Precious Kashmir

Mental health awareness programme held at KU’s South campus

Jammu & Kashmir

07/02/2021

Srinagar: A day-long mental health awareness programme was held at Kashmir University’s South Campus, Anantnag.

The programme titled “Mental Health of Emerging Generations” was organised jointly by the varsity’s Dean Students Welfare (DSW) and South Campus in continuation with a series of such programmes initiated by the university in the backdrop of mental health challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In his special address, Dean Students Welfare Prof Raies A Qadri said that Covid-19 outbreak has exacerbated mental health challenges and concerns following bereavement and isolation that it brought to thousands of people in its wake.

Quoting a World Health Organisation survey, Prof Qadri said the pandemic badly disturbed mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide, even as this study showed devastating impact of Covid-19 on access to mental health services.

“Raising awareness on important aspects of mental health is crucial to addressing a host of mental health problems,” he said.

He said the DSW has held similar awareness programmes in several Kashmir colleges as well as the varsity’s Main Campus.

In his welcome address, Director South Campus Prof Aijaz A Wani said such outreach activities are significant to educate people on essentials of mental wellbeing in the face of stressful situations like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prof Wani said it is important to take such initiatives to satellite campuses and colleges, and even schools, to help students and teachers to cope with the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to the academic arena.

Keynote speaker Dr Abdul Majid, Head, Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College Srinagar, gave a detailed power-point presentation on emerging mental health challenges and concerns. He said academic institutions must take a lead in organising such programmes to help address the deleterious fallouts of Covid-19 pandemic, especially with regard to mental health.

Ishfaq Nazir from the Department of Nursing, South Campus, shared his experiences and views on the subject, while Dr Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, faculty member, South Campus, presented a vote of thanks.

2 drug peddlers arrested in Kulgam: Police

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

07/02/2021

Srinagar: Two drug peddlers were on Sunday arrested alongwith contraband in south Kashmir district of Kulgam.

A police spokesman said two drug peddlers were intercepted at a checkpoint by a police team in village Kharpora in Kulgam.

“During checking, police recovered 10 bottles of Chlorpheniramine Melate and Codeine Phosphate,” he said, adding two drug peddlers, identified as Ghulam Mohammad War and Waseem Ahmad Tantray, were immediately taken into custody.

He said Rs 3200 were also recovered from the accused. “In this connection, case FIR No 06/2021 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act stands registered at Police Station Yaripora and investigation taken up,” he said.

Police urged the community members to come forward with any information regarding anti-social activity in their neighborhood.

Uttarakhand flood: Shah assures all help to Rawat

National

United News Of India

07/02/2021

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday assured all possible help to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in wake of flash floods in Chamoli district from bursting of a glacier.
The Home Minister directed the authorities to rush four NDRF teams from Dehradun to Joshimath through airways.
The Himalayan border guarding force ITBP joined the rescue operation in around Joshimath areas.
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba is likely to hold a meeting in the afternoon on relief operations.
At least 50 people are feared dead or washed away as the massive glacier receded in Reni village of Chamoli district on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in the area.
The Rishiganga Power Project has been completely damaged as the water level in the Alaknanda river rose several feet due to flash floods caused by the bursting of the glacier.
The state government has taken up rescue operations pressed into actions and evacuating people from the low lying areas of the river.

Let Girl Child Be Born, Prosper

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Precious Kashmir

06/02/2021

Jammu and Kashmir has registered an improved sex ratio from 936 for period of April-March 2014-15 and 942 for 2019-20, as per latest available report of Health Management Information System (HMIS), data of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare). It also suggests an improving trend of 16 points at National level from 918 (2014-15) to 934 (2019- 20).

The government says that Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme, aiming to address declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), calculated on decadal basis by Registrar General of India through Census, and related issues of empowerment of girls and women over a life cycle continuum, have paid dividends.

The scheme aims to prevent gender biased sex selective elimination, to ensure survival and protection of the girl child and to ensure education and participation of the girl child. The key elements of the scheme revolve around media and advocacy campaign and multi-sectoral intervention in selected districts. In Jammu and Kashmir, all districts fall under aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog for intervention under BBBP Scheme.

As per the evaluation report of NITI Aayog, the scheme has been able to generate significant mass- mobilisation to eliminate gender discrimination and valuing the girl child. The scheme has been able to develop many good practices and community-level initiatives, it says.

The skewed sex ratio is man-made through selective sex determination with the aim of getting rid of the girl child, early death due to neglect and infanticide. But there is no reason why things cannot be set right and the achievement of the BBBP scheme has shown it.

While selective achievements are important, they cannot always be a sign of overall progress. The government needs to continue with efforts in achieving better results and there is no room for complacency. There are connected issues which need attention to achieve better results while awareness about the BBBP scheme needed to be accelerated.

While consequences of a falling sex ratio are well documented, there is a need to alleviate and bring to an end to the fear of violence which as per a study is a cause for female foeticide. Also the women who produce daughters face much more domestic violence which makes them complicit in getting rid of the girl child, the survey says. There is also a need to change the thinking and promote girl children and women in all fields. There is a need to work in the endeavor by one and all and give a stronger message that let the girl child be born and live up to her full potential.

High speed mobile internet restored in JK after 550 days

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Precious Kashmir

06/02/2021

High speed mobile internet restored in JK after 550 days

Srinagar: After remaining suspended for 550 days, the government on Friday decided to restore the 4G mobile internet facility outside the districts of Ganderbal and Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir.

The high-speed facility was restored on a trial basis in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal and Jammu region’s Udhampur on August 16 last year.

In the rest of 18 other districts, the internet speed remained to be restricted to 2G only with government giving one or the other reasons for its action.

“4G mobile internet services being restored in entire J&K,” J&K government spokesman Rohit Kansal tweeted.

Later, government issued a formal order to announce restoration of the services, and said that the same was done on the recommendations of a committee constituted on the orders by the Supreme Court last year.

“…keeping in view the advice of the Special Committee and upon careful review of the overall security scenario, I, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department [Competent Authority under sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017], hereby revoke the restrictions on mobile data services and fixed line internet connectivity placed vide Government order No. ffome-02(TSTS) of 2021 dated 22.01.2021, except to the extent that the pre-paid SIM card holders shall be provided access to the internet connectivity only after verification as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections,” reads an order issued by Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government.

The decision, he said, was taken after an objective assessment of the prevailing circumstances and necessity of continuation of (speed) restrictions, the Special Committee, constituted under the orders of the Supreme Court in its order dated 11 May last year in case titled “Foundation for Media Professionals Vs. UT of J&K and others”, held its 6th meeting on on febuary 4. “Among other things, it (committee) took note of the inputs and apprehensions of the security agencies and police forces as also the assessment of opening of high speed mobile internet connectivity in the districts of Udhampur and Ganderbal.”

He said that the IsGP, Kashmir/Jammu, who are the Authorized Officers in their respective areas of jurisdiction, shall ensure compliance of the order by the service providers “forthwith”. “They shall also closely monitor the impact of lifting of restrictions.”

The internet service was snapped in Jammu and Kashmir hours before the government of India announcement on August 5 2019 to effectively annul the Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian constitution besides split it into two Union Territories—Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh.

The 2G internet facility on mobile phones was restored after 153 days on 25 January 2019.

Pertinently, the resumption of 4G internet services in Ganderbal and Udhampur after a gap of one year on August 16 last year came days after the government of India informed the Supreme Court that the special committee looking into the matter was considering allowing the facility on a trial basis in two districts.

Meanwhile, former chief minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said that it was “better late than never.”

“4G Mubarak! For the first time since Aug 2019 all of J&K will have 4G mobile data. Better late than never,” Omar said in a tweet. (GNS)

LG thanks PM, HM

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Precious Kashmir

06/02/2021

Srinagar, Feb 5: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Friday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for restoration of the 4G internet in Jammu and Kashmir after 550 days.

“I thank the PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah for acceding to our request and restoring 4G services in the entire J&K UT. The move will fulfil the aspirations of the people, particularly the youth,” his Office said.

DDC chairperson Polls: PAGD likely to face defeat in Srinagar

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Precious Kashmir

06/02/2021

Apni Party claims support of nine members, BJP’s lone member to support Bukhari’s candidate

BY: Owais Gul

Srinagar: The Srinagar District Development Council (DDC) would likely have its first Chairperson from Apni Party led by former minister Altaf Bukhari as the party is enjoying the support of over nine DDC members.

The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) is having less support would likely face defeat tomorrow.

National Conference (NC) leader said party’s DDC member Kaiser Ahmad Ganaie will be contesting as Chairperson on PAGD ticket while Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Manzoor Ahmad Bhat will be contesting for Vice Chairperson Post.

Wishing anonymity, the leader admitted that the party is short of supporters, adding that the PAGD candidates don’t have a majority and would unlikely be elected as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.

Apni Party leader, Muhammad Ashraf Mir said that the party has the support of over nine DDC members as many of the independent members have also joined the party following the results of maiden polls were declared.

“We have nine DDC members and would likely get two more votes from other Srinagar DDC members, thus would go up to 11,” he said.

Reliable sources said as the party has not finalized the candidates yet, but Aftab Malik, who emerged victorious from Soiteng constituency, would likely be the party’s candidate for the post of Chairperson while for the post of Vice Chairperson, many candidates are in the fray.

Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) lone candidate, Ajaz Hussain, who emerged victorious from Balahama area in Srinagar from Khonmoh-II constituency, said that he will support Apni Party candidate tomorrow. (KNO)

CPI (M) likely to bag Kulgam, NC to settle on VC’s post

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Jahangeer Ganaie

06/02/2021

Srinagar: As the elections for DDC chairman seat in Kulgam district is scheduled to be held on February 06, CPI (M) is likely to get the chairperson seat while National Conference (NC) will settle on vice- chairperson post.

Sources said the Chairman seat is likely to be bagged by CPI(M) and vice-chairman seat will go in the pocket of NC.

Senior CPI (M) leader and former MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami said meeting of the all winning candidates which was scheduled to be on Friday didn’t happen as many DDC members were not allowed to move out of their residences due to security reasons.

He confirmed that CPI (M) will contest for chairman seat, however, the candidate will be chosen in a meeting on Friday evening or Saturday morning.

CPI (M) has won five DDC seats in Kulgam. The winners include Mohammed Afzal from Pombai, M Abbas Rather, Akhthera, Gh Mohidin Lone and Ruby Jan.

Former MLA Homeshalibugh and District President National Conference Ab Majeed Larmi said that the deliberations at different levels are going on and soon candidate will be announced.

“It hardly matters whosoever party the candidates will belong to, the chairman will be from PAGD,” Larmi said.

Notably, five NC candidates namely Mohammed Ibrahim from Pahloo, Ishtiyak Ganaie from Devsar A, Jameela Akhther from DH Pora, Shazia Poswal from Manzgam and Romey Jan from Qaimoh A have won DDC elections on NC ticket.

PDP leader and DDC Kund Gulzar Ahmad told KNO that he was not allowed to meet party president despite repeated requests to the concerned authorities.

He said that he will follow all directions of PAGD and party high command.

Out of 14 DDC seats in Kulgam, NC and CPI (M) won five each, while PDP and Congress bagged two each—(KNO)

Bird Flu cases confirmed in crows, poultry in JK: Centre

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Precious Kashmir

06/02/2021

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is among 14 states and UTs where Avian Influenza among commercially reared and wild birds has been confirmed, the central government said Friday.

In Jammu and Kashmir context, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, informed Rajya Sabha that the avian influenza cases have been confirmed in Kulgam, Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Poonch and Udhampur districts. The species affected, he said, include “crows and poultry”.

Besides J&K, the minister said that avian influenza cases have been confirmed from Kerala, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and New Delhi.

Responding to the questions by parliamentarian Anand Sharma, the minister said that advisories were issued to States/UTs for increased surveillance and bio-security in poultry farms before onset of winter due to arrival of migratory birds during winter. The states and UTs have been asked to increase surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc., and also carry out proper disposal of carcasses, strengthening of bio-security in and around poultry farms, restrict movement of poultry from infected zones and taking preparatory measures— maintaining sufficient stock of PPE kits and accessories, disinfectants and other logistics required for control operations.

They were also asked to set up central control room to monitor daily progress of preventive and control measures, he said.

The states and UTs have been requested to ensure effective communication and coordination with Health and Forest authorities for close vigilance of the disease status to avoid any chance of jumping of the disease into humans.

“As per information gathered, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a detailed guidance note on safe handling, processing and consumption of poultry meat and eggs during bird flu outbreak,” he said as per the reply.

As per the Action Plan, he said, there is a provision for compensating poultry farmers for forced culling of poultry and destruction of eggs and poultry feed. The Department, under the Assistance to States for Control of Animal Disease (ASCAD ) component, provides financial assistance for such compensation, he added. (GNS)

2 BSF constables go missing in Rajouri

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Precious Kashmir

06/02/2021

Rajouri: Two constables of Border Security Force have gone missing from a camp in Rajouri district late Thursday evening, officials said here.

Officials said a missing report has been filed before police after two BSF constables went missing in Rajouri yesterday.

They said that both the constables of General Duty category were posted in BSF camp at Sunderbani sub-district headquarter in Rajouri district.

“A missing report has been lodged by BSF battalion at Sunderbani police station after the duo went missing,” the officials said.

They said that there is no trace of both the missing constables so far—(KNO)

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