Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 23: Anjuman Shari Shia has decided to suspend Muharram processions, including Ashoora in wake of COVID -19 pandemic in Kashmir.
Aga Syed Mujtaba, the son of Shari Shian President Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi while addressing a press conference here said, “ We appeal to believers not to take out Muharram processions in wake of the COVID-19 crisis. It is a difficult and heart-breaking decision, but we have no option keeping the pandemic in view.”
Muharram is observed by Muslims with abstinence and prayers to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in the battle of Karbala in the seventh century. It marks the first and one of the sacred months of the Islamic calendar.
He said it is the need of the hour to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) in letter and spirit. “It is not desirable to confront the Administration that has already asked people to follow SOP’s. If we do so, our problems will add and it will become more difficult to contain the spread of the virus,” Mujtaba said.
“During this Muharram, mourners observed all SOP’s. Hussaini Majalis were held but sanitizers and masks were properly used in Imambaras. I know it is difficult for believers to restrain themselves, but to combat the pandemic we need to stay away from processions,” Mujtaba said.
“Believers should mourn inside their homes, in the Imambaras while following SOP’s. People living in one area also should not congregate to mourn together, and the Majlis programme should be organized while adhering to norms,” he said.
He said there may be some miscreants who can mislead believers. “Let me tell believers, we are facing a serious crisis and it will be a murder if we force anyone to indulge in an act that is not desirable. We understand the pain and sentiments of the believers but it is the need of the hour to restrain ourselves and suspend Muharram processions,” Mujtaba said. (KNT)

Srinagar, Aug 23: Reacting to reports that her sister is changing her mother’s name on her passport, Iltija Mufti, daughter of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, said that her mother is not changing her name.
She also questioned the priorities of the media with India crossing 3 million COVID-19 cases, saying journalists should report on real issues.
She further said that her elder sister has filed an affidavit due to an error in her matriculation certificate. “India has crossed 3 million COVID cases yet media reports & distorts something as trivial as my elder sister filing an affidavit due to an error in her matriculation certificate. Ms Mufti is NOT changing her last name. Media needs to report on real issues,” Iltija, who is handing the official twitter handle of her mother, wrote on Sunday.
Iltija was responding to news report that her sister has sought to change her mother’s name in her passport to Mehbooba Syed. Referring to a notice issued in a local newspaper, the news report said that Irtiqa Javed wanted to change her mother’s name in the passport.
“I, Irtiqa Javed, daughter of Javed Iqbal Shah Resident of Fairview House Gupkar Road, Srinagar, Kashmir 190001 want to change the name of my mother in my passport from Mehbooba Mufti to Mehbooba Syed. If anybody has any objection regarding the same may please contact the concerned authorities within the period of seven days after that no objections will be entertained,” read the notice according to the report.

Asks Advisors, CS for regular monitoring to ensure timely completion
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 23: In order to give fillip to pace of work on various Mega Projects across Jammu Division, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today took a comprehensive review of the progress on important Developmental Projects of Jammu division in a meeting held here at the Civil Secretariat. He also reviewed various upcoming developmental projects of the region.
The meeting was attended by Advisors to the Lt Governor, Kewal Kumar Sharma and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar; Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam; Principal Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta; Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, Rohit Kansal; Divisional Commissioner, Sanjeev Verma; Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sushma Chauhan; Commissioner JMC, Avny Lavasa; HoDs, Chief Engineers and other senior officers.
The Lt Governor called for adopting a viable strategy for providing best possible developmental infrastructure to the people of J&K and collaborated efforts from every stakeholder to bring about a massive developmental transformation in the region.
The Lt Governor stressed on inter-departmental coordination and asked the Advisors and the Chief Secretary for regular monitoring of all the projects in order to achieve results on the ground. He directed the officers to work in a close synergy to remove any bottlenecks coming in the way of progress of works, besides ensuring timely completion of all the projects with strict adherence to the quality norms. He directed the officers to make judicious use of available resources and expediently clear all issues creating hurdles in the development.
Taking strong note of the delays in the completion of some projects, the Lt Governor directed the concerned officers to ensure that projects do not remain languishing unnecessarily.

Work with a motto of development and welfare of the people. Development projects are the backbone of a region’s holistic development. People of J&K have set the bar of expectations from the Government very high, so make sure that all the projects are completed within the stipulated time frame to fulfill the developmental aspirations of the people, the Lt Governor maintained.
The Lt Governor, while reviewing the restoration project of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, directed that Engineers be posted in Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex for technical supervision and designing.
Stressing on the need to strengthen medical infrastructure in the region, the Lt Governor directed for speedy execution of work on mega projects like AIIMS and other Medical Colleges and Hospitals in Jammu.
On Multi level Parking at Bus Stand, the Lt Governor was informed that the mega project, comprising of 80 Bus bays, 167 shops, 1312 car spaces, 177 two wheelers, Commercial space 85,000 sft, is on its completion stage and will be ready by the end of October.
The development of townships in Jammu division was discussed and it was briefed that total 11 locations have been identified for construction of affordable housing for the increasing population of the division. The townships are coming up under Jammu, Katra, Udhampur and Akhnoor Master Plans.
While reviewing the status of JDA housing projects at Nagrota and Muthi, the Lt Governor suggested for inclusion of commercial complexes in housing projects to make them more lucrative.
The Lt Governor was informed about the Proposed Flatted Development at Nagrota and Nagrota – I comprising of 754 flats with cost of 297.06 Cr and 180 flats with cost of 82.64 Cr respectively. He was also briefed about the Proposed EWS flats under PMAY at Udeywala (192 flats), Muthi(192 flats), Majeen(384 flats) and Nagrota (240 flats).
He also enquired about the Junctions Improvement under Smart City project with the cost of Rs10.02 cr at Shakuntala Junction, Karan Nagar Junction , Prasar Bharti & CPO Junctions ,Prem Nagar & Gujjar Nagar Junctions ,District Jail Junction ,Vivekanand Junction , Mian Dido, Satwari Junction. The project is intended to benefit the people by accommodating an infrastructure ensuring for safe passage, improving Right of way for pedestrians and reducing Traffic Congestions.
The Lt Governor e-inaugurated Smart WiFi Connectivity under Jammu Smart City Mission at 6 places- Raghunath Bazaar, Residency Road, Mubarak Mandi to Parade Chowk, Bahu Fort, Apsara Road and Green Belt Park. He directed the authorities to expedite the process of DPRs for the leftout areas of Jammu city earmarked for the facility.
On Tawi Gated Barrage project, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control informed that IIT Roorkee has been roped in for its design, and all the data has been shared with them. The Lt Governor directed for regular follow up on the prestigious project for its early execution.

The Lt Governor also stressed on prioritizing the resolution of Grain Mandi issues.
The Lt Governor also took stock of the progress on important projects like Jammu- Akhnoor road, IT Parks, Ujh Multipurpose Project, Shahpur Kandi project, Jambu Zoo, Mechanized Car Parkings, Airport expansion etc.
The Lt Governor was also briefed about the Elevated Light Rail Transit System coming up at Jammu city at an estimated cost of Rs 4825 crores. He also instructed Commissioner JMC to enroll the leftout street vendors under PM SVANidhi Yojana.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday set September 10 as deadline to clear pending cases of domicile certificates applies across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Appreciating the enthusiasm shown by people applying for Domicile Certificates, the LG directed the concerned officers to speed up the process of issuance and delivery of the same without much hassle.
He took notice of the 90 per cent pendency of online applications for Domicile Certificates and directed the officers to speed up the process through online mode.
He also directed to ensure seamless issuance of Domicile Certificates for PRC holders without requiring additional documents.
“All pending applicants be provided Domicile Certificates within 15 days, and deadline of September 10 is being set, after which no long pendency shall be excused and action against the responsible, underperforming officers shall be taken”,the Lt Governor said while taking reviews of developmental activities going on in Jammu district in meeting here at Civil Secretariat.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu presented a brief profile and statistics of the district to the Lt Governor.
She also informed the Lt Governor about the status of various centrally sponsored schemes being implemented in the district.
The Lt Governor laid emphasis on swift delivery of public services and saturation of centrally sponsored schemes at the earliest.

He also set a deadline of September 30 for 100 per cent Aadhar enrollment in the district to ensure complete and uninterrupted disbursal of benefits through DBT mode.
Studying enrollment under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the Lt Governor asked the concerned to remove discrepancies and provide benefits to all the deserving families.
Similarly, the Lt Governor observed fall in payments under the PM KISAN Yojana and instructed that all farmers be involved under the scheme, irrespective of their land holdings, and be provided benefits under the same, as per revised guidelines of PM KISAN.
Observing slow payment of wages under MGNREGA, he directed that the wages be paid within 15 days of the work.
Maintaining his impetus on completion of languishing projects, the Lt Governor said that the works on the verge of completion be completed on war footing.
He also asked to officers to revisit public grievance redressal mechanism and to connect with the masses through public outreach.
The Lt Governor also discussed issues of border dwellers of the district and directed the Divisional Commissioner to verify complaints of poor quality construction of civilian bunkers at the border.
The Divisional Commissioner was also directed to verify status of works started after Back to Village programmes, besides slow progress on construction of boundary wall and internal road at IIM Jammu campus, and report.
Disappointed at 36 per cent damage rate of power transformers in Jammu region, against the national average of five per cent, the Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned officers to reduce the prevalent rate to minimum, and bring it at par with the national average.
The Lieutenant Governor referring to the Back to Village programmes held earlier said that some of the public demands raised earlier be fulfilled, before launching the next edition of the much appreciated initiative.
He also directed Deputy Commissioner Jammu to take feedback on the execution of works projected in the earlier editions of the programme.
The Lt Governor also instructed the officers to be accessible to general public and elected representatives at grass root level.

‘COVID-19 lockdown proved to be last nail in the coffin; traders, transporters not in a position to clear debts’
Kashmir News Service
Srinagar ,Aug 23: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) on Sunday said the five -month-long lockdown has dented the Valley’s economy by Rs 21000 crore and the total loss for the last one year is estimated to be around Rs 45,000 crore.
An online report released by the Trade Alliance states that the traders in the Valley have suffered a total loss of Rs 21,320.64 crore in the last five months as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Alliance stated that the final report will be released after the lockdown ends. The interim report was compiled after covering the daily trade and business, gross domestic product (GDP) for 2017-18 and the economic outlook.
The report states: “The agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and agriculture sector suffered a loss of Rs 942.4 crore during the five months of the catastrophic downpour, as a result of which the sector was hit hard in 2019. Livestock suffered a loss of Rs. 2234 crore. Lockdown proved to be the last nail in the coffin of an already dying production industry. In total, the sector incurred a loss of Rs. 3161 crore during the lockdown period.”
According to the report the lockdown brought construction activities to a standstill, leaving 500,000 people jobless. Construction activities and projects were hit by Rs 2,214.64 crore.
The Trade Alliance said thousands of people lost their jobs, hotels and houseboats were locked as tourist activities ceased.
Tourism players were waiting for tourists in 2020, but the lockdown and the prevailing situation have dashed their hopes, and in the last five months alone, the sector has lost Rs 1,292 crore, while the hotel and restaurants also suffered a loss of Rs 760 crore.
The report said that the wheels of passenger vehicles have been jammed in the Valley for the last five months, while an estimated 60,000 passenger vehicles are stranded. There are vehicles, including 32,000 taxi cabs, 6,000 Tata vehicles or minibuses, 12,000 auto rickshaws and buses, a total of 200,000 families are dependent on transport. The drivers and conductors are facing penury. The sector has suffered losses of Rs 2888 crore as a result of the lockdown in the last 5 months.
“There are millions of shopkeepers in the Valley having 2 to 3 salesmen on average. As a result of shutters being down, most of the shopkeepers are not in a position to repay the debt, nor are they in the position to pay the interest. The shopkeepers have lost Rs. 4104 crore during the lockdown. Handicrafts sector has incurred a total loss of Rs. 760 crore during the last 5 months. Real estate sector has faced Rs 2280 crore loss, while the services sector incurred a loss of Rs. 608 crore. The education sector has also suffered a loss of Rs. 76 crore,” the report states.
“Rs 1000 crore loss has been incurred during the last 3 Eids. The average daily trade in the valley is Rs 140 crore, however, the economy of the Valley has reached the brink of collapse. The business community also suffered irreparable losses during the catastrophic floods of 2014, the same total losses were around Rs one lakh crore, after which the situation broke the backs of Kashmiri traders, leaving millions of people in dock. The closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for about 35 days resulted in losses of about Rs 3,000 crore to the business community.” (KNS)

New Delhi, Aug 23: Sonia Gandhi has told her aides that she does not want to continue as interim Congress president, sources said on Sunday amid a massive controversy over a letter by more than 20 top party leaders calling for sweeping reforms, introspection and “a full-time, visible leadership”.
Sonia Gandhi, 73, will either resign immediately or give the party a deadline to find a new chief, sources said ahead of a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, the party’s top decision-making body, on Monday.
The letter suggests that the Gandhis, who have led the party for most of its 134-year history, can remain an “integral part of a collective leadership”.
Sonia Gandhi has said a Working Committee meet will discuss the matter, sources said. (NDTV)

Srinagar, Aug 23: Around 321 overseas buyers from 61 countries have registered Virtual Edition of 40th India Carpet Expo, an exclusive trade fair for handmade carpets and other floor-coverings at New Delhi, an official spokesman said here Sunday evening.
He said there is huge demand of hand-knotted high end, tufted Carpets in major importing countries.
He said the Day 2 of the first Virtual Edition of 40th India Carpet Expo, an exclusive trade fair for handmade carpets and other floor-coverings, Sunday witnessed encouraging response with almost every participant having substantial online meetings with overseas buyers and buying representatives.
The expo has received overwhelming response from around 321 overseas buyers from 61 countries and 145 Buying Representatives from across the world in two days of the event.
The event being organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) was e-inaugurated on August 21, 2020 by Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles and Women and Child Development in presence of Shantmanu, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
The 5 day Expo will remain open for business till August 25, 2020.
As per the feedback received from the Exhibitors, there is huge demand of Hand-knotted high end carpets as well as tufted Carpets from the major importing countries i.e. Japan, USA, Australia, U.K., Canada and Turkey.
Chairman, CEPC Siddh Nath Singh mentioned that the Council is putting all efforts to promote innovations for product development in the Handmade Carpet Sector and encouraging the young especially women entrepreneurs in a big way.

Sinha meets family of slain sarpanch Ajay Pandita

Precious Kashmir News

Jammu, Aug 23:  Zulfiquar Hasan, Special DG CRPF J&K Zone called on Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha and briefed him about the internal security management and prevailing security scenario in J&K.

Charu Sinha, IG CRPF Jammu sector was also present during the meeting.

The Lt Governor stressed on maintaining close synergy between Army, CRPF, J&K Police and other Central Paramilitary Forces to deal effectively with any emergent situations, besides maintaining a close watch on all the vital installations for ensuring a secure environment for the people of J&K.

Lt Governor advised for keeping heightened surveillance on all fronts to meet the security challenges in J&K.

He also lauded the role being played by the forces in containing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in J&K.

Meanwhile, Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, along with Purnima Sharma, Deputy Mayor, JMC met the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhavan here today.

They gave an overview of the containing efforts of JMC to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 pandemic and also briefed him about the functioning of JMC including available man power,  existing infrastructure, and revenue requirements and other steps initiated by JMC on the developmental front pertaining to Solid Waste Management, installation of street lights, water drainage, sanitation, Swachh Bharat Mission beautification, building permits and enforcement, civil works   etc.

The Lt Governor stressed on the need to constantly improve the functioning of the Corporation to provide the people with better delivery of public services.

He also laid stress on ensuring planned constructions in the city and advised them to formulate a comprehensive vision plan to transform Jammu into modern and more vibrant city.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today met the family members of deceased Sarpanch, Ajay Pandita Bharti who was killed by militants.

Late Sarpanch’s wife Sohini Pandita and father Dwarika Nath Pandita flagged their issues with the Lt Governor, on which the Lt Governor assured all possible support from the Government to them.

He also expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolences with the family members of slain sarpanch.

Directs for preparation of a strategic plan to sweep-clean districts Jammu, Udhampur and Rajouri of coroanvirus cases
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 23: In a significant decision aimed to restrict COVID -19 cases in Jammu Division, Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam has directed for preparation of a strategic plan to sweep-clean districts Jammu, Udhampur and Rajouri of all positive cases through a massive testing exercise in these districts focussed on red zones and other areas with higher incidence of COVID -19 cases. This was decided in a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary to review COVID-19 mitigation measures in Jammu Division, here today.
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Director, National Health Mission, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Principal, Government Medical College, Jammu, Director Health Services, Jammu, and other senior officers of Health and Administration participated in the meeting. Deputy Commissioners of Rajouri, Ramban, and Reasi attended the meeting through video conference.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary took a detailed review of the COVID-19 case load, sample collection, positivity and hospital bed capacities in five districts of Jammu Division. Chief Secretary said, each of these districts has a specific vulnerability issue and is required to be dealt with accordingly. Chief Secretary directed DC Jammu to prepare a plan and execute the same to clean the vulnerable areas of the district of positive cases in this week, so that the same could be followed in the districts of Rajouri and Udhampur.
Deputy Commissioner Ramban was asked to consider random testing of truck drivers and also to keep a tight check on the movement on National Highway so that only persons with proper requisite permission and negative test reports are allowed to move.
Chief Secretary, considering a recent spike in the district, directed Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri to identify vulnerable areas with higher incidence to have a focussed attention to clean the areas of all positive cases in order to restrict the infection from further spread as well as to catch the positive cases early. He also asked the Deputy Commissioner to enhance sample collection in the majorly affected areas.
In view of resumption of Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, Chief Secretary asked Deputy Commissioner, Reasi and CEO, SMVDSB, to ensure that no person without a negative test report is allowed to perform the pilgrimage. He also stressed on ensuring a tight check at the designated check points so that no such person is allowed to pass.
Directions were issued for close monitoring of COVID trajectory with special focus on spread of infection through travellers, primary and secondary contacts. Health department was asked to reserve bed capacities for more serious cases and to rationalise testing capacity.

Anantnag, Aug 23: Life remained affected for the third consecutive day on Sunday in this south Kashmir district, where district administration has imposed three day lockdown from Friday in view of surge in COVID-19 positive cases during the past few days.
Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha has issued an order on August 20 that restrictions will remain imposed on August 21 to 23 in the entire district.
However, local residents questioning re-imposition of the restrictions said that there was not much change in the COVID-19 positive cases since the fresh relaxation was announced from August 16, when the number of positive cases was 23. The number of positive cases was less than 50 from August 17 to 20 while it was 48 cases yesterday, three more than Friday.
Sidha had in the order said that a surge in the positive cases has been observed over the last few days and in order to contain the infection it has become necessary to reimpose the restrictions in the district.Therefore, he said, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 144 CRPC and Section 34 Disaster Management Act, restrictions have been re-imposed which shall be implemented in letter and spirit for three days from Friday.
Meanwhile, large number of security forces and police personnel remained deployed to strictly implement restrictions in the district. Security forces have established naka checking to prevent any movement. At one of the naka checking security forces arrested a youth and recovered 50 rounds of live ammunition on Friday.
Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads. However, some private vehicles were seen plying on few routes. However, security forces were allowing to move only after checking their documents and other papers.