Sets timelines for setup of 5-bed Covid care centres at Panchayats

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Friday chaired a series of meetings with COVID Task Force, Deputy Commissioners and SPs from across the UT, in which important decisions were taken to strengthen the Covid containment efforts in J&K.

The Lt Governor is keeping a close watch on the Covid containment measures being undertaken by the district administrations across the UT.

“Protect and save precious lives by discharging your duties with determination, dedication and greater responsibility. Put in your best efforts and work round-the-clock to ensure the availability of all the necessary medicare facilities, besides laying a strong rapid response mechanism in all districts in order to deal with the emerging situation”, the Lt Governor asked the officers.

Rate of vaccination & testing, effective management of Covid Care Centres will be the parameters for monitoring performance of the officers, maintained the Lt Governor.

Taking cognizance of the low vaccination rate in some districts, the Lt Governor passed strict directions to the DCs for scaling-up the vaccination in their respective districts.

Maximize the testing for areas with a high positivity rate. Fix vaccination & testing targets for Tehsildars and BDOs. Share good practices and take comprehensive measures to bring down the covid positivity rate across the districts, besides tracking the trend on a daily basis, the Lt Governor directed the DCs.

The DCs were asked to prepare a futuristic plan to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Take prompt action on covid related issues and regularly brief the media providing factual and accurate information to the public, added the Lt Governor.

Emphasizing on regulating the movement of people during the restrictions, the Lt Governor directed the Divisional Commissioners and DCs to streamline the process of issuance of passes.

While reviewing the district-wise status of preparations being made to contain the spread of Corona virus in rural areas, the Lt Governor set timelines for establishment of 5-bedded Covid Care Centres at panchayat level across J&K.

He directed for prioritizing far flung areas for establishing these centres, besides ensuring availability of all requisite facilities for the patients including proper ventilation, beds, oxygen support, necessary medical kits, linkage with nearest healthcare centres, referral linkage with dedicated Covid health centres & hospitals, availability of tele-medicine facilities, power backup  and other basic facilities.

“We are decentralizing the Covid management, which is essential for an effective and efficient public health system. Focus on strengthening primary health care in rural areas. There is a need to increase the availability and accessibility of healthcare support system in far flung areas,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor instructed the Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department to lay a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring the operationalization of Covid care centres in Panchayats.

The Lt Governor laid stress on proper training of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, besides mobilizing PRIs & volunteers and utilizing SDRF funds for effective management of Covid care centres at panchayat level. Health department was directed to proactively engage in functioning of these Covid care facilities.

“Community health workers ASHA/ANMs are the foundation of health services. Panchayat Covid Centre to help people adopt Covid protocol. The need for hospital services can be reduced with effective implementation of preventive and promotive protocols by the community health workers,” the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor further underlined the need for spreading massive awareness in villages regarding oxygen saturation level and educating the people on when to seek medical attention.

Reiterating the directions issued in earlier meetings, the Lt Governor called for ensuring timely payments under MGNREGA, and continuous extension of benefits of various beneficiary oriented schemes. He further asked the Rural Development and Social Welfare Departments to put a close monitoring on the implementation of welfare measures like special pension for life and scholarships for children being taken by the Government to help those who unfortunately lost their loved ones to Covid-19.

On the development front, the Lt Governor directed the DCs for early submission of the District Plans. The District Plan must reflect the participation of all stakeholders, besides replicating the developmental aspirations of the people, he added.

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

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Sh. 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; Mukesh Singh, ADGP; 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; Choudhary Mohammad Yasin, Mission Director, NHM; Deputy Commissioners and SPs, attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.

Jammu: After new refined containment strategy and other measures being taken by district administration, the overall positivity rate which was above 10 percent in the first week of May has dropped to below 7 percent in the last few days, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Anshul Garg said on Friday.

Addressing a presser, here at DC Office, Deputy Commissioner said that despite   decreasing trend in positive cases, the District Administration has not lowered its guard and it is taking all measures to combat Covid-19 pandemic.

“Equivalent emphasis has been given on testing in urban as well as rural areas. Around 7 thousand to 8 thousand tests are being conducted on a daily basis out of which 50% have been conducted in rural areas: he informed. He said the Administration is laying more emphasis on early testing as testing, tracking and treatment is the only solution to win the battle against Covid-19, Deputy Commissioner said.

Anshul Garg said that with the active participation of PRI members, a redefined containment strategy has been developed under which village wise roaster is being maintained to isolate the positive patients.

Regarding the oxygenated beds, the Deputy Commissioner said that District Administration has taken several measures and is working round the clock to augment the availability of Oxygen supported beds not only in the GMC and Associated Hospitals but also at district and Sub-district Hospitals. He also informed that as per the directions of Lieutenant Governor, each Panchayat of the Jammu district will have 05 bedded and each block 30 bedded Covid Care facilities soon. “These will be established within days for which adequate resources and manpower has already been mobolised” the DC said.

The Deputy Commissioner further informed that during the door to door mopping exercise, more than 2250 positive patients have been provided assistance with Covid kits including oxy-meters, essential medicines and dos & don’t pamphlets. Moreover, around 5 thousand kits have also been distributed to the public in general.

Regarding inoculation, the Deputy Commissioner   informed that the majority of 45+ age group persons  have been vaccinated under  the vaccination drive. He said that over 3.55 lakh beneficiaries of this age group have been given the first dose of vaccine and left out beneficiaries will be covered soon to achieve the 100% target.

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the people under 45+ age group to get their vaccination as vaccines are available at the vaccination centers.

The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to the public in general to follow the restrictions and guidelines issued by the government as these are for their benefits and are very crucial to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.

Srinagar: In order to make 500 bedded temporary Covid hospital functional at Srinagar, online applications have been invited from eligible candidates belonging to Kashmir Division for the posts of Staff Nurse, Lab. Technician, Pharmacist and Anaesthesia Technician.

The upcoming 500 bedded temporary Covid Hospital is being set up in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

According to the advertisement notice issued by Principal Government Medical College Srinagar, the submission of online application forms will commence from 22 May, 2021 from 6 pm while the last date to close the application process has been fixed as 27 May, 2021 up to 4 pm.

The eligible candidates have been informed to check the full details of the posts including pay and qualification which have been uploaded on the website of Govt Medical College Srinagar ( www.gmcs.edu.in).

As per the Advertisement notice, these contractual appointments shall be initially for a minimum period of one year extendable up to maximum of three years. Due to the situation arising because of covid-19 pandemic, it may not be feasible to hold a written test and interview of the candidates and the selection may be made on the basis of aggregate marks obtained by the candidates in the Diploma/Degree courses.

The advertisement has also been published widely in prominent local newspapers of Kashmir division for the information of interested candidates who may wish to apply for these posts.

Srinagar: Authorities on Friday tightened the Corona Curfew in Srinagar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of anniversaries of Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq and Abdul Ghani Lone, which is being marked on May 21 in Kashmir.

Witnesses said that the authorities tightened the curbs in order to restrict the movement of the public and thwart any gatherings.

They said that the strict curbs were put in place and public movement towards downtown Srinagar was restricted as nobody was being allowed to move toward the area. Witnesses said that police and paramilitary troops were deployed in large numbers to enforce the lockdown restrictions.

“The barricades and concertina wires were erected at many places and bridges to thwart the public movement,” they said.

Notably, on May 21 Molvi Mohammad Farooq was killed at his Nageen Lake residence while Abdul Gani Lone was killed on the 12th death anniversary of Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq at Eidgah in Srinagar. Meanwhile, media men were barred from covering the downtown situation.

A group of photographers who were on their way to the Old City were stopped at Bishember Nagar and Baba demb area and were told “there are directions from the top not to allow anyone towards downtown.”

Moreover, a statement reads that during the last 24 hours, Police has arrested 248 persons, lodged 96 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,38,240 from 1055 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir.

“Besides, five shopkeepers were also booked by police in Budgam for violating Covid-19 norms,” police said, adding that the special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs and guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, police urged people to cooperate in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs, guidelines and protocols for the safety of the people. “The special drive shall continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” police said. (KNO)

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.