Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Sept 2: Suhail Ahmad, who is working in Bangalore, was reluctant to return home fearing he might have to go for administrative quarantine after his arrival in Kashmir. However, on Tuesday when he reached Srinagar Airport, he was allowed to go home in North Kashmir’s Baramulla’s district after collecting his samples for COVID-19 testing.
“This provided me with a big relief that I was allowed to go home. I am told that my report will reach by the evening and I should take all preventive measures at home,” Ahmad told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service KINS.
There are hundreds of people like him who have appreciated the administration for allowing travelers to go home. “Administrative quarantine was bringing inconveniences for people as there were no adequate facilities available. But allowing people to go home after reaching Srinagar Airport is a well appreciated step,” said Mohammad Altaf, a resident of Ganderbal.
“If any traveler is found COVID-19 positive and is asymptomatic, he has to be kept in home quarantine. Only symptomatic patients have to go for administrative quarantine or to be admitted to hospital,” a doctor said.
Till Monday evening, Srinagar Airport Authorities have received 1,332 domestic flights with 1,80,367 passengers since May 25.
“The Government has made elaborate arrangements for the arrival, screening, sampling and proper transportation of the passengers to the quarantine centers taking special care of guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the Union Ministries of Civil Aviation and Health and Family Welfare,” an official said.
Jammu and Kashmir last month revised its guidelines and declared that all asymptomatic Covid positive cases would be in-home isolation.
As per the guidelines, Covid positive cases would be allowed home isolation with conditions free Oximeter, compulsory Arogya Setu App and proper isolation space with a poster outside the house.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has issued a directive which says that home isolation of positive patients has increased responsibilities of administration as it has to monitor each and every individual patient kept in home isolation on a daily basis.
“All the patients should be visited on a daily basis, in order to keep track of the positive patients, regular phone calls during mornings and evenings shall be made from the Control Room and the same shall be recorded on a register maintained for the purpose. A WhatsApp group should be made with all the Covid positive patients put on home isolation at the block level to monitor their health status. Any patient who develops symptoms shall be immediately shifted to Covid Health Facility,” the directive reads, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir directed all the districts to ensure the availability of Oximeters to every Home Isolated positive patient so that they are able to monitor the essential parameters. “After the home isolation period is over, the oximeters shall be taken back and used for subsequent patients,” he said.
In a modification in the protocol for positives of Covid- 19 infection and their contacts, Jammu and Kashmir Government had revised home isolation guidelines to permit such patients for home quarantine who are asymptomatic with no comorbidity and are not vulnerable otherwise.(KINS)
No administrative quarantine for inbound travelers in Kashmir
MeT predicts scattered light rain in JK
Srinagar, Sept 2:) Weather warning has ended though scattered light rain to moderate rain and thundershowers has been forecasted during the next 24 hours in Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir
A Met department spokesman said there could be light to scattered to moderate rain and thundershowers in Kashmir, Jammu regions during the next 24 hours. During the subsequent 48 hours there could be isolated light rain and thundershowers, he said adding the weather will remain dry in Ladakh region.
Weather remained pleasant for the second successive day today with bright sunshine resulting in further surge in the temperature in the valley.
However, the famed ski resort of Gulmarg, 55 km from here in north Kashmir the maximum temperature today was 19 degree, 1.3 degree below normal while the minimum temperature was 11 degree while was about half a notch above normal. Kupwara also in north Kashmir the maximum temperature today was 27.8 degree, which was 2.7 notches below normal. However, the minimum temperature was 17.6 degree, 3.5 notches above normal.
Srinagar, the summer capital of UT, recorded maximum temperature 30.6 degree, 1.5 notches above normal while the minimum temperature was 15.7 degree, 1.5 degree above normal, Met spokesman said.
He said the sky would be partly cloudy to light rain and thundershowers and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 30 degree and 17 degree respectively during the next 24 hours in Srinagar.
Famed health resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded 26.6 degree which was 1.3 notch above normal while the minimum temperature was 13.5 degree, 2.5 degree above normal.
In PaK the maximum temperature in capital Muzaffarabad was 22.6 degree, Mirpur 33 degree, Gilgit 23 degree and Skardu 27.1 degree.
Over 100 demolitions conducted in fortnight: SMC
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 2: Acting on a number of complaints against violators Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has carried out over 100 demolitions for the last fifteen days in various areas across the city.
The areas where these illegal constructions were demolished include Hamdania colony Bemina, Hyderpora, Sanatnagar, Rawalpora, Soura, Lal Bazaar, Zakura, Khanyar, Batamaloo, Chanpora, Padshahi Bagh and Mehjoor Nagar.
The SMC officials have also stopped the work on all those structures at a very initial stage which had deviations in sanctioned building plans and the structures coming up without permission.
The unauthorised constructions were both commercial and residential in nature.
The demolition drive is being carried out strictly as per the directions of Commissioner SMC, Gazanfar Ali after he had directed the enforcement wing to act promptly in getting the illegal structures demolished on spot where ever found.
He said that the SMC shall continue the demolition drives with regard to unauthorized construction and will also ensure that no illegal construction comes up in the city.
The Commissioner appealed to the citizens of Srinagar city who aim to construct residential or commercial establishments to apply for proper building permissions from Competent Authority and desist from taking law and order in their hands.
He further reiterated that people should also desist from resorting to any violations in sanctioned building permissions as well and do away with any sort of illegal construction.
Covid-19: Syndicate Canara bank remains closed for 2nd day
Srinagar, Sept 2: The Srinagar branch of the Syndicate Canara Bank remained closed for the second day on Wednesday after an employee test positive for COVID-19.
A notice pasted on the main gate of the bank at Exchange Road, near here, said that due to COVID-19 positive case the bank has been closed.
An employee of the bank told UNI today that bank has been closed for four days from Tuesday after one of the employee test positive for COVID-19.
He said the staff members have been asked to go for home quarantine till they test negative.
Meanwhile, customers continue to suffer and had to return back to their homes disappointed after they were informed that bank will remained closed till Friday.
However, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) of the bank was open and people could be seen withdrawing cash.
Syndicate bank was functioning from this branch before Canara and other banks were merged.
Lockdown continues for 5th day in Ganderbal
Srinagar, Sept 2: Life remained affected for the 5th day on Wednesday in the central Kashmir district of Ganderbal, where camps were organised to intensify testing for COVID-19 in Red-Zones including Wayiloo and Bamloora.
In these areas announcements were made through the public addressing system mounted on vehicles appealing people to get tested at these camps, an official spokesman said adding police has registered three FIRs against shopkeepers for violating COVID-19 norms on Tuesday.
Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the district. However, private vehicles were plying. Trucks and other vehicles were also plying on the Srinagar-Leh national highway passing through the district.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ganderbal Khalil Poswal said since the people have been found absolutely non-cooperative, police registered three First Information Report (FIR) against eight shopkeepers for violating COVID-19 lockdown normal in the district, where 34 positive cases were registered yesterday, 16 more than Monday. Appealing people to follow Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) he said there is need to understand such lockdowns are intended for their safety.
The District Magistrate (DM) Shafkat Iqbal has imposed fresh lockdown for eight days from August 29 following continuous surge in the number of COVID-19 positive cases. He exhorted upon the people not to step out of their homes unless absolutely necessary. However, he said, if you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear masks and practice of social distancing, personnel hygiene and frequent hand washing.
However, the DM announced relaxations for medical emergencies and other essential services only during the lockdown period.
Meanwhle, the directions of DM, the district Administration organised COVID-19 testing camps in various areas of the district on Tuesday.The camps were organised to intensify testing for COVID-19 in the district especially in Red-Zones including Wayiloo and Bamloora. In these areas announcements were made through the public addressing system mounted on vehicles appealing people to get tested at these camps.
To have a firsthand appraisal of the progress in these camps, the DM visited the COVID-19 testing camp at Wayil where he inspected the sample collection and testing process. On the occasion, the DC appealed to the people to extend full cooperation to the administration during the COVID-19 testing. He said that the sampling and testing process will be most beneficial in curbing the community transmission of infection. It was informed that 300 tests were done during these camps out of which 14 samples were found positive.
Meanwhile, the DC directed the concerned health officials to strictly adhere to COVID-19 SOPs while collecting the samples, especially maintaining social distance, terming it the best way to prevent transmission of virus.
Domestic airlines Can fly 60% of their pre-Covid flights: GoI
New Delhi, Sept 2: In further easing of restrictions, the government on Wednesday permitted Indian airlines to increase the number of domestic passenger flights to 60 per cent of their pre-COVID services, according to an official order.
On June 26, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had allowed the airlines to operate a maximum of 45 per cent of their pre-COVID domestic flights.
The ministry had restarted domestic passenger services from May 25, after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.
However, the airlines were allowed to operate not more than 33 per cent of their pre-COVID domestic flights.
Modifying its previous order of June 26 where it had put the 45 per cent limit on the number of domestic flights, the ministry issued an order on Wednesday stating that, “45 per cent capacity may be read as 60 per cent capacity.”
The average occupancy rate in domestic flights since their resumption in India on May 25 has been around 50-60 per cent only.
Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in the country since March 23 due to the pandemic.
However, special international flights have been operating under Vande Bharat Mission since May and under bilateral air bubble pacts signed with various countries since July.
India’s COVID-19 tally of cases galloped past 37 lakh on Wednesday with 78,357 new instances of the disease reported in a day, said the Union Health Ministry. The death count climbed to 66,333 with 1,045 more fatalities reported in 24 hours.
Omar presides over meet of party’s south zone functionaries in Srinagar
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 2: A meet of NC’s South Zone functionaries presided by Party Vice President Omar Abdullah was held at party headquarters Nawa –e- Subha, Srinagar.
Party General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, State Secretaries Sakina Itoo, G A Shah, Zonal President South Kashmir Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri, MP Hasnain Masoodi, District Presidents Abdul Majeed Larmi, Showkat Hussain, Altaf Kaloo, Gh Mohiudin Mir, Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar spoke on the occasion. Party Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Vice Provincial President Mohammad Syed Akhoon, Provincial Secretary Showkat Mir, YNC Provincial President Salman Ali Sagar, Women’s Wing Provincial President Er. Sabiya Qadri were also present in the meeting.
On the occasion the participants unanimously reiterated their support to the underway efforts of the Party President Farooq Abdullah for the restoration of the constitutional position of J&K, which was unconstitutionally and unilaterally rescinded on the 5th of August last year.
They also raised the issue of prolonged incarceration of many mainstream political leaders and other grass root level workers. While expressing outrage on the continuous incarceration of party workers and functionaries, the participants said the kith and kin of those in detention are worried about their wellbeing, and have had no respite since August last year.
The participants also highlighted the trepidation of people in their areas on account of the previous clamp down and subsequent COVID-19 induced lockdown.
Speaking on the occasion, the functionaries also highlighted the widespread administrative inertia, development deficit and unaccountability on ground. The meeting continued for a marathon five hours and saw active participation of each and every functionary.
While addressing the meeting, Omar asked the party functionaries to remain in touch with the people and highlight issues of public importance in their respective constituencies. The functionaries conscientiously discussed various issues concerning the party in particular and people in general.
LJP bats for restoration of J&K’s statehood
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 2: Demanding restoration of statehood to J&K, LJP national spokesperson Sanjay Saraf on Wednesday said that the promises made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament have not been progressed despite passing over a year now.
While addressing a press conference, Saraf said J&K is a difficult region due to its geographical location. He said there is a delay in the implementation of administrative orders due to lack of statehood, which makes it difficult to meet the set targets.
He urged the central government to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
Saraf said the valley, along with other parts of the country, has been hit hard by lockdown.
“Closure of schools and other institutions due to the pandemic has caused severe hardships to students and other communities”, he said adding the online educational system has also affected due to slow internet speed. He urged upon authorities to restore high speed internet services across the Valley for the larger benefit of people.
He asked authorities to clear its stand over school fees.
“Though the educational institutions have been badly hit and closed for last six months, how can be parents able to pay their dues when economy of every household worsened during pandemic?”, LJP leader said.
He advised that only tuition fee should be collected from the students and there is no justification for paying other expenses. He also asked authorities to support the private educational sector and help them in paying salaries to their employees in tough times.
Nowhatta rifle snatching: Mentally unsound youth released from police custody
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 28: The mentally unsound youth who was apprehended for allegedly trying to snatch the service rifle of a trooper in Nowhatta area of Srinagar city has been bailed out by court and released.
Sources said family through his Counsel produced mentally unsound certificate after which he was bailed out.
Pertinently, a young man allegedly mentally unsound tried to snatch the service rifle of Head Constable Simrandar Singh of 21 Battalion D-Company in Nowhatta area on 28 August.
The youth was identified as 28 year old Tehreen Ahmed Dar son of Shabir Ahmed Dar, a resident Umarabad Peerbagh area of Srinagar.
After the incident, forces conducted search of his house but found nothing objectionable while his parents had informed search party that their son Tehreen Dar is mentally unsound.
When contacted a police official feigned ignorance about the incident. (KNT)
Unlock 4.0: Caution Remains Key
The government has liberalised most activities as per the Unlock 4 guidelines issued by the Chief Secretary of J&K in his capacity as the Chairperson, State Executive Committee.
All but a few activities are now allowed. The new guidelines also attempt to pave a way for reopening of schools in near future as 50 % of teaching and non-teaching staff is now permitted to be called to the institutions for online teaching and telecounselling in areas outside containment zones from 21 September. Also, students of classes 9 to 12 are permitted to visit their schools on “voluntary basis” for taking guidance from their teachers. Higher Education Institutions can now allow research scholars (Ph.D.) and PG students of technical and professional programmes labs and experimental works. The guidelines continue to permit business subject to norms of social distancing and other precautions such as the mandatory wearing of face masks and using hand wash or sanitizer.
The announcement comes when Covid-19 is spreading in terms of numbers and geography. Already more than 37000 cases have been confirmed officially while deaths have crossed grim milestones of 700 mark in J&K.
Even though it sounds bizarre that tougher restrictions were imposed when cases were few and activities liberalised when the number of infections are peaking, the resumption of economic activity seems imperative as it will ease the pain for many, and prevent a further steep decline in earnings and spending. At the same time the decision of relaxing the restrictions is fraught with dangers if it is not accompanied by rigorous infection control measures. As the days progress, public seems less cautious to protocols while administration appears content with the measures in place. Amid this situation, a major public health penalty cannot be ruled out and that too in near future. There is a need to follow scientific regime of identification, testing and quarantine especially when healthcare systems remain overwhelmingly lopsided. The intensive care remains meager especially in urban areas as patients continue to be referred to in higher numbers to Srinagar hospitals. It may be true that doctors have gained experience in managing the patients better than before but the reality remains that the pestilence continues to have high transmissibility as it was in the beginning. There is even a higher risk of spread as people resume their jobs and travel. There cannot be disregard safety norms, abandoning masks, and distancing norms.
The pandemic cannot yet be viewed as a thing of the past, and there is a long wait for a possible affordable cure either vaccine or drug. The impending scenarios underscore the need for wider testing and strict adherence to safety protocols.
