Precious Kashmir

Conduct mass testing of non-local beggars, labourers entering Kashmir: Grand Mufti to Govt

City

27/04/2021

Urges people to wear masks while offering prayers

Srinagar: Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam express serious concern over the reports that a large number of non-J&K beggars and labourers are entering Kashmir without undergoing the mandatory Covid tests urged the J&K administration that to order a highest level of probe how such a huge number of people are landing in the Valley without Covid tests.

He said that if the reports about non-J&K labourers and beggars entering Kashmir without undergoing mandatory Covid screening is true, the move will further aggravate the Covid situation prevailing in the Kashmir Valley and pose a biggest challenge for the administration.

“I have come across many reports that a large chunk of non-J&K labourers and beggars have managed their entry into Kashmir without undergoing Covid screening. If this is true, it will be a disaster for Kashmir. I urge the government to look into the reports and if it is found true, take appropriate measures to address the issue on war-footing basis,” Grand Mufti said.

He said the government, especially district administration Srinagar must start mass Covid testing of non-J&K beggars and labourers wherever they are found.

He also asserted that people must wear face masks while offering prayers in masjids and there is no harm or restriction on the same.

“Safety measures like wearing face masks is allowed in Islam and there is no prohibition for the same. This is for the safety and safety of ourselves and others is what Islam is all about,” he said, adding that wearing of masks in masjids won’t affect prayers in any way—(KNO)

Go for Covid vaccination: Mufti Nazir to masses

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

27/04/2021

‘Taking vaccine won’t break fast’

By: Sajid Raina

Bandipora: Renowned Islamic scholar and jurist Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi on Monday said that the vaccination against Covid- 19 pandemic is compulsory for all the people of Kashmir and every must take a jab sooner the better.

The Renowned Islamic scholar said that it is important during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis that every muslim in Kashmir has to be vaccinated and everyone must come forward for it and should not pay heed to rumours whatsoever regarding it.

“People should not be afraid of it as it is halal for Muslims and I urge all the people of Kashmir that it is very important for us to be careful in order to prevent further spread of the virus, ” he said. “Taking a vaccine jab won’t break the fast and instead help prevent the spread of the virus.”

He said that “We should not be afraid of this covid-19 disease, nor should we suffer or panic from it. We simply have to be much more careful and we should not come in contact with this disease,” he added.

He said that though the people of old ages and people who are suffering from any type of disease should offer prayers at their homes as any sort of miss appropriation or miss management will lead to closure of players in mosques as seen earlier.

He also said that people who believe that everything lies in the hands of God and do not follow any safety measure are not on the right path.

“People should obey strictly every direction and advise advised by administration and medical professionals time by time,” he said.

Mufti Nazir also appealed to Mohalla-Masjid Committees to do needful arrangements including, availability of masks, social distancing stating that people should follow every guideline strictly while offering prayers in mosque—(KNO)

Trolley ferrying oxygen plant equipment goes missing in Doda, police registers case

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

27/04/2021

Jammu: In a bizarre incident, one trolley carrying equipment meant for oxygen generation plant installation went missing under mysterious circumstances in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The equipment was delivered by the Punjab based firm for oxygen generation plant installation at Government Medical College and Hospital, Doda.

In total, 37 new oxygen generation plants are coming up across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in view of need emerging out of oxygen shortage as COVID cases are on rise.

“The trolley reached the Doda last week and remained parked at hospital premises for two days for unloading,” sources said.

They said that on Saturday, when the mechanical teams visited the spot for further action, found the vehicle missing along with the equipment.

“The higher authorities were immediately informed and on their intervention, a case was registered against the supplier firm while the company has reportedly assured resupply of the material,” sources added.

Challenge Is Not Just On Health Front

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

26/04/2021

Each passing day, as the official data bear out, covid-19 is unfolding in its enormity as well as its cruelties across India. The country logged a record rise of 3,49,691 new infections and 2,767 fatalities during the last 24 hours, the health department said on Sunday. Jammu and Kashmir also recorded yet another grim milestone as the daily case tally mounted to 2381 while 21 persons succumbed to the virus on April 25.

The case tally has raced past to 160755 and fatality count to 2147 in J&K—814 in Jammu and 1333 Kashmir.

The raging crisis has amplified human suffering. Oxygen supplies remain preciously in high demand. Some UTs or States have been pushed to even use backup stocks while the country has been forced to get foreign help. As things unravel, Health institutions are running short of not just oxygen but also beds and even life-saving drugs. The laboratories, considered to be first line of response in a medical crisis, in some states have been equally overwhelmed with reports pouring in about the delay in diagnosis. The crises unfortunately are not restricted to health apparatus which is under unprecedented strain. The informal sector also presents a grim picture and calls for attention in equal proportion to that of health demands.

While the government of India in a welcome announcement made 5 kg free food grains to the poor for May and June under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), a lot more needs to be done. Poor people are in a lot of distress and covid-19 crisis has only exacerbated the situation for them. The government would fully know that providing just miniscule food grains will not be enough for the vulnerable across India. Health infrastructure is already consuming a lot of resources but the government is expected to keep focus on the vulnerable lot and provide them a basket of options to sustain themselves. The jobs have been lost and day by day earnings for the daily wagers have started to squeeze as governments including J&K have been forced to go for restrictions to contain the surging tally of covid-19. Some kind of assistance to the poor should be worked out soon to help them tide over the present crisis which, as the things stand, are only threatening to get worse. In wake of the intensity of the second wave, which shows no signs of relenting, the distress this year is going to be acute and the poor will need means to cope with the situation when income-generating opportunities are getting scarce for them with every passing day.

‘COVID-19 no drama, take precautions before it becomes too late’

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

26/04/2021

‘COVID-19 no drama, take precautions before it becomes too late’

By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: Amidst the surge in COVID-19 cases across Jammu and Kashmir, people are trying their best to extend helping hand to each other but shortage of oxygen cylinders is emerging as a main concern.
A video that went viral on social media on Sunday evening revealed the plight of Srinagar’s premiere hospital SMHS. The anchor, who had shot the video, could be seen urging the people that “COVID-19 is no drama. Please take precautions. It’s a crisis like situation and if number keeps on increasing people will die for the want of oxygen. There are so many young people admitted in this ward. It’s heart breaking.”
“We don’t wake up now, it will be too late,” a patient admitted in the hospital is heard saying.
The anchor urges the oxygen suppliers to supply the equipments that are needed to make these cylinders functional. “Please take precautions. Otherwise we will find no space in the hospitals,” the anchor says.
As the pandemic is raging across Kashmir mohalla and masjid committees have become active and funds are being collected to keep oxygen cylinders available for the patients, who are under house isolation and may face complications.
“We are facing a difficult situation and need to take all the precautions. Anyone can catch Covid. Patients who are being admitted to the hospital are catching bilateral pneumonia and their oxygen saturation level drops instantly. The second wave is taking a heavy toll,” said a medico.
He said, “Hospitals are getting full and patients are not even finding beds. If the virus doesn’t relent we will have to keep an oxygen cylinder ready in every home. The government should consider a lockdown at least for 8 to 10 days as it will prevent the virus from moving. In Delhi and Maharashtra the lockdown strategy seems to be working as the new cases have started to decline.”
The medico said, “The patient can fight the virus without oxygen support as long as his saturation level doesn’t decline. At present hundreds of COVID-19 patients are under home isolation but they are responding to the treatment. We are facing a crisis like situation but it can be managed if we remain calm and put our act together.”
The medico urged the people to get the COVID-19 jab at the earliest. “Getting vaccinated can help us to fight the virus in a better way. Situation is ugly but it can be handled,” he added.

Will defeat second wave of COVID-19 too: PM Modi

Front

United News Of India

26/04/2021

Will defeat second wave of COVID-19 too: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the second wave of Covid-19 has shaken the brevity and confidence of the country but by following the doctors’ and experts’ advice, we will be able to defeat it with a collective efforts of the government and people along with patience and discipline.

Addressing the nation on the 76th edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Man Ki Baat’, he focused on only on the Pandemic and said that the defeating this pandemic was the prime objective as of now.

“I am expressing Mann Ki Baat at a time when Corona is testing our patience; it is testing the limits of all of us at enduring misery. Many of our near and dear ones have left us untimely. After successfully confronting the first wave of Corona, the country was full of enthusiasm, full of self-confidence, but this storm has shaken the country”, PM Modi said.

Advising the people to get correct information on this pandemic, the Prime Minister further said that if anyone need any information on any apprehension, that should be taken from a correct sources.
“You can consult your family doctor or doctors in the neighbourhood on the phone. I am noticing that many of our doctors are taking upon themselves this responsibility, on their own. Many doctors are providing information to people through social media. They are counseling on phone and WhatsApp. Many hospitals have websites where information is available…there you can seek advice of doctors too. This is commendable”, he said.
Talking about the importance of vaccine and appealing people not to get swayed by any rumour about the vaccine, PM Modi said that people above 45 years of age can benefit from the free vaccine that has been sent to all state governments and centre.

“Now from May 1 onwards, the vaccine is going to be made available for every person above 18 years in the country. Now the Corporate Sector, companies too will be able to participate in the programme of administering vaccine to their employees,” PM Modi said adding that free vaccination programme of the Central Government will be continued.
He also appealed to the states to extend the benefit of this free vaccine campaign of government of India to maximum number of the people of their respective states.
Appreciating the unrelenting efforts of all medical personnel who have been serving the patients day and night, he said “Along with Doctors and Nursing Staff, at the moment frontline Workers like Lab-Technicians and Ambulance Drivers are also working in a godlike manner ! When an Ambulance reaches a patient, the family feels as if an angel has visited them in form of an Ambulance Driver! The country must know about all the services rendered by them.
Urging people to get vaccinated and follow the Covid guidelines, Mr Modi concluded his speech by saying “ I once again urge all of you to get vaccinated and we also have to take full care. ‘Dawai bhi, Kadai bhi’ – Get vaccinated and maintain all precautions. Never forget this mantra.”

Centre’s scheme for development of horticulture sector: Only 50 % funds utilized till date

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

26/04/2021

Centre’s scheme for development of horticulture sector: Only 50 % funds utilized till date

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir administration has been able to spend only 50 percent of the funds approved for it under the Prime Minister’s Development Package for horticulture sector, despite getting extension from the Government of India.
Documents in possession of the Precious Kashmir lay bare that Rs 233. 75 crore have been utilized under the scheme till date against the Rs 460 crores approved for it.

On November 7, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Rs 80068 crore package for development and restoration of infrastructure hit by 2014 floods. Out of Rs 80068 crore, Rs 500 crore were earmarked for restoration of damaged horticulture areas in J&K.

Months later, the Centre finalized an action plan submitted by the J&K government under the scheme and it was to be implemented over a period of three years up to 31.03.2019. But Jammu and Kashmir couldn’t complete the project within the deadline, prompting it to seek extension in timeline for its completion.

Citing time consumption in import of planting material and other issues, the State of J&K requested for extension of timeline for implementation and also revision/re-appropriation in the components of the approved action plan.

In the meanwhile, the erstwhile State of J&K was reorganized into two Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh w.e.f. 31.10.2019. The reorganization prompted the Centre to set physical & financial targets under the scheme separately between the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.

On December 11, 2019, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA) approved Rs 39.67 crore for UT of Ladakh and Rs 460.33 crore for UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

The CCEA also extended the timeline for implementation of the project beyond March 31, 2019 by three years i.e. up to March 31, 2022 with provision of further extension of time by a maximum period of 12 months, if required, with approval of the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

JK& records 21 deaths, highest spike of 2381 cases

Front

Nadeem Nadu

26/04/2021

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: A record 2381 people have tested positive for novel coronavirus and 21 persons succumbed to the virus in the Jammu and Kashmir as per the government’s latest daily figure for last 24 hours on Sunday.

Previous, the highest daily count was recorded on April 21 when 2204 people had tested positive for the ravaging virus.

Among the 2381 new cases, official sources told GNS that 848 were reported from Jammu Division and 1533 from Kashmir Valley, taking the total tally to 160755.

Regarding the fresh COVID-19 deaths, they said, 11 were reported from Jammu Division and 10 from Kashmir. With these deaths, fatality count has gone up to 2147 in J&K—814 in Jammu and 1333 Kashmir.

Providing district wise breakup of the cases, they said, Srinagar reported 748, Baramulla 200, Budgam 137, Pulwama 72, Kupwara 114, Anantnag 108, Bandipora 24, Ganderbal 35, Kulgam 78, Shopian 17,

Jammu 449, Udhampur 57, Rajouri 98, Doda 14, Kathua 50, Samba 39, Kishtwar 5, Poonch 37, Ramban 50 and Reasi 49.

Moreover, they said, 866 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—227 from Jammu Division and 639 from Kashmir. The number of active cases has raced to 19558 in J&K—8189 in Jammu and 11369 in Kashmir.

A number of fresh cases have been confirmed at the diagnostic laboratories of CD hospital and GMC Anantnag.

The CD cases include male (30) from Narkara, two females (41, 13) from Sanatnagar, male (32) from Bemina, male (31) from Batmaloo, male (24) from Humhama, female (67) from Rambagh, male (28) from Batmaloo, two males (72, 41) from Alochibagh, female (27) from Chanapora, three females (65, 13, 25) from Qamarwari, male (27) from Batmaloo, female (65) and male (45) from Sanatnagar, male (20) from Tengpora, female (35) from Batmaloo, male (70) from Bemina, two males (11, 20) from Qamarwari, female (35) from Bemina, female (20) from Mehjoor Nagar, two females (25, 48) from Bemina, female (30) from Tengpora, female (NA) from Srg, two females (22, 26) from Sanatnagar, two females (30, 30) and male (35) from Hyderpora, male (32) from Firdous Abad Srg, male (58) from Kolipora Nowpora, female (28) from Nowpora, male (36) from Srg, male (35) from Checkbagh Srg, female (16) from Bemina, female (30) from Qazi Masjid, male (28) from Lal Bazar, male (44) from Lal Bazar, female (32) from Nowshera, male (30) from Elahibagh, male (40) from Zadibal, male (65) from Dalgate, male (28) from Fatehkadal, male (24) from Fatehkadal, female (26) from Nishat, male (31) from Batamaloo, male (85) from Shivpora, male (65) from Anantnag, male (58) (NA) from Shivpora, male (09) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (13) (NA) from Hyderpora, female (47) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (23) (NA) from Rawalpora, male (39) (NA) from Rawalpora, male (25) (NA) from Pulwama, male (50) (NA) from Paribal, female (53) (NA) from Jawaharnagar, male (17) (NA) from Jawaharnagar, female (30) (NA) from Nowgam, female (25) (NA) from Ganderbal, female (25) (NA) from Zazuna, male (60) (NA) from SK payeen, male (08) (NA) from Badshah Nagar, female (35) (NA) from Badshah Nagar, male (52) (NA) from Khayam, male (60) (NA) from Kulgam, male (58) (NA) from Natipora, male (05) (NA) from Panthachowk, male (32) (NA) from Dalgate, male (25) (NA) from Kulgam, male (40) (NA) from Natipora, female (57) (NA) from Shalimar, male (22) (NA) from Padshahi Bagh, female (21) (NA) from Barzulla, male (65) (NA) from Rawalpora, male (30) (NA) from Dalgate, male (63) (NA) from Rajbagh, male (38) (NA) from Wakura, female (40) (NA) from Bemina, female (80) (NA) from Barbarshah, male (58) (NA) from Nawabazar, female (55) (NA) from Safakadal.

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (27) from Bandina Pul, male (65) from Pazalpora Bijbehara, male (26) from Naina Pul, female (23) from Panchalthan, female (50) from Dardpora, male (47) from Chaklipora, female (34) from Chk Panjpora, female (70) and male (05) from New Colony, two females (26, 50) and male (29) from Jablipora, male (54) from Rain, female (17) from Lessu, male (19) from Gohan, female (38) from Lazibal, male (22) from Sarnal, male (50) from Sirhama Bijbhera, male (29) from Veeri Bijbehara, male (32) from Dialgam Ang, female (28) from Banderpora Kanelwan, male (33) from Shamsipora Ang, male (29) from Batengoo Ang, male (29) from Semthan Bijbehara, male (33) from Parshem Mohalla Bijbehara, male (39) from Laktipora Bij, female (57) from Dalipora, female (45) from Pampore, female (30) from Ratnipora, female (32) from Telwan, male (35) from Khargund, male (38) from B Check, male (45) from Agroo, two males (60, 40) from Churat, male (55) from Chambgund, male (43) from Y K Pora, male (50) from Kurigam, male (28) from Chatteripora, male (22) from Devsar, male (20) from Barasara, male (25) from Qazigund, male (30) from Kokernag, hundred males (26, 20, 20, 72, 55, 24 21, 16, 28, 19, 21, 36, 33, 31, 20, 20, 27, 20, 27, 21, 39, 23, 51, 20, 26, 30, 22, 31, 25, 20, 18, 23, 43, 29, 26, 24, 19, 30, 20, 23, 18, 30, 22, 24, 44, 19, 21, 33, 20, 19, 21, 20, 20, 21, 37, 20, 18, 23, 18, 43, 43, 19, 31, 13, 40, 46, 22, 35, 21, 26, 18, 20, 19, 32, 19, 30, 25, 21, 38, 35, 23, 33, 21, 23, 19, 37, 19, 26, 31, 18, 35, 35, 30, 44, 33, 40, 41, 35, 18, 19, 18, 18) from Jharkhand, female (45) from Dardekoot Qzd, six males (21, 25, 19, 30, 24, 22) from Qazigund, female (50) from Rain, male (22) from Issuso, NA (NA) from Rampora, male (52) from Oah Paison, female (06) from Sambruna, female (41) from Nowgam, two males (50, 25) and female (65) from Shangus, male (28) from Cherpora, female (25) from Shangus, male (62) from Issuso, male (32) from Barariangan, female (15) from Cherpora, male (27) from Mantipora, male (49) from Chaklipora, male (45) from Narser, male (19) from Chowgam, male (21) from Dialgam, female (30) from Wanihama, female (16) from Khanabal, male (39) from Achabal, female (57) from Qazi Mohalla, female (67) from Deva Gund, female (70) from Wanpoh, male (70) from Bakshiabad, male (60) from Mehndi Kadal, female (45) from Daniwe, male (55) from Qazibagh, male (50) from Monghall, female (38) from Devsar Kulgam, male (48) from Bijbehara, female (41) from Uranhall, male (50) from Danter, female (52) from Janglat Mandi, male (20) from Dangerpora, female (60) from Mattan, female (55) from Gulshanabad, female (55) from Nipoma, male (69) from New Qazibagh, male (65) from Anantnag, two females (65, 36) from Bakshiabad, male (33) from Danter, male (28) from Nagbal, male (55) from Kadipora, male (25) from K P Road, male (43) from Namkal, three females (35, 34, 65) and two males (68, 01) from Moominabad, two males (27, 26) and two females (20, 18) from Danter, male (65) from Moominabad, female (02) from Lalan, male (35) from Moominabad, female (50) from Anantnag, male (65) from Bogund, female (16) from Bijbehara, male (30) from Achabal and male (23) from Shirpora. (GNS)

Night curfew duration increased by 2 hours

Front

Precious Kashmir

26/04/2021

Srinagar: Amid surge in COVID-19 cases, the government on Sunday increases duration of night curfew in Jammu and Kashmir by two hours.

“The State Executive Committee, in exercise of the powers conferred up on it under Section 24 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, hereby orders that night curfew timings within municipal/Urban local body limits of all districts of J&K shall be from 8 pm to 6 am instead of 10pm to 6am,” the government said.

All public parks closed for visitors

Front

Precious Kashmir

26/04/2021

Srinagar: The authorities have ordered closure of all paid public parks in Jammu and Kashmir amid surge in covid-19 cases.

“Due to the prevailing COVID situation in J&K, State Executive Committee, in exercise of the powers conferred up on it under section 24 of Disaster Management Act,2005, hereby orders that all paid public parks in the J&K shall remain closed for visitors till further orders,” official said.

A record 2381 people tested positive for novel coronavirus while 21 persons succumbed to the virus in the Jammu and Kashmir in last 24 hours. The case tally has raced past to 160755 and fatality count to 2147 in J&K—814 in Jammu and 1333 Kashmir.

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