhood, adding persons found indulging in drug peddling will be dealt as per law.

“Our consistent actions against drug peddlers should reassure the community members that we are making efforts to keep our society free from the scourge of drug menace,” he added.

 

Youth commits suicide in Kulgam

United News Of India
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Srinagar: A 24-year-old youth on Sunday committed suicide by jumping into a waterfall in south Kashmir district of Kulgam.

Official sources said that panic gripped Aharbal when a youth (name withheld) jumped into the waterfall in Kulgam on Sunday. “A search and rescue operation was immediately launched, but the youth could not be saved,” they said.

They said after strenuous efforts, the body of the youth was fished out at Manzgam. “It was not immediately clear why he took this extreme step,” they said, adding police has registered a case and initiated investigation to ascertain the circumstance which forced him to commit suicide.

They said after completing all the legal and medical formalities, the body of the deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites.

The number of suicides in Kashmir valley since the outbreak of second way of COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed a significant increase.

Experts claim that the jump in the number of suicides is related to deterioration of mental health of people due to COVID-19 pandemic. “There are various factors that affect the mental health of a person. During the current pandemic, people are stressed and have anxieties due to job loss, limited income, COVID related deaths and other factors. On top of this, due to restrictions, people were confined to their homes due to COVID curfew… all this has taken a heavy toll on the mental health of people,” they said.

In view of significant increase in the mental health issues, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) last month launched a 24×7 mental health helpline ‘SUKOON’ at its headquarters. “This initiative will guide the caller to avail services of clinical psycholgists, therapists, counsellors and psychiatrists and provide round the clock one to one support, free and confidential services to those experiencing mental health issues,” an official said. (UNI)

Rafale deal: Rahul posts online survey to find why govt was shying away from JPC probe

United News Of India
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New Delhi: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday posted an online survey on his official Twitter page to find why the government was not allowing a probe by Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) into the alleged Rafale deal.

The veil attack from the Congress MP came a day after the French government allowed investigations in alleged corruption in a 7.8 billion Euro deal in 2016 between India and France for the purchase of 36 Rafale jets.

Mr Gandhi posted a multiple-option question in Hindi–why the Modi govt is not allowing a probe by the JPC? The four options which he mentioned were guilt conscience, saving friends, JPC does not want a Rajya Sabha seat and the last option—all options are correct.

A French investigative website–Mediapart—has probed the deal and uploaded the findings of the investigations on the website. The website has questioned the role of Anil Ambani-headed Reliance Group, which is an offset partner of Dassault Aviation.

On Saturday, highlighting the developments in France, the Congress renewed the call of the JPC probe in the deal.

The alleged scam was the war-cry of Mr Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The Supreme Court in December 2018 had dismissed a petition seeking a probe into the deal, holding there was no commercial favoritism.

In November 2019, it had dismissed petitions seeking review of its verdict, saying they were without any merit.

Stadiums, sports complexes can reopen from Monday: Delhi govt

United News Of India
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New Delhi: Stadiums and sports complexes can reopen in the national capital from Monday onward but without spectators, while cinema halls, swimming pools, spas, and education institutes will continue to remain closed owing to the COVID-19 situation, the Delhi government said on Sunday.

As per the order from Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), public and religious gatherings will also remain suspended while 50 people cap in marriage function will remain unchanged.

Moreover, the metros and buses will continue to run with 50 per cent sitting capacity.

The Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) has appealed to the DDMA to ease the restrictions in metros as they are leading to long queues to enter the metro stations.

Many daily travellers have taken on social media to share their ordeal.

Delhi on Saturday recorded 86 cases of COVID-19 and four more deaths. The positivity rate in the national capital is 0.11 per cent, which during the peak of the second wave reached over 36 per cent.

Lockdown was imposed in Delhi on April 19 initially for a week but was extended every week till May 31 as the city was reeling under a health crisis. It was lifted phase-wise from May 31.

Schools Remain Shut

Precious Kashmir
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Schools Remain Shut

Schools remain closed in Jammu and Kashmir along with many other parts of India. As soon as schools reopened in March this year after a very long gap of almost two years, Covid-19 reared its ugly head again, forcing the closure of the educational institutions.

Even when reopened, attendance at schools remained voluntary as the guidelines by the government of India specify that parents can decide what their wards should do. Most parents gave consent and school resumption seemed uninterrupted until covid-19 announced an unpleasant return.

There is no vaccine available for kids as of now while some teachers and allied staff are waiting to be vaccinated. As per AIIMS New Delhi Chief covid-19 vaccines could be available for children in India around September when data from Phase two and three trials of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin on those in the age group of two to 18 years is expected. The Covid-19 vaccine can be given to children after the Drugs Controller General of India’s approval. If the Pfizer vaccine gets approval before that, then it can also be an option for children.

It is an acknowledged fact that in-person learning can be done safely once the children, teachers and allied staff get vaccinated. It is in alternative to ensuring universal masking, hand washing, social distancing and contact tracing. The number of covid-19 cases have ebbed of late but it seems opening of the schools is at some distance away.

The government has ordered that all universities, colleges and technical and skill development institutions in J&K shall remain closed for imparting on- campus and in-person education to the students till July 15 except for the courses, programs that require physical presence of students on account of laboratory or research or thesis work and internship etc.

The decision of shutting the schools for now seems in the right direction in order to minimize negative impacts.

It is imperative that rates of Covid-19 infection in a community must be very low and currently not many places in J&K meet the gauge. The covid-19 pandemic has surprised one and all again and again.

The pandemic has also exposed problems people are facing on account of having digital access.

To meet immediate learning needs, the government must help the students who lack facilities on account of smart phone availability or internet access to overcome the learning deficit. The life and future of an entire generation are at stake and all measures need to be done in this regard.

100 playgrounds to come up in Shopian soon

Sameer Showkin Lone
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100 playgrounds to come up in Shopian soon

By: Sameer Showkin Lone

Shopian: In a major boost to the sports infrastructure, the Jammu and Kashmir government is proposing to construct around 100 playgrounds in restive Shopian district of South Kashmir.

According to sources, as of now, the government has started work on 20 playgrounds in different Panchayat Halqas and 50 are under process pending approval.

The initiative has been taken after a number of youth groups have approached the government demanding sports infrastructure in their areas.

District Development Council (DDC) member for Zainapora and former MLA Wachi Aijaz Ahmed Mir said that it is a very good step as youth in different parts have excelled in sports, but Shopian lacked the requisite infrastructure. “I hope this will give a major fillip to different sports activities in the region,” he said.

Mir also said many youth have started indulging in drug abuse and the cases are increasing “The sports activities will help control the drug abuse and help in reducing stress and depression amongst the youth. We had very less playgrounds in Shopian. A playground can be used for morning and evening strolls as well which will help people to maintain a decent lifestyle and helps in reducing stress.”

He also appealed to the government departments to not shy away from donating piece of land wherever needed for constructing a playground. “In some areas there is a need to cut some walnut trees to make a better playground. The clearances should be done quickly so that the infrastructure is in put in place sooner than later,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Sachin Kumar vaishya told that the district administration has planned to have at least one playground in every Gram Panchayat.

“It could be even more than one in a Gram Panchayat depending upon the availability of land. Presently, we are constructing playgrounds in villages where we have easy availability of land. The identification process in other parts is going on,” he said.

Pulwama Gunfight: 5 LeT militants, soldier killed

Precious Kashmir
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Pulwama Gunfight: 5 LeT militants, soldier killed

Pulwama: Five Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants including a top commander and a soldier were killed in a gunfight that broke out in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, officials said on Friday.

A soldier was killed in the gunfight at Hanjin Rajpora area of Pulwama, they said.

“Acting on a specific input regarding presence of (militants) in Hanjin Rajpora area of Pulwama, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, army’s 44RR and 182/183 battalions of CRPF in the area (late last night),” a police spokesman said.

“During the search operation, the civilians were evacuated to safer places and as the presence of militants got ascertained they were given an opportunity to surrender,” he said. However, he said, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated, leading to a gunfight.

“Due to darkness the operation was suspended however the cordon remained intact throughout night,” he said.

In the morning on Friday, he said, repeated announcements were again made to hiding militants to surrender, but they fired on joint search party and the fire was retaliated.

In the initial exchange of fire two Army soldiers received gunshot injuries and were evacuated to hospital. However, one among them who was identified by sources as Havildar Kashiray B, succumbed to the wounds.

“During the ensuing encounter, five terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter,” the spokesman said.

They have been identified as Nishaz Hussain Lone alias Khitab (district commander LeT) son of Manzoor Ahmed Lone of Nageenpora Tral, Danish Manzoor Shiekh son of Manzoor Ahmad of Sathergund Kakapora, Amir Wagay son of Abdul Gani Wagay of Hanjan Payeen, Mehran Manzoor of Jamalatoo Srinagar and a foreign militant identified as Abu Rehan alias Tawheed of Pakistan. All the killed militants, he said, were linked with LeT.

He said arms, ammunition and other “incriminating materials” were recovered from the site of encounter including one SLR rifle. “The rifle (bearing no. 16047232) recovered from today’s encounter site belonged to JKP (IRP 11 Bn) snatched  by (militants) in the year 2016 from guard of TV tower Lower Munda, regarding which a Case vide FIR No. 135/16 stands registered at PS Duroo Anantnag,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulates Police and security forces for the “big success and conducting successful operation in professional manner”, the spokesman said.

Taking effective steps to minimize Covid-19 impact: LG

Precious Kashmir
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‘Tourists carrying fake RTPCR test reports must be sent back’

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Friday chaired a series of meetings with the members of the Covid Task Force, Deputy Commissioners, and SPs on Covid containment measures through virtual mode.

Keeping a close watch on the Covid situation in J&K, the Lt Governor is regularly chairing meetings with the concerned officials taking regular assessment of the present Covid scenario in the UT and the measures taken thereof.

“We are taking effective and transformative actions to minimize Covid-19 impacts and enhance pandemic resilience”, observed the Lt Governor.

While enquiring about the present status of positivity rate, testing, and vaccination across the UT, the Lt Governor noted that the number of cases has come down, while vaccination and testing have also registered a substantial increase.

On being informed that the positivity rate in J&K is reduced to 0.5% in the last 24 hours, the Lt Governor maintained that the new development in this regard is a good sign, however, it’s only a small battle won in a really long war and we have to be vigilant. Adherence to Covid protocol and vaccination has helped in bringing the numbers down, he added.

The Lt Governor directed the DCs and SPs to ensure measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing and limiting the number of people in social gatherings is rigorously followed.

Taking cognizance in the matter of fake RTPCR Test reports being carried by some Tourists, the Lt Governor issued strict directions to penalize such action.

Any tourist carrying fake RTPCR test reports at the entry points, by road or air, will be penalized and authorities must send them back. We need to enforce the rule with a clear plan, besides communicating the same to all the stakeholders, the Lt Governor maintained.

The Lt Governor congratulated the Administrations and the health teams of Budgam and Bandipora Districts for achieving 100 % vaccination of 45 & above age-group with 1st Dose. With these two reaching the milestone, the tally goes up to Six Districts now for J&K.

He further appreciated the other Districts for intensifying the vaccination drive and asked the Districts with more than 90 % vaccination to cover the 100% target within 3 days. DCs and health authorities were also directed to ensure the priority age group is fully vaccinated within a week.

“I urge everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones from deadly corona virus”, said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor made suggestions to the members of the Covid Task Force, Deputy Commissioners, SPs, and other concerned officers for a way forward for more effectively tackling and containing the spread of the infection across the UT.

The Lt Governor advised for sending joint teams in the areas to counter vaccination hesitancy and educate people. Divisional Commissioners, IGPs, DCs, Health functionaries were asked to put extra effort into districts with low vaccination rate.

The Lt Governor also passed necessary directions for making requisite arrangements for checking of the vehicles at various places on Mughal Road and Sinthan Road which are going to open for the movement of the general public on 5th July.

While taking the District-wise feedback on various critical aspects of clinical management, the Lt Governor sought the implementation of the directions passed in the previous meeting, particularly pertaining to the efforts made by the District administrations for bringing down the positivity rate and generating daily Covid report at Block-level.

Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, Sh. Atal Dulloo, briefed the chair about the district-wise analysis of Covid-19 situation, status of Vaccine availability, Block-wise analysis of Cases and Positivity.

He informed that J&K has registered its highest vaccination number with over 1,14,000 doses administered across the UT in a single day with overall Vaccination rate for 45 & above age group reaching 87% in J&K. Besides, 14 Districts are now under Green Zone as per the five Cardinal Indicators for assessing the COVID 19 Situation including Weekly Cases per million Population, Test Positivity rate, Bed occupancy, Mortality and Vaccination coverage, he added.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dilbag Singh, DGP; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary, Home Department; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Public Works (R&B) Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Mukesh Singh, ADGP; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Deputy Commissioners and SPs, attended the meetings through virtual mode.

J&K records 331 Covid cases, 6 more fatalities

Nadeem Nadu
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By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 331 fresh covid-19 cases while six more people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Friday.

They said 77 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 254 from Kashmir Valley, taking the total count to 316291.

Regarding the deaths, they said five were reported from Jammu division and one from Kashmir Valley, taking the fatality count to 4333.

Providing the district-wide details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 78 cases, Baramulla 27, Budgam 29, Pulwama 27, Kupwara 18, Anantnag 26, Bandipora 6, Ganderbal 19, Kulgam 22, Shopian 2, Jammu 12, Udhampur 7, Rajouri 7, Doda 13, Kathua 5, Samba 3, Kishtwar 8, Poonch 4, Ramban 13 and Reasi 5.

Moreover, they said, 437 more COVID-19 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours—158 from Jammu Division and 279 from Kashmir.  So far 307749 patients have recovered, leaving active cases at 4209—1832 in Jammu and 2377 in Kashmir.

There was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today and thus the cumulative number of confirmed cases remained 29 in J&K.

A number of fresh covid-19 cases were confirmed at diagnostic labouratory of GMC Anantnag and  include male (28) from Shah Mohalla, female (25) from K B Pora, male (60) from Jadipora, male (45) from Qaimoh, female (70) from Achabal, male (33) from Trahpoo, female (50) from Tailwani, female (25) from Brakpora, male (48) from Khiram Durpora, male (35) from Kehribal, male (18) from Kulgam, female (22) from Chowgam Chittergull, female (24) from Chittergull, female (29) from Chakipora Chittergull, male (45) male Khawapora Chittergull, female (20) from Cherpora Chittergull, male (33) from Verinag Dooru, female (38) from Reshipora Kapran, male (40) from Nowpora Dooru, male (20) from Nowgam Verinag, female (32) from Fatehpora Larkipora, three males (19, 53, 12) from Achabal, female (55) from Banihal, male (26) from Mustafa Abad Srg, female (60) from Sallar Ang, male (40) from Matipora Chittergull, female (25) from Khanabal, male (45) from M Pora, two males (25, 35) from Parigam, female (30) from HS Bugh and male (25) from Seer Hamadan. (GNS)

Death toll in India crosses 4 lakh-mark

United News Of India
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New Delhi: India reported 853 more COVID deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities to 4,00,312, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

Besides, the country also added 46,617 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections to 30,458,251. The death toll stands at 1.31 per cent.

India became the third country after the US and Brazil to traverse the grim milestone of four lakh-mark. The US has recorded 6,04,000 deaths while around 5,18,000 people have died in Brazil.

On a positive front, 59,384 patients recuperated during the past 24 hours, pushing the number of recoveries to 2,95,48,302. With these new recoveries, recovery rate jumped from 96.97 per cent to 97.01 per cent.

Now, active cases further declined to 5,09,637, which constitute 1.67 per cent of the total cases, shows the data.

Meanwhile, weekly positivity rate is currently pegged at 2.57 per cent.

Daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.48 per cent, less than five per cent for 25 consecutive days, the Ministry added.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 41,42,51,520 samples were tested so far for coronavirus. Of this, 18,80,026 were tested on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, 34,00,76,232 doses have been administered since January 16 this year, of which 42,64,123 were administered in the past 24 hours. (UNI)

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