Srinagar: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad Friday said that buildings have been identified and notified for setting up of Covid Care facilities at all 21 Panchayats in the district.

He said, in this connection, an interactive meeting was held today with the members of DDC, BDC and Panchayat representatives to identify/notify the buildings for setting up of 5 bedded Covid Care Centers in their respective jurisdictions, as directed by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K.

The DC during the meeting said a comprehensive plan has been formulated to tackle 2nd wave of Covid-19 in Joint consultation of Panchayat Bodies, Health authorities and District Administration.

He said the initiative is aimed at to decentralize COVID-19 care, by creating an adhoc infrastructure at the Panchayat level.  He also said that each Panchayat will be provided Rs 1 lakh from the district Capex budget for the creation of facilities to meet the challenge of COVID-19 care with establishing a minimum 5-bedded Covid Care Centre including one Oxygen supported bed for the patient requiring immediate medical attention.

The DC said that in addition each Panchayat will be provided an Oxygen Concentrator by the DDMA besides other support to mitigate the present situation of Covid-19. He stressed that priority is to save precious human lives and overcome the 2nd wave of Covid-19 in the district.

Meanwhile, in a bid to decentralize COVID-19 care, by creating an adhoc infrastructure at the Panchayat level, DC Srinagar held an interactive meeting with the members of DDC, BDC and Panchayats representatives to finalize modalities to set up  Covid Care facilities in all 21 Panchayats of district Srinagar.

The meeting was held here at Banquet Hall during which DC sought suggestions from the concerned Public Representatives to identify/notify the buildings for setting up of 5 bedded Covid Care Centers as directed by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K.

The meeting was attended by Chairman District Development Council(DDC), Srinagar, Malik Aftab, members DDC and Block Development Council(BDC) and Panchayats of Srinagar district, besides Additional District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Gulzar Ahmad, Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen, Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar, Dr Jameel and other officers were also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, all the participants put forth their opinions and suggestions before the DC and buildings to accommodate 5 bedded Covid Care Centers in all 21 Panchayats were identified on the spot.

On the occasion, the DC said that each Panchayat will be provided Rs 1 lakh from the district Capex budget for the creation of facilities to meet the challenge of COVID-19 mitigation with establishing minimum 5-bedded Covid Care Centre including one Oxygen supported bed for the patient requiring immediate medical attention.

He said in addition each Panchayat will be provided an Oxygen Concentrator besides other support to strengthen COVID infrastructure at panchayat level.

CMO Srinagar apprised the panchayat representatives about measures to combat Covid pandemic in District Srinagar.

The DC said the process for setting up of the Covid Care mitigation infrastructure has been taken to strengthen the Covid-19 management and containment measures at Panchayat level besides to create basic minimum infrastructure to provide isolation facilities at Panchayat level as many households may not have option for isolation of Covid positive patients in their own houses.

He asked the ADDC to prepare a Covid mitigation plan in consultation with the CMO so that all Panchayat level Covid centers are made operational within two days. He also asked CMO to equip these Centers with necessary medical kits besides linking them with the nearest Health Centres for deployment of medical and paramedical staff.

The DC also instructed that the facility of Tele-Consultation must be made available besides posters regarding details about necessary helpline, Covid-19 War Control Room, Ambulance services and other interventions be put on display for emergency help and support.

He stressed on conducting Community Triaging at Panchayat level for early detection of Covid-19 positive cases which is an important parameter to reduce oxygen dependency. He urged upon members of Panchayat bodies to make people aware about the Covid-19 SoPs besides avoiding social gathering  to break the chain of Covid-19 infection in the district.

By: Yogesh Sagotra

Jammu: Defense Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) new 500-bed COVID hospital at Jammu will be ready by May 25.

Two 500- bed temporary hospitals were announced by Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh for Jammu and Srinagar to provide advanced facilities for COVID patients, where the number of people affected by the dreaded virus is increasing day by day.

A high level team of DRDO officials had finalized the site, where work was started two weeks ago, which is nearly in the completion stage.

“The other works like construction of approach road, dedicated feeder for uninterrupted power supply, water supply, telephone and internet connections are going on a war-footing basis,” said a technician involved in the construction.

As per officials the hospital will be ready for the public by May 25. “The temporary hospital will have two pre-fabricates halls with 250-beads each. Each bed has a dedicated oxygen vent, which is very crucial for COVID patients,” said an official adding, “In addition to the hospital bed, the temporary building will have three small halls for accommodation and OPDs of doctors.”

The officials said that DRDO special Hospital will work on Military Hospitals (MH) model where nursing staff and doctors will take care of the patients, and attendants may not be allowed inside the COVID care wards.

“The admission to the hospital is assisted by state health administration and civil administration and no direct admission will take place,” officials informed.

Lt Col Devender Anand PRO (Defence), Jammu said that DRDO’s hospital will go a long way in easing the problems of COVID patients in the Jammu region where the number is surging day by day.

He added that in addition, the hospital army and defence ministry assisted civil administration to contain the spread of COVID by organizing awareness camps in rural areas.

“To tackle the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, Army has been conducting awareness drives and COVID-19 Vaccination in most far-flung areas of Jammu division,” he said and adding that focused was laid on addressing the myths associated with vaccination including imparting knowledge on probable side effects.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir administration appointed superintendent and deputy superintendent for the upcoming 500 bedded temporary Covid Hospital in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

The administration also advertised 313 new posts for engagement (on contractual posts) for the hospital.

The advertisements issued here by GMC Jammu has invited as per Performa, from eligible candidates, for engagement in this 500 bedded temporary COVID Hospital initially for a period of one year extendable up to maximum of three years (One year at a time and further extension subject to good performance and conduct). (KNO)

Srinagar: Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Friday said that his father Abdul Gani Lone was killed for speaking the truth and expressing his ideas”.

In a series of tweets, Lone said that those who opposed his father and created a false narrative that ended up in his killing saw what his father was mercifully spared from seeing.

“But what gives me some solace is that those who opposed him and created that false narrative that culminated in my father being killed- that crowd some of them still alive were better dead than alive.they saw what my father was mercifully spared from seeing,” Lone tweeted.

He said the worst form of oppressors are those who oppress under the fig leaf of fighting oppression.

“As long as we do not stop collectively lying especially on who killed whom we as people will continue to be in the state that we r. People deserve to know-oppressors have many forms. And the worse form of oppressors’ r those who oppress under the fig leaf of fighting oppression,” Lone tweeted.

Lone said his father left as a hero and his death symbolized dignity and sacrifice.

“My father left when dying the way he did symbolised dignity symbolised sacrifice. He went at the right time. He left a hero,” Lone tweeted.

Abdul Gani Lone, who founded Peoples Conference in 1978, was killed when he was attending a rally on May 21, 2002 at Eidgah to mark the death anniversary of Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq.

Srinagar: The government on Friday re-designated the post of Secretary, J&K Legislative Assembly as Secretary General, J&K Legislative Assembly.

An order issued by Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in this regard reads, “Sanction is hereby accorded to the re-designation of the post of Secretary, J&K Legislative Assembly as Secretary General, J&K Legislative Assembly in the Pay Level 14 (144200-218200) held by Muzaffar Ahmad Wani subject to the condition that the said post shall revert back to its original position immediately once Muzaffar Ahmad Wani vacates the post”.

Gaza: Israel and Palestine spent a first calm night since tensions between the two sides escalated earlier in May, according to Sputnik correspondents.

On Thursday, the Israeli security cabinet unanimously adopted Egypt’s initiative for a bilateral unconditional ceasefire, which took effect at 23:00 GMT on Thursday following 11 days of rocket attacks and airstrikes. The Gaza Strip-based Hamas movement has also agreed to abide by the truce.

A Sputnik correspondent in Tel Aviv said that no air raid sirens had sounded in Israel’s central cities, while the military did not report any alarms in the country’s most-hit southern areas since the truce announcement. Additionally, there was no information about Israel’s airstrikes against Hamas targets after 23:00 GMT.

Meanwhile, a Sputnik correspondent in Gaza said that the past night across Palestine was quiet.

During the recent round of escalation, Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave have killed 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, while Hamas rocket attacks have killed 12 people in Israel, according to authorities. According to the Israel’s military, Hamas had fired around 4,340 rockets at Israel during the flare-up. (UNI)

Says violence biggest enemy of humanity

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Friday administered the Anti-Terrorism Pledge to the officials and staff members of the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat here at Raj Bhavan to mark the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day.

Special Security Force’s (SSF) personnel also read out the pledge on the occasion.

“Terrorism is the biggest enemy of humanity which must be opposed in all forms and manifestations. Violence can never be the answer, and peace is the only way towards prosperity and progress. It is high time we joined our efforts to defeat the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values,” observed the Lt Governor.

“Let us all reaffirm our strong commitment to uphold the country’s tradition of non-violence and tolerance by promoting peace, unity, social harmony; creating a better understanding among one-another, and educating our younger generation about universal brotherhood”, the Lt Governor added.

Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor was also present on the occasion.

Text of the pledge reads as under:

We, the people of India, having abiding faith in our country’s tradition of non-violence and tolerance, hereby solemnly affirm to oppose with our strength, all forms of terrorism and violence.

We pledge to uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.

JK admin officers takes pledge, vow to abhor violence, promote peace

All the Administrative Secretaries along with the officers of their departments today participated in the Anti-Terrorism Pledge taking ceremony held simultaneously at Civil Secretariat, Jammu as well as Srinagar.

The pledge was administered by Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance at Civil Secretariat, Jammu and Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

The officers pledged that “We, the people of India, having abiding faith in our country’s tradition of non-violence and tolerance, hereby solemnly affirm to oppose with our strength, all forms of terrorism and violence.”

They further vowed that they would uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.

The ceremony was part of the nationwide campaign being observed today under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and marked by taking this pledge by all the officers working for government establishments.

Anti-Terrorism Day observed across all Kashmir districts

On National Anti-Terrorism Day which is being observed every year on May 21, the respective district administrations of all the districts of Kashmir today organised simple but impressive functions to mark the day.

The day is being observed to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who was killed in a suicide attack in Tamil Nadu in 1991.

On the occasion the respective Deputy Commissioners of all the districts read out the pledge while the audience too participated and pledged to oppose with strength, all forms of terrorism and violence.

At Srinagar: On the eve of Anti-Terrorism Day, a pledge taking ceremony was held at Banquet Hall  Srinagar in which participants took the pledge and solemnly expressed their strong faith in Indias tradition of non-violence and tolerance exuded their firm commitment to oppose with all strength all forms of terrorism and violence.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad  administered the pledge to the members of District Development Council, Block Development Council and Panchayat representatives, besides the officers present on the occasion.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar highlighted the menace of terrorism, the acts of terrorism being callous and grisly are the greatest threat to the peaceful existence of humans.

At Budgam: Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Nasir Ahmad today administered the pledge to employees of the district.

The employees took pledge to oppose all forms of terrorism and violence and promote peace, social harmony and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.

At Ganderbal: A simple function was organised by the district administration to observe Anti-Terrorism day at mini Secretariat here.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, Krittika Jyotsna read out the preamble to uphold and promote peace, social harmony and understanding among all fellow beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Farooq Ahmed Baba, Chief Planning Officer and other District and sectoral Officers participated in the pledge ceremony.

At Baramulla: The Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Mohammad Ahsan Mir administered pledge to the audiences at DC office complex, here.

In the pledge, the participants affirmed  to oppose all forms of terrorism and violence, uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.

Among others Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mohammad Rafiq Lone, various Block Development officers and other officers and officials were present on the occasion.

At Anantnag: District Administration Anantnag today observed an oath taking ceremony here at Dak Bangalow Khanabal.

The event was presided over by Additional District Development Commissioner, Bashir Ahmad Wani who administered oath to the officers.

The officers took oath to resolutely oppose and denounce all forms of terrorism, violence and intolerance and expressed commitment to uphold human dignity. They also pledged to fight all forms of disruption threatening human lives and values besides promoting peace and social harmony.

The ceremony was attended by ADC(G), CMO, ACR, Dy. CMO, DSWO, DPO and other district and sectoral officers along with their staff members.

At Shopian: A pledge ceremony was held today at mini  secretariat Arhama Shopian under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Sachin Kumar Vaishya.

The DC on the occasion read out the preamble while other officers present pledged to oppose all forms of terrorism and violence to uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.

The district officers of the entire District Administration participated in the function.

At Kulgam: A pledge ceremony to commemorate Anti-terrorism day was today held at mini-Secretariat Kulgam.

On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat administered a pledge to all other participants to uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.

Among others, Additional Development Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue and other District and sectoral Officers participate in the pledge ceremony.

At Bandipora: The District administration Bandipora on Thursday observed Anti-Terrorism day in the district by pledging to fight all forms of terrorism and violence and promote peace and non-violence.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad read out the pledge while the audience too participated and pledged to oppose with strength, all forms of terrorism and violence.

The pledge ceremony was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Parvaiz Rahim, Assistant Commissioner Development Abdul Rasheed Dass, BDOs besides other senior officers of the district.

In view of the Coronavirus pandemic, social distancing was properly maintained besides other precautionary measures and less gathering was ensured.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police said on Friday that the issue of local boys joining militant ranks is a serious concern which the security forces are working hard to plug.

Vijay Kumar, IGP (Kashmir), told reporters at the district police lines in Srinagar on the occasion of the national anti-terrorism day, “Today we take a pledge to condemn all forms of violence, militancy and its related activities.

“Our motive is not only to kill a militant, but to end militancy as well to secure the environment for the people of Kashmir. I will go to the field with a message to our men on ground that they must continue their great work and their contribution towards making the atmosphere more peaceful in the time ahead”.

Asked about the local recruitment into militant ranks, the IGP said local boys joining militancy is a matter of concern and many steps have been taken to plug it.

“We delay encounters by two to three hours only to allow the local boys to surrender. There is need for more hard work and effort to keep local boys away from militancy. A vast network of overground workers (OGWs) of militants has already been busted.

“Motivators who lure boys to join militancy are being tracked.

“Due to the second wave of COVID many steps taken by police to bring youth into the mainstream like sports, cultural events and other programmes have been put on hold for the time being,” the IGP said.

By: Abid Bashir

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh Friday said that the number of active militants in the Union Territory has come down to 200 from 300 and efforts are on to bring down the number further.

Talking to reports on the sidelines of Anti-Terrorism Day at Police Headquarters Jammu, the DGP said that a couple of years ago, the number of active militants in J&K was 300 which has come down to 200 now. “Our efforts are on to bring the number further down,” he said as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

The DGP said that police are fighting on two fronts: Covid and anti-militancy front. “At times, it happens that you have to deal with multiple challenges at a time. Police force is dealing with all challenges effectively,” he said.

The DGP urged youth to shoulder the responsibility of fighting the “menace of terror” to make the atmosphere peaceful across the country and J&K. (KNO)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday accorded sanction to the transfer of the Administrative Control of Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Limited from Industries and Commerce Department to Mining Department.

The order, sources told GNS, was issued following an decision by administrative council meeting held on May 18.

Srinagar: Government of Jammu and Kashmir has on Friday ordered transfers and postings of twenty-two officers in revenue department.

As per the Government Order Number 39-JK (Rev) of 2021 Dated: 21.05.2021, reads that Mohammad Hussain Mir, Jr. KAS, awaiting orders of posting, is posted as Tehsildar, Pahlgam vice Umar Gulzar. He shall also hold the additional charge of Tehsil Sallar. He shall draw his salary for the month of April, 2021 against the vacant post of HQA to DC, Anantnag.

Umer Gulzar, Jr.KAS, Tehsildar, Pahalgam is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Anantnag vice Abdul Wasee-ul Rouf Deva.

Abdul Wasee-ul Raouf Deva, LA Tehsildar, Anantnag is transferred and posted as LA Tehsildar, Firsal vice Gh Rasool Bhat. He shall also hold the additional charge of Tehsil Yaripura.

Gh Rasool Bhat, Tehsildar, Firsal is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Bijbehara vice Riyaz Ahmad Shah.

Riyaz Ahmad Shah, Tehsildar, Bijbehara is transferred and posted Tehsildar, Lalpora Vice Manzoor Ahmed Lone. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Sogam.

Shakeel Ahmad Ganai, Tehsildar, Sallar is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Kulgam against vacant post. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Phaloo.

Firdous Ahmad Qadri, Tehsildar, Sumbal is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Kralpora vice Tariq Ahmed Bhat. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Keran.

Tariq Ahmad Bhat, Jr.KAS, Tehsildar, Kralpora is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Gurez against vacant post. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Tulail.

Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir LA Tehsildar, Tulail is transferred and posted as LA Tehsildar, Tarathpora, against vacant post. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Villgam.

Tariq Ahmed Sheikh, LA Tehsildar, Villgam holding additional charge of Tehsil Tarathpora is transferred and posted as LA Tehsildar, Bandipora against vacant post. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Aloosa.

Safiya Abdullah, Jr.KAS, Tehsildar, Baramulla is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Hajan against vacant post.

Kifayat Ali, Jr.KAS, Tehsildar, Watergam is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Baramulla vice Safiya Abdullah. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Narwa.

Abrar Anayat, Tehsildar, Aloosa is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Langate, against vacant post. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Qalamabad.

Maeen Azhar Kakroo, Tehsildar, Eidgah Srinagar is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Srinagar (South) vice Rabia Yousaf Rather.

Ishfaq Ahmad Khan I/C Tehsildar, Nazool, Srinagar shall hold additional charge of Tehsil Eidgah. Raoof Iqbal, Jr.KAS, Tehsildar, Recovery Srinagar is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Shaltang against vacant post. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsildar Recovery, Srinagar.

Rabia Yousuf Rather, Tehsildar, Srinagar (South) is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Watergam vice Kifyat Ali. She shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Rafiabad.

Zafar Ahmad Lone, Tehsildar, Rafiabad is transferred and posted Tehsildar, Magam against vacant post. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Khag.

Mubashir Mohd Bhat, Jr.KAS Tehsildar, Charar-e-shareef is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Karnah against vacant post.

Nisar Ahmad Awan LA Tehsildar, Singhpora is transferred and posted as LA Tehsildar, Charar-e-shareef vice Mubashir Mohd Bhat Jr.KAS. Tehsildar, Pattan shall hold additional charge of Tehsil Singhpora.

Manzoor Ahmad Lone, LA Tehsildar, Lalpora is transferred and posted as LA Tehsildar, Sopore against vacant post. He shall also hold additional charge of Tehsil Khoie.

Ajay Kumar Saraf, LA Tehsildar, under orders of transfer as Tehsildar, Kastigarh is transferred and posted as LA Tehsildar, Bhaderwah vice  Zeeshan Tahir. His salary for the month of March/April shall be drawn against any available equivalent post in the District. Tehsildar, Doda shall hold additional charge of Tehsil Kastigarh.

Zeeshan Tahir Jr.KAs, Tehsildar, Bhaderwah is transferred and posted as Tehsildar, Sumbal vice Firdous Ahmad Qadri, the order says.

It is further ordered that the officers holding additional charge shall necessarily remain present on Tuesday in the Tehsil of which they are holding additional charge, apart from one more day every week, to be notified by him, it says.

All the transferees are deemed to have been relieved forthwith and are directed to report to their new place of posting without availing any joining view of Covid-19 Pandemic, it concludes.