Precious Kashmir

Omar presides over meet of party’s south zone functionaries in Srinagar

City

03/09/2020

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Abdullah for the restoration of the constitutional position of J&K, which was unconstitutionally and unilaterally rescinded on the 5th of August last year.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

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

03/09/2020

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

City

Precious Kashmir

03/09/2020

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

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Precious Kashmir

02/09/2020

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.

Even in COVID times Info Deptt withholds advt payments

Anchor stories
Front

Afaq Bhat

02/09/2020

Even in COVID times Info Deptt withholds advt payments

Local dailies at verge of closure, officials unmoved
Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Sep 1: Amid COVID-19 pandemic the Information Department in Kashmir has not released the payments of the government advertisements to the newspapers since April this year.
The daily newspapers, which were included in the list of essential services soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the lockdown-I in March this year, are struggling to survive in the Valley.
During the past six months, advertisement flow to local newspapers in Kashmir has been cut by nearly 50% and the payments have not been released. One day before Eid-ul-Adha, the department had released the payment for the month of March, 2020 and after that the department went into oblivion.
The COVID-19 lockdown has hit every industry very hard and many people have lost their jobs during the past six months due to financial activities coming to a halt. Somehow local dailies in Kashmir have managed to hit the stands and keep people informed about the developments taking place during the pandemic times.
When COVID-19 pandemic broke out Prime Minister Nraendra Modi had made a fervent appeal to businessmen and entrepreneurs not to go for jobs cuts and ensure that their staff doesn’t suffer. He had given clear cut instructions to the government departments to help the businesses and industries so that they could survive in these difficult times.
In the COVID-19 times the government advertisements distributed by the Information Department are the main source of revenue for the Kashmir based local dailies as the private advertisements have disappeared due to most of the business houses facing huge losses. The Information Department withholding the payments in difficult times has pushed the newspaper owners and staff members in Kashmir to an edge. Instead of coming for the rescue of the media houses, the department has not paid any attention towards the financial crunch being faced by the dailies getting published in Kashmir.
The indifferent attitude of the department has triggered financial crisis within the media organizations. This has led to the salaries of staff members getting delayed due to which many people have been forced to change their profession. The Information Department not releasing the payments of the advertisements has led to more people becoming unemployed.
Many small newspapers have winded up their offices and have said goodbye to journalism. A few media houses that are working against all the odds are managing the show by one or other way. If the department keeps on turning a blind eye towards newspaper industry in the Valley it can lead to closure of more publications and will add to the army of unemployed professionals.
When contacted Joint Director Information Kashmir Harris Handoo told Precious Kashmir that “there is no paucity of funds” and the department is on the job to clear the payments. “Within a week or so payments will be released,” he added.

Amid pandemic traffic police sending more people to courts

Anchor stories

Gul Owais

02/09/2020

Amid pandemic traffic police sending more people to courts

Cops prefer court challans over compound fines
Gul Owais
Srinagar, Sep 1: At a time when the assembly of people is strictly restricted to prevent the COVID-19 from spreading, the traffic policemen are allegedly issuing court challans to violators, which leads to overcrowding in courts, thus increasing the risk among people to get infected.
The commuters who were challaned at different places in Srinagar on Tuesday told ‘Precious Kashmir’ that the policemen seem obsessed with court challans. “I urged the traffic cops to impose the fine on spot but they didn’t listen to my pleas and imposed a court challan,” said a lady doctor, who was fined near LD hospital here.
She said that she is posted at Vessu Qazigund in south Kashmir and now she will have to travel to Srinagar again on September 15, 2020 to get her RC released. “They didn’t show any respect either towards me being lady or being a doctor. They just handed over the challan to me and showed no sympathy,” she added.
She said that near Lal Ded hospital in Srinagar; a number of commuters like her were seen stopped. “After being stopped, many among us pleaded before the cops to provide us with the compound challan only. But, the cops present there issued a court challan to almost all of them,” she added.
A doctor who was coming from SKIMS Soura after performing COVID duty was also challaned. He said that he was ready to pay the fine in violation of traffic norms, but the cops have issued him a court challan, thus adding to his miseries.
The commuters stated that amid the ongoing pandemic, it is not possible for them to visit the courts to avoid the gatherings. “Already, the rush of people remains high in the courts and by issuing the court challans, the traffic police department is increasing the rush of litigants, thus increasing the chance of getting infected with the virus,” they said.
Another commuter, who was also challaned a few days back, said that he couldn’t visit the court to pay the amount as fine and release the Registration Certificate (RC) of his vehicle. “I am very sacred of the ongoing pandemic. It has claimed over 700 lives so far. It is better to stay inside rather than visiting any place where the crowd remains high,” he said, adding that he used to go anywhere in his car only but since the court challan was issued to him, he has not come out of his home to stay healthy.
“It would have been better in case the traffic cops who are performing their duties would have issued compound challan to all the violators during the pandemic to ensure that the people will not suffer and the flow of litigants would not increase at the courts,” he said.
The commuters appealed to the concerned department to consider issuing compound challans only so that the crowd at the courts is avoided.
Meanwhile, IGP Traffic, T Namgyal said that it depends upon the people how they will pay the fine. “We have both the options available and it depends upon the violators to choose one among them,” he said.

After fresh clashes in Ladakh, India puts ball in China’s court

Front

Precious Kashmir

02/09/2020

After fresh clashes in Ladakh, India puts ball in China’s court

Expect Beijing to restore peace in border areas: MEA

New Delhi, Sep 1: In the backdrop of fresh clash between troops of two Himalayan nations in Pangong Tso areas in eastern Ladakh, India on Tuesday said it expects Chinese side to sincerely abide by the understanding reached earlier and earnestly work to resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas.
In response to a media query on the recent developments in the India-China Border Areas, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, “The Indian side is firmly committed to resolve all outstanding issues along the LAC in the Western Sector through peaceful dialogue.”
In this context, “we expect the Chinese side to sincerely abide by the understanding reached earlier and earnestly work with the India to resolve the situation and to restore peace and tranquility in the border areas,” he said.
On August 29-30 night, China’s People Liberation of Army (PLA) carried out provocative military movements to unilaterally change the status quo.
Indian troops pre-empted the PLA activity on the Southern Bank of Pangong Tso Lake, undertook measures to strengthen its positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground.
Indian Army in a statement had said, “the Army is committed to maintain peace and tranquility through dialogue, but is also equally determined to protect its territorial integrity.”
The two neighbouring nations have been closely engaged through diplomatic and military channels over the past three months to resolve the situation along the India-China border.
“It would also be recalled that earlier the two Foreign Ministers and the two Special Representatives had agreed that the situation should be handled in a responsible manner and either side should not take any provocative action or escalate matters and ensure peace and tranquility as per bilateral agreements and protocol,” Srivastava said.

He further added that the Chinese side violated the understanding and engaged in provocative military maneuvers in the late night of 29th and on 30th August in an attempt to change the status quo in the South Bank area of Pangong Lake.
“The actions and behavior of the Chinese side since earlier this year along the LAC has been in clear violation of the bilateral agreements and protocols concluded between the two countries to ensure peace and tranquility on the border. Such actions are also in complete disregard to the understandings reached between the two Foreign Ministers as also the Special Representatives,” he said.
“We have taken up the matter of recent provocative and aggressive actions with Chinese side through both diplomatic and military channels and have urged them to discipline and control their frontline troops from undertaking such provocative actions,” the spokesperson said.

Both sides position tanks within firing distance

Front

Precious Kashmir

02/09/2020

Both sides position tanks within firing distance

New Delhi, Sep 1: The ensuing border tensions between India and China along the LAC (line of actual control) in eastern Ladakh remained jittery with both sides mounting their tanks within each other’s firing distance at Pangong Tso lake.
According to sources, Indian and Chinese armies’ tanks have been stationed within the firing distance of each other amid ongoing military talks that continued for the second (consecutive) day on Tuesday, September 1.
Chinese armoured vehicles and battle tanks are positioned near the foothills of ‘Kala Top’, which is occupied by Indian forces, sources added.
China has stationed light and heavy tanks in the area, which are said to be within engaging distance of Indian positions.

Meanwhile, Indian forces at Kala Top are armed to the teeth with full artillery and tank support. The further movement of Chinese tanks and machinery has been halted because of dominant positions held by India’s Special Frontier Force (SFF) at Kala Top as well as army units on other adjoining heights.
In the meantime, an Indian tank regiment is already positioned in the plains — south-west of the flashpoint between Spanggur Tso and Chushul.
Brigade Commander-level talks between India and China have been on since 9 am (Tuesday, September 1) at Moldo to alleviate the situation after the defence ministry said on Monday (August 31) that the Chinese army undertook “provocative military movements” to “unilaterally” alter the status quo on the southern bank of Pangong Tso lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.
However, Indian soldiers foiled the attempt (by Chinese troops), which is also the first major incident in the area after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed and reportedly over 40 Chinese had also died. (NDTV)

COVID-19 claims 14 more lives, J&K toll 719

Front

Nadeem Nadu

02/09/2020

COVID-19 claims 14 more lives, J&K toll 719

525 new cases reported, tally crosses 38000 mark

Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar, Sep 1: Jammu and Kashmir reported 14 more COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours, taking the overall fatality count to 719 in J&K, officials said on Tuesday.

They said that among them, two deaths were reported from Jammu division and 12 from Kashmir Valley.

Regarding the deaths from Valley, they said, five were reported from Pulwama, two each from Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam besides one from Bandipora.

They said a 50-year-old woman from Wislapora Budgam died at SKIMS Soura, five days she was admiited to the tertiary care hospital.

A 55-year-old woman from Batpora Budgam who was admitted on 29 August, died at SMHS Hospital, they said

A 65-year-old man from HMT Srinagar who was admitted to SMHS hospital on August 26 as a case of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension and bilateral community acquired pneumonia, died on Tuesday, they said.

A 72-year-old from Eidgah Srinagar was brought to SMHS hospital this morning and was declared brought dead by the doctors, they said, adding, “He was covid-19 positive”.

A 70-year-old from Sumbal Bandipoa, who was admitted to the hospital on August 31 as a case of bilateral CAP died today, they said

A 66-year-old woman from Mansbal Ganderbal, admitted SKIMS Soura on August 27 died today, they said.

A 60-year-old man from Ahan Ganderbal, admitted on August 24 died this afternoon. “He was suffering with bilateral CAP and died due to cardiopulmonary arrest,” a doctor at the tertiary care hospital told GNS.

Officials said that five deaths were confirmed from Pulwama and two from Jammu division with one of the victim—67-year-old man from Samba district.

The five deaths from Pulwama include 75-year-old man from Khangund Satoora, 78-year-old man from Tral Payeen, 62-year-old man from Mandoora, a 50-year-old woman from Panzoo and 65-year-old man from Pinglish.

With these deaths, officials said, 719 people have succumbed to the virus in Jammu and Kashmir so far. Among them, they said, 649 were from the Valley while 70 others from Jammu division.

Srinagar district with 223 deaths tops the list followed by Baramulla (100), Budgam (62), Anantnag (50), Pulwama (54), Kupwara (49), Jammu (47), Kulgam (35), Shopian (28), Bandipora (26), Ganderbal (23), Rajouri (5), Doda (4), Poonch (4), Kathua (4), Udhampur (2), Samba (2) and Ramban (1).

COVID-19: J&K records 525 new cases, tally crosses 38000 mark

Front

Nadeem Nadu

02/09/2020

COVID-19: J&K records 525 new cases, tally crosses 38000 mark

Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Sep 1: Fifty-one travelers were among 525 covid-19 infections reported in Jammu and Kashmir in last 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 38223.
Among the cases, official sources told GNS that 241 were confirmed from Jammu Division and 284 from Kashmir including four pregnant woman and three minors.

Giving breakup of the cases, they said, Srinagar reported 95 cases, Pulwama 36, Budgam 17, Baramulla 14, Anantnag 26, Bandipora 28, Kupwara 23, Kulgam 9, Shopian 2, Ganderbal 34, Jammu 121, Rajouri 19, Kathua 28, Udhampur 4, Samba 12, Doda 13, Poonch 20, Reasi 12 and Kishtwar 12.

A number of cases were confirmed at SKIMS and CD hospital diagnostic laboratories.

The CD cases include male (29) from Budgam, male (80) from Nowgam, male (68) from Sumbal, male (48) from Pampore Pulwama, female (60) from Bemina, female (56) from HMT Srg, male (NA) from Kupwara, male (65) from Aribal Pulwama, male (40) from Pulwama, male (30) from Gulabad Srg, two males (50, 65) from Lal Bazar, female (42) from KP Bagh Srg, male (31) from Srinagar, female (60) from Iqbalabad Bemina, female (55) from Safa Kadal, male (NA) from P/S Parimpora, male (40) from HMT, male (40) from Buchpora Srg, male (35) from Sonwar, male (42) from Eidgah Srg, female (48) from Rainawari Srg, two males (73, NA) from NA, female (NA) from Alamgiri Bazar, male (31) from Noor Bagh, female (44) from Eidgah Srg, male (20) from HMT Srg, NA (NA) from Bemina, two females (28, 50) from Lal Bazar, male (NA) from Mahrajgunj, male (45) from Sopore, male (28) and female (25) from Lal Bazar Srg, male (NA) from Gurez, male (65) from Kupwara, female (22) from Putashy Bandipora, female (39) from Khaja Gilgit Sopore, female (30) from Chankhan Sopore, male (23) from Upper Ashpeer Sopore, female (60) from Irkumoo, female (23) from Watnard, female (29) from Halmullah, male (27) from Halsidar, male (27) from Malikpora Verinag, female (40) from Kupwara, female (85) from Karan Nagar, male (65) from Awantipora, male (38) from Breng, male (54) from Hiller Arhama, female (37) from Shangus.

The SKIMS cases include male (41) from Khalwan, male (55) from Verinag Anantnag while those from the Srinagar include male (36) from Rainawari, two males (28, 21) from Natipora, male (55) from Kanimazar, female (34) from Soura, male (48) from Pattan, female (62) from Buchpora, female (45) from Srinagar, male (68) and female (50) from Buchpora, male (55) from Soura, male (32) from Nowshera, two females (30, 26) from Shalimar, female (35) from Lal Bazar, male (25) from Hyderpora, male (35) from Gilikadal, male (55) from Hawal, male (60) from Illahibagh Srinagar.

The Budgam cases include male (27) and female (28) from Zoogu, male (40) from Zempora, female (25) from Machipora, male (24) from Utligam Beeru, male (1M) from Huroo, male (26) from Hoshroo Chadoora, female (55) from Hayatpora, male (30) from Beerwah, female (09) from Nowgam Banipora Budgam, male (60) from Wathora Budgam.

The Ganderbal cases include female (70) from Ganderbal.

The Kupwara cases include two males (31, 27) from Spg Dist-Kupwara, female (25) from Hayhama, male (27) from Regipora Kupwara.

The Ramban cases include female (07) from Banihal Ramban.

The Kishtwar cases include two females (70, 31) from Kishtwar.

The CRPF cases include male (28) from IGP Office Humhama Budgam.

The BSF cases include male (29) from CH BSF Humhama Srinagar.

Moreover, they said, 469 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals—111 from Jammu Division and 358 from Kashmir Valley.

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