Tally at 22955; 15244 recovered so far

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 5: As many as 559 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, thus taking the toll of infected persons in the Union Territory to 22955, officials said.
They said that of the fresh cases 463 were reported in Kashmir and 96 in Jammu.

Moreover, 388 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 91 from Jammu Division and 297 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 22955 positive cases, 7285 are Active Positive, 15244 have recovered and 426 have died; 31 in Jammu division and 395 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 679415 test results available, 656460 samples have been tested as negative till August 05, 2020.

Additionally, till date 379311 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 43206 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 7285 in isolation and 43604 under home surveillance. Besides, 284790 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 5590 positive cases (including 160 cases reported today) with 2400 Active Positive, 3049 recovered (including 55 cases recovered today), 141 deaths; Baramulla has 1997 positive cases (including 29 cases reported today) with 393 Active Positive, 1531 recovered (including 79 cases recovered today), 73 deaths; Pulwama reported 1733 positive cases (including 105 cases reported today) with 758 active positive cases and 951 recovered (including 70 cases recovered today) and 24 deaths; Kulgam has 1552 positive cases (including 27 cases reported today) with 186 Active Positive and 1337 recoveries (including 15 cases recovered today) and 29 deaths; Shopian has 1492 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 213 Active Positive, 1256 recovered (including 18 cases recovered today) and 23 deaths; Anantnag district has 1417 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 260 Active Positive, 1129 recovered (including 14 cases recovered today), 28 deaths;  Budgam has 1386 positive cases (including 41 cases reported today) with 453 Active Positive and 900 recovered (including 22 cases recovered today) cases and 33 deaths; Kupwara has 1163 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 185 Active Positive, 957 recovered (including 17 cases recovered today), 21 deaths; Bandipora has 865 positive cases (including 44 cases reported today) with 310 Active Positive, 539 recovered (including 07 cases recovered today) and 16 deaths and  Ganderbal has 560 positive cases (including 41 cases reported today) with 222 active positive cases and 331 recoveries and 07 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 1361 positive cases (including 61 cases reported today) with 626 active positive cases and 714 recoveries (including 18 cases recovered today), 21 deaths; Rajouri has 746 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 259 active positive cases, 485 recovered (including 34 cases recovered today), 02 deaths; Ramban has 574 positive cases with 131 active positive, 442 recoveries, 01 death; Kathua has 559 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 131 Active positive, 427 recovered (including 16 cases recovered today), 01 death; Udhampur has 593 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today)  with 219 active positive cases, 372 recovered (including 08 cases recovered today), 02 death; Samba has 462 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 174 Active Positive and 287 recoveries (including 07 cases recovered today), 01 death; Doda has 299 positive cases with 79 active positive cases, 218 recoveries (including 01 recovery today), 02 deaths; Poonch has 251 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 95 active positive, 155 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today),01 death; Reasi has 198 positive cases with 138 active positive, 60 recoveries and Kishtwar has 157 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 53 active positive cases; 104 recoveries (including 04 cases recovered today).

According to the bulletin, of the total 22955 positive cases in J&K 4683 have been reported as travelers while 18272 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 metre 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 handwashing 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 dialling 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).

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.

Washington, Aug 5:  The worldwide number of COVID-19 fatalities has surpassed 700,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University, which compiles data from federal and local authorities, media and other sources.
According to the university, the exact death toll currently stands at 700,647, with the global case count totaling 18,480,000, and the number of recoveries recorded across the world since the onset of the pandemic amounting to 11,083,012.

New Delhi, Aug 5: Even as the total number of infections touched 19,08,255, India recorded the highest ever single day recoveries in the past 24 hours with 51,706 Covid-19 patients recovering.

The recoveries till now total up to 12,82,215, more than twice the active cases.

The recovery rate has reached a new high of 67.19 per cent and continues to improve each day.

With such consistent increase in recoveries, the gap between recovered patients and active Covid-19 cases has reached nearly 7 lakh. Due to the record highest daily recoveries, the active cases have reduced to 5,86,244 (less than 5,86,298 recorded Tuesday) and all are under medical supervision.

The aggressive testing along with ramped up hospital infrastructure by collective efforts of the public and private sectors has ensured the increasing Recovery Rate which has improved from 63 per cent to 67 per cent in the past 14 days.

Coordinated implementation of “Test, Track, Treat” strategy by the Union and state/UT governments has ensured that the Case Fatality R has been low at stands at 2.09 percent when compared to the global scenario and it has been progressively falling.

With increasing number of Covid-19 patients recovering, there has been a 63.8 per cent increase in recovered cases in the past 14 days, indicating that the Covid-19 response and management driven by the Centre’s “Test, Track, Treat” strategy is yielding desired results.

Ayodhya, Aug 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation for Ram mandir here and declaring that today is a ‘golden day’’ when Ram Janmabhoomi ‘stands liberated’.

Clad in a golden coloured dhoti-kurta, the Prime Minister performed ‘bhoomi pujan’’ and laid the first brick for a magnificent temple at 1244 hrs and 08 seconds amid chanting of vedic hyms and blowing of conch shells. He said “like August 15, today’s day holds a similar significance for crores of people who devoted their lives for the cause of Ram temple’’ …August 5 is a ‘’golden day’’ and Ram Janmabhoomi ‘’stands liberated today’’, he added.

“Nine shilas (bricks) with gold, silver and precious stones embedded on them were worshipped and laid as foundation,” Mahant Kamal Narain Das said.

A 40 kilograms silver plaque with details of the Ram temple movement and construction inscribed on it was worshipped and would be fixed at the main wall of the temple.

Champat Rai, general secretary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, announced that in 1989, Ram Bhakts had donated 2.75 lakh bricks for the construction of the temple. “We chose nine from the lot and used them to lay the foundation today,” he said.

Before the groundbreaking Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the make-shift Ram Lalla temple, thus becoming the first prime minister of the country to offer prayers at the temple.

The bhoomi pujan ceremony was attended by select people which included UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat besides Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Thirath Khetra Trust members.

LK Advani, 92, and Murli Manohar Joshi, 86, the two BJP stalwarts who had led the campaign to build the temple in its early days, are said to have watched the live telecast of the event because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Home Minister Amit Shah, watched the event from his bed in a Gurugram hospital where the 55-year-old top BJP leader was admitted last week due to the virus.

After the ritual was over, the PM also put ‘Tika’ on his forehead and recited the mantras after the priests praying to all the God and Goddess for the completion of the Ram temple and well being of the universe.

President Ram Nath Kovid said in his tweet, “Felicitations to all for the foundation laying of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Being built in tune with law, it defines India’s spirit of social harmony and people’s zeal. It will be a testimony to ideals of Ram Rajya and a symbol of modern India.”

The construction of the temple will be completed within 3 and half years. The original design for the Ram temple was prepared in 1988 but was changed in 2020 after the Court ruled in favour of Hindus. Chandrakant Sompura, the main architect of the temple said that as per new design Ram temple will be 235 feet wide, 360 feet long and 161 feet high. “The temple complex will have a prayer hall, a lecture hall, educational facility, saints residence and a hostel for visitors. It will have other facilities like a museum and a cafeteria,” he said.

“Once complete the temple complex will be the world’s third largest Hindu shrine,” Sompura said.

Srinagar, Aug 5: Strict restrictions crippled life in Kashmir for second consecutive day on Wednesday.
Restrictions, according to the officials, were imposed to thwart protests and prevent any law and order problems on the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
It was on this day last year that the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J&K’s special status and divide J&K into two union territories.
Reports said the entire Nallahmar road remained closed for any traffic and pedestrian movement for the second day on Wednesday. However, there were more nakas and road blocks today against yesterday, when there was official curfew. Security forces had closed road with barbed wire at Tarabal, Nawa Kadal, Rajouri Kadal and Gojwara. However, one tube of the road at Kawdara was open and only pedestrians were being allowed to move.

People living on both sides of the Nallahmar alleged that they are facing strict restrictions for the second day today. Milkmen and vegetable vendors were again not allowed to enter the area from outskirts, they alleged.

The historic Jamia Masjid has remained closed since March this year. However, today large number of security forces and police personnel had been deployed to prevent assembly of people. Roads leading to historic worship place were closed with barbed wire at Rangar stop, Gojwara and Nowhatta. Security forces have also closed road at Khanyar and TRC bridge, where only one side was open and only those having valid passes were allowed to move while others were being directed to return back to their homes.
Road leading to civil lines remained closed for the second day today with barbed wires. Barbar Shah bridge was also closed and only small portion of the road was open where only two wheelers and bicycle could pass.

Situation in the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital, was no different. Strict restrictions continued for the second day today. The Amira Kadal bridge, connecting Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) with Lal Chowk was closed completely and even pedestrians were directed to take Budshah Chowk route. Pedestrians were allowed to cross bridge yesterday. Goni Khan and Mahraj Bazar markets were closed from both sides with barbed wires and security forces remained deployed to implement restrictions.
Restrictions also continued in the uptown areas in Srinagar where security forces had closed main roads at Natipora and Rambagh. The Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh fly over was also closed this time.
Reports of restrictions were also received from other major towns and tehsil headquarters in the Valley.

New Delhi, Aug 5: The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday appreciated J&K Government for delivering good governance through administrative reforms.
MHA officials said that soon after the new arrangements were made through the Constitution amendment on August 5 last year, the administration of newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir laid special impetus on good governance, brought through the various administrative reforms which were pending for long.

Taking a slew of reforms, the J&K government restructured state’s Power Department and it was divided into five autonomous corporations with independent mandates and responsibilities with new impetus on improved services, better consumer responsiveness and stable and predictable revenue mechanism.

The second most important reforms was the ‘land registration process’ which was moved to Executive from Judiciary and under the new set up of Revenue Administration, and for “Land Registration Process’ was shifted to the newly created Department of Registration.

A total of 77 Sub-Registrars have been appointed and nearly 25,000 registrations carried out so far. Over Rs 100 crore have been realized as stamp duty and registration fees. The entire registration process is being digitized and moved online.

Parallely, the process of stamp duty administration is also being fully computerized and e stamping rules have been framed. This represents a major structural change that will simplify and demystify the land revenue administration. This in turn will lead to ease for the consumers and a robust check on fraudulent practices.

Similarly, the urban local bodies were restructured under municipal reforms and the civil works of these Bodies have been entrusted to the Public Works (R&B) Department for faster execution.

Municipal Corporations of Jammu and Srinagar have been strengthened for speedy execution of works. Street light functioning has been transferred to the Municipal Corporations for better upkeep and maintenance.

The Municipal Committees and Councils have been empowered to accord administrative approvals for the projects upto Rs 5 crores and given full powers to enter into contracts for purchase of stores supplies and services into contract.

Likewise, the financial powers of Municipal Committees, Municipal Councils and Director Local Bodies have been substantially revised to give a fillip to the execution of developmental activities.

Accrual Based Double Entry Accounting System (ABDEAS) has been introduced in urban local bodies to bring about transparency and consistency.

Under the new administrative set up, the J&K Right to Information Act 2009 was repealed and Central RTI Act 2005 came into enforcement with all its provisions.

The Jammu & Kashmir State Vigilance Commission Act, 2011 has been replaced and the Anti-Corruption Bureau of J&K brought under the direct supervision of Central Vigilance Commission. These measures will help to introduce a regime of transparency and accountability to control corruption through strict vigil by these agencies.

Similarly, for speedy resolution of service matters of Government employees, 18th Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has been set up for the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh on June 8 this year.

The Crime wing of Police Department has been reorganised and restructured to focus on economic offences and cyber crimes.

The same structural reforms have been carried out in Departments of Industries,Tourism,Finance and Technical education while sub departments with overlapping functions have been merged or downsized, people facing activities have been upgraded and strengthened, the officials said.

Srinagar, Aug 5: Police on Wednesday foiled an All Party Meeting called by National Conference (NC) here on the first anniversary of scrapping of Articles 370 and 35 A, besides dividing J&K into two Union Territories (UTs).

All roads leading to NC president Farooq Abdullah’s residence at high security Gupkar Road in Srinagar, which was venue of the meeting, were closed.

Meanwhile, leaders of different political parties, who were invited to take part in the meeting, alleged that they were informed in this morning that they can’t go out of their residences in view of restrictions.

Farooq Abdullah, who is Member of Parliament (MP) from Srinagar and former chief minister, had called the meeting in an apparent move to revive the Gupkar Declaration signed by regional political parties on August 4, 2019. The declaration was signed a day ahead of scrapping of Article 370 and Article 35A, besides bifurcating the state into two Union Territories by NDA government led by BJP.

The road leading to Gupkar residence of Abdullah was closed with barbed wires on one side and security force vehicle on the other side. Security forces were deployed in strength in the area and no one was being allowed to move towards the residence of Farooq Abdullah.

Even the media persons were not allowed to enter the Gupkar road area.

Reacting to the closure of Gupkar road, former chief minister and NC vice- president Omar Abdullah said one year later the authorities are still too afraid to allow mainstream politicians to meet much less carry out any normal political activity. “This fear speaks volumes about the true situation on the ground in Kashmir,” he said.

“Clearly the meeting is not being allowed to go ahead. The BJP gets to announce a 15 day celebration to mark 5th Aug & a handful of us aren’t allowed to meet in my father’s lawn. So much for BJP national leaders wondering why there is no political activity,” Omar wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.

“One year on, this is Gupkar road today – police vehicles opposite our gates, concertina wire strung across the road at regular intervals & no vehicles allowed. My father had called a meeting of leaders of MAINSTREAM parties to deliberate on the current situation,” he wrote and also posted pictures of the road.
Senior CPI (M) leader and former MLA from Kulgam M Y Tarigami told UNI that he was informed early in the morning that he can’t go out of his residence as restrictions were imposed.

Faizan Wani

Srinagar, Aug 5 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Youth wing, Wednesday staged a protest here to mark the first ‘anniversary’ of the abrogation of the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir, and its ‘bifurcation’ into two Union Territories on this day in 2019.

Holding placards which read “repeal unilateral decision and restore statehood” a group of PDP leaders, led by Party Youth General Secretary, Arif Laigaroo held a protest here to seek restoration of special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to media, PDP youth leader said that his party will never compromise on what was snatched away by BJP from the people of Jammu and Kashmir and that a political battle would continue till legitimate ‘constitutional’ rights of the erstwhile State are restored in their original form.

He said most of the leaders in PDP were detained ahead of the party’s proposed sit-in protest against center’s move.
Laigaroo said the authorities also sealed the PDP head office at Residency Road while detention of party President, Mehbooba Mufti, under contentious Public Safety Act (PSA) was extended by three months.

“Since PDP headquarters stand sealed by government forces and our leaders detained, we managed to hold a peaceful protest to seek restoration of Article 370 and 35A. We also demand that Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir be reunified,” said Laigaroo. (KNO)

Srinagar, Aug 5: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday celebrated the first anniversary of scrapping of Article 370 and 35 A by hoisting national flag and distributing sweets in the Kashmir.

On this day in 2019 Centre scrapped special status of the Jammu and Kashmir and divided the state into two Union Territories (UTs).
Meanwhile, a lone BJP local woman leader today hoisted tricolor at Lal Chowk in south Kashmir’s  Anantnag town.

The main function was held at party headquarter at Jawahar Nagar in Srinagar, where senior party leaders were present.

The celebration started with hoisting of national flag followed by distribution of sweets. BJP leaders said the celebrations will continue for 15 days.

Senior BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi said BJP is celebrating this day as on this day last year the dream of people of the country about one flag and one constitution was fulfilled. Scrapping of Article 370 will help now for overall development and employment.

When asked about ignoring social distance during the celebrations, she said there were less BJP leaders and more journalists.

The BJP in the Jammu and Kashmir has announced to organization functions and other celebrations on the first anniversary of scrapping of special status of the state.

A lone woman local leader of BJP identified as Rumisa Rafiq appeared at Lal Chowk in the main town of Anantnag today carrying a national flag, when the entire area wore deserted look as no one was visible.

Later, the woman, ignoring threat perception, hoisted the tricolor on the wall of fountain.

Similar celebrations were held in other parts of the Valley.

Iltija Mufti, who is handling the Twitter account of her mother former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti presently detained under Public Safety Act (PSA), reacted sharply to hoisting the national flag.
In a tweet she said, “With restrictions on the overwhelming majority in J&K who want to peacefully protest, police & admin organises curated photo ops of a select few hoisting national flag”.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 5: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command (NC) Lt General Y K Joshi on Wednesday briefed Lt Governor of Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir G C Murmu about the overall security situation at the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland, a Raj Bhavan spokesman said this afternoon.

He said GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt Gen Joshi today met LG Murmu here at the Raj Bhavan.

The LG and Lt Gen Joshi discussed various important issues pertaining to the prevailing security scenario and the overall security management in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lt Gen Joshi briefed the Lt Governor about the security situation in the forward areas and hinterland of J&K and the successful anti-terrorist operations being conducted by the Army.

The Lt Governor stressed on the high importance for maintaining close and effective synergy between the Army and other Security Forces in combating anti-terrorist activities, besides dealing with any emergent situations in an effective manner for maintaining peace and harmony in J&K.

He commended the role being played by the Army for ensuring a secure environment for the people of J&K and the comprehensive measures being taken by the Security Forces in containing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the UT.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps, Lieutenant General, B S Raju was also present on the occasion.