Precious Kashmir

HC asks Mehbooba to avail remedy for passport

City

10/04/2021

Srinagar: High Court on Friday asked Mehbooba Mufti to avail remedy under law even as it disposed of the former Chief Minister of erstwhile state of J&K and PDP President’s plea challenging dismissal of her petition for passport last week.

Mehbooba had challenged dismissal of her plea last week by high court’s single bench after Addl. Director General of Police, J&K-CID report that police “do not favour issuance of passport” to her.

“In view of the stand taken by counsel for the parties and with their consensus, this appeal is, disposed of, by providing liberty to the appellant (Mehbooba) to approach the appropriate authority to avail the proper remedy available to her under the Scheme,” a division of Justices Tashi Rabsatn and Javed Iqbal Wani said.

“On receipt of the appeal, the authority concerned shall consider and decide the same on its merits, strictly under rules, regulations and the provisions of the Act, that too un-influenced by the observations made in the judgment impugned dated 29th of March, 2021,” the court said as per GNS, adding, “Needless to state that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.”

Mehbooba has the remedy of appeal to Joint Secretary (PSP) and Chief Passport Officer, Ministry of External Affairs, Patiala House, New Delhi against the refusal order made by passport officer within (30) days from the date of receipt of the order under Section 11 of the Passports Act, 1967, being the appellate Authority under the law.

Earlier, Mehbooba’s lawyer and senior counsel Jahangir Iqbal Ganie submitted that she can avail the remedy available to her under the Scheme, however because of the certain observations made by

Single Judge in order on March 24, she was left with no other option but to file the appeal. (GNS)

KAS officers meet LG Sinha, hail Govt for implementing CAT decision on KAS seniority

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/04/2021

Srinagar: A delegation of KAS officers called on Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and expressed gratitude to him for speedy implementation of the judgement pronounced by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) relating to the seniority dispute of Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) and release of Special Scale in favour of the officers of 99 Batch. Chief Secretary B. V. R Subrahmanyam, Principal Secretary Home Shaleen Kabra and Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department Manoj Kumar Diwedi were also present at the meeting.

The delegation of KAS officers told the Lt Governor that Government’s decision of handling the long pending dispute in a deft and swift manner soon after the pronouncement of judgment by the CAT on 2nd April has brought to an end a long pending legal controversy , saying that, it exhibited the seriousness and sensitivity of the government to address the issues plaguing the premier service of Jammu and Kashmir .

The delegation also hailed the contributions and efforts of Chief Secretary B. V. R. Subrahmanyam at this crucial juncture and said that his keen interest and dextrous approach paved way for speedy implementation of the judgment of the CAT, aimed to bring an end to the legal tangle in the larger interest of KAS Cadre. The delegation also lauded the role of Manoj Diwedi, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department and other stakeholders in the speedy finalization of the revised seniority list .

It may be mentioned here that the seniority dispute of KAS officers was subject matter of a legal dispute since 2011 in the J&k High Court till the establishment of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Bench at Jammu in the year 2020.

A fresh application titled Anoo Malhotra & Oter Vs State and Others was also filed by a group of officers after the publication of draft redrawn seniority list by the General Administration Department on August 5 last year on the recommendations of report submitted by the Hirdesh Committee.

The CAT ordered day to day hearing in the case and after culmination of the arguments decided the matter in a record time of less than 6 months, on 28th march, which led to revision of final seniority list of KAS officers, notifed by the Government on 7th April this year .

Dulloo calls for increasing rate of RTPCR tests

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/04/2021

Jammu: Financial Commissioner Health & Medical Education, Atal Dulloo Friday chaired a meeting with senior officers of Health Department with regards to Covid-19 management here. The meeting was called to discuss issues like availability of general and oxygen supported beds in hospitals of J&K.

Speaking to the officers, the Financial Commissioner said that the capacity to conduct RTPCR tests be increased in excess of at least 10 thousand tests. He set a target of immediate functioning of minimum 18 oxygen generation plants in Kashmir division and 5 such plants in Jammu division. He also directed that an officer be deputed to look after availability of these facilities in government hospitals in both the divisions.

The Financial Commissioner assured availability of additional medical staff whenever and wherever required. He also directed Directors of Health from both the divisions to visit designated Covid hospitals and ensure availability of all facilities round the clock. The CMOs were directed to complete forthwith pending works pertaining to Covid mitigation.

It was directed by the Financial Commissioner that intensive care teams be deputed at Category 1 dedicated Covid hospitals. In addition to these teams the health department was also directed to ensure availability of ICU beds, ventilators and portable ventilators in the next couple of days. Similarly, for Category 2 Covid health centres, round the clock presence of a physician, ECG machine, oxygen cylinders, oxygen manifold and bedside monitors was also mandated.

Regarding Covid Care Centres, the availability of isolation beds, bedding, oxygen concentrator, BP apparatus, pulse oxymeters, nebulisers, non contact thermometers, PPE kits and hypochlorite solution is to be ensured by the health department. These facilities are to be given to patients who lack space for home quarantine.

Dulloo also sought district wise data about availability of isolation beds, supported beds, ICU beds and ventilators. Further details regarding the number of hospitals in both the divisions and their capacity was also shared by officials with the Financial Commissioner.

CB books Noida-based company for luring, cheating investors

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

10/04/2021

Jammu: Crime Branch Jammu registered a criminal case under relevant sections of law against a Noida-based Company – Garvit Innovative promoters Limited (Bike Boat) with its Head office at Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida UP, managed by CMD Sanjay Bhatti and other Directors, for their involvement in luring and duping innocent citizens in general and the complainant in particular of their hard earned money by inviting investments in the company in Bikes on the promise and assurance of good returns but duping the complainant of his hard earned money.

“A written complaint was received in Crime Branch, Jammu by Suresh Kumar Bhat S/O Late Lambodar Bhat R/O H.No.308, Sector-3 Ext. Vasant Vihar, Trikuta Nagar Jammu and his wife Chetna Bhat, alleging therein that he along with other investors have been cheated by the above mentioned company by way of floating an attractive scheme of investing Rs 62100 for one bike and multiples of the amount and in return the company would provide Rs 5175 EMI for one year and Rs 4590 as rent of the bike monthly which was used by the company for one year on which he entered into a formal agreement with the company as investor for one year. He joined in the month of July 2018 with the assurance that they would receive the amount as per company scheme and the complainant invested for 7 bikes in the name of his wife Chetna Raina Bhat and three bikes in his personal name in the month of July 2018 and later in the month of October 2018 invested for 51 bikes in the name of his wife Chetna Bhat with gross amount of Rs 37, 88,100. In the month of December 2018 the Company dishonoured its commitment and stopped making payments. On this the complainant personally met Sanjay Bhatti CMD of the company who assured to resolve the matter but did nothing in regard. Later the complainant came to know that the said company through its CMD and the directors had planned and cheated many other people also in the same way as they have been cheated,” a spokesman of Crime Branch said.

On receipt of the complaint, a preliminary verification was initiated and during the course of enquiry it was found that the complainants have transferred money into the account of CMD Sanjay Bhati and others Directors of Garvit Innovative Promoters Ltd. Gautam Budh Nagar Noida UP. They have allured the complainant and others to invest money with attractive plans of good returns but did not fulfil their promise by committing criminal breach of trust.

“The CMD Sanjay Bhati and the Directors of the company have cheated and misappropriated the money of the complainant. They have intentionally, deliberately and dishonestly deceived the complainants of their hard earned money. The omissions and commissions, on the part of Sanjay Bhati and other Directors of Garvit Innovative Promoters Ltd. Gautam Budh Nagar Noida, UP prima facie constitute offences punishable U/S 420, 406/ RPC. Accordingly, a formal case is registered in P/S Crime Branch, Jammu against the above mentioned accused person for in-depth investigation,” the spokesman siad.

DC Sgr directs for intensifying Covid vaccination

City

Precious Kashmir

10/04/2021

Srinagar: In view of surge in Covid-19 cases, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad Friday chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the progress of Covid vaccination process in the district.

The meeting discussed the status of Covid-19 vaccination besides impact of the precautions that need to be taken in the district to control spread of the Covid-19.

At the outset, the concerned officer apprised the DC that about 10409 health workers and 56343 frontline workers have been so far administered Covid vaccine in the district besides 18 thousand people above age of 45 years were also covered under vaccination drive in Srinagar.

The DC directed the officers to work with added zeal and continue to maintain the highest level of alertness to ensure implementation of SOPs to counter the spread of virus.

The DC reiterated that apart from executing proactive measures, mobilization of all resources and manpower shall be put on ready gear to enable the Administration to tackle any emergencies arising from Covid-19 pandemic.

He also directed officers to intensify vaccination process in order to achieve cent percent immunization in the district with special focus on hotels, Coaching Centers, Banks, Business establishments and areas where public footfall is high.

The DC called for raising awareness among the masses to persuade the people especially above 45 Years to go for vaccination. He called for roping in NGOs, Religious Heads, PRIs, Asha Workers and other influencers to motivate the eligible persons for vaccination.

7 MBBS students test positive for Covid at GMC Anantnag

City

Precious Kashmir

10/04/2021

Anantnag: At least seven MBBS students were tested Covid-19 positive at Government Medical Collage (GMC) Anantnag during a mass sampling drive on Friday.

The seven MBBS students whose samples were taken today tested positive for COVID-19, Principal of the College, Dr. Showkat Geelani told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said students tested positive for COVID-19 have been advised to self-isolate and convey their close contacts to get themselves tested for COVID-19, he added.

He advised people to follow COVID-19 SOPs like wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing and get vaccination to avoid further transmission of virus—(KNO)

2-day webinar-cum-seminar concludes at KU

City

Precious Kashmir

10/04/2021

Srinagar: A two-day webinar-cum-seminar ‘Pandemics and Narcotics: A Religious Perspective’ concluded at the University of Kashmir.

Dean of Research Prof Shakil A Romshoo presided over the valedictory session of the international-level event, organised by Shah-i-Hamdan Institute of Islamic Studies (SHIIS).

He underscored the role that religiosity, religious institutions like ‘Bayt al-Maal’ and religious leaders can play in tackling the social stigma associated with narcotics abuse as well as the mental health problems triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

KU’s former Dean of Academic Affairs Prof A R Yousuf delivered the valedictory address, elaborating how mankind has had longstanding encounters with the occurrences of global pandemics and how humans have adopted various coping mechanisms to deal with such disasters from time to time.

Dean School of Social Sciences Prof M Y Ganai, who was a guest of honour, discussed the growing menace of drug abuse, its causes, manifestations, and possible ways to deal with it.

Seminar Director and Head SHIIS Prof Manzoor Ahmad Bhat delivered the welcome address and presented a detailed report of proceedings of the two-day event.

Use loudspeakers for Azan from one mosque in a mohalla: AIMPLB leader

National

Indo Asian News Service

10/04/2021

Hyderabad: Amid an ongoing row over use of loudspeakers for Azan, an eminent Islamic scholar and All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) leader Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rehmani has suggested that if an area has many mosques, external loudspeakers be used for Azan from one big mosque.

In a series of tweets on Friday, the spokesman and acting general secretary of AIMPLB called for adopting self-regulation in use of loudspeakers for Azan or call for prayers and stressed the need for taking every care as per the Islamic teachings to ensure that no one is inconvenienced.

Rehmani said while the Muslim community should fight against the tirade of communal forces against Azan, it should also make sure that their action is based on moderation as per the Islamic teachings.

“If a mohalla has many mosques, azan should be given on external mike at one big mosque and care should also be taken to ensure that the volume is not too high. It should be enough to reach the people in neighbourhood. In the remaining mosques azan can be given on internal speakers or outside without speakers,” he wrote on Twitter in Urdu.

“Care should also be taken in the positioning of loudspeakers that they are not directed towards non-Muslim localities or hospitals so that it causes no inconvenience to others,” added Moulana Rehmani, who is founder and director of Islamic seminary Al-Mahad Ul Aali Al-Islami, Hyderabad.

Moulana also clarified that he expressed his opinion in his personal capacity and not as an office bearer of AIMPLB.

He also referred to announcements made from some mosques between Azan and Iqamat (beginning of namaz). “Today, everybody has a mobile phone and hence there is no need for repeated reminders. It is also observed that despite repeated reminders only those people come to mosques who are regular in offering namaz and they don’t need repeated reminders.”

The cleric also advised that speakers installed inside the mosque be used for sermons, ‘dars-e-quran’, ‘dars-e-hadith’ and recitation of holy Quran during namaz should be on internal speakers in mosques. Using external speakers for the same is not desirable as this amount to disrespect of holy Quran and religious talk.

Moulana Rahmani said these points should also be kept in mind even during public meetings. Mikes should be used in meetings to the extent required and meetings should be held during the times allotted as per the law.

He said that it’s is not correct to think why should we keep our volume low when people of other communities are making noise and high volume is used in marriages and election meetings.

“It’s neither correct for us to copy other communities nor our act should be a reaction. We should act keeping in view the Shariat where care has been taken at every step to ensure moderation and to save others from pain.”

AIMPLB leader’s advice assumes significance in view of some recent developments concerning Azan. A court in Goa recently ordered that loudspeakers should not be used for Azan.

The Vice Chancellor of Allahbad University also complained that Azan from a mosque near her residence is disturbing her sleep. Following her complaint, the mosque committee reduced the volume and changed the direction of the loudspeaker.

Karnataka’s minister for Haj and Waqf Anand Singh said that there is no need for Azan to be given on loudspeaker throughout the day. He stated that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Karnataka High Court over the issue of disturbance due to Azan on loudspeakers.

Bavuma ruled out of Pakistan T20I series, Klaasen to lead S Africa in his absence

Sports

United News Of India

10/04/2021

Johannesburg: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled of the four-match T20I series against Pakistan after picking up a grade one hamstring strain, country’s cricket board (Cricket South Africa) said on Friday.
In his absence, Heinrich Klaasen has been named as the stand-in captain for the series. Klaasen had previously captained South Africa in the T20Is in Pakistan in February 2021.
Bavuma sustained the injury while batting in the third and final ODI of the series on Wednesday, immediately putting his availability in doubt.
The already depleted South Africa side, with Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi leaving for the IPL, will also be missing Reeza Hendricks, who withdrew from the squad, following the birth of his first-born child.
Rassie van der Dussen, who is also struggling with a grade one left quadriceps muscle strain, is likely to also miss the series opener.
Meanwhile, Dwaine Pretorius will continue to recover from his rib fracture and hasn’t been cleared yet for the series.
Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwyo, Daryn Dupavillon, and Wiann Mulder have been retained from the ODI squad for the upcoming matches.
The first T20I will be played on Saturday, April 10 in Johannesburg.
Full squad: Heinrich Klaasen (c), Daryn Dupavillon, Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Wihan Lubbe, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Migael Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Pite van Biljon, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams

Is Night Curfew Useful?

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

09/04/2021

In the last three weeks, there has been an addition of more than 7000 covid-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir. In the last two days alone, there have been more than 800 daily cases reported. The deaths have already crossed 2000-mark with fatalities also registering a surge of late. India has also registered the highest spike recently. Beyond doubt, the Covid-19’s second wave may be even stronger than the first. The existing data also point to its disturbing potency. During the first wave of the pandemic, it had taken 61 days for the caseload to rise from 25,000 to 92,000. The corresponding time is merely 22 days this time around.

The pandemic’s second coming can be attributed to a number of factors and as has been admitted at official levels, there is institutional failure as well as public apathy.

While people and administration has been jolted a bit recently, in the last four months, a sense of smugness engulfed this part of the globe while large parts of the world continued to battle fresh assaults by the pathogen. The complacency was instrumental in laxities creeping into testing and surveillance mechanisms as well as complete go by given to the covid-19 appropriate behavior by the public.

There have been various measures announced by the administration as the cascading effects of the second wave started to be felt.

In a welcome development, the administration has ordered mandatory testing of all incoming travelers coming by road at Lower Munda in district Kulgam. Also the government has ordered mass vaccination of hotel staff, drivers, houseboat staff and others concerned with the tourism sector as frontline workers across all tourist destinations.

The government has also stressed on strict following of Covid-19 related SOPs with each stakeholder asked to work with the concerned department as a team to ensure effective dealing with the pandemic.

Late on April 8, the government also announced night curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., beginning April 9. While the government has found it appropriate, one wonders if the measure was at all demanding given the fact that there is negligible movement of people in Kashmir valley as well as most districts in Jammu division during the night. The usefulness seems to be restricted to jolting the people from a state of indifference towards the covid-19 appropriate behavior. Beyond it, the measure is not worth as the situation demands. To prevent Jammu and Kashmir from going under this wave, there is need for strict surveillance, testing and tracing mechanisms . There is also a need to widen vaccine cover to as many vulnerable constituencies as possible. At the same time, there is a need to dispel doubts about the vaccine.

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