Pulwama: Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, Rohit Kansal, Thursday interacted with the members of District Development Councils (DDCs) of Pulwama to assess the local needs besides taking stock of issues faced by the local self-governments.

DDC Chairperson, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi, Deputy Commissioner, Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tral, S A Raina and all DDC members participated in the meeting.

While interacting with the participants, Principal Secretary informed that establishment of District Development Councils has laid the foundation of a vibrant grassroot level democracy catering to local needs of the people in the UT.

He said that J&K has rigorously implemented the provisions in letter and spirit and urged upon the DDCs to encourage participatory democracy during plan formation.

Meanwhile, members apprised the Principal Secretary regarding various issues faced by them and sought support and cooperation from the Government for ensuring smooth and successful development process.

Principal Secretary assured the DDC members of extended support and assistance towards strengthening of PRIs and ensured that their genuine demands will be raised at appropriate forum for redressal.

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar:  Jammu and Kashmir reported 1117 fresh while 25 people succumbed to the virus in last 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.

They said that 332 of these cases were reported from Jammu division and 785 from Kashmir Valley, taking the total count to 304866.

Also, they said, 13 deaths were reported from Jammu valley and 12 from Jammu division, taking the overall toll to 4143.

Providing district-wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 194 cases, Baramulla 100, Budgam 121, Pulwama 77, Kupwara 81, Anantnag 74, Bandipora 44, Ganderbal 30, Kulgam 56, Shopian 8, Jammu 50, Udhampur 47, Rajouri 44, Doda 56, Kathua 16, Samba 11, Kishtwar 24, Poonch 22, Ramban 51 and Reasi 11.

Moreover, they said, 2363 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—886 from Jammu Division and 1477 from Kashmir. A total of 282142 people have recovered, leaving the active positive cases to 18581— 6949 in Jammu and 11632 in Kashmir, they said.

A number of the fresh cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of CD hospital and GMC Anantnag respectively.

The CD cases include male (23) from Lal Bazar, two males (45, 20) from Az Plywood Factory, male (42) from Awantipora, male (60) from Khrew, male (23) from Newa Pul, male (41) from Gundipora Pul, female (29) from Khanda Pul, female (28) from Trichal Pul, female (21) from Zasoo Pul, male (31) from Trich Pul, male (20) from Aliepora Pul, two females (60, 27) from Bellow Pul, female (30) from Payer Pul, female (30) from Hanjan Bala, female (25) from Shirmal Shopian, female (18) from Thumuna Pul, male (55) from Hawal, female (48) from Awantipora, female (NA) from Khansahib Budgam, female (85) from Shopian, two males (NA, NA) from Ganderbal, two females (43, 67) from Shahabad, male (50) from Awantipora, two females (16, 35) from Lurgam, male (22) from Kanginagh, female (17) from Srg, female (34) from Wathroo, male (50) from HMT, male (26) and two females (26, 48) from Batmaloo, male (30) from Eidgah, male (55) from Habakadal, female (21) from Qamarwari, two males (45, 50) from Qamarwari, female (11) from Batmaloo, male (33) and two females (26, 30) from Bemina, male (30) from Gangbugh, two males (11, 05) from Barzulla, female (22) from Budshah Nagar, female (54) and male (55) from Alochibagh, male (33) from Hawal, female (18) from Munawarabad, male (50) from Aalikadal, female (48) from HMT, male (60) from Noorbagh, male (32) from Rathpora, male (45) from Goripora, female (30) from Palpora, male (19) from Kupwara, male (NA) from Pulwama, male (65) from Alochibagh, male (30) from Budgam, female (21) from Rainawari, male (37) from Chattabal, female (38) from Kanipora Budgam, male (29) from Qamarwari, female (40) from Budgam, female (24) from Srinagar, male (30) from Fatehkadal Srg, male (34) from Padshahibagh, male (62) from Kupwara, female (39) from Nowpora, male (09) from Banihal, male (52) from Baghwanpora, two males (61, 65) from Khanyar, male (41) from Hawal, male (70) from Elahibagh, female (08) from Lalbazar, male (36) from Mallah Bagh, male (25) from Khanda Budgam, female (45) from Pati Brein, female (35) from Shalimar, female (45) from Buchpora, female (16) from Sikhbagh, female (45) from Nowshera, female (30) from Umer Colony, two males (33, 14) and female (37) from Lal Bazar, female (38) from Beerwah, female (30) from Rajbagh Srg, female (30) from Pulwama, female (70) from Sumbal, female (60) from Palpora and male (42) from Alamgiri Bazar.

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (40) from Vessu, female (33) from Chowgam, female (21) from Zongalpora, female (25) and male (47) from Akhal, two males (30, 35) from Q Devsar, two males (17, 17) from Adigam, male (42) from Branil, female (25) from Watihal, male (35) from Gundipora, male (65) from Churat, male (19) from Pahloo, male (32) from Kund, male (47) from Adigam, male (25) from Devsar, four males (50, 23, 36, 40) and female (45) from DM Brick Kiln Kilam, male (24) and three females (25, 35, 45) from CM Brick Kiln, male (32) from Chanjoo, female (35) from Bijbehara, male (65) from Banihal, male (75) from Kund Ang, female (31) from Harnag, two males (20, 25) from Pehru, female (65) from Dailgam, male (32) from Iqbalabad KP Road, male (55) from Bilal Colony Ang, male (23) from Qazigund, female (30) from Sarnal, male (38) from Zodder, male (33) from Chee, male (25) from Dooru, male (25) from Shirpora, female (19) from Donipawa, male (29) from Sangran, male (26) from 96 Bn Crpf Mattan, male (29) from Mattan, female (21) from Shangus Ang, male (24) from Ranipora Shangus, male (25) from Ohh Paisen Shangus, male (26) from Noonmai, male (37) from HS Bugh, male (27) from Tarigam, male (24) from Aarwan, female (67) from Naid Mohalla Bij, female (57) from Dooru, female (24) from Omoh Verinag, male (33) from Mirmidan, female (45) from Khahdar, male (23) from Boon, male (20) from Gadool, male (30) from Dodkul and female (36) from Pindobal. (GNS)

New Delhi: India on Thursday reported 94,052 fresh cases of COVID-19, less than one lakh for the third successive day and 6,148 casualties in the past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The fresh addition took the active case tally to 11,67,952, which has further declined to less than 12 lakh after 60 days, while the death toll soared to 35,96,76 and the cumulative caseload now stands at 2,91,83,121.

Meanwhile 2,76,55,493 people have recovered from disease so far pushing the recovery rate to 94.77 per cent. The case fatality rate stands at 1.23 per cent.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that a total of 37,21,98,253 samples have been tested so far for coronavirus. Of this, 20,04,690 were tested in the past one day.

On the vaccination front, a total of 23,90,58,360 people have been vaccinated across the country till now with 27,76,096 inoculated in the last 24 hours.

The country’s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 24 core mark till date with 33,79,261 inoculations yesterday. (UNI)

Ganderbal: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan Thursday visited Manasbal and reviewed functioning of Manasbal Development Authority (MDA).

In this regard, Advisor chaired a meeting to review the mitigation efforts and measures put in place to break the chain of Covid-19 pandemic in the district.

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Krittika Jyotsna, Senior Superintendent of Police, Suhail Munawar Mir, ADC, SEs of R&B and KPDCL, ACD, CPO, CMO, Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti and R&B, CEO Wular- Manasbal Development Authority and other concerned were present on the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner briefed the Advisor about various containment measures that have been taken up by the district administration to control the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the district.

She informed that in all 126 panchayats of the district, 5 bedded Covid Care Centres (CCCs) equipped with all the healthcare facilities have been established besides 100 percent target of vaccination of people in the age group of 45 years has also been achieved in the district.

Advisor complimented the district administration for achieving the targets and stressed for completing the vaccination of 18-44 years of age especially of priority groups for which DC informed that sufficient vaccination centres have been established to ensure that the target is achieved at an earliest.

Later, Advisor met several delegations including BDCs, Transporters, Traders, civil society members from Safapora and religious leaders who put forth their demands and grievances seeking his intervention for early redressal.

While replying to their demands, Advisor said that Lieutenant Governor is particular about addressing the issues that have come up due to the pandemic and every effort is being made to mitigate the same.

Advisor stressed upon traders for strict adherence to the measures, SOPs and guidelines of Covid issued from time to time while operating their businesses. He exhorted upon the transporters to carry 50% of authorized seating capacity adding that need of hour is to get rid of the virus which will be possible only with the cooperation of people.

He appealed the members of delegations to spread awareness among the masses about the importance of adopting covid appropriative behaviour, wearing face mask and maintaining social distancing.

While interacting with the BDCs and Sarpanchs, Advisor urged upon them to keep vigil in their areas and if any person has covid symptoms, he should be immediately shifted to CCC for better medical treatment.

Advisor Khan said that the administration has sufficient stock of oxygen supply and other essential drugs adding that the people need not to pay any heed to rumours. With the active intervention of Prime Minister and Lieutenant Governor, the UT has received 9 high quality oxygen plants in addition to that 9 more plants have been received just a few days back.

Earlier, Advisor chaired a review meeting of Wular-Manasbal Development Authority and was briefed by the CEO about the works undertaken for beautification of Manasbal lake and its adjoining areas.

Advisor enquired about the scope of water sports in the lake and directed the CEO to prepare a beautification and infrastructure plan with various facilities including restaurant facility, lighting, de-weeding, dredging, garbage disposal, etc. which can be instrumental in increasing tourist footfall in the area. He also exhorted the officers to explore possibility for introducing activities that would bring glory to the Manasbal lake in addition to attracting the tourists.

Later, Advisor visited Covid Care Centres (CCC) Kondbal and Gratabal where he took stock of the facilities put in place for the Covid patients.

Srinagar: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Muhammad Aijaz Asad on Thursday said that unlock process started by the government doesn’t mean that Covid pandemic was over.

DC Srinagar, Aijaz Asad along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Sandeep Choudhary, Superintendent of Police (SP) East and SDPO East visited Lal Chowk today to see whether the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were being followed by the people.

“We visited here today to ensure that the SOPs are followed in letter and spirit. The government has announced unlock process, which doesn’t mean the Covid pandemic is over,” he said.

He said that doing away with SOPs leads to lockdown and other strict measures, therefore, the people must follow protocol in letter and spirit to fight this pandemic. (KNO)

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in Jammu and Kashmir, over 500 doctors and around 900 paramedical staff has tested positive for Covid-19 in Kashmir region alone.

A top health official said that till May 30, a total of 530 doctors and 860 paramedical staff were tested positive in Kashmir division.

He said that most of them have already recovered, however, few lost their lives while fighting the pandemic.

The official said that doctors have rendered a great service to public as some doctors were so much busy in dealing with pandemic that they visited their homes after months.

“With the dip in cases from last two three weeks, doctors have heaved a sigh of relief after witnessing huge pressure during second wave,” he said.

Pertinently, there are over 18,000 active cases in J&K besides that over 4,000 have lost their lives since the pandemic outbreak.

The recovery rate which was just around 70 percent during second wave peak has once again over 90 percent in J&K besides that death rate has also decreased.

From last few weeks, the positive cases reported on daily basis remain less than what was actually reverse during peak wave. (KNO)

By: Jahangir Lolabi

Kupwara: A former police Head Constable has been apprehended after recovery of ammunition from him here in this north Kashmir district, officials sources said.

They said that the accused Jahangir Ahmad Khan son of Ali Khan of Dildar Karnah, was apprehended during a checking at ‘NC Pass’ Post here.  On his searches, the forces recovered illegally held seven rounds of 7.62 cartridges (6 live and one blank), one round each of pistol, AK-47 and 5.56 cartridge from his possession, the official sources said.

The accused police constable was already dismissed from services in year 2017, they said.

A case FIR number 62/21 under section 7/25 of Indian Arms Act has been registered into the recovery at Police Station Tangdhar and due investigations taken up, they added. (GNS)

Kulgam: Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Pankaj Mithal, today visited District Court complex Kulgam and took a stock of ongoing construction work on new upcoming District Court Complex.

Administrative Judge District Kulgam, Justice Sanjay Dhar and Registrar General, Jawad Ahmad were present on the occasion.

Later, Chief Justice inaugurated Vidhik Sewa Kendra (VSK) Kulgam for e-Filing in the court complex where on spot petition was presented before Registrar Judicial Srinagar from Kulgam by Chief Justice in presence of Justice Sanjay Dhar, Jawad Ahmad and Principal District and Sessions Judge,  Tahir Khurshid Raina.

Justice Mithal held a detailed meeting with Judicial, Civil and Police officers and reviewed the infrastructural and administrative set up and functioning of courts in the district. He passed on spot directions for redressal of several issues confronted by the district court.

Chief Justice assured that the grievances   of all the stakeholders involved in dispensation of justice will be addressed in a time bound manner.

Justice Sanjay Dhar stated that being the son of soil he will not leave any stone unturned to provide the best possible infrastructure in the district.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Kulgam gave an overview of the district judiciary on the occasion.

Vote of Thanks was presented by Secretary District Legal Services Authority Kulgam, Mehreen Mushtaq.

Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din-Bhat, SSP, Gurinderpaul Singh, ACR, Mir-Imitiyaz-ul-Aziz and other officers were also present on the occasion.

Kupwara: Jammu and Kashmir High Court Judge, and (Chairman Building & Infrastructure Committee, Executive Chairman JK LSA) Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, and, Judge, High Court Jammu & Kashmir (Administrative Judge for District Kupwara) Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul Thursday visited Kupwara and held series of activities during the day long tour.

On the occasion, Justice Magrey inaugurated e-Seva Kendra and Vidhik Seva Kendra at District Court Complex Kupwara in presence Justice Koul; Principal District & Sessions Judge Kupwara, Tasleem Arif; Chairperson District Development Council, Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori; Vice Chairman, DDC, Kupwara, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Imam Din; SSP Kupwara; SP Handwara, Secretary DLSA besides other Judges, Lawyers and District Officers.

Speaking at the event, Justice Magrey said that the goal of Judiciary is to provide easy access to justice for every citizen. He said the e-Seva Kendra is the facility with which a litigant can file a suit at any Court of J&K through virtual mode and can obtain the status of the litigation and cases easily.

While inaugurating the facilities, Justice Magrey enquired about the equipment available at the Facility Centre. He directed District & Sessions Judge to make screening of PLVs and choose three PLVs who shall have computer know-how and will work on rotation basis. He also directed for submission of progress report status on a daily basis.

In another event of District Legal Services Authority, Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey distributed relief to families of covid victims in the form of cheques and food items and also distributed support equipment of wheelchairs, hearing aid with collaboration of District administration. The relief distributed valued approximately five lac rupees.

Later, Justice Magrey convened a meeting with Civil, Police and Judiciary administration at Conference Hall D.C Office Kupwara and reviewed the progress of judicial infrastructure and buildings.

Addressing the meeting, Justice Magrey said convenient and comfortable infrastructure is prerequisite for facilitating smooth deliverance of justice to the people. He reviewed the work wise status of judicial infrastructure including Court Complex Kupwara which is coming up at a cost of Rs.18.2 crore, Court Complex Handwara and other Sub Courts.

Expressing his concern over the delay in completion of Court Complex Kupwara and Handwara, Justice Magrey gave a timeline for clearing the bottlenecks in completion of the buildings. He assured all possible support to the executing agencies to provide administrative sanctions if any required.

Justice Magrey asked Principal District & Sessions Judge and Deputy Commissioner Kupwara to monitor the pace of progress of the construction and give weekly progress of the execution.

Appealing to all stakeholders including Chairman DDC, DC Kupwara and SSP to provide their best possible support by infrastructure development to this temple of justice, Justice Magrey said that it is the constitutional obligation of the Government to provide infrastructure to the judicial institutions for smooth delivery of justice to the citizens.

Justice Magrey thanked Principal District & Sessions Judge Kupwara, Deputy Commissioner and SSP Kupwara for providing support and cooperation to make the visit successful.