Precious Kashmir

Lady killed, minor boy injured in Doda road accident

Front

14/06/2021

Doda: A lady died while a minor boy was injured after a vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident near Police Station Assar in Doda district on Sunday.

An official said that a swift vehicle bearing registration number JK02CC-8873 was on its way from Jammu to Bhaderwah when it skidded off the road and rolled down from National Highway, leaving a lady dead on the spot and also left a minor boy wounded.

He said that the deceased lady identified as Babita Manhas, wife of late Krishan Manhas and injured minor identified as 11-yr-old Rehan Manhas are residents of Gandoh area of Doda district and presently residing at Jammu. (KNO)

Monsoon arrives 17-18 days ahead of schedule in J&K, Ladakh

City

Precious Kashmir

14/06/2021

Srinagar: Monsoon has arrived in Jammu and Kashmir, 17-18 days ahead of its schedule this year, officials said on Sunday.

“IMD has declared arrival of Monsoon over J&K and Ladakh today (June 13) which is 17-18 days ahead of normal onset date—30th June or 1st July,” Director Sonam Lotus said. “This Monsoon season, IMD has forecast normal monsoon rain over whole J&K and Ladakh,” he said, adding, “Let’s hope for the best.”

Meanwhile, a Meteorological department official here said that Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recorded maximum temperature of 28.4 degrees Celsius. While the temperature was 0.4 degrees Celsius below normal, it was six degrees less than previous day.

Jammu, the winter capital of J&K, recorded maximum of 33.4 degrees Celsius against previous day’s 38.0 degrees Celsius, he said.

Qazigund, the gate town of Kashmir, recorded 27.0 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 24.3 degrees Celsius while Kokernag witnessed 25.9 degrees Celsius, the official said.

The border town Kupwara recorded maximum temperature of 27.8 degrees Celsius, he said.

World famous skiing and tourist resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest place in Valley, recording maximum of 17.2 degrees Celsius, the official added.

The weather office has forecast scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rain and thundershowers in Jammu and Kashmir divisions in next 24 hours.

For next two days, the weatherman has forecast fairly widespread light to moderate rain and thundershowers.

The weather department has also issued ‘yellow warning for “isolated lightning/ thundershowers with gusty wind 30- 40-kmph” for both Jammu and Kashmir divisions till June 15. There are four types of colour codes signifying the level of caution: green which means no action, yellow—situation to be watched), amber –government agencies need to be prepared for severe weather and red –action needed by the agencies. (GNS)

10 others arrested for flouting Covid SOPs in Kashmir: Police

City

United News Of India

14/06/2021

Srinagar: As many as 5761 people were fined while 10 others were arrested during the last 24 hours for violating guidelines imposed to curtail the spread of deadly COVID-19 virus in Kashmir valley.

A police spokesperson on Sunday said that continuing its efforts to curb the outbreak of second wave of Coronavirus, police enhanced its efforts to sensitise the masses about controlling the highly contagious Coronavirus in the valley.

“During the last 24 hours, police arrested 10 persons, lodged five FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 10,04,490 from 5761 people in Kashmir valley for violating the various guidelines/rules/SOPs regarding Covid-19,” he said.

He said special drive against the violators of COVID-19 guidelines/rules continued throughout the 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,” he added. (UNI)

Temple Foundatio :New vistas to open for Jammu: Union Minister Dr Jitendra

Jammu & Kashmir

United News Of India

14/06/2021

Jammu: Stating that Jammu City and in fact the entire Jammu region, is known as the land of temples, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Sunday that after the foundation laying of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, new vistas to open for Jammu.

“To this series of landmarks of faith beginning from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to Shri Raghunath ji Temple, a new milestone of faith has been added in the name of Balaji on Sunday in Jammu,” Dr Singh here told the media after attending the foundation laying ceremony.

He said, “I am sure, this will herald the auspicious beginning of a new era marked by peace and prosperity, and also signal the beginning of end of the long drawn Covid pandemic.”

Tirumala Tirupati Board is known for its reputation of holistically developing the place acquired by it and going beyond establishing the place of worship to provide health, education and livelihood facilities for the benefit of larger sections of society.

To that extent, this also marks the opening of new vistas for the Jammu region. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking a personal interest in the equitable development of Jammu and Kashmir and the government headed by him takes every care to ensure that every region including Jammu receives its due share of Central resources,” the minister said.

Union MoS Home G K Reddy and Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also graced the ceremony.

The Lieutenant Governor’s administration had allotted 25 hectares (about 62 acres i.e. 2.5 lakh square meters) of land to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) in Jammu for construction of temple and development of other facilities.

The land has been given on lease for forty years.

The temple management has made full preparations to build the temple on the land allotted by the government and work will begin on war footing.

Tirumala will build Tirupati Devasthanam Temple, Veda Pathshala, Spiritual Center, residential facility and parking on the land.

It is also proposed to build health and education facilities on this land in the coming days.

TTD will build the temple in two years along with the Vedic school and hospital.

The Administrative Council on April 1, has approved the proposal to allot 496 Kanal 17 Marla to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for building of Temple and its allied infrastructures, Pilgrim amenities Complex, Vedapatasala, Spiritual/Meditation Centre, Office, Residential Quarters and Parking; on lease basis for a period of 40 years.

It will enable tourists to come and stay longer in Jammu city. The future development on the campus will also contribute to economic growth of the region. (UNI)

Chairperson FLO J&K & Ladakh Chapter, Chairman SDF call on LG

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

14/06/2021

JAMMU: Founding Chairperson of FICCI Ladies Organization’s (FLO) Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh Chapter,. Ritu Singh; Chairman of Shahabad Development forum from Anantnag, Sh. Zahoor Malik today called on Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, here at Raj Bhavan.

Smt. Ritu Singh apprised the Lt Governor about the directives of their parent body – Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and also shared her vision for the Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh chapter of FLO. She discussed with the Lt Governor the overall functioning and recent initiatives of the FLO chapter. She was accompanied by Sr. Vice Chairperson of the FLO, Smt Varuna Anand.

Smt. Singh informed the Lt Governor about the current initiatives and future plans of the ladies organization for the welfare and progress of women in the UT. She expressed her willingness to establish effective coordination between the government, commerce, research and concerned departments.

The Lt Governor congratulated Smt. Singh and her team on the work she is doing as chairperson of FLO Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh.

Meanwhile, Sh. Zahoor Malik also called on the Lt Governor and submitted a memorandum containing demands of the residents of Doru, Anantnag pertaining to the augmentation of drinking water supply, establishment of MCH at Dooru, upgradation of PHC Verinag, besides other.

The Lt Governor while listening to the concerns and demands of the Chairman assured him that all his genuine demands and issues will be taken up for their early redressal.

He urged the visiting Chairpersons to continue promoting the welfare of people on all fronts.

Principal Secretary I&C reviews performance of DIC, rural BPO in Bandipora

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

14/06/2021

BANDIPORA: Principal Secretary, Industry and Commerce, Ranjan Prakash Thakur, on Sunday visited Bandipora to review performance of Rural Business Processing Outsource centre established by the district administration to create business opportunities for educated youth in the private sector.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Joint Director Planning, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Parvaiz Raheem, Additional Superintendent of Police, Ashiq Tak, Executive Engineer R&B , General Manager DIC Bandipora, Mehraj Wani, District Informatics Officer Malaram Choudhary and CEO/ Manager AIPTL, Zahoor Ahmad Shah were present in the meeting.

ADC gave a detailed presentation highlighting the performance of Rural BPO inaugurated in 2019 by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He said the Rural BPO was the first of its kind initiative taken up by the district administration aimed to create business opportunities for educated youth in the private sector. He said its establishment also aimed to attract entrepreneurs, investors and MNCs in IT to establish their business units with ultimate objective of enhancing employment opportunities for the youth in JK.

Mir said 120 youth are presently employed in the BPO including 45 percent females. He said due to seating limitations (60 seats manpower), intake capacity is capped at 150 and hoped that addition of space can bring more employment opportunities. He said on the basis of experience gained in BPO center, candidates are getting better opportunities both outside UT and abroad.

It was informed that one dedicated Point to Point (p2p) fiber has been laid by BSNL from AITPL Sonwar Srinagar to Rural BPO Bandipora at the cost of Rs 19.24 lakh.

Principal Secretary, while speaking on the occasion, lauded the efforts of district administration towards making Rural BPO a grand success. He appreciated the BPO Model of the district and hinted at replicating the same in other districts.

Thakur also visited the Rural BPO and interacted with the staff to get the feedback about functioning of the centre.

On the occasion, staff members apprised the Principal Secretary of several issues seeking an early redressal to the same.

Principal Secretary assured them that all their grievances and issues will be resolved on priority.

Principal Secretary asked the district administration to identify land for establishing BPO outside the mini secretariat complex so that space constraints are met and more people are able to get jobs.

While highlighting the performance of District Industries Centre, ACR, who is also holding the charge of General Manager DIC Bandipora, said more than 550 units have been registered under UDYAM. He said 271 cases have been sponsored under PMEGP scheme during the financial year 2020-2021 and 365 units have been registered formally in the district. He said Rs 2.31 crore have been disbursed as various incentives among the unit holders.

General Manager informed that two new industrial estates, located at Chewa and Gundikhalil Sumbal, have been identified within the district to give a boost to the industrial sector and the land has been handed over to SIDCO and SICOP for development.

He urged upon the young entrepreneurs to log in to website www.invest.jk.gov.in, a single point of contact for investment opportunities and facilitation in UT of Jammu & Kashmir. He said the website provides an interface between Investors and the Government of J&K for speedy clearances and redressal of issues faced.

Delhi relaxes lockdown rules, all markets to re-open from June 14

National

United News Of India

14/06/2021

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced to ease the COVID induced curbs in the National Capital from June 14 onward as the virus graph continued to show a declining trend.

The city reported 255 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours along with 23 related deaths.

‘Tomorrow, after 5 am, all activities will be allowed except some which are completely prohibited while some activities are being allowed in a restricted manner (partially allowed),’ the Chief Minister announced in a digital press conference.

All markets, market complexes and malls, which were allowed to reopen on odd-even basis last week, will be fully open from June 14 between 10 am and 8 pm and restaurants will also open at 50 per cent seating capacity. ‘Only one weekly market is allowed in one zone,’ Mr Kejriwal said.

The Chief Minister appealed to all the market associations, shopkeepers to ensure that overcrowding does not take place and social distancing is maintained.

According to the new guidelines, marriages cannot be allowed in public places – in banquet halls, hotels, and marriage halls. Marriages can take place only at home or at the court with not more than 20 people in attendance.

Activities which are partly allowed and are restricted include – Government offices, where the rules of last week will be applied in which Group A officers will be allowed to have 100 per cent attendance and 50 per cent attendance for everyone else. The essential activities like hospitals and police will remain fully operational.

Stressing that the “work from home” should be encouraged, Mr Kejriwal said the private offices can now operate on 50 per cent capacity from 9 am-5 pm.

Meanwhile, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutes, cultural, social, political, sports, religious gatherings, stadiums, sports complexes, entertainment, spa and gyms, swimming pools, cinema theaters, multiplexes will continue to remain shut as they pose risk of spreading the pandemic.

Capital’s lifeline — Delhi Metro — will operate on 50 per cent capacity while Taxis and Autos will be allowed to commute only two passengers at one time.

Mr Kejriwal further informed that the religious places are being opened but visitors will not be allowed.

Positivity Rate Down

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

12/06/2021

The covid-19 positivity rate of J&K has declined to 2.2%, offering a much-needed hope towards return to normal. It is also a signal that the measures against Covid’s 2^nd wave are providing desired results. Administration and people should be credited but there is still a long way to go.

The achievement of 2.2% positivity rate feat comes as Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, called for scientific and evidence-based management of covid-19. He has set June15 deadline for bringing down the positivity rate to 2% in all districts including those where there is high mortality rate .

The district administrations have been rightly asked to work on a localized strategy for Covid mitigation keeping in view the analysis based on the five parameters already detailed out by the government. They have been also asked to concentrate not only at the district level but also to have the situation closely monitored at the sub-district level. This approach is prudent and all the concerned authorities need to render full cooperation for its success which would help restore normalcy.

The administration must continue to be cogent and take all the measures to flatten the Covid-19 curve. Also people need to realize that there is room for complacency and as such every endeavor should be made to ensure that covid-19 appropriate behavior is adhered to in all circumstances to keep the ravaging pathogen at bay. The note of caution sounded by the Union Home Secretary last month on the successive surges and the need to remain vigilant to the situation must be adhered to in letter and spirit. There is a need to learn from experiences to keep pace with testing and vaccination rates, besides enforcing COVID appropriate behaviour and strengthening the medical infrastructure. It is also imperative for the administration to map minute details to deal effectively with the pestilence.

In areas with low vaccination rate, there is a need to strategize a comprehensive plan in coordination with the Police and Civil administration to accelerate the drive. Districts with the scope of improvement need to go some extra mile to achieve desirable results, Lieutenant Governor rightly directed during a covid-19 review meeting here.

The Lt Governor also instructed the DCs and CMOs to fix the responsibilities for proper functioning of these centres with all requisite facilities and its maintenance. It is important to note that while various measures are proving effective and have helped bring the transmission of the disease under control, removing curbs on social movement prematurely may again start the spread of the disease. Science should guide all decisions.

Elderly in Kashmir face stress, anxiety as children settle in foreign countries

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

12/06/2021

Elderly in Kashmir face stress, anxiety as children settle in foreign countries

By: Afaq Bhat

Srinagar: Elderly people, who in many cases, have to stay alone in Kashmir do face anxiety and stress as their children are settled in foreign countries.

“My two sons are settled in foreign countries and one daughter is married. Me and my wife stay alone,” Ali Mohammad, a retired government employee of Baghat Barzulla, told Precious Kashmir.

Like Ali Mohammad there are many elderly couples who are staying alone in posh areas of Srinagar city. “All our lives we earned for our children and provided them with whatever we had, but due to one or other reason they had to leave as they had to build their lives,” said Mohammad Abdullah Dar, who stays with his wife alone in the Rambagh area.

It’s in place to mention here that during the past few years many young people have moved out of Kashmir in search of jobs and other avenues. Also the concept of nuclear families in Kashmir has left many old people alone.

“Earlier, people in Kashmir used to live in joint families and if the youngsters used to go out there used to be someone or another to take care of the elderly in a home, but now that culture has changed. Joint family culture in Kashmir has ended and it’s all about living separately,” said another retired government employee, Altaf Khan.

He said that pensioners like him struggle for everything. “Many people like me have to take care of their daily and medical needs without any help from anywhere. In many cases where parents get the pension they don’t even ask for money from their children as they want them to spend it on their families,” Khan added.

He said, “We can’t blame anyone for our miseries as sending children to foreign countries has become a status symbol in Kashmir. When a person is young, he doesn’t realize the importance of support, it’s only in old age one comes to know how important it’s to have children around.”

Bifurcation of J&K just a rumour: LG Sinha

Front

Precious Kashmir

12/06/2021

Bifurcation of J&K just a rumour: LG Sinha

‘Militancy graph low, militant recruitment on decline’

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said that bifurcation of J&K is just a rumour and nothing else as some people are feeling discomfort by the present peace in the UT and are now spreading false rumours to meet their petty political interests.

Speaking to a national television channel, LG Sinha said that some people are spreading false rumours to keep their political boggy relevant and to meet their political interests. “Only selfish people fuel rumours. Bifurcation of J&K is just a rumour nothing else,” he said.

The J&K LG said what he was saying was “with full responsibility and people have understood what he means.”

Replying to a query about troop movement in Kashmir, he said that this gives no signal about anything. “Paramilitary forces had gone to West Bengal for poll duty and they are returning now. Some 60 companies were allotted to J&K and they are returning. Many jawans were also under quarantine and they too are returning,” the LG Sinha said adding that whenever there has been Amarnath Yatra in J&K such troop movements are a routine.

To a query whether J&K government would go ahead with the Amarnath Yatra despite Covid pandemic, he said that the administration led by him took a series of steps to contain the spread of Covid and they succeeded largely. “Nothing is more important than human lives. In the days ahead, Covid situation will be better. After analaysing the situation threadbare, decision will be taken on whether to hold annual pilgrimage,”

On Assembly polls and the delimitation process, the LG Sinha said that Prime Minister Narendera Modi has announced at the Lal Qila that once delimitation commission would finish its exercise, J&K will witness Assembly polls.

“Let the Delimitation Commission submit its report,” he said. About NC’s participation in Delimitation process, he said if NC takes part in the exercise, they will fulfill their responsibility.

Asked whether militancy has been curbed in J&K, the LG said that the tourist arrivals suggest that peace is prevailing in Kashmir and there is a no law and order situation.

“No doubt a few incidents of violence have taken place, but local militant recruitment is down. We have an upper hand on militants. Security forces are maintaining a close coordination. A handful of people are trying to disrupt the peace but government is committed to defeat then and act them as per the law,” he said.

Replying to query that some people were alleging discrimination against Jammu, he said that in a democracy there is a freedom of expression but that doesn’t mean, “Whatever people would say would become government policy.”

“My tenure is witness that not a single decision has been taken by my administration where one can smell discrimination. Gone are the days of discrimination. Jammu and Kashmir are two eyes of government,” he said. (KNO)

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