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Mufti Nazir Ahmad delivers lecture to CUK students

Srinagar: Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi from Darul Ulum Rahimiyah Bandipora, delivered an online lecture on the topic “Pandemic and Islam,” to the students and scholars of Departments of Religious Studies and Politics and Governance.

Addressing the students and faculty members, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, said the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown challenges on multiple fronts to the people across the world, especially in the Kashmir Valley, and the need of the hour was to work together and in tandem to defeat the dreaded disease. “People, irrespective of their religion, caste, creed and sect and the non-governmental organizations should provide succor to the impoverished class as their business and earnings have been badly hit due to the lockdowns,” he said. Hailing the working of doctors and paramedical staff in combating the dreaded disease in the hospitals and other health centers, he asked the health care workers, especially the doctors to provide all types of requisite medical assistance to the Covid patients admitted in the hospitals. Mufti Nazir also informed the participants about the ways and means to handle the bodies of Covid victims for ensuring their dignified burials.

Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, further underscored the need of following the teachings and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during these trying times, adding that Islam is not only a religion, but a way of life.

Earlier, Dean School of Social Science and Head Department of Religious Studies, Prof. Hameed Naseem Rafiabadi welcomed the guest and asked the students to follow the teachings of Islam in letter and spirit. He asked the students to identify the people in distress and helm them accordingly.

Later, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, answered diverse questions of the students and staff.

Assistant Professor, Dr. Nazir Ahmad conducted the programme proceedings while as Assistant Professor, Mr. Muhammad Reza proposed the vote of thanks.

Army helps recover bus in Ganderbal

SRINAGAR: The Army on Saturday evening recovered a vehicle after it skidded off the road in  Lar area of Ganderbal.  An official said that an army vehicle of 24 RR helped a toppled bus in Lar Ganderbal

He said that bus had skipped from the road on Srinagar-Leh National highway in the agriculture field.  Soon after the news broke out the soldiers of 24 RR unit reached to the spot and recovered the vehicle.

Meanwhile, locals appreciated the Jawans of 24 RR unit for recovering the vehicle after hectic efforts.  They also thanked them for always helping locals in every even and odd times.

Meanwhile army said that they are always available for the welfare of general public which makes a bond of Public-Army strong.

Ex-IAS officer interacts with civil services aspirants at KU’s CCPC

Srinagar: Continuing with its guest lecture series, Kashmir University’s Centre for Career Planning and Counselling (CCPC) organised an online lecture by former IAS officer Mr Mohammad Shafi Pandit for its civil services aspirants.

Sharing his personal experiences, Mr Pandit, a former chairman of J&K Public Service Commission, urged the civil services aspirants to be clear about why they want to pursue a career in civil services.

“You have to be passionate about your career goals and have to pursue it religiously,” he told the aspirants who are undergoing coaching at the CCPC.

Urging the aspirants to avoid all types of distractions, he said: “You need to stay focused even if it takes multiple attempts to get to the desired career path.”

Dean of Academic Affairs at KU Prof Shabir Ahmad Bhat, who was present on the occasion, said higher education institutions will be required to offer systems to keep pace with competitive excellence to enable an increasing number of students sitting for competitive exams to carve a niche for themselves.

“We are in the midst of an unprecedented academic revolution. In an era of enormous and apparent change that’s most predominantly driven by technology, we often forget that change is about people – their ideas and their capacity to imagine and work together for a different yet secure future,” he said.

In his welcome address, Director CCPC Prof Mohammad Shafi highlighted the achievements of the Centre vis-à-vis Coaching and Placements.

“We have shifted our domains from physical to digital platforms,” he said, asserting that its aspirants for civil services are very talented and hardworking and capable of delivering us the results.

An interaction session followed the formal talk by Mr Pandit, wherein students posed a lot of questions which were satisfactorily responded to by the resource person.

Consultants at CCPC Dr Bilal Ahmad Pandow and Hina Kazmi were also part of the interaction session.

Modi applauds farmers for record production despite pandemic

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that farmers of the country have achieved a record produce during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as the agricultural sector protected itself from the impact of the crisis to a great extent.

Addressing the people in his monthly programme, “Man ki Baat’, he said that the farm sectors and farmers not only kept themselves safe, but the sector also progressed and moved forward.

“Do you know that even in this pandemic, our farmers have achieved record produce? The farmers produced record output and this time the country went on to procure a record amount of crops. In many places, farmers have got more than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mustard”, Mr Modi said.

“Due to the record food grain production, our country has been able to provide support to every person and today, 800 million underprivileged people are being provided free ration in this hour of crisis,” he added.

Talking about farming, the Prime Minister said farmers were doing wonders in many areas such as Agartala where they are producing jackfruit in large quantity and this time the produce was exported to London.

Referring to the ‘Shahi Litchi’ of Bihar, he said that the Government gave GI Tag to ‘Shahi Litchi’ in 2018 so that its identity could be reinforced and the farmers can get more benefits. This time the ‘Shahi Litchi’ was also exported to London, he added.

Referring to the vast variety of flavours and products right from East to West, North to South in our country, Mr Modi said “You must definitely have heard about the mangoes of Vizianagaram in South India. Now who wouldn’t like to eat this mango? Therefore, now the Kisan Rail is ferrying hundreds of tons of Vizianagaram mangoes to Delhi”, he stated.

“The people of Delhi and North India will get to eat Vizianagaram mangoes, and the farmers of Vizianagaram will earn well. The Kisan Rail has so far transported nearly two lakh tonnes of produce,” the Prime Minister said, and added that now the farmers are able to send fruits, vegetables, grains to other remote parts of the country at a very low cost.

SSP Anantnag visits families of slain youth

Anantnag:  Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag, Imtiyaz Hussain on Sunday visited families of two persons who were shot dead by militants and expressed Condolences.

The District Police Chief said that those involved in the act have been identified and will soon face the Justice.

“Visited bereaved families of victims of millitants in Jablipora and expressed my condolences.Gave assurance to next of kins that murderers who have been identified will soon face the justice”, he added.

Pertinently, militants shot dead two youths in Jablipora area of Bijbihara in Anantnag yesterday.(KNS)

 

BJP’s blood donation camp: Social distancing goes for a toss at Srinagar’s LD hospital

Srinagar: Amid COVID-19 curfew across Jammu Kashmir, BJP leaders along with policemen and health workers violated the guidelines of coronavirus during a blood donation camp at Lal Ded hospital in Kashmir capital Srinagar.

Eyewitnesses told News Agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that the hundreds of people were seen violating the social distancing norms and other SOPs during a blood donation camp organized by BJP’s Minority Morcha at Srinagar’s Lal Ded hospital.

They said that the officials at Lal Ded hospital neither direct these BJP leaders to maintain social distancing and other COVID related SOPs nor do they take any action during this blood donation camp.

“The Jammu and Kashmir police initiate action against the violators whenever they visit the market. They impose fine on shopkeepers and people but fail to take care in this hospital during this blood camp,” said a patient admitted at LD hospital.

When contacted, Medical Superintendent LD hospital, Dr. Shabir Sidique said they are trying their best to follow SOPs and making people aware about the implications of Covid infection.  (KDC)

HEALTH

COVID-19: Medicines, tests, CT scan cost a fortune, poor can’t afford it

By: Afaq Bhat

Srinagar: Amidst the raging pandemic the demand to cap the prices of medicines, various blood tests and Covid test is gaining momentum in Kashmir.

The resurgence of COVID-19 has increased the demand of medicines and other equipment like oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, oxy-meters, flow meters etc. Even the patients have to get their various tests, like CT scan and blood tests done, as the doctors want to ensure that people are not caught in the post Covid complications.

“Medicines and tests cost a fortune. The government needs to put a cap on the prices of the drugs that are prescribed to the Covid patients. Even the Covid tests and other blood tests need to be brought within the reach of a common man as these investigations are must. In the government run hospitals most of the tests are done free of cost but in the private laboratories and hospitals people have to part away with huge amounts,” said Ghulam Qadir of Baghat Barzulla.

He said the cost of oxygen concentrators has almost doubled during the past one month and these machines are not easily available in the market. “The flow meters for oxygen cylinders that used to cost around Rs 1200/ are being sold at double the rate. The government needs to step in and take action against those elements who are encashing the pandemic,” Ghulam Qadir added.

Imtiyaz Ahmed of the same area while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The private laboratories charge people according to their whims and fancies as the people running these centers are aware of the fact that patients who visit them won’t indulge in any sort of bargaining.”

An official said that a “proposal has been moved” to cap the prices as the COVID-19 has turned into a major crisis. “The government run hospitals are overburdened and are not in a position to cater to everyone. The private hospitals are being watched and the rates for the facilities being provided by these institutions will be fixed soon,” he added.

Farooq Khan of Sanat Nagar said, “One can understand that people associated with the medical industry are trying their best to help the people but they need to reduce the profit margins to help the common man. At present everything is shut and every section of the society is facing a financial crunch. We have to extend a helping hand to each other in these times rather than making more and more profits.”

 

7 yrs on, PDA fails to allow construction of TRC at Pahalgam

By: Ahmed Shabir

Pahalgam: Even after elapsing seven years, the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has miserably failed to allow the construction of the Tourist Reception Centre at famous tourist destination, Pahalgam, which was gutted in a massive blaze in 2014.

The old TRC in the main market Pahalgam was destroyed in a blaze in 2014 along with some hotels. After the building was gutted in a blaze, the then chief minister, late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, directed the officials to identify the land for the construction of new TRC with all the facilities.

However, seven years have elapsed; the tourism authorities are still awaiting the permission for construction of TRC at the site of the old building.

Besides, the authorities at the Revenue department have also bitterly failed to identify the land at some other place for the purpose.

The TRC for the last six years is now functioning from a hut at Nunwan owned by the Tourism department.

Sources in the Tourism department expressed surprise over the PDA not allowing the construction of TRC at the world famous Tourist destination.

“Pahalgam is all about tourism. It is ironic that the tourist destination has no TRC for over six years. The saddest part is that PDA authorities implement the master plan and high court ban on the important government projects and prefer silence when influential people go for illegal constructions of commercial structures,” said a tourist official.

Though the TRC is functioning from its hut at Nunwan, far from the main town Pahalgam, the tourism officials say ‘this is not what you can call TRC’.

The TRC, according to a Tourism official, should have the facilities like a waiting hall, food plaza, guide counters, ATM, money changer.

“Since the tourist on arrival is always exhausted and TRC is the place where he or she can rest for some time and get all the necessary information. The hut where we are functioning from presently is a joke in the name of TRC,” the official said.

Locals associated with Tourism also expressed anguish over the absence of the TRC in Pahalgam.

“This is highly ironic that a tourist spot like Pahalgam does not have a proper TRC for over seven years. Governor led administration must intervene into the matter so that TRC with modern facilities comes up at Pahalgam,” said a local social activist, Mushtaq Pahalgami.

Assistant Director Tourism for Pahalgam, Bilal Ahmad said that the absence of TRC is creating a bad impression among the tourists visiting the place.

“We have been pleading our case strongly but we are yet to get clearance from building operations controlling authority (BOCA) of PDA for construction of TRC at the old site which is an ideal location for the same. Revenue officials too have not identified the land at some other place for TRC,” the AD Tourism said.

Saving lives, protecting livelihoods Govt’s priority: LG

Says Covid care centres activated in 80% Panchayats of UT

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Friday said that no compromise on Covid Appropriate Behavior; Strict enforcement of Test-Track-Treat protocol and vaccination is the only long term solution to mitigate the spread of Corona Virus.

He was chairing a series of meetings with Covid Task Force, Deputy Commissioners and SPs of the UT, here at the Civil Secretariat. The meetings were the latest in the series, where Lt Governor took a comprehensive review of the Covid situation across J&K.

The Lt Governor has been issuing directions from time to time to strengthen the efforts and undertake immediate interventions to tackle the ongoing COVID Pandemic based on the regular assessment of evolving situation and inputs from experts.

With substantial addition of Medical Infrastructure and stabilizing positivity rate across UT, the way ahead is to minimize health risks through stringent regulations, Covid SOPs and maximize economic health and social security for people, observed the Lt Governor.

During the meeting, the Lt Governor sought feedback from Divisional Commissioners, IGPs, Deputy Commissioners, and SPs on Covid situation across the UT and directed them to ensure the impactful enforcement of all Covid protocols in their respective jurisdictions.

Laying special emphasis on intensifying testing and vaccination, the Lt Governor directed the DCs and other concerned officers to make synergized efforts to augment vaccination progress with focus on priority groups. Bank employees, Airport & Railway staff, shopkeepers, farmers, service providers would be vaccinated on priority. He also called for ensuring Covid Testing facilities at the Sub-Centre level.

While reviewing the district-wise status of vaccination drive, the Lt Governor expressed satisfaction on being informed that Jammu, Ganderbal, and Shopian had achieved 100% saturation of 1st dose of vaccination for above 45 age group.

The Lt Governor asked other DCs to make concerted efforts to achieve 100% saturation in their respective districts at the earliest.

The chair was informed that Covid Care Centres have been activated in 80% Panchayats of the UT.

Emphasizing on proper utilization of CCCs, the Lt Governor called for effective functioning of these centres through mobilization of resources.

“Mere development of infrastructure is not going to serve any purpose. We have to ensure that facilities are utilized to their optimum capacities to achieve the desired results on ground”, the Lt Governor maintained.

Ensure CCCs linkages with PHCs and other health centres, ample distribution of Covid Kits, Tele-medicines facilities, besides prioritizing functioning of centres established in the peripheries.

Speed up training of ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, ANMs and other ancillary staff, the Lt Governor asked the officials.

While emphasizing on taking requisite precautionary measures and carefully monitoring areas with higher positivity rate, the Lt Governor directed for micro-containment zones to isolate such areas, besides timely monitoring and responsive action to break the spread chain.

Meanwhile, the Lt Governor also reviewed the installation and functionality of oxygen generation plants, and availability of buffer stock across the UT.

Principal Secretary to the Government, Industries & Commerce department briefed the Lt Governor about the ample availability of oxygen stock in the UT.

The Lt Governor called for utilization of buffer stock of oxygen cylinders for oxygen supply in the Covid Care Centres in rural areas as per requirement.

The Lt Governor appreciated the efforts of the Health department for effective handling of the pandemic situation.

Earlier, Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education Department, Atal Dulloo gave a detailed overview of bed occupancy in hospitals, containment activities, status of vaccination drive under different age groups, district-wise daily and weekly trends of Covid-19 cases, testing & positivity rate, recovery rate etc.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Dilbag Singh, DGP; Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department; Bipul Pathak, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department & Information Department; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government, Public Works (R&B) Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Principal Secretary to the Government, Industries & Commerce Department; Mukesh Singh, ADGP; Sarita Chauhan, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Sheetal Nanda, Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Deputy Commissioners and SPs, attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.

Covid claims 56 lives, 2,803 test positive in J&K

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By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 2803 fresh covid-19 cases while 56 more people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Saturday.

They said 1009 cases were confirmed from Jammu Division and 1794 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 284431.

Regarding the deaths, they said, 30 were from Jammu Division and 26 from Kashmir Valley, taking the toll to 3795.

Moreover, they said, 3637 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—1741 from Jammu Division and 1896 from Kashmir. There are 41382 active positive cases—16142 in Jammu and 25240 in Kashmir.

Providing district wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 382 cases, Baramulla 204, Budgam 223, Pulwama 179, Kupwara 228, Anantnag 207, Bandipora 57, Ganderbal 168, Kulgam 94, Shopian 52, Jammu 320, Udhampur 71, Rajouri 107, Doda 82, Kathua 79, Samba 71, Kishtwar 30, Poonch 92, Ramban 77 and Reasi 80.

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

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (28) from Manzgam, male (35) from Nagam, male (30) from Nandimarg, male (30) from Laisoo, male (16) from Wattoo, two males (22, 45) and females (48, 60) from Nandimarg, male (35) from DH Pora, three males (45, 17, 19) from Manzgam, three females (45, 16, 17) and six males (42, 53, 14, 40, 46, 52) from Hanger, two females (23, 18) from Kaladrang, male (45) from Moirhama, male (20) from Okay, male (30) from Kulgam, male (40) from Nowpora, female (38) from Chancer, male (48) from Kulgam, male (65) from Nadimarg, male (65) from Bogund, female (70) from Batpora, male (34) from Kulgam, male (70) from Awhatto, female (48) from K B Pora, two males (37, 56) and female (40) from Soaf, male (42) from Hiller, female (40) from Shalnard, male (45) from Buchoo, male (30) from Sagam, male (43) from Kokernag, male (43) from Ahlan, male (56) from Ketriteng Bij, female (22) from Gadiseer Bij, female (32) from Waghama Bij, male (32) from Wopzan Haripora Bij, male (26) from Wanpoh, female (11) and male (07) from Chanapora, male (28) from Nai Basti Ang, female (48) from Larkipora Ang, two males (28, 60) from Kakapora Pul, male (68) from Janglat Mandi, female (35) from Kulgam, male (11M) from Furrah, male (40) from Qazigund, male (26) from Dangerpora Bandipora, female (34) from Sarnal Bala Ang, male (45) from Shirpora, female (28) from Mirgund Khanabal, female (50) from Khanabal Ang, male (28) from Adhal Vailoo, female (50) from Janglat Mandi, female (17) from Kp Road Iqbalabad, male (52) from Nai Basti, male (38) from T.B Shah Ang, male (65) from Ashajipora Ang, male (29) from Shirpora Bala Ang, male (21) from Khanabal Ang, male (42) from Chee Ang, male (41) from Pushwara Khanabal, female (27) from Nai Basti, female (23) from Ashajipora Ang, female (33) from Nathpora Khanabal, two males (48, 18) and female (69) from Moominabad, female (75) from Lazibal Kp Road, male (60) from Batapora Khanbal, male (32) from Chee Ang, female (25) from Arabal Dooru, male (50) from Pethbugh Dailgam, male (40) from Janglat Mandi, two females (36, 55) from New Qazibagh, female (50) from Kulgam, male (26) from M Pora, male (30) from Achabal, male (32) and two females (30, 32) from M Pora, two females (20, 55) and six males (60, 38, 11, 50, 35, 17) from Poniwah, two females (37, 40) from C Hajan, male (38) from Srandoo, male (40) from Kelam, two females (15, 45) from Badroo, male (35) from Parigam, female (60) from Budroo, female (34) from Charsoo Ang, female (20) from Dangerpora Shazimarg Pul, male (56) from Nowgam Shangus, two males (31, 60) from Hardi Tooru, female (30) from Ranipora Shangus, male (37) from Deethu Shangus, male (70) from Nanil Mattan, female (52) and male (50) from Kheribal Mattan, female (10) from Krangsoo Mattan, male (33) from Kadipora Ang, male (37) from Sundbrari, male (28) from Chontipora Vrg, female (20) from Kreeri, female (61) from Nowgam, male (32) from Gawas Kapran, female (32) from Mirmidan Doru, female (35) from Tumbripora, male (59) from Mehmoodabad, three males (22, 31, 21) and female (30) from Larram Wanpoh, male (19) from Kapran, male (75) from Nowgam, male (80) from Halsidar, female (45) from Chontipora Vrg, female (31) from Gadool Kokernag, female (30) from Verinag, male (39) from Ganiegund, female (27) from Goorinard, male (45) from Chontipora, female (19) from Arabal Dooru.

The CD cases include male (40) from Khawaja Bazar, female (29) from Lal Bazar, NA (20) from Srg, male (25) from Magam Budgam, male (29) from Srg, two males (35, 35) and three females (70, 40, 08) from Murran Pul, male (60) from Inder Pul, three males (29, 23, 34) and female (22) from Urcharsoo Pul, female (28) from Koil Pul, female (22) from Kadipora Pul, female (25) from Panjren Pul, female (36) from Qasba Yaar, male (47) from Palpora Pul, female (12) from Wasoora Pul, male (75) from Hardpora Pul, male (28) from Arihal Pul, male (18) from Marheng Pul, male (25) from Arihal Pul, two males (37, 61) from Keegan Spn, male (60) from Hanjan Payeen, female (28) from Murran Pul, male (44) from Tengpuna Pul, two males (30, 26) from Drabgam Pul, female (28) from Rajmahal Pul, male (50) and female (45) from Achagoza Pul, female (32) from Budgam JAK, three males (21, 19, 45) and female (16) from Wasimarg Pul, two females (29, 26) from Kuchmulla, male (56) and females (52, 55) from Lurgam, male (30) from Aripal, male (19) and female (36) from Chek Satoora, two females (35, 45) and three males (09, 22, 45) from Tral, female (34) from Kuchmulla, male (82) from Srg, male (65) from J&K, female (30) from Shadipora, two females (35, 18) from Batamaloo, two males (65, 22) from Bemina, two males (70, 35) and female (65) from Machoo, female (45) from Bemina, male (23) from Eidgah, two females (25, 22) from Gangbugh, two males (45, 12) from Batmaloo, male (20) and female (48) from Chadoora, male (34) from Qamarwari, male (16) from Sarai Bala, female (30) from Lal Bazar, male (53) from Natipora, male (20) from Rajouri, male (17) from Beerwah, male (38) and female (30) from Shalteng, female (36) from Batmaloo, female (44) from Bemina, male (48) from Padshahi Bagh, female (37) from Mehjoor Nagar, male (66) from Natipora, male (40) from Tangmarg, male (13) from Chattabal, male (26) from HMT, male (30) from Pampore, male (23) from Bemina, male (36) from Lal Bazar, female (30) from Chanapora, male (35) from Alochibagh, female (50) from Pamposh Colony, Natipora, female (25) from Sangam, female (40) from Noorbagh, male (35) from Chattabal, female (45) from Batpora, female (68) from Dacho, male (46) from Hydergund, female (35) from Frisal, male (23) from Mujamarg, female (35) from Babapora, male (27) from Chitragam, female (55) from Wachi, male (40) from CHC Zainapora, female (26) from Tulran, male (40) from Litter, male (24) from Handwara Srg, male (27) from Bemina Srg, female (25) from Zaina Kadal Srg, male (56) from Arizal Srg, female (34) from Ganderbal, male (32) from Pamposh Colony, male (50) from Kalashpora Srg, female (58) from Shaheed Gunj, female (60) from Charisharief, female (30) from Chattabal, female (46) from Dalgate, male (13) from Palpora Srg, male (17) from Khayam, female (21) from Habba Kadal, male (65) from Fatehkadal, male (39) from Lal Mandi, male (20) from Fatehkadal, male (50) from Hyderpora, two females (45, 27) from Srg, male (28) from Chattabal Srg, female (45) from Budgam, male (44) from Hawal, female (42) and two males (62, 32) from Zoonimar, male (42) and female (62) from Alamgiri Bazar, female (25) from Parigam Pul, two females (20, 46) and male (65) from Koil Pul, male (27) and five females (21, 50, 25, 24, 16) from Chakura Pul, female (46) from Braw Banduna Pul, two males (37, 65) from Shivpora Pul and two males (75, 37) from Hawal. (GNS)