New Delhi: As many as 37 vaccinated doctors at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have tested Covid positive, hospital sources said on Thursday.

Majority of these doctors have mild symptoms while a few have been hospitalised as they complained of uneasiness.

Of the 37 doctors, 32 are in home isolation and five are admitted in the hospital.

All the doctors were infected while serving Covid patients at the hospital despite many having already received both doses of the vaccine during first phase of inoculation that was started on January 16 covering health care workers.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine here at the city’s premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), giving a message to the people that “vaccination is among the few ways we have, to defeat the virus”.

The Prime Minister also advised the citizens through a Twitter message: “If you are eligible for the vaccine, get your shot soon. Register on CoWin.gov.in.”

“Got my second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at AIIMS today (Thursday). Vaccine is among the few ways we have, to defeat the virus,” Modi tweeted.

He also posted a photograph while taking the second jab.

The Prime Minister has taken Covaxin, India’s homegrown vaccine developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech.

The two nurses who administered the Covid-19 vaccine to the Prime Minister on Thursday are P. Niveda from Puducherry and Nisha Sharma from Punjab.

Niveda was also involved in administering the first dose of Covid to the Prime Minister on March 1.

He was the first beneficiary on March 1 as the second phase of nationwide vaccination against the deadly pandemic began.

Amid the “second wave” of Covid-19 across the country, the Centre allowed administering vaccine shots at workplaces with around 100 eligible beneficiaries from April 11. Currently, people at the age of 45 and above are eligible for vaccination.

The Union Health Ministry recently said India has surpassed the US to become the fastest Covid-19 vaccinating country in the world with an average daily rate of 30,93,861 vaccine doses.

So far, over 9.01 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in India, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.

Srinagar: In order to contain the spread of Coronavirus infection, all incoming travelers coming by road shall undergo testing at Lower Munda in district Kulgam.

These remarks were made by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad while chairing a meeting to review Covid-19 related situation at TRC here.

He said that the testing for travelers coming by road shall be started in a couple of days as this would help in containing the spread of virus in the Valley.

The DC said that mass vaccination of hotel staff, drivers, houseboat staff and others concerned with the tourism sector as frontline workers shall be started across all tourist destinations.

Besides, he said that a special Covid-19 related training programme shall be conducted for the staff members to ensure that all SOPs are followed strictly while dealing with tourists  and catering their services to the tourism sector.

He urged tourism stakeholders to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene in all hotels besides keep two rooms available for isolation of tourists in case they test positive.

Emphasizing on strict following of Covid-19 related SOPs, he said as shared responsibility, each stakeholder has to work with the concerned department as a team to ensure effective tourism as well as effective dealing with the pandemic.

On the occasion, Dr Gazalla, in charge Covid-19 testing at Airport deliberated on the importance of vaccination, trimming it as necessary to fight the pandemic.

She said that the vaccine is safe which ensures less morbidity and mortality incase vaccinated gets infected.

Various tourism stakeholders from Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg also attended the meeting and shared various concerns with the chair.

The tourism players raised various demands including hiring of separate hotel accommodation for isolation of infected tourists, permission to tourists to the valley only after their RT-PCR test reports, improvement in testing facility at the Airport and sanitation of hotels.

Commissioner SMC, Director Tourism, Director Health, CEOs of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg Development Authorities attended the meeting. (GNS)

By: Umer Rashid

Srinagar: Three unidentified militants were killed and as many soldiers were injured in a gunfight in south Kashmir’s Shopian district of south Kashmir on Thursday.

A police officer while confirming the killing of the three militants told GNS that the “operation was going on”.

Earlier the gunfight broke out between militants and a joint team of Police, Army’s 44RR and CRPF in Jan Mohalla in main town.

As the joint team encircled the suspected spot following launching of a cordon-and -search operation, the hiding militants fired which was retaliated, triggering off the gunfight.

“Chief of proscribed (militant) outfit AGuH (JeM) is trapped. Operation is going on. Further details shall follow.” Police said in a tweet.

The identity of the slain militants is being established, the police officer said. He said three soldiers injured in the gunfight have been hospitalized. Sources said condition of one of them is stated to serious.

Meanwhile, the officer said that joint team has been trying to save mosque in the area. “The operation is likely to prolong,” he said.

Srinagar:  Former Vice Chancellor (VC) of Kashmir University (KU) Prof Riyaz Punjabi died on Thursday after a brief illness at his Delhi residence.

Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah former Union Minister, Congress leader Prof Saifuddin Soz, Peoples Democratic Party and V-C of KU expressed condolence on the demise of Padma Shri Awardee Prof Punjabi who breathed his last at his Delhi residence this morning.

Prof Punjabi has served as the VC, Kashmir University from January 1, 2008 to June 1, 2011.

He was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 2011. He was granted an Honorary Professorship at the International University Vienna for his contribution in “Strengthening International Relations in the Sphere of Education in 2008.

He also won the Amity Academic Excellence Award from Amity International Business School, in 2009, the Fazil Memorial Award in 2009, and the Adbi Markaz Kamraz award in 2010. He held a doctorate in law and has authored a number of books and research papers. Prof Punjabi has also lectured in the universities and research institutions in different parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, Canada and Australia.

His death is being widely mourned by the literary and other sections of the society.

In his condolence message, Dr Abdullah who is in self isolation after his discharge from hospital yesterday said that Prof Punjabi was a true educationalist, an astute communicator, a brilliant orator and a seasoned author who believed in the intellectual integrity of universities which he held were the places for inculcating advanced learning and encouraging research to serve the people of the country and J&K in the best possible manner.

Dr Abdullah who has tested positive for COVID-19 twice said ‘Prof Punjabi’s passing away has saddened me. He was an intellectual bridge between rationalism and spiritualism with unparalleled depth of insight, profundity of scholarship, and ease of illuminating exposition. On his demise, I pay my earnest tributes to him.

I pray to almighty to bestow highest echelons to him Jannat and much-needed forbearance to the bereaved family to bear the inconsolable loss. I share the grief of bereaved family and express my solidarity with them in their hour of grief,’ he said.

In his message Vice president of the National Conference (NC) Omar said that an illuminating light has gone out of our lives. “He dabbled in various roles staring from philosopher to administrator, but people remember him for his outstanding contribution to the field of academics.

Prof Punjabi did a outstanding job towards improving the standards of research, teaching and diversification of courses in his stint as the vice chancellor of KU. He was and will continue to be role model to many aspiring minds. He truly exemplified the adage” the end product of education is a creative and free mind. On his demise I pay my earnest tributes to him and pray for repose to his soul in the Jannat. I express my unison with the bereaved family, associates and scores of students. May they have the required strength to bear the loss,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad, Registrar Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir and other officers and functionaries of the varsity Thursday condoled the demise of Prof Riyaz Punjabi, former vice-chancellor of the University.

Recalling the contributions of Prof Punjabi as KU Vice-Chancellor from 2008 to 2011 as well as his rich academic and literary pursuits, Prof Talat and Dr Mir prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul while expressing their deep sympathies and solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.

Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean Colleges, Dean Research, Deans of various Faculties on the campus, Heads of teaching Departments, Officers of the Registry and members from the ministerial staff also condoled the sad demise of Prof Riyaz Punjabi and expressed their solidarity with the bereaved family.

Peoples Democratic Party leaders also condoled the death Professor Riyaz Punjabi.

“We express our deepest sadness on the sad demise of Punjabi,” the leaders said adding that his death is a great loss as the deceased was of imminent personality of J&K. “His contribution to the growth and development of education system is immeasurable,” the leaders, adding that he has worked on many books.

They also offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage for the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

Those who have condoled include, Abdul Rehman Veeri, vice-president, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura Gen Secretary, Dr Mehboob Beg General Secretary, Nizammudin Bhat General Secretary, Abdul Hameed Kohseen State Sectarary, Arif Laigroo State Sectarary youth, Suhail Bukhari Chief spokesperson, Bari Andrabi DDC chairman Pulwama, Yaseen Bhat district president Budgam, Dr Harbaksh Singh DDC member  rouf Bhat senior leader and others

Meanwhile, CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also condoled the demise of Prof Punjabi,  who breathed his last today in New Delhi.

Late Prof Punjabi’s was a well-known academician. His contribution to the development of Kashmir University will always be remembered. Tarigami expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

“I feel extremely sad about the demise of Prof Panjabi who died this morning at his residence at Dwarka in New Delhi, after a prolonged illness” senior Congress leader Prof Soz said in a statement here this afternoon.

I had a long association with Professor Punjabi who finally settled at Dwarka in Delhi.

Professor Punjabi had long association with Kashmir University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Delhi University.

Prof Punjabi also edited a magazine titled International Peace Studies.

I feel sad that Prof Punjabi died away from many of his friends and associates in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir, Prof Soz said.

Prof  Punjabi will be remembered in Kashmir long for his qualities of head and heart. (With inputs from UNI)

HC seeks response as Govt defends It

Srinagar: The government has defended its order on re-registration of outside vehicles which “remained in the J&K for a period exceeding 12 months” even as J&K High Court asked it to file reply if the Regional Transport Officer has the authority under law to issue the circular in this regard.

Advocate General D C Raina, questioned the maintainability of a petition challenging authority of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, vis-à-vis issuance of a Circular on March 27 last, mandating the vehicle owners who have purchased their vehicles bearing outside registration number to apply for a new registration as per the provisions of Section 47/50 of Motor Vehicle Act 1988 within a prescribed period of 15 days, failing which action as warranted shall be initiated against them.

The Advocate General submitted before a bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey  that no cause of action has accrued to the petitioner—Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Jawaharnagar Srinagar— with reference to violation of any of his rights as regards the action taken by the officials.

He further submitted that in implementation and adherence to the law and in application of Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with Section 50 and 54, the officials have the authority to seek registration of the vehicle which remained in the J&K for a period exceeding 12 months.

Earlier, Faisal Qadri, senior counsel for the petitioner, invited attention of the Court to section 46, 47 and 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to indicate that the scheme of law provides that when a motor vehicle registered in one State has been kept in another State, for a period exceeding twelve months, the owner of the vehicle shall, within such period and in such form containing such particulars as may be prescribed by the Central Government, apply to the Registering Authority, within whose jurisdiction the vehicle then is, for the assignment of a new registration mark.

Therefore, he submitted that it is the Central Government which can prescribe the period and form in which the vehicle is required to be registered by the registering authority, according to GNS Correspondent.

He also submitted that in the event the RTO Kashmir’s circular is given effect, it will frustrate the object of Section 47 which is sought to be implemented by the RTO Kashmir.

In support of his submissions, the senior counsel also referred to and relied upon the judgment of the High Court of Karnataka delivered— Jagdev Biradar v. State of Karnataka.

“Prima facie there appears to be a consensus over the fact that while adhering to the provisions of law, the Competent Authority can seek such response from the owners whose vehicle remains in the State other than the one from where the vehicle is purchased for a period exceeding 12 months, but the question is raised as to who that Competent Authority is?”

Subsequently, “feeling it appropriate”, the court asked that to file their response so that the controversy is set at rest.

The government has been asked to file the reply by or before April 15.

“The appearance of the Advocate General in the matter is expected to take care of the apprehension that the senior counsel for the petitioner has projected vis-à-vis seizure of the vehicles at the hands of the Police under the garb of the impugned circular.”   (GNS)

By: Ubaid Bhat

Srinagar/Jammu: Authorities have notified all upcoming Wednesdays till end of the next month shall be “traffic dry days’ for the repairs and maintenance on jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world. Earlier Friday days used to be dry days for carrying out the repairs on the strategic thoroughfare.

As per a communiqué by Joint Director (Plg) PW(R&B) Department to Additional Director General of Police, Traffic, J&K-Jammu, a copy of which lies GNS, “traffic dry days are for undertaking major repairs and maintenance works on the highway.”

“It has been decided that all Wednesday(s) falling on 14th, 21st, and 28th of April, 2021 and 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th of May, 2021 would be Traffic Dry Day on NH-44”, it reads.

The Joint Director (Plg) PW(R&B) Department, as per the communiqué, has asked Additional Director General of Police, Traffic, J&K-Jammu to kindly advise concerned traffic officers/officials to notify the information for facilitation of the maintenance works on NH-44.

Meanwhile, on Friday (April 9), subject to fair weather and better road condition, LMVs shall be allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu, a the traffic department official said. (GNS)

By: Jahangir Lolabi

Kupwara: Police in Kupwara claimed to have recovered a heroin Rs 60 crores in Karnah forest area in this north-Kashmir district on Thursday afternoon.

Addressing a presser at District Headquarters, SSP Kupwara GV Sundeep said that one Mukhtar Ahmad Shah, a resident of Panjitara in Tanghdar was arrested, leading to recovery of nine-kilograms of heroin. The estimated market value of the contraband, as per the officer, is somewhere between Rs 50-60 crores.

“We were onto it for last one week after receiving specific inputs and it was last night Kupwara police alongside 6 JAK Rifles made the successful recovery of the contraband”, the officer said.

“The identified smuggler has been in contact with handlers across the borders”, the officer said adding “All those models and smugglers are involved in supporting the militant organizations.”

“Whenever we arrest the smugglers or bust the narco-models, it exposes the links between the formers’ with Pakistan”, the officer said.

“They have a modus operandi of pushing the handlers and smugglers across the borders with an aim to exchange the drugs in lieu of money to support the militant organizations”, the officer said.

He claimed it was a big “hawala racket as money is transferred without money movement to finance militant organizations.”

Police have  registered a case FIR number 22/2021 under section 8/21 NDPS Act has been registered at police station Karnah and further investigations taken up in this regard. .

“We firmly vouch to eradicate the menace and won’t come easy on people involved in such activities” he said.

The police officer also urged parents and Civil Society to play their role in strengthening their fight to combat the menace for the larger benefit of society. (GNS)

New Delhi: In a major breakthrough against those overseas perpetrators supporting militant activities in Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested a person after his arrival at the Jammu Airport in connection with a case of infiltration of militants in Poonch and smuggling of narcotics.
Officials in the probe agency said accused Shahid Naveed, who has been arrested upon his arrival in Jammu, is from Mendhar in Poonch district and is alleged to be a close associate of Sher Ali, the main coordinator and facilitator of terrorist activities of various groups in the area. Ali was arrested on February 17, and Naveed,s name came up during his interrogation, they added.

Both Ali and Naveed were operating from Kuwait, and their involvement in militant activities surfaced during the investigation of a case lodged in Mendhar police station last year following the killing of two Pakistani militants affiliated with the JK Ghaznavi Force in an encounter at Surankote in Poonch on December 13, the officials said, adding that after Ali’s arrest in February, the NIA took over the case.

It is learnt from sources in the security set up that Naveed has been deported from a Gulf country and was brought to India under strict supervision. He was flown to Jammu for handing over to the national anti- terror probe agency.

Ali headed a network of over-ground workers who were behind smuggling of arms and ammunition, besides narcotics.

Earlier, five over ground workers – Mushtafa, Mohd Yaseen, Younis, Irfan and Raskeem – were arrested for their involvement in the terror network led by Ali. A huge cache of arms and ammunition, including five pistols, 13 grenades and one live improvised explosive device (IED), had been recovered from them, the NIA officials said.

Stresses on intensive market checking during the holy month

Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com), Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today convened a meeting of concerned officers of divisional administration to review arrangements for the ensuing holy month of Ramadan and Navratra festival starting from 13th of this month.

The meeting was attended by all Deputy Commissioners Ganderbal via video Conferencing, Chief Engineer PWD, CE PHE, Director FCS&CA Kashmir, SP Rural Traffic and representatives of Waqf Board other concerned departments.

Stressing on the availability of essential commodities including LPG across all markets, the Div Com directed Director FCS&CA to ensure intensive market checking is conducted to ensure quality food items are sold besides official rates are implemented in letter and spirit.

He instructed that timely distribution of ration is done in all areas. In order to curb black marketing, inspections by joint teams comprising Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Revenue, Police, SMC, Legal Metrology, Drug & Food Safety Standards Department shall be conducted.

The Div Com urged during special prayers including Friday, Taravee prayers and Shab-I- Qadar celebration all covid related SOPs are followed in letter and spirit, and in case of any violation action is taken against the violators.

He said that devotees shall be allowed only after proper screening and covid related protocol is followed religiously.

The Div Com directed the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the holy month. He also directed PHE Department to make adequate water supply available particularly during Iftaari and Sehri time in all areas.

He exhorted upon the SMC to launch a cleanliness drive at the mosques, shrines, besides ensuring that all street lights are made functional.

On the occasion, Div Com asked the Animal Husbandry Department to ensure the availability of poultry birds on notified rates and ensure birds are imported only after proper testing and surveillance to ensure that they are not infected with any flu.

The Div Com also reviewed the arrangements for the ensuing Navratra festival and directed concerned to put in place all required facilities at Sharika Mata Temple, Hari Parbat Srinagar and Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple Tulmulla in Ganderbal.