Srinagar: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) on Monday appealed to all members of the business community and general public to adhere to the Covid-19 appropriate behavior.

With ease in restrictions, the market was back to hustle and bustle much to the relief of all stakeholders who had been adversely impacted due to lockdown, President Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad and General Secretary, Farooq Amin said in a joint statement issued here.

They also appealed to the public to be cautious and not to be complacent against the contagion of Covid-19 as it is not gone yet.

In order to ensure the curve is flattened and the spread of coronavirus is limited, KCC&I urged all business stakeholders to get vaccinated, ensure physical distance in operating the business, wear masks, and ensure sanitization.

It also appealed to business establishments to comply with orders and health advisories of the administration in the battle against the Covid-19.

The lifting of the lockdown comes as a big relief for daily wagers, traders, transporters and shopkeepers and others impacted due to the Covid-19 triggered lockdown. To prevent the administration from resorting to lockdown, the stakeholders and general public should demonstrate utmost caution in order to limit its impact on “our already devastated economy” due to successive lockdowns.

“We need to be smart and learn to live with the virus,” the spokesman said as we cannot afford successive lockdowns.

According to the spokesperson, the onus lies on micro level organizations, associations as they need to ensure the Covid-19 appropriate behavior is followed in their zones.

“Pre-April as the cases had started to recede and business was resuscitating, the carelessness with the precautions resulted in a spike and the administration had to resort to lockdown. In Kashmir as the winter witnesses less business activities, the summers are expected to be its peak season.”

As the contagion still rages, KCC&I urged people to cooperate to save lives and the economy.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir recorded the deadliest month of the pandemic with 1625 Covid-19 deaths in May this year. The fatalities in the past 31 days accounted for 41.59% of the total deaths reported in J&K so far since March last year.

During this month, 114359 cases were added to the overall tally with the highest single day count ever recorded on May 7 when 5443 infections were confirmed. The month also saw its highest daily toll on May 17 when 73 people succumbed to the pathogen.

With 37 deaths confirmed on the last day of the month, the overall death toll has reached to 3907 and Jammu district tops the list with 771 fatalities followed by Srinagar with 771 deaths, Baramulla 260, Rajouri 184, Budgam 179, Pulwama 169, Anantnag 161, Kathua 132, Kupwara 142, Udhampur 124, Samba 111, Kulgam 102 while remaining districts have fatalities below 100.

At present there are 35095 active positive cases—13061 in Jammu and 22034 in Kashmir.

251463 people have recovered so far—96758 in Jammu and 154705 in Kashmir, it added.

Also, nine confirmed cases of mucormycosis (black fungus) have been reported in the J&K during this month.

On May 24, the government declared Mucormycosis an epidemic under Section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act 1897.

A notification comes a days after the government of India asked all States and UTs to declare Black Fungus as an epidemic under the EDA within the pandemic. The J&K has already reported two Black Fungus deaths, both at Jammu.

According to the notification, all the Government and private health facilities, Medical Colleges are required to follow the guidelines for screening, diagnosis, management of Mucormycosis, issued by the MoHFW (Gol)/ICMR/Government of Jammu and Kashmir as amended from time to time and make it mandatory for all these facilities to report suspected and confirmed cases to Health Department through District Level Chief Officers and Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP).

“No person/ institution or organization will spread any Information or material for management of Mucormycosis without prior permission from Director Health Services, Jammu/Kashmir,” the notification reads.

Also, all persons, institutions and the organisations have been barred from using print, electronic or any other media for Mucormycosis without prior permission from the Director Health Service Jammu/ Kashmir.

In case of disobedience, the Direction Health Services, Jammu/ Kashmir has been authorized to constitute a District Committee headed by Chief Medical Officer or the concerned District which will have specialist of internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, GNT and Epidemiologist as members to review any disobeying by the person/ institution or organization.

If proved, any person/ institution or organization shall be punished with offence punishable under section 188 of Indian Penal Code.  (GNS)

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 1525 fresh covid-19 cases while 37 people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 sources, officials said on Monday.

They said that 525 of the fresh cases were confirmed from Jammu Division and 1000 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 290465.

Regarding the deaths, they said, 20 were from Jammu Division and 17 from Kashmir Valley, taking the fatality count to 3907.

Moreover, they said, 4070 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—1801 from Jammu Division and 2269 from Kashmir. There are 35095 active positive cases, 13061 in Jammu and 22034 in Kashmir.

Providing district-wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 253 cases, Baramulla 102, Budgam 121, Pulwama 77, Kupwara 181, Anantnag 88, Bandipora 35, Ganderbal 46, Kulgam 65, Shopian 32, Jammu 278, Udhampur 25, Rajouri 40, Doda 64, Kathua 13, Samba 6, Kishtwar 14, Poonch 29, Ramban 36and Reasi 20.

A number of these cases were confirmed at the diagnostic laboratories of SKIMS Soura, CD hospital and GMC Anantnag.

The SKIMS cases include female (50) from Quil Bandipora, male (38) from Nussu Bandipora, male (20) from Sumlar Bandipora, male (39) from 82 Bn Crpf Ikhwar Hotel Srg, female (65) from Ajas, male (55) from Tressa Safapora Gdbl, female (37) from Asham Bandipora, male (24) from Chewa Bandipora, male (39) from Pahlipora Safapora, male (13) and two  females (03, 43) from Devipora Gdbl, two males (22, 23) from Gundroshan Gdbl, male (35) from Giraj Gdbl, female (28) from Soura Gdbl, three males (30, 17, 45) and female (22) from Chatisgarh Gdbl, female (67) from Hyhama Kup, male (28) from Batpora Kup, female (33) from Gushie Kup, male (14) from Anderhama Kup, male (32) from Lolab Kup, two males (22, 25) from Batpora Kup, female (31) and male (31) from Sogam Kup, female (23) from Hatmulla Kup, three males (35, 38, 23) from Tekipora Kup, male (25) and female (30) from Lalpora Kup, female (28) from Hundi Kup, male (50) from Shumnag Kup, female (20) from Zirhama Kup, female (38) from Buchpora Srg, female (57) from Buchpora, female (34) from Batpora Srinagar.

The CD cases include female (26) from Zakura, female (37) from Namchabal, male (39) from Qamarwari, female (28) from Pakharpora Budgam, female (73) from Badibagh Pahoo, male (56) from Malikpora Pul, male (49) from Trichal Pul, four males (35, 18, 15, 17) from PE Sidco Lassipora, male (27) from Popven Enterprises Sidco, two males (21, 19) from Valley Laminates Sidco, male (18) from Allied Ply Industry Sidco, twenty eight males (25, 18, 16, 22, 18, 20, 19, 20, 18, 18, 45, 30, 25, 19, 21, 30, 30, 16, 18, 18, 18, 16, 40, 17, 21, 21, 20, 35) from Allied Ply Industry, female (40) from Below Rajpora, male (50) and three females (65, 18, 19) from Abhama Pul, male (32) from AditraghSangerwani, female (30) from Tukroo Shadimarg, two males (40, 25) from Arihal Pul, female (60) from Dadoora Pul, female (51) from Kadalbal Pampore, male (37) from Nehama, female (42) from Kanitar, male (21) from Ladhoo, two males (23, 32) from Awantipora, male (32) and female (25) from Bagender, male (30) from Chandrigam, female (85) from Tulbagh Pampore, male (16) from Lajoora, female (58) from Mandina, two males (67, 44) and female (63) from Lurgam, female (50) from Mandoora, two males (34, 50) from Tral E Bala, male (70) from Gulab Bagh, male (25) from Lalgam, three males (55, 22, 10) and female (41) from Chandrigam, male (17) from Aligund, male (29) from Peernard, male (45) from Keller, male (75) and female (70) from Aliyalpora, female (31) from Pinjoora, male (25) from Peerbagh Hyderpora, female (05) from Batpora, female (70) from S Karewa, female (26) from Wathoo, female (28) from Ramnagri, female (45) from Sugan, male (30) and female (45) from Hangalbugh, female (32) from Wadipora, female (35) from Wachi, female (39) from D K Pora, female (35) from Nagbal, female (35) from Kashewa, female (30) from Durapora, male (24) from Aglar, female (25) from Heff, two males (53, 26) from BB Cantt, male (35) from HMT, male (50) from Noorbagh, female (55) from Nowpora, female (17) from Qamarwari, male (28) and female (22) from HMT, male (35) and female (24) from Safakadal, female (35) from Barzulla, male (32) from Rainawari, two males (47, 37) and three females (12, 40, 30) from Batmaloo, female (58) from Bemina, female (52) from Noorbagh, female (70) and male (52) from Balgarden, female (35) from Lal Chowk, female (21) from Nowgam, female (40) from Solina, four females (32, 05, 28, 10) from Karanagar, male (42) from Barzulla, male (33) from Chanapora, female (45) from Bemina, male (21) and female (52) from Tangpora, male (32) male Chitrashai, two males (18, 22) from Mehrajpora, female (40) from Nawakadal, male (42) from Habakadal, female (42) from Shaheed Gunj, male (30) from Eidgah, male (41) from Kupwara, male (19) from Chattabal, male (36) from Barzulla, male (27) from Baghi Mehtab, female (32) from Haft Chinar, male (30) from Gangbugh, male (NA) from Hyderpora, male (30) from Nawabazar, male (60) and female (20) from Aalikadal, male (42) from Dalal Mohalla, male (45) from Bulbulankar, two males (55, 15) from SR Gunj, female (40) from Nowhatta, two females (35, 25) from Fatehkadal, male (NA) from Kawdara, male (19) from Bemina, male (60) from Barzulla Srg, male (36) from Chadoora Budgam, female (65) from Khanyar Srg, male (26) from Narkar Budgam, male (62) from Srinagar, male (25) from Habakadal, male (65) from Eidgah, male (17) from Kawdara, male (30) and female (28) from Baghi Mehtab, female (65) from Shopian, male (16) from Pulwama, female (NA) from Beerwah Budgam, male (25) from Tirgam Bandipora, male (17) from Padshahi Srg, male (41) from Ishber, male (32) from Brein Nishat, male (19) from Habak Chanpora, male (30) from Bota Kadal, male (72) from Saderbal, female (30) from Naseembagh, male (58) and female (36) from Nabdipora, female (28) from Nowshera, female (17) from Gilli Kadal, male (40) from Zoonimar, male (42) from Nowshera, two males (44, 65) from Mandibal, male (63) from SMHS, male (48) from Red Cross Road Srg, male (23) from Hawal, female (43) from Harwan, female (45) from Tamlihal, female (30) from Urwan, female (30) from Arihal Pul, female (25) from Bandzoo Pul, male (70) from Trichal Pul and female (19) from Shaltukna Pulwama.

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (30) from Nagam, male (60) from Dragbal, male (24) from Yarikhah, female (50) from Baghbal, female (22) from Kounserbal, male (34) from Laisoo, male (22) from Khanpora, female (46) from Kharbari, male (45) from Kujjer, male (65) from Khanpora, male (49) from Badroo, male (22) from Damidullah, female (32) from Yaripora, male (24) from Wanpoh, female (60) from Sofigund, male (25) from Wanpoh, two males (32, 32) from DPL Kulgam, male (30) from Banimullah, male (47) from Srandoo, female (35) from Laroo, male (30) from Cheek Pora, male (23) from Navgam, male (30) from Avil, male (35) from Yaripora, female (36) from Pazalpora Bij, female (80) from Chakoora Pul, female (22) from Jablipora Bij, female (35) and male (40) from Naid Mohalla Bij, male (40) from Charsoo Katipora Awantipora, male (58) from Zirpora Bij, female (27) from Arwani Qaimoh, female (55) from Gadiseer Bij, male (50) from Vailoo, male (50) from Pundobal, female (45) from Sadiwara, male (21) from Seer Hamadan, male (25) from Mandipora, male (35) from Manigam Seer, male (58) from Seer Hamadan, female (45) from Ashmuqam, female (50) from Baba Brakpora, male (70) from Ashajipora, female (45) from Sarnal Payeen, male (55) from Moominabad, female (28) from Danter, male (40) from New Qazibagh, female (25) from Kund Kulgam, female (30) from Kulgam, female (30) from Kund Kulgam, male (55) from Shampora Ang, male (70) from Tulkhan Bij, two males (35, 58) and female (55) from Tral Payeen, male (40) from K Kalan Bij, male (25) from Poru and female (57) from Frumoo Gadole. (GNS)

New Delhi: India recorded over 1.52 lakh new Covid-19 cases and 3,128 deaths in the 24 hours on Monday, pushing the country’s total infections to over 2.80 crores and the death toll at over 3.29 lakh, Union Health Ministry data said.

With this, the country has recorded its lowest daily infections since April 9.

The total number of active cases further declined to over 20 lakh and the number of recoveries escalated to over 2.56 crore.

According to the Ministry, India’s Covid recovery rate increased to 91.60 per cent on Monday. The weekly positivity rate is currently at 9.04 per cent and the daily positivity rate at 9.07 per cent, less than 10 per cent for seven consecutive days.

The six most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (5,731,815), Karnataka (2,587,827), Kerala (2,514,279), Tamil Nadu (2,068,580), Uttar Pradesh (1,690,060), and Andhra Pradesh (1,685,142).

Meanwhile, amid reports of shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, 10,18,076 people were vaccinated, taking the total figure of inoculation to 21,31,54,129.

Globally, the United States remains the worst-hit country with 34,022,118, followed by India, Brazil, France, and Turkey. However, in the past seven days, India has added the highest number of fresh cases at 1,364,626, followed by Brazil (424,161) and Argentina (217,580). (UNI)

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday constituted a five-member special cell headed by Director General, Women & Child Development, J&K for handholding the families of COVID-19 victims.

An order issued by Secretary to the government, Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda, under 73 -JK(SWD) of 2021, dated 31-05-2021, reads that consequent upon the Administrative Council’s decision No.62/10/2021 dated 28-05-2021 and Government Order No.72 dated 28-05-2021, a Special Cell for handholding the families of COVID victims and facilitating the extension of benefits under different Government schemes including financial assistance for self employment is hereby constituted.

Director General, Women & Child Development, J&K has been appointed as Chairperson of the special cell while Mission Director, ICPS, J&K, Director Social Welfare, Kashmir, Director Social Welfare, Jammu and Representative of Finance Department not below the rank of Additional Secretary will be the members of the cell, the order reads.

The special cell has been tasked to coordinate with all the departments of UT of J&K for facilitating the extension of benefits of all Government schemes to COVID victim families.

It has been further directed to coordinate with Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners in case of any issues while dealing with COVID victim families.

It will also deal with any other issue confronting the COVID victim families where Government intervention is required. It will also facilitate self-employment to any willing member of the COVID victim’s family through J&K Bank. (KNO)

Srinagar: The train service between Baramulla in north Kashmir and Banihal in Jammu region, which was supposed to resume on Monday morning, was again suspended till June 9 even as the process of partial unlocking started in the Valley.

A Railway official said that the service on 137-km-long Banihal-Baramulla route, comprising 17 stations, will continue to remain suspended till June 9 to curtail the spread of the virus. “The situation will be reviewed after one week and a decision to start the railway service will be taken accordingly,” he added.

This was the third time since May 10 that the suspension of the train service was extended by a week. The Railway Authorities on May 10 suspended the train service on Baramulla-Banihal track till May 17. Later, the suspension of the service was extended by another week till May 24 and now till June 9.

Meanwhile, after a month-long ‘COVID curfew’ imposed to curtail the spread of COVID-19, shops and business establishments reopened on Monday as the process of partial unlocking started in Kashmir valley, including summer capital, Srinagar.

However, class work remained suspended as educational institutes — including schools, colleges, universities and private coaching centres — have been directed to remain closed till June 15 in the valley. All cinema halls, multiplexes, clubs, gyms, spas and paid parks would also remain closed till further orders in the valley, where weekend and night curfew would continue.

The railway service on Baramulla-Banihal track was partially resumed on February 22 after remaining suspended for over 11 months due to this pandemic.

The railway authorities had ordered suspension of train services between Banihal and Baramulla in the Kashmir division with immediate effect in March last year in view of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the Union Territory. The service was initially suspended till March 31. But, the duration of suspension was extended several times due to no dwindling of COVID-19 cases.

In 2020, only a special train run of Kashmir’s first Luxury Glass-roofed AC train was held in September last year between Baramulla and Banihal for a documentary that was filmed on the 137-km-long rail link, which before the restrictions used to ferry over 30,000 commuters every day.

In order to make train journeys in Kashmir valley comfortable and exciting, the Northern Railways in 2018 introduced the first Air-Conditioned train fitted with a glass-rooftop and bigger window panes for sightseeing.

However, the full-fledged operation of the special coach was not possible, first due to unrest post abrogation of special status of J&K on August 5 in 2019 and later due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. (UNI)

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta Monday chaired a maiden meeting with the district administrations and took stock of progress achieved with regard to COVID mitigation, implementation of district development plans, completion of works identified under ‘Back to Village’ programme and redressal of public grievances.

Divisional Commissioners of Jammu, Kashmir, Inspector Generals of Police, Deputy Inspector Generals of Police, Deputy Commissioners and District SPs of all districts participated in the meeting.

Reviewing the progress achieved in containing the spread of COVID infections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Secretary asked the district administrations to remain focused on working towards bringing the positivity rate below 2% by the second half of the month. He laid emphasis on optimal utilization of panchayat-level COVID care centres to provide timely medical care to patients in rural areas.

Deputy Commissioners were asked to immediately submit the lists of beneficiaries to be given financial relief under the new scheme Saksham which envisages extension of pension/scholarship benefits to the families that lost their breadwinners to COVID.

Laying down the priorities of the Government, the Chief Secretary said that the outcome of various welfare measures, schemes and programmes must be a reflection of local needs and demands, adding that a robust monitoring mechanism will be followed to measure the progress.

Regarding district development plans, the districts were asked to submit the documents immediately so that approval is granted latest by 10th June for early implementation and completion of proposed works.

He further directed to expedite completion of works identified under ‘Back to Village’ programme, and asked the concerned to display village wise lists of newly created assets at prominent places for general awareness of the residents of the area with a view of promoting public ownership of the infrastructure.

The Chief Secretary said that the administration must remain sensitive to the issues of general public and proactively engage with them at regular intervals. “The people-first approach of the UT administration must be reflected by the greater involvement of masses in the project identification and grievance redressal processes,” he maintained.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday extended by June 15 the virtual hearing of the cases in both of its wings as well as in the District and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals in J&K and Ladakh.

“After taking feedback with regard to the prevailing situation due to the spread of Covid-19 infection cases in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and also the latest SOPs and Guidelines of the Government in vogue, the High Court order No. 259 of 2021/RG dated 26.04.2021, read with order No. 299 of 2021/RG dated 10.05.2021 and order No. 332 of 2021/RG dated 25.05.2021, is further extended up to 15th June, 2021,” Registrar Judicial, Jawad Ahmad, said in an order.

Earlier the Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal extended till May 31 the ordered dated April 26 by virtue of which he had directed that filing as well as hearing of cases in both wings High Court as well as in the District and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals shall be conducted through Virtual Mode till May 15 which now has been extended till the end of June 15.

The Chief Justice had directed that the entry of litigants, public and clerks of the Advocates into the Court premises from the very outer gate shall be strictly prohibited in both wings of the High Court.

“For filing of cases, Registrars Judicial of both wings of the High Court shall create a dedicated email address of their respective filing counters and notify the same to the advocates/litigants by making it available on the website of the High Court.”

‘Ordinarily Before Notice’ matters shall be taken up by each Bench unless urgency in respect of any ‘After Notice’ matter is shown to the satisfaction of the Bench concerned, the April 26 order reads.

“Physical hearing in respect of any listed matter will be at the discretion of the Bench concerned subject to the satisfaction of the Bench regarding extreme urgency involved in such matter and thereafter such case shall be taken up for physical hearing on the date fixed by the Bench” reads the order, adding, “On account of virtual hearing, entry of lawyers in the High Court premises is not required unless any advocate is permitted for physical hearing in any extremely urgent matter.”

In order to decongest the sections/offices/Courts, the Chief Justice had said the officials shall be permitted to function in batches with 50 percent reduction on rotation basis. The roster in this regard, shall be formulated by the Registrar Judicial of the concerned wing.”

Regarding District and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the Chief Justice ordered that entry of litigants, public and clerks of the Advocates into the Court premises from the very outer gate shall be strictly prohibited. (GNS)

Srinagar: The government on Monday directed all the Administrative Secretaries to ensure all the employees working in their Administrative departments are vaccinated by June 10, 2021.

According to a circular under number 16-JK(GAD) of 2021, dated 31-05-2021, the Administrative Secretaries have also been directed to submit a report about vaccination of employees on June 11th, 2021 to the General Administration Department (GAD).

The circular said that vaccination against the COVID-19 disease is now available for the age group of 18 years and above, it is imperative that entire staff working in the Civil Secretariat, Jammu and Srinagar get vaccinated immediately.

“Attention of all Administrative Secretaries is invited towards Circular No. 12-JK(GAD) of 2021 dated 06.04.2021, wherein instructions were issued for ensuring vaccination of employees above the age of 45 years. Since, vaccination against the COVID-19 disease is now available for the age group of 18 years and above, it is imperative that the entire staff working in the Civil Secretariat, Jammu/Srinagar gets vaccinated immediately,” the circular reads.

“Accordingly, it is impressed upon all Administrative Secretaries to ensure vaccination of all the employees working in their Administrative Departments by 10″ of June, 2021 and submit a report in this regard on 11″ of June, 2021 to the General Administration Department,” it added. (KNO)

Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Monday said that unlocking corona curfew, a tough decision was taken for people, however, public also must cooperate, maintain appropriate covid behavior religiously to contain spread of virus.

He said this while chairing a meeting attended by Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar , Anantnag, Baramulla and Budgam, Commissioner SMC, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Tourism, Director SWD, JD Information, CMOs and other senior officers from the Health and concerned departments.

The meeting among others was also attended by heads of various tour, travel, traders, transporters and tourism bodies besides representatives from other related associations.

He said despite the positivity rate in most of the districts of Kashmir still above 5 percent, the government unlocked the corona curfew in a phased manner for relief to the people hit during the lockdown period.

The Div Com appealed to people in general and shopkeepers, public transporters and traders to ensure adherence to Covid SOPs in letter and spirit.

He emphasized that shopkeepers should avoid unnecessary rush at their shops and public transporters should carry only 50 percent passengers and follow the laid down guidelines religiously to ensure containment of virus.

The Div Com further stressed on carrying out aggressive vaccination of eligible persons of targeted population and ensure 100 percent  coverage of all priority groups including, shopkeepers, drivers, conductors, journalists, employees, persons with disabilities and other targeted groups at the earliest.

He directed concerned to set up vaccination booths and operate mobile vaccination centers to ensure all people associated with trade, travel and associated sectors are vaccinated as soon as possible.

He appealed to heads of these  associations to go for mass vaccination against Covid-19 virus, their employees and family members to ensure breaking of  chain of transmission in the community.

He said that unlocking restrictions shall give respite to small traders, Mohallah shopkeepers, street vendors, small eatable vendors who have been severely hit during the lockdown period, however, those traders and shopkeepers who have  better financial conditions should avoid opening their shops during this period.

The Div Com rebuffed the news spread against vaccines  as fake and urged people not to pay heed to any such negative information.

He said that vaccines are safe and have high protection against the virus and getting vaccinated has become a social obligation to ensure our own safety as well as safeguarding others.

At the outset, Div Com took stock of district wise progress of the vaccination process from concerned DCs and instructed them to intensify the campaign to ensure 100 percent coverage of all eligible persons.