Precious Kashmir

Over 2 dozen houses gutted in Ramban blaze

Jammu & Kashmir

01/07/2021

Jammu: At least two dozen residential houses have been destroyed in a massive blaze in the Banihal area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident.

Police said the fire broke out in the Hijwa village of Banihal tehsil on Tuesday.

Locals said due to non-availability of a road link, fire tenders could not immediately reach the spot.

Army pressed helicopters into service for relief and rescue operation while fire services personnel carried firefighting equipment manually to the spot.

People of the village have thanked the district administration, fire services department and the army for controlling the fire from further spreading.

Authorities have arranged rations, medicine and tents for immediate relief of the fire victims. (IANS)

Courts in J&K, Ladakh to resume physical hearings from July 5

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

01/07/2021

Only vaccinated lawyers, witnesses to be allowed

Srinagar: The High Court on Wednesday ordered resumption of physical hearings in its Srinagar and Jammu wings as well as in district and subordinate courts besides tribunals in J&K and Ladakh from July 5.

“Keeping in view the latest SOPs of the Government of India and Government of Jammu & Kashmir relating to relaxation in restrictions regarding containment of COVID- 19 and also the considerable decline in daily number of COVID- 19 cases …, the physical hearing of the cases in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the District and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh shall resume with effect from 05.07.2021,” reads an order issued by Registrar General Jawad Ahmad. Till then the virtual hearing has been extended.

Meanwhile, in order to ensure that there is no complacency against the spread of COVID-19 infection, the High Court has ordered strict observance of all latest SOPs of the Central and J&K Government regarding gathering at public places.

“With effect from (July 5), advocates shall be allowed entry into the Court premises. However, (they) shall themselves restrict their entry in a manner that only those advocates enter the Court building on a given day whose cases are listed on that day before any of the Bench/Court.”

On entry into the Court building, advocates shall strictly maintain the social distancing SOPs while waiting for hearing of their cases, reads the order. “They shall not huddle either in the well or in the gallery outside the Court Rooms. As and when their cases are finished they shall make an endeavour to leave the court premises at once.”

Also, only those advocates, staff members and any other stakeholder will be permitted entry in the court premises who have been vaccinated.

“Entry of Clerks and Agents of the advocates into the Court rooms shall continue to be prohibited for the time being.”

Entry of witness(s) and accused person(s) shall be permitted in District and Subordinate Courts subject to strict compliance of latest SOPs pertaining to the containment of Covid- 19 and vaccination, the order said. “Entry of litigants and public into the Court premises from the very outer gate shall continue to be prohibited.”

However, if any litigant on any reasonable ground was compelled to argue his case personally, he shall be allowed entry into the Court premises subject to the condition that he makes an application at least two days prior to the date of hearing through e-mail to the Registrar Judicial/Presiding Officer of the Court disclosing such compelling reasons and seeking permission in that regard.

“If in a given case one of the party appearing through Advocate insists for virtual hearing for any reason of his inability to appear physically, the Court may, if necessary, permit him/her to argue through virtual mode and the other party may present his/her case physically or the matter may be adjourned with consent of the parties provided that advance notice for such virtual hearing is given to the concerned Bench Secretary at least a day before.” (GNS)

Ensure vaccination of disabled persons in J&K: HC to Govt

City

Precious Kashmir

01/07/2021

Srinagar: The High Court on Wednesday asked authorities to ensure vaccination of the disabled persons in the Jammu and Kashmir.

Hearing a petition, a bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey said the authorities to take effective steps for their vaccination as per the guidelines of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

“The Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department shall file affidavit, indicating therein the steps for ensuring vaccination of the disabled persons in the Jammu and Kashmir. The affidavit shall be filed by or before next date of hearing,” the court said and posted the matter on July 8.

In petition filed by one Javed Ahmad Tak on behalf of Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline, representing specially abled persons, the petitioner seeks direction to the government to treat all the persons with disabilities as special category and ensure their vaccination in terms of the policy of Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as also that of Government of Union Territory of J&K

Referring to Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, advocate Syed Musaib , said the legislation enables all persons with disabilities certain benefits on priority basis. He submitted that despite having approached the authorities in the shape of representations, no effective action has been taken for vaccination of the disabled persons in Jammu and Kashmir, which formed a ground for seeking indulgence of the Court in the present petition.

He further submitted that the vaccination of the persons with disabilities has become necessary because of threat to their life on account of large number of them getting tested positive because of not being able to adhere to the SOPs. “Before proceeding further in the matter, it has become necessary to seek response from the respondents (officials) for the claim made in the petition,” the court said and issued notice to officials for filing the response within one week. (GNS)

Follow Covid appropriate behavior: Govt to Secretariat employees

City

Precious Kashmir

01/07/2021

Srinagar: Government on Wednesday warned its work force working in civil secretariat against any laxity regarding Covid appropriate behavior.

“It has been observed that some employees working in various departments of Civil Secretariat are not displaying COVID appropriate behavior viz violating social distancing norms, not wearing face masks or wearing face masks improperly,” a government order issued here reads. “This irresponsible behaviour on part of these employees not only endangers their own lives but also risks the lives of other employees working on the premises, an issue which has been viewed seriously by the authorities,” noted the order.

Accordingly, all employees working in Civil Secretariat have been asked to follow COVID appropriate behavior, wear face masks properly and adhere to social distancing norms.

“Any violation in this regard shall be treated as breach of conduct rules and disciplinary action including forfeiture of annual increment shall be initiated against such employees,” the order added. (GNS)

3235 computers available for over 6 lakh students in Kashmir

City

Precious Kashmir

01/07/2021

By: Bhat Imran

Srinagar: In the modern era where the technology is just a click away, the situation in Kashmir is quite contrasting as there are just 3235 computers available for over six lakh students, official figures reveal.

The latest official figures reveal that a total of 3235 computers were available in the schools of Kashmir division till the academic year 2018-19.

It has been leant that these computers were available for the students of Kashmir division studying in government schools, recognized private schools, unrecognized schools, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya and recognized Madrasas run by Waqf Board.

The figures were revealed by the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE). It also reveal that the summer capital Srinagar has 502 of computers available for the students that was the highest among all districts of the region followed by the north Kashmir’s Baramulla district with a total of 413 computers.

UDISE figures also reveal that the lowest number of computers for the school students were in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal with a total of 176 PCs.

It reveals that in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, a total of 491 computers were available in all private and government schools.

The UDISE figures also read that in central Kashmir’s Budgam, a total of 389 computers were functional for the students.

In north Kashmir’s Bandipora district a total of 192 computers were functional and in the schools of south Kashmir’s Kulgam only 242 computers were available.

The figures also reveal that in frontier district Kupwara, a total of 348 computers were available in all schools functional in the district.

UDISE has also mentioned that in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts, a total of 305 and 177 computers were functional.

Top officials of School Education Department were unavailable to comment on the issue. (KNO)

Shadab Karewa residents acute water scarcity

City

Jahangeer Ganaie

01/07/2021

BY: Jahangeer Ganaie

Shopian: The residents of several Mohallas of Shadab Karewa hamlet in South Kashmir’s Shopian have been facing an acute shortage of drinking water amid the soaring heat.

Locals from Tulsi Mohalla, Khan Mohalla and Bhat Mohalla of Shadab Karewa on Wednesday said that area is facing a shortage of water since last one month but authorities have failed to look into the matter.

They said that Shadab Karewa is a big hamlet and part of it is getting piped water while pipes in several mohallas have turned dry.

They added that they have hired horses and even autos to bring water from nearby areas but authorities are in deep slumber.

Locals alleged that whenever they contact any official of the Jal Shakti department, “they are threatening to lodge FIR against us.”

“On one hand Jal Shakti department claims that every household in J&K will get potable water till the end of next year but on the other hand the same department is threatening us for requesting them to provide drinking water,” an elderly man from the locality said.

He said that there is good water flow in the existing tanks but people living on the far end are facing scarcity as some people have been using the same water to water their orchards.

“We are forced to take our clothes and other things to Manloo which is around 4 km from the village,” he said.

“We staged protests many times to highlight our grievance but no action was taken in this regard till date”, the residents alleged. The protestors demanded regular potable water supply in their area.

They requested concerned District Development Commissioner to look into the matter at the earliest so that locals can heave a sigh of relief

Despite repeated attempts, Executive Engineer Jal Shakti department wasn’t available to comment on the issue. (KNO)

COVID: 5,256 violators fined in Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

01/07/2021

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday realised a fine of over Rs 6.94 lakh from 5256 persons who violated the COVID-19 guidelines in the Kashmir valley, where one FIR was registered and nine vehicles seized during the past 24 hours.

A police spokesman said tonight that continuing its efforts to curb the outbreak of 2nd wave of Coronavirus, during the last 24 hours Police have registered one FIR and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 6,94,130 from 5,256 people throughout the Kashmir valley for violating the various guidelines, rules and Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) regarding Covid-19.

Besides, nine vehicles were also seized for violating Covid norms, he said.

The special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs/guidelines envisaged by 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/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.

Williamson reclaims No1 spot in ICC Test Player Rankings

Sports

United News Of India

01/07/2021

Dubai: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson reclaimed the No 1 position in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings released on Wednesday after leading his side to the ICC World Test Championship title in Southampton last week.

The 30-year-old’s knocks of 49 and 52 not out in the low-scoring final against India helped him move above the 900-point mark and he now has a 10-point lead over Steve Smith (891 rating points).

Williamson, who conceded the top spot to Smith two weeks ago, is back in the position he had first grabbed in November 2015 during a series against Australia.

Ross Taylor, who scored an unbeaten 47 and partnered in an unbroken 96-run stand with Williamson, advanced three places to 14th position while left-hander Devon Conway gained 18 slots to reach 42nd place after top-scoring with 52 in the first innings.

New Zealand’s fast bowlers too gained after thriving in the seaming conditions, player of the match Kyle Jamieson continuing the stupendous start to his Test career.

His figures of five for 31 and two for 30 pushed him up to a career-best 13th position, not surprising since no bowler has taken more Test wickets at a better average than him since 1900.

Left-armer Trent Boult’s figures of two for 48 and three for 39 have lifted him two places to 11th position while for India, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane’s progress of three places to 13th position after scores of 49 and 15, was the only notable gain.

According to the ICC release, Ravindra Jadeja slipped behind West Indian Jason Holder to second position after a week at the top of the rankings for all-rounders.

In the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, West Indies’ left-handed opener Evin Lewis has moved from 13th to 10th position after a player of the match effort of 71 off 35 balls in the first of the two matches of their ongoing five-match series that counted for this week’s rankings.

Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen progressed 23 places to 20th position.

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (up one place to 22nd), Reeza Hendricks (up three places to 24th) and Temba Bavuma (up 24 places to 64th) were among the others to move up.

England’s 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka, helped several of their players move up too.

Chris Jordan (up five places to 11th), Mark Wood (up 11 places to 14th), Sam Curran (up 62 places to 39th) and David Willey (up 23 places to 51st) progressed in the bowlers’ list.

Meanwhile, for Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga moved up five places to fifth and Dushmantha Chameera 41 places to 43rd.

The latest weekly update, which includes performances in the Sofia four-team tournament won by Romania, and which also featured Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece, saw Romania’s Ramesh Satheesan enter the top 100. He has moved up 101 slots to 95th position after topping the series aggregate with 197 runs.

PM chairs Council of Ministers meeting, discusses COVID-19 pandemic situation

National

United News Of India

01/07/2021

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the Council of Ministers meeting on a virtual mode amid the speculation of the Cabinet expansion in the coming days.
The meeting, being attended by all Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of States, witnessed discussions on the COVID situation in the country, preparedness to deal with the possible third wave, and the functioning of a few ministries.
According to sources, Mr Modi discussed the situation arisen due to COVID-19 pandemic in the country and how the concerned Ministries such as Union Health and Family Welfare, Home Affairs, Railways, Commerce and Defence Ministries have worked in a proper coordination and arrested the most severe second wave.
Noting that India has left behind the US in COVID-19 inoculation recently, the Prime Minister also discussed the vaccination drive and tried to understand the issues which have to be addressed in order to cover the entire population at the earliest.
The source in the government set up also said that the performance of three Ministries such as Road Transport and Highway, Telecom and Civil Aviation were discussed in this meeting.
On April 30, the Prime Minister held a similar meeting with the Council of Ministers to discuss the situation arising out of the second wave of COVID in the country in which it was noted that the present pandemic crisis is a ‘once in a century crisis’ and has thrown a big challenge for the world.

Vaccination Holds Key

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

30/06/2021

Battle against covid-19 is proving a long drawn one. Measures such as lockdown, as some experts have put, is like paracetamol which reduces the temperature. It is not the treatment. The cure lies either in herd immunity which should set in adequately but may take time. Viable cure in contemporary times is vaccination.

As per the figures revealed by the J&K government on Tuesday, 84.46 percent vaccination has been achieved in above 45 years with four districts achieving cent percent target. Srinagar and Kupwara are two districts with less than 60 per cent, with summer capital recording 57.94% and frontier Kupwara 59.33 per cent respectively.

In the Indian context, about 49 per cent of the population aged 60 years and above has been vaccinated with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

As per latest data by the Union Health Ministry, out of an estimated 59.7 crore people in the age group of 18-44 years, about 15 per cent have been vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine.

Cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 33.1 crore so far, the ministry said.

From June 21-28, 57.68 lakh average daily doses have been delivered. From May 1 to June 24, 56 per cent doses have been given in rural areas, while 44 per cent administered in urban areas, it said.

As many as 20.9 crore people are there aged between 45-59 years out of which 42 per cent, have been vaccinated with the first dose of the Covid vaccine, it added.

The vaccination is not legally mandatory and therefore an individual can choose not to take the jab. However unless it is on medical advice, not to take the vaccine would be self-defeating in light of the views held by the experts.

There is a need to expedite the vaccination in eligible groups and should be the core focus for the government.

At present, universal vaccination is the only way to save lives, prevent future waves, revive economic growth, ensure children return to schools, resume social interactions and overcome the pandemic. It is also imperative that eligible citizens, those above the age of 45 and those falling in the 18-44 age group, must take both vaccines and encourage others as well.

Not getting vaccinated would not only risk one’s life but also prevent returning to normal. The government needs to continue campaigns to persuade more and more people to take the jab at an earliest and ensure availability also.

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