Woman who gave birth to twins recently, 21-year-old Jammu youth among victims  

Srinagar, Aug 13: Twelve more people, including a 21-year-old man from Jammu and a 25-year-old woman, who had recently given birth to twin daughters, died of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday taking the fatality count in the Union Territory to 512.

Among the fatalities, Srinagar reported three, Pulwama and Kupwara two each besides one each in Ganderbal, Budgam, Anantnag, Jammu and Poonch, official sources told GNS.

They said that a 21-year-old youth lost battle with the pestilence in a hospital in Jammu this morning.

A senior doctor at Government Medical College Jammu said that the young man from Satwari area of the winter capital was admitted to the hospital on August 1 and was diagnosed with “Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc, severe anemia, paraparesis and right lower zone CAP.”
The doctor said the man turned out to be positive for the novel coronavirus on August 3 and died at 8:10 a.m.

“The patient was shifted to isolation ward on being found positive,” the doctor added.

Also, they said, a 40-year-old man from Poonch who was referred from Batra to CD hospital died on the way.

A 25-year-old female from Bijbhera Anatnag died at CD hospital here, one of the exclusive facilities of the management of the COVID-19 patients.

“She was referred to LD Hospital as case of pneumonia with Sepsis with AKI after testing positive on Rapid Antigen Test on August 11 at LD Hospital where she had LSCS and had delivered twin daughters,” official sources said.
They said, she was on ventilator and suddenly developed bradycardia followed by cardiac arrest at around 4:30 p.m.

Regarding two deaths from Kupwara, they said, the victims include a 67-year-old who was admitted to hospital on August 10 and died today.

Also, a 90-year-old woman from Panzgam Kupwara having underling ailments such as “HTN, CKD and encephalopathy besides bilateral community acquired pneumonia” died at SKIMS, six days after she was admitted to the tertiary care hospital.

The Srinagar fatalities, they said, include a 65-year-old woman from Khanyar who was suffering from hypertension, hypothyroidism, besides severe bilateral pneumonia, a 62-year-old woman from Eidgah and an elderly from Lal Bazar “who was a known case of hypertension” and died at around 7:30 a.m. today, nine days after being admitted to SKIMS.

A 70-year-old woman from Rafiabad Baramulla who was having “HTN, and bilateral pneumonia” died at SMHS hospital where elderly woman from Mazhama Budgam besides two residents from Pulwama—an eldely man from Baygund Tral and 50-year-old woman from Drabgam—also succumbed, official sources said.  “All these patients had bilateral pneumonia and other ailments,” they added.

A 45-year-old man from Shalabug Ganderbal who was admitted hospitalized on August also succumbed to the virus, they added.

With these deaths, officials said, 512 people have succumbed to the virus in Jammu and Kashmir so far—473 from the Valley and 39 from Jammu division. Srinagar district with 163 deaths tops the list followed by Baramulla (86), Budgam (38), Anantnag (36), Kulgam (31), Pulwama (35), Kupwara (32),  Shopian (24), Jammu (27), Bandipora (19), Ganderbal (11), two each in Rajouri, Doda and Udhampur besides one each in Ramban, Samba, Poonch, and Kathua.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 13: As many as 536 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, thus taking the total number of positive cases in the Union Territory to 26949, officials said.
Of the fresh cases 438 were reported in Kashmir, while 98 persons tested positive in Jammu region.
Moreover, 779 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 218 from Jammu Division and 561 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 26949 positive cases, 7138 are Active Positive, 19302 have recovered and 509 have died; 39 in Jammu division and 470 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 763211 test results available, 736262 samples have been tested as negative till August 13, 2020.
Additionally, till date 406537 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 42231 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 7138 in isolation and 48554 under home surveillance. Besides, 308105 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 6577 positive cases (including 144 cases reported today) with 2036 Active Positive, 4378 recovered (including 311 cases recovered today), 163 deaths; Baramulla has 2303 positive cases (including 46 cases reported today) with 523 Active Positive, 1694 recovered (including 30 cases reported today), 86 deaths; Pulwama reported 1983 positive cases (including 33 cases reported today) with 577 active positive cases, 1373 recovered (including 97 cases recovered today), 33 deaths; Kulgam has 1674 positive cases (including 14 cases reported today) with 203 Active Positive, 1440 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today), 31 deaths; Shopian has 1545 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 104 Active Positive, 1417 recovered (including 16 recoveries today), 24 deaths; Anantnag district has 1680 positive cases (including 16 cases reported today) with 343 Active Positive, 1302 recovered (including 25 cases recovered today), 35 deaths; Budgam has 1677 positive cases (including 36 cases reported today) with 485 Active Positive and 1154 recovered (including 21 cases recovered today), 38 deaths; Kupwara has 1394 positive cases (including 46 cases reported today) with 272 Active Positive, 1091 recovered (including 07 cases recovered today), 31 deaths; Bandipora has 1251 positive cases (including 54 cases reported today) with 542 Active Positive, 691 recovered (including 29 cases recovered today), 18 deaths and Ganderbal has 815 positive cases (including 41 cases reported today) with 353 active positive cases, 451 recoveries (including 23 cases recovered today) and 11 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 1776 positive cases (including 49 cases reported today) with 723 active positive cases, 1026 recoveries (including 68 cases recovered today), 27 deaths; Rajouri has 774 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 186 active positive cases, 585 recovered (including 51 cases recovered today), 03 deaths; Ramban has 619 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 47 active positive, 571 recoveries, 01 death; Kathua has 636 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 100 Active positive, 535 recovered (including 07 cases recovered today), 01 death; Udhampur has 634 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 171 active positive cases, 461 recovered (including 14 cases recovered today), 02 deaths; Samba has 541 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 165 Active Positive, 375 recoveries (including 33 cases reported today), 01 death; Doda has 327 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 37 active positive cases, 288 recoveries, 02 deaths; Poonch has 310 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 110 active positive, 198 recoveries (including 18 recoveries today) 02 death; Reasi has 257 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 138 active positive, 119 recoveries (including 24 cases recovered today) and Kishtwar has 176 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 23 active positive cases, 153 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today).
According to the bulletin, of the total 26949 positive cases in J&K 5318 have been reported as travelers while 21631 as others.
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).
The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussive, bronchodilator, etc properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 7. 83 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensued during this pandemic.
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 13: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary Thursday said that there is no need to implement or extend lockdown restrictions in the district if people follow SOPs properly.

Dr Chowdhary said that district administration Srinagar conducted several meetings with religious heads and traders wherein lifting of lockdown restrictions were thoroughly discussed. Besides other vital issues, resumption of trade and market was also discussed with stakeholders.

The DC said that if administration will open 50 percent markets from August 16, SOPs have to be adhered in letter and spirit. “If we abide SOPs properly, I don’t think any need for enforcing or extending lockdown may arise”, he said.

While talking to reports here, the DC said that in wake of surge in COVID-19 caseloads in the district authorities were compelled to impose lockdown restrictions for the wellbeing of the community. “Experts are saying that more COVID-19 cases may arise in Srinagar and there are less chances of seeing a decline in figures in coming days. So in a situation like this, it is our responsibility to follow SOPs, use masks, maintain required social distance and take all other precautionary measures to keep the virus away”, he said.

Chowdhary said that district administration in pandemic days interacted with over 3000 religious leaders who were apprised of the lethal consequences of the pandemic. “We are hopeful religious leaders will play a pivotal role in persuading masses to follow SOPs when religious places will be thrown open for people”, DC said.

He maintained that further required information and awareness about lockdown will be made public in a separate notification.

When asked about the recovery rate, he said people are getting infected and recuperated simultaneously and the process is going on. “Recovered Covid-19 cases in Srinagar district are still more than the active cases at present which is itself a good sign”.

Everything will have to be investigated, says IGP Kumar

Srinagar, Aug 13: A police team headed by a senior officer has rushed to Rajouri for investigation after families alleged that three militants killed by security forces in an encounter in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on July 18 were their missing relatives and actually innocent labourers.

Meanwhile, Army has also taken notice of the family and social media claims regarding the operation and initiated investigations.

However, the family members of three missing youths alleged that they are not being provided travel permit by police to visit Kashmir , where their relatives had gone missing since July 18.

A team headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police  (Dy SP) has been sent to Rajouri to collect information and complete legal formalities in connection with three persons who had gone missing in Kulgam on July 17, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar told reporters on the sideline of full dress rehearsal for Independence Day (ID) here on Wednesday.

He said since the missing report was filed in Rajouri, police are trying to evaluate the case and collect all technical evidence about their disappearance.

IGP Kumar said as per set procedure we have collected DNA samples of all three militants after nobody came forward to claim their bodies after the encounter on July 18 at Kulgam. Now we are working on two aspects—to match DNA of relatives wit the DNA of these militants and second to investigate if the (missing persons) were in contact with local militants in Shopian, he said adding everything will have to be investigated.

Three youths identified as 18- year-old Abrar Ahmed Khan, Son of Bagha Khan,  Imtiyaz Hussain (26) Son of Sabir Hussain, both residents of Dhar Sakri of Tehsil Qotranka of Rajouri and 21-year-old Abrar Ahmed son of Muhammad Yousuf of Tarkasi village of same Tehsil had arrived in Shopian district on July 16.

The family members claimed that last contact on mobile phone with them was on July 17, a day before they went missing after security forces claimed to have killed three unidentified militants in an encounter at Kulgam.

A police spokesman has said here that  District Police Rajouri have been approached by some families claiming that their kins had gone to Shopian for labour work and contacted on phone on  July 17. As per families when they did not contact them after last call on July 17 they lodged missing report at Police Post Peeru on August 10, 2020. Meanwhile Social media reported that the militants killed in an operation at Shopian on July 18, 2020 are reportedly their kins, spokesman said.

He said Police had provided sufficient time for identification of dead bodies at Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir Srinagar. However, the dead bodies could not be identified and they were buried in presence of Magistrate after conducting post-mortem and lifting DNA samples.

Taking cognisance of the claim by the families and media reports, Shopian Police will examine the claimants and carry out DNA sampling for matching purpose. Besides identification, Police will also investigate all other aspects as per the law in due course of time.

Meanwhile, Army has also taken notice of the family and social media claims regarding the said operation and initiated investigations.

Almost all mainstream political parties have demanded a judicial probe into the killing.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 13: Urging people to register their grievances and complaints regarding departments under his charge, Advisor to Lt Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar on Thursday said that the mechanism for solving their genuine issues and problems in a time bound manner has been strengthened.

An official spokesman said that it is being informed to general public that the office of Advisor to  Bhatnagar has strengthened the grievance redressal mechanism for solving their genuine issues and problems in a time bound manner.

The public is being intimated that they can register their grievances and complaints regarding departments under his charge -Health and Medical Education, Public Works (R&B), Jal Shakti (PHE, I&FC), Transport, Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Security related matters on Phone nos. 01942506499 for Kashmir division and 01912542363 for Jammu Division, Monday to Friday from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs.

It is also informed that the people can also send their grievances through social media on Whatsapp number +919419670631 and Twitter on the twitter handle @AdvisorBJKGovt. Further the public can also send their grievances and complaints on email address [email protected].

Spokesman said it has been done to facilitate public as they can send their grievances electronically without having physically travel to office and minimise the risk due to pandemic COVID-19.

Further, the deputations, delegations, individuals or other people who want to meet the Advisor Bhatnagar have to seek a prior appointment from his office on phone numbers: 01942506466 for Kashmir and 01912542014 for Jammu.

All such people are requested to follow all health guidelines and other COVID related advisories strictly while visiting the Secretariat to contain the spread of pandemic COVID-19.