Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, saying that it was only because of his personal intervention that has made it possible for J&K to receive 16 Oxygen Plants from Europe in such a short span of time

“I express my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for his continuous efforts in taking care of the health and well-being of the people of J&K”, added the Lt Governor.

“Our goal is to augment the medical supply across the UT with a vision to tackle any future health emergencies. Medical infrastructure capacities shall be upgraded across the board”, the Lt Governor observed.

5 of these new plants with generation capacity of 4000 LPM will be installed in the hospitals of Kashmir and the remaining 4 with generation capacity of 4400 LPM will be installed in Jammu hospitals.

At present, J&K has 40 functional Medical Oxygen Generation Plants and the addition of 9 more would further enhance the availability of medical oxygen in hospitals of UT raising it to more than 60000 LPM.

The Lt Governor also acknowledged the synergized efforts of various UT and central government departments/agencies lead by Public Works (R&B) Department, J&K with the Indian Air Force, MoD, Consulate Frankfurt, Customs, Shipping agents, and other agencies which resulted into this successful operation.

By: Tasaduq Hussain

Srinagar: Stating that the Covid-19 situation is being constantly monitored in Jammu and Kashmir, the government on Monday said that the vaccine administered to the people is completely safe and fully researched.

They said that in case of any mis-event, a proper mechanism remains in place to deal with the situation.

Notably, the health teams in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir in recent days went to the paddy fields to vaccinate people including men and women mainly those above the age of 45-years-old besides visiting door to door in remote areas amid the ongoing pandemic.

Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar who heads the Health, department said that the high-risk groups are being targeted for the vaccination across Jammu and Kashmir so that people above the age of 18 and 45-years-old are covered mainly those who are above 45 years.

Bhatnagar said achieving 100 per cent vaccination target of people above the age of 45-years-old should be completed soon but there is a different percentage of the target achieved in all the districts across Jammu and Kashmir.

“The vaccination should be completed soon,” he said.

Refuting the rumours about the vaccine, the advisor said that “vaccine is fully researched and it is already approved and is safe besides a proper mechanism is in place in case of any misevent to manage the situation.”

He said that to achieve the target of vaccination in Jammu and Kashmir the cooperation of every individual is sought and all the target groups are being attended to in J&K.

About the decline in Covid positive cases, Bhatnagar said that the situation is constantly being monitored though the cases have started to decline.

To a query about the plans of unlocking in Jammu and Kashmir given the decline in positivity graph, he said that the order of the ensuing week has already been issued.

“We will review it by the end of the week,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir after witnessing the peak of Covid cases between the mid-April to May end has started to register a decline in the daily cases including the deaths while it also witnessed a preventive lockdown phase to contain the further spread of the virus. (KNO)

Srinagar: The government on Monday constituted a district level task force in each district of Jammu and Kashmir for providing care and protection to children affected and infected by the COVID-19.

As per the order, the seven-member committee will be headed by respective district development commissioners while chief medical officer, additional superintendent of police, district social welfare officer, chairman of child welfare committee or in his absence any member of the committee and an NGO running a childcare institution nominated by the district magistrate will be its members and district child protection officer will be its member secretary.

“Sanction is hereby accorded to constitution of District Level task Force, comprising the following, in each District, for providing care and protection to children infected by COVID-19 as well as children of COVID-19 infected parents in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” reads the order.

The order stated that the committee will compile details of all adults who have died due to COVID-19 and find out any orphaned children or children in need of care and protection.

“To produce such children before the Child Welfare Committee, which shall decide their rehabilitation such as adoption, foster care, sponsorship etc and institutionalization as the last resort as per the provisions of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.”

As per the order the committee will place such children in temporary shelters, whose parents are undergoing COVID-19 treatment and are left without relative(s) or guardian (s) to take necessary care.

“To provide psychological and counseling support to children infected and affected due to COVID-19 as well as children of COVID affected parents. To ensure timely referral of children infected with COVID-19 to treatment centers along with ensuring their nutritional support during post treatment period and to identify and design one registered childcare institution in each district and make arrangements for such institutions as COVID care centers exclusively for children.”

The order further stated that the District Level Task Force shall meet every week and as and when required for providing intervention programmes for care and protection of these children.

As per the order the district collector shall be responsible for conveying the meeting of the task force and submit a status report once in every 15 days to the government. (KNO)

Srinagar: Amid a dip in COVID-19 cases in Srinagar district, representatives of several Trade bodies Monday called on the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad and put forth their opinions and suggestions with regard to opening of the markets during ongoing unlock process.

On the occasion, the Trade leaders projected their issues and concerns arisen due to 2nd wave of Covid-19 pandemic to business and transport sector.

Responding to the issues raised by the trade bodies,  the Deputy Commissioner said that every step will be taken for revival of business and sustaining livelihood but without losing focus on COVID containment.

The Deputy Commissioner said due to combined efforts made by district administration and frontline Covid warriors with active support and cooperation from general public and business bodies including Trader, Transporters, Hoteliers etc, a significant decline in Covid-19 cases has been witnessed so far.

He said now Covid situation in Srinagar is at a threshold point where we need to be extra cautious and a mature societal response is needed at present crucial stage in fighting Covid-19 with all stakeholders acting in unison.

Deputy Commissioner said as new cases of infections continue to decline, more businesses related activities will be allowed to open up in the city as per guidelines of State executive committee.

He assured the representatives of all Trade associations that all their genuine issues, concerns and suggestions would be looked into on priority basis.

The DC expressed satisfaction over the implementation of guidelines and expressed gratitude to the Business Community for cooperating administration in tackling the pandemic.

He urged upon the trade leaders to ensure vaccination of all people associated with trade and transport. He also asked them to equally ensure strict adherence to Covid Appropriate Behavior in markets.

The Deputy Commissioner said that presently it is minimal Unlock and as Covid positivity rate declines the ambit of business activities will be widen in a phased manner to minimise the risk of the spread of Covid in the city.

Earlier, the trade leaders lauded the efforts and timely measures taken by the district Administration for mitigation and containment of 2nd wave of Covid-19 in Srinagar.

Srinagar: The district disaster management authority Srinagar under Monday allowed the outdoor bazar and shopping complexes to open for four days a week while as a particular business establishment will remain open twice a week.

In an order issued by the district disaster management vide No Covid/ CR/21/7049, dated 06-06-2021, the Outdoor Bazaars and Shopping Complexes can open on four days a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and a particular business establishment will remain for two days a week.

According to the order, the format of opening the business establishments have been classified as the Markets having shops in both sides of the road shall open on alternate days on rotation basis, while as the shops on other side will remain closed, while as the markets having shops on only one side shall open as odd numbered shops on Mondays and Wednesdays and even numbered shops on Tuesdays and Thursdays, however in case of Shopping Complexes shops to remain open on rotational basis.

The order further reads that, in case of Shopping malls, only after submitting the proposed plan for opening the shops inside the malls to DDMA for permission, after which only 25 percent of shops inside the malls will be allowed to open on a given day.

“For public transport, which includes matadors, mini buses, cabs and taxies have been allowed to ply on 50 percent seating capacity on all days except Saturday and Sunday,” the order reads. “While as for Restaurants and Bakeries, only home delivery is allowed, adding that, no entry of customers is allowed even for takeaways.”

Barber shops, saloons and beauty parlors are allowed to open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, order reads.

The order further states that in religious and social gatherings, only twenty five persons are allowed, while as in funerals twenty persons are allowed. Cinema halls, gymnasiums, Swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places shall remain closed, reads the order. (KNO)

Srinagar: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) on Monday urged authorities to make RT-PCR test mandatory for all incoming tourist either by road or by air to Kashmir Valley even as the traders demanded unlocking shops in keeping with the demand by various shopkeepers associations.

The demand was made during a meeting  called by  Mohammad Aijaz , Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Development Commissioner, Srinagar  were in all prominent Trade Organizations were invited  for unlocking the markets and to resume the business in Srinagar.

The feedback were given by  various shopkeeper Association and Trade  Associations. President, KCC&I, Sheikh Ashiq   gave thrust that Srinagar being the centre for all activities, markets should be unlocked as suggested by all stake holders and all SOPs  should be followed  by shopkeepers  and  customers to.        resume Tourism in Srinagar  it was stressed that   RT-PCR Test for  all incoming tourist   either by road or by air should be made  mandatory as was done in Ladakh .

It was also suggested that  Restaurants  be opened with 50% capacity so that they  can also run their business, the KCC&I said in a statement issued here.

Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad also  stressed that vaccination programme  should be conducted in full swing  and  the chamber will coordinate  with all Affiliated Associations and give full support to this drive. He also  urged the Government  that small  shop-keepers  who  suf-fered  a lot due to continuous lockdown and  suggested that interest free loan for the next five years, should  be taken up with higher au-thorities so that they can revive their business as the  capital  is va-nished due to  lock down from the last three years.

“Mohammad Aijaz, Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) assured to the whole business Community that he will take all suggestions to the higher authority and come up with solution to all their queries which will benefit the trade,” the statement added.

No big development in offing, says party’s J&K Chief

By: Yogesh Sagotra

Jammu, June 7: Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) core group on Jammu and Kashmir met in winter capital on Monday and discussed the present security scenario, current political situation and management of COVID pandemic, amid high speculation that the Centre was “mulling another big move on J&K that includes further bifurcation of the UT.”

Sources in the BJP said that the party leaders discussed security situation and ‘targeted’ killings of BJP leaders in the valley.

The threadbare discussion was held on killing of party leader Rakesh Pandita, who was killed Pulwama’s Tral recently.

“Party leaders also discussed preparedness for political activity in case delimitation commission announces demarcation of new Assembly constituencies in J&K,” the sources said.

Sources privy to the meeting said that some senior BJP leaders were unsure about the central government’s stance, rumours and social media debate over another possible move on J&K in the wake of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting in New Delhi in which J&K LG Manoj Sinha, J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh and other officials participated.

Meanwhile, BJP state president Ravinder Raina told media men that party’s core group discussed the current political and security situation.

“Party meeting discussed in detail the prevailing security, political and pandemic situation besides the recent killing of party leader Rakesh Pandita and the security concerns of sarpanches, panchs, Block Development Council and District Development Council members,” Raina said.

“The strategy should be chalked out keeping in mind the prevailing difficult phase of the Corona virus. We have talked to the Lt Governor (Manoj Sinha) on the issue in the past and will meet him again on the matter.”

“All the discussed issues will be brought to the notice of the Lt Governor in coming days. Our effort is to end militancy and separatism. The repeated killing of innocents cannot be tolerated,” he said.

Raina said he had raised these issues of killing of BJP leaders with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the past and will continue to raise these issues with him as well as the Lt Governor so that culprits are booked

Asked about additional forces being deployed in the valley, the BJP leader said “deployment of forces is a national security matter and the discussion over it should be avoided.”

However, he said there is ‘operation all out’ going on against militants and deployment is made where they have hideouts to flush them out.

On BJP’s stand over Assembly elections, Raina said the party is fully prepared for the polls whenever the Election Commission takes a decision.

“The delimitation commission has been constituted for J&K and due to the Corona virus outbreak it was not able to visit here. The commission is expected to visit J&K soon to define the territories of the assembly and parliamentary seats. After that the election commission will take a decision about the assembly elections and as a political party, we will welcome the decision,” he said.

About the ongoing protests against opening of wine shops in residential localities in different parts of Jammu after the implementation of new excise policy, he said “these shops will be closed”. 

Srinagar:  Uncertainty continued over annual pilgrimage to Holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, which was to start from June 28 while all shrines, major mosques and other religious places remained closed due to second wave of COVID-19.

Last year, the yatra was suspended for similar reasons due to first wave lockdown across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir. However, in 2019 the annual pilgrimage was to cut short and yatris were asked to leave the valley as strict curfew restrictions were imposed when centre abrogated Article 370 and 35 A besides dividing the state into two Union Territories (UTs) on August 5, 2019.

Majority leaders of almost all mainstream political parties, barring BJP, including three former chief ministers Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were detained and communication network snapped in the union territory.

There is still no firm word from the centre about this year’s yatra to Amarnath cave shrine, situated at 14000 feet, which is accessible from shortest Baltal route and traditional Pahalgam route, official sources said.

However, they said, the meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha at New Delhi on Sunday among security and other things also discussed the Amarnath yatra.

It was not immediately clear if any decision was taken about the yatra as COVID positive cases and deaths due to virus continued in Jammu and Kashmir, where authorities have now started easing corona curfew in a phased manner to avoid further surge in positive cases.

Former CM and president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti said the decision to allow the yatra will be taken by the centre. They (Centre) never consulted or took into confidence people of Jammu and Kashmir on any issue but announce the decision unilaterally, she alleged.

If they want they can allow yatra without caring for the people, she said adding how they (centre) allowed Maha Kumbh Shahi Snan without caring the advice by experts with the results lakhs were infected and thousands died due to virus. Similarly in the decision on the yatra taken by the centre people of J&K have no role, she said. 

Jammu: Amid Corona virus pandemic, Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina on Monday said that restricted pilgrimage should be facilitated if administration not willing to take off full-fledged Amarnath yatra.

Talking to reporters, Raina said, “Shiv devotees from across the globe visit Amarnath every year for ‘darshan’’ (glimpse) during June and July in Kashmir. Because of the Corona virus pandemic, big religious gatherings are not happening in any part of the world so at least a restricted yatra should be facilitated”.

The 56-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, housing ice-Shivligum, is scheduled to start from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal on June 28 and culminate on August 22.

He said if a full-fledged yatra is not possible due to the Covid situation; the prayers should be organized at the cave shrine.

Asked if he favours a 15-days yatra, he said at least a limited number of Jammu and Kashmir residents should be allowed.

Earlier, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said it was for the government of India to decide whether the pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine should be allowed amid the pandemic.

Talking to media persons in south Kashmir’s Bijbehara, Mufti had stated that the decision to allow the yatra this year has to be taken by the government of India.

However she said, “What shall I say? On one side there is COVID, people are confined to their homes and on the other hand, they want to allow the yatra. Who will stop them? They are the owners. Whatever decision they have to take, they will do it”. (KNO)

Srinagar: As the temperature soars across the Valley from the last two days, the weatherman here on Monday said that it won’t go beyond 33 degrees Celsius in the upcoming days and that there is a possibility of light rainfall from 11 June, 2021 (Friday).

The Kashmir parts witnessed scorching heat from the last two days while Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recorded temperature of 32.4 degrees Celsius.

The highest temperature was recorded in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district where officials said the temperature settled at 32.8 degrees Celsius.

According to the details available, most districts of the Valley including Srinagar, Pulwama, Kupwara, Anantnag, Bandipora and Budgam recorded over 31 degrees Celsius temperature today.

Deputy Director Meteorological department (MeT) said that the temperature would continue to remain the same till June 10 evening, saying that it would settle nearly 32-33 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

However, he said that as per the forecast, there is a possibility of light rainfall from June 11-June 13. (KNO)