Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, July 31: Even though the deadly Coronavirus set its foot in Jammu and Kashmir in the month of March this year, the dreaded virus wreaked havoc in the month of July that saw 276 deaths and 12862 positive cases.

Despite witnessing a surge in deaths and positive cases, people from different walks of life were seen busy in markets from the last three days as the government eased restrictions ahead of Eid, unmindful of transmitting the virus.

As per the official data available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in the first 115 days (from March 08-June 30) 101 Covid-19  related deaths were witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir including 89 from Kashmir division and 12 from Jammu division.

“Till July 1, 88.11 percent deaths were from Kashmir division while 11.89 were Jammu division,” the data reveals. While as, from July 1 to July 31,  276 deaths related to Covid-19 were recorded in J&K which is around 73.20 percent of the total deaths.

Among 276 deaths in July month, 260 were reported from Kashmir division while as Just 16 were from Jammu division which means 94.20 percent of Covid related deaths were reported from  Kashmir division  while just 5.79 percent are from Jammu division in the month of July.

Overall out of 377 deaths related to Covid-19 in J&K 349 are from Kashmir while 26 are from Jammu division. So, the overall share of deaths of Kashmir division is 93.1 percent and that of Jammu is 6.8 percent.

Notably, there are 20359 positive cases in J&K, among them 12862, which means 63.17 percent of total positive cases in J&K, were witnessed in the July month alone.

“Out of total 20,359 positive cases, 15915  are from Kashmir division while 4444 are from Jammu division,” officials privy to the data revealed.

So, Kashmir’s share in total positive cases is 78.17 percent while 21.82 percent positive cases are from Jammu division.  It may be recalled that the first case of the COVID-19 pandemic in India was reported on 30 January 2020, originating from China. Slowly, the pandemic spread to various states and union territories including the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Two suspected cases with high viral load were detected and isolated on March 4 in Government Medical College, Jammu. One of them became the first confirmed positive case on  March 9. Both individuals had a travel history to Iran.

Despite witnessing a surge in positive cases, people are not adhering to the protocol which can prove disastrous for the whole community, said experts and doctors.

Dr M S Khuroo, former director SKIMS and head of the advisory Committee  of government regarding Covid protocol, said that as people are not taking Covid protocols seriously, it seems that J&K is heading towards a disaster.

“Despite witnessing a surge in positive cases besides death, people are still non serious about Covid-19 and are roaming without masks and are not maintaining social distance which is very unfortunate and can prove dangerous for all of us,” he said. “If conditions remain the same, we won’t have beds and space available to treat patients due to which death rate will increase.”

He said that if the callous approach of people towards Covid-19 continues, the situation will become out of control. “It is not still late. People must follow Covid guidelines and take precautions,’ Dr Khuroo said.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 31 : Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Friday appealed people in the Valley not to stigmatize COVID-19 patients.

“People who are affected by COVID-19 are increasingly facing discrimination,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan said in a statement .

“Even those who have recovered from Covid-19 face such discrimination,” he said, adding that COVID patients are labeled, isolated and abandoned. “An environment of fear and panic has been created which is fuelling a deplorable wave of discrimination against those who are affected by the virus,” he said.

Dr Nisar said people need to understand that everyone is at risk regardless of who you are or where you are. “It must be noted that the condition is curable and most people recover from it. We need to move from the language of fear and paranoia to one of empathy and care.”

“In times of crisis, patients and their families need support and co-operation from others,” he said. “Patients feel depressed, hurt and angry when friends and others in the community avoid them for fear of getting COVID,” he added.

Dr Nisar said stigma drives people to hide their illness, prevents people from seeking health care and discourages them from adopting healthy behavior. “This facilitates the spread of the virus and pushes up COVID deaths,” he said.

Dr Nisar said there is an urgent need to scale up awareness among people on Covid and do away with the stigma that has come to surround pandemic. More education is needed to counter the prejudices against the affected.

“It is important to recognize that what is communicated is just as important as how it is communicated,” he said. “Clear and honest communication and the use of non-discriminatory language have the potential to significantly improve the attitude and behavior of people related to Covid-19 and reduce stigma.

Health care service providers should communicate transparently and work reliably that will alleviate fears among the community and reduce stigmatization and social discrimination,” said Dr Nisar .

Washington, July 31: China’s territorial claims in Bhutan and the recent incursion into Indian land are indicative of their intentions, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday, adding that Beijing under Preisdent Xi Jinping was trying to find out whether other countries are going to push back.

Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh since May 5. The situation deteriorated last month following the Galwan Valley clashes that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead.

China recently staked claim over the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council and opposed funding to the project.

“I think the actions are entirely consistent with what they have been signalling to the world for decades you might even argue since 1989 but certainly since General Secretary Xi (Jinping) came to power,” Pompeo told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing on Thursday.

The secretary of state said China has the desire to expand its power and reach.

“They talk about bringing socialism with Chinese characteristics to the world. Claims that they have now made for real estate in Bhutan, the incursion that took place in India, these are indicative of Chinese intentions, and they are testing, they are probing the world to see if we are going to stand up to their threats and their bullying,” Pompeo said.

“I am more confident than I was even a year ago that the world is prepared to do that. There’s a lot more work to do, and we need to be serious about it,” said the top American diplomat.

In his testimony, Pompeo told lawmakers that India has banned 106 Chinese applications that threatened its citizens’ privacy and security.

“Our diplomatic efforts are working and momentum is building to mitigate the threats that the Chinese Communist Party presents. All 10 ASEAN nations have insisted that the South China Sea disputes be settled on the basis of international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Japan led the G-7’s condemnation of China”s national security law targeting Hong Kong,” he said.

The European Union condemned the law too and also declared China a systemic rival to us, he said.

At the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Secretary General Stoltenberg has called to make China a greater part of that alliance”s focus.

“We led a multilateral effort to ensure that the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organisation elected a director from a country that cared about intellectual property, the secretary of state said.

“Our QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) — the United States, Australia, India, and Japan — has been reinvigorated. We’ve worked hard at this. Our diplomats have done wonderful work. I’m very proud of the progress we are making. In addition to these multilateral efforts, Department of Justice is cracking down on Chinese intellectual property threats,” he said.

The United States has sanctioned Chinese leaders for their treatment of Uyghur minorities in Xinjiang province, imposed export controls on companies that supported, and warned US businesses against using slave labour in their supply chains, he said.

The US has terminated special treatment agreements with Hong Kong in response to the CCP”s actions to deny freedom to the people of Hong Kong. “We closed our consulate in Houston because it was a den of spies,” he said.

New Delhi, Jul y 31: Australia has supported India’s position on the border standoff with China

and warned that attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

could increase instability in the region.

Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell, who had a meeting with External Affairs

Minister S Jaishankar here on Thursday, stressed the importance of observing agreed principles and

norms between India and China that had helped prevent escalation along the border between the two

countries in the past.

O’Farrell said Australia opposed any attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo. Such attempts

only increased tension and instability.

The two also discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific region amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Expressing concern at China’s destablising actions in South China Sea that could provoke escalation,

he said territorial disputes and competing claims should be resolved peacefully by the claimant

countries and in ways consistent with international law.

O’Farrell said Australia remained vigilant about strategic trends ‘’inimical to our vision of the

region”. ‘’Australia envisages an open, free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region that is resilient to

coercion” .

New Delhi, July 31: President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Eid-ul- Zuha.

Extending his greetings, the President in a message, said EId-ul- Zuha symbolises the spirit of sacrifice and amity “which inspires us to work for the well-being of one and all”.

Reminding the people to follow all the rules and guidelines prescribed in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said “on this festive occasion, let us share our happiness with others and promote mutual harmony.”

The Vice President, wishing the people on the auspicious occasion, said the festival inspired us to inculcate empathy, practice sacrifice and promote peace and universal brotherhood.

“May this Eid bring peace, harmony and prosperity in our lives, country and the world,” his message said.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, he urged devotees that almost all of our traditional festivals, which were otherwise celebrated with great splendour, should be observed in a more subdued manner. “We have to be content with a modest celebration and strictly adhere to the safety protocols of wearing masks, practicing physical distancing and personal hygiene during all our celebrations,” he added.

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, July 31: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu has conveyed his warm greetings to the people of J&K in general and to the Muslim brethren in particular, on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

In his message of felicitations, the Lt Governor observed that this festival endorses the spirit of sacrifice, benevolence and generosity towards others. He hoped that the auspicious occasion would further enhance the amiable atmosphere and provide beacon light for prosperity and development in the UT.

Every festival is an opportunity to promote peace and harmony and I hope this tradition shall be nurtured to strengthen the bond of communal harmony, peace and amity between various sections of the society, he said.

The Lt Governor, in view of the emerging situation, urged the people to celebrate this festival in adherence to the guidelines and norms issued by the Administration.

He prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan in a message of felicitation, described the festival as a reward from Almighty Allah.

He said celebrating Eid teaches us camaraderie, friendship, mutual respect and love for the masses.

He appealed people to remember their neighbours, orphans and the needy during Eid celebrations.

He requested the people to follow the health guidelines properly to stop further spreading of the COVID-19 during Eid celebrations.

Advisor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar in his message of felicitation wished that this auspicious occasion would bring in a renewed spirit of love and oneness through its message of self discipline and sacrifice among the people of J&K.

He hoped that this festival would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity among the people of J&K and revive the glorious pluralistic ethos for which Jammu and Kashmir has been known for centuries past.

Advisor Bhatnagar also appealed  the people to follow necessary guidelines issued in view of the global pandemic of the COVID 19 while celebrating the occasion and advised them to strictly follow the concept of social distancing.

Advisor Baseer Ahmed Khan in his message of greetings hoped that this festival would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity and revive the glorious pluralistic ethos for which Jammu and Kashmir has been known for centuries past.

Advisor K. K. Sharma in a message said celebrating Eid ul Azha teaches us concepts of camaraderie, friendship, mutual respect, love for the destitute and downtrodden besides mutual co existence.

He hoped the festival brings peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of the Jammu and Kashmir and also strengthen our resolve to fight the global Pandemic of COVID 19.

Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam, in his message said the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Azha symbolizes the strength of faith and sacrifice to be on the righteous path and emphasizes the spirit of charity and good deeds.

Chief Secretary prayed that the festival becomes a harbinger of peace and further strengthens the bond of communal harmony, mutual brotherhood, amity, and tranquillity.

Keeping in view the evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation, Chief Secretary urged people to adopt self-health protection measures during the festivities and maintain social distancing to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole while extending his heartiest greetings to the general public prayed for peace and prosperity in the UT.

He said this is a special occasion; however, people must strictly adhere to Covid-19 SOPs and guidelines while celebrating the festivity as the whole world is engulfed by the deadly pandemic.

The Div Com further appealed people to offer Eid-ul-Adha prayers at home besides avoiding large gatherings and thronging to public or religious places.

“Let us pray that we overcome this pandemic situation and I appeal people to follow all SOPs while marking this festive occasion”, he added.

Director General of Police J&K Dilbag Singh in his message  expressed hope that this Eid will bring happiness among the people of J&K including Police, their families and the families of policemen who laid their lives in the line of duty. He wished that on this pious day the world will soon free the clutches of deadly pandemic CoronaVirus.

The DGP appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and in particular to the religious leaders and senior citizens to guide the common people in celebrating this Eid at home while following all necessary health protocols for the safety of our nears & dears and society in general.

Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar also greeted people, police personnel and their families on Eid-Ul-Zuha.

He hoped that this Eid will usher peace and happiness for all.

“The festival reminds us to share our joys with destitute and deserving. The occasion teaches us to rededicate ourselves for the service of people, reaffirm our commitment towards brotherhood and selfless service to humanity,” he said and urged people to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines and follow SOPs in letter and spirit so as to restrict the spread of deadly virus. He also requested community members to offer Eid prayers at respective homes so as to break the chain of Covid-19.

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, July 31: National Conference Party President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah on Friday extended warm greetings to people on the auspicious eve of Eid-ul -Zuha, praying for advent of peace and tranquility in J&K.

“We are celebrating this Eid at a time when the lives of people all over the world are beleaguered with humanity’s biggest ever public health crises induced by COVID-19.  It is the universal and undying message of the day that offers a glimmer of hope to all those observing the day during the prevailing crises,” they said.

The NC MPs Mohammad Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodi and other party leaders also extended warm greetings to people.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also extended warm greetings to the people on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha, wishing them well-being and prosperity.

In his message of felicitations on the eve of this auspicious occasion, Bukhari said: “Eid gives us the message of love, unity and brotherhood. Sharing happiness increases them. Extending help to the poor and needy will also usher happiness in their lives. In view of COVID-19 pandemic, I appeal the people to observe this festival with utmost caution and abide by the social and health protocols of COVID-19 so as to stem the spread of this deadly disease.”

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President G.A. Mir also felicitated people on Eid Ul Azha, praying for their wellbeing and prosperity.

In his message of felicitations,  Mir termed Eid Ul Azha a unique and very pious occasion, which marks the supreme sacrifices of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).

Chairman People’s Democratic Front  (PDF ) and former Cabinet Minister, Hakeem Yaseen has felicitated people especially Muslim ummah on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

In his  greetings message, Yaseen said the auspicious  Eid-ul-Azha inculcates  spirit of sacrifice and obedience towards Almighty Allah and to follow His directions about compassion and mercy towards the needy and destitutes.

The Awami National Conference president, Khalida Shah and senior vice president Muzaffar Shah extended their greetings to the people and Muslims.

People Democratic Party youth secretary Arif Laigroo also greeted people  on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.
Praying for peace and prosperity, Laigaroo said on this festival, let us rededicate ourselves to the path of truthfulness, sincerity, self-control, patience and human dignity
He urged people to strictly follow the guidelines and protocol of health advisories while celebrating auspicious occasions during COVID-19 pandemic.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 31: Jammu and Kashmir administration  Friday extended the detention of PDP President Mehbooba Mufti by three months under the Public Safety Act on the pretext that her release may result in disruption of public order.

Mufti was among several J&K leaders who were taken into preventive custody on August 4 last year, just before the Centre’s announcement on bifurcating the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories and rolling back the special status guaranteed under Article 370.

The current detention order of the former chief minister was going to expire on August 5 this year. According to an order issued by the Home Department duly signed by Home Secretary Shaleen Kabra, a copy of which is with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Mufti will continue to remain under detention for another three months at her official residence at Fairview Bungalow, which has been declared a subsidiary jail.

“The law enforcing agencies have recommended further extension in the period of detention and on examination, the same is considered to be necessary,” the order reads. “The detention of Mufti has been extended to prevent her from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order.”

Scores of mainstream politicians were detained on August 4 last year and a majority of them have been set free. The J&K government also released Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone today, after almost a year-long detention. Former chief ministers that include Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah, were also released from detention recently—(KNO)

Nasir Azam

Srinagar, July 31: In a significant development, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone was Friday released from one year-long detention. Lone was released this morning after being kept in detention for nearly 360 days.

“Finally five days short of a year I have been officially informed that I am a free man. So much has changed. So have I. Jail was not a new experience. Earlier ones were harsh with usual doses of physical torture. But this was psychologically draining. Much to share hopefully soon,” Lone tweeted .

Lone was put under detention on August 4 last year after he participated in an all-party meeting held at former Chief Minister and NC president Farooq Abdullah’s residence to chalk out strategy for safeguarding J&K’s special status.

After being detained under the  Criminal Procedure Code(CrPC), Lone was lodged at SKICC and kept kept there until November, following which he was shifted to MLA hostel.

On February 5, Lone was released from MLA hostel Srinagar and shifted to government accommodation at Church Lane here.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and National Conference vice-President Omar Abdullah welcomed release of Lone.

“Good to hear that Sajad Lone has been released from illegal house arrest. I hope others under similar illegal detention will also be released without delay,” Omar tweeted.

Peoples Democratic Party leader and former Minister Naeem Akther also welcomed release of Lone

“Mubarak! This was a jail term in which the trial begins only after release. Great pleasure to have remained together for a long time, enough to know each other better and appreciate that no two Kashmiris have no reason to fight each other. For there are no prizes to win,” he tweeted—(KNO)

SRINAGAR, July 31: Authorities on Friday extended COVID-19 lockdown till August 5 in Jammu and Kashmir.

A government order) reads:  “Whereas, the Union Home Secretary in his capacity as Chairperson NEC, vide Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 29.07.2020, has issued fresh guidelines for implementation of the extended lockdown in containment zones (Red Zones) till 31.08.2020 and reopening some more activities in areas outside containment zones (Red Zones).”

“Whereas, these guidelines require State and UT Governments to assess the current spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and based on this assessment, prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary, which will require a detailed assessment and consultations on the spread of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir.”

“As such, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 24 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State Executive Committee hereby orders that the guidelines/ instructions issued vide Order No.65 and 66—JK-(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 03.07.2020 shall continue to remain valid till 05.08.2020,” the order reads.