Srinagar, July 22: Asserting that the antiviral drug Remdesivir reduces the risk of death among COVID-19 patients, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Wednesday said the drug is unaffordable for poor patients.

“Because of high cost, Remdesivir is out of reach for poor people,” DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan said.

“The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has approved Remdesivir injection under emergency use authorization for the treatment of suspected or lab confirmed Covid-19 cases who are hospitalized with severe disease,” he said.

“It is a five day treatment. The loading dose of 200 mg (shot) on day 1 is followed by 100 mg (shot) daily for 4 days (total 5 days),” he added.

Dr Hassan said each vial of Remdesivir costs between Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,400. “Thus for a five day treatment, a patient has to pay anywhere between Rs 24,000 and Rs 32,400 as the cost the drug,” he said, adding the price makes it inaccessible to those patients who desperately need it. The DAK president said besides affordability, non-availability of the drug is equally breeding the concern on the ground. “Unaffordability and non- availability of the drug is putting lives of Covid patients at serious risk,” he said.

Dr Hassan said government needs to make sure any treatment that has the potential to save lives is accessible and affordable to all those who need it. “We must remove all obstacles to the widespread use of one of the most effective treatments that the novel virus has at this point in time,” he said.

He said studies have shown that patients who received Remdesivir recovered faster than those who did not receive the drug. Quoting a study, he said the drug cuts the recovery time by nearly one-third, reducing the median recovery time for Covid-19 patients by four days.

“Another clinical trial has found the drug to reduce the risk of death by 62 per cent among Covid patients,” he added.

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Jul 22: A plasma screening camp was on Wednesday inaugurated in Srinagar, where police and other civilian persons who had contracted COVID 19 and have recovered will voluntarily donate their plasma.

A police spokesman said this afternoon that Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbagh Singh on Wednesday inaugurated “ Plasma Screening Camp”, organized jointly by Jammu and Kashmir police, department of health and medical education at Kashmir Nurshing Home, Sonawar in Srinagar.

He said the Police personnel who had contracted Covid19 and have recovered will voluntarily donate their Plasma.

Meanwhile, chairman District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Dr Shahid Choudhary said in a tweet said “ PlasmaTherapy is a hope till we get #VaccineForCorona”.

He further said, “More than 8000 persons recovered from #COVID19 have a great opportunity to save lives. Pl encourage people around to support this initiative.

Those of us who went through the pain of recovering from COVID-19, wish to alleviate the pain of others who are going through the same. Wish all of you to think alike and contribute, the DDMA said.

Suhail Khan

Srinagar July 22: Administration on Wednesday announced strict lock down across Kashmir till July 27.

An official said that decision for strict lock down has been taken in view increase in COVID-19 cases.

“Strict restrictions will be in place from Thursday. The step is necessary to contain spread of coronavirus,” the official said.

DC Srinagar Shahid Chowdhary said people should cooperate with the administration and follow guidelines.

“Government is making all efforts to contain spread of the virus and we need the cooperation of the people,” he added.

Div Com reviews Eid-ul-Adha arrangements

Srinagar, July 22: In view of the ensuing Eid-ul-Adha festival, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today said that the markets shall remain open for three days from July 28 to July 30 to facilitate hassle-free purchase of sacrificial animals and other necessary items.

This Div Com said this while chairing a meeting to review Eid arrangements, he also directed all DCs of Kashmir to establish sale centers where people can purchase the sacrificial animals with proper COVID-19 protocol.

He instructed DCs to open up markets in a phased manner with different timings to avoid gatherings and violation of social distancing protocol by the public thronging market places during these three days deals.

In order to avoid unnecessary rush, DCs were asked to notify about operation and timing of mandis and markets places in advance for timely information to the general public.

He said that custodians of masjids, shrines and khankahas shall be allowed to carry out cleaning of religious structures during these three days as a religious formality, but no gathering shall be allowed at these places.

Stressing on rate regulation of essential commodities and other items, the Div Com instructed concerned to constitute multi-departmental squads to conduct extensive market checking to prevent traders, dealers and shopkeepers resorting to hoarding, overcharging, black marketing or sale of sub-standard items.

The concerned were directed to ensure availability of sacrificial animals, birds and all essential commodities across all markets.

Urging people to take all precaution while distributing sacrificial meat, the Div Com called for strict adherence to Covid SOPs and prevention of social or religious gatherings on Eid as mandatory to contain the spread of disease in their respective districts.

The Div Com emphasized on PDD and PHE to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and drinking water supply across all districts during the festival days.

The DCs were asked to rope in religious leaders for COVID-19 SOPs’ IEC activities to sensitize people about the importance of following laid down guidelines and precautions to control the disease effectively.

Police authorities were instructed to ensure proper security arrangements and prevent the public from resorting to any sort of violation during the festivity days.

Stressing on cleanliness and sanitation, Commissioner SMC Srinagar was directed to ensure regular lifting of garbage and waste material and maintenance of proper sanitation around religious and market places.

Among others, the meeting was attended by DC Srinagar, RTO Kashmir, Chief Engineers, PHE, R&B, Directors of Health Services, FCS&CA, Sheep Husbandry, SSP, Traffic, SP Headquarter Srinagar, CEO, Waqf Board and other dignitaries.

IGP Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of all districts of Kashmir also attended the meeting through video conferencing.

New Delhi, July 22: Amid the ongoing disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh with China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday urged the Indian Air Force (IAF) to stand ready to handle any eventuality.

After inauguration of the Air Force Commanders’Conference here, Singh appreciated the proactive response by the IAF in bolstering its operational capabilities over the past few months.

During his address to the Air Force Commanders here, he assured them that all requirements of the armed forces, whether financial or otherwise, would be fulfilled.

“He stated that the professional manner in which IAF conducted the air strikes in Balakot as well as rapid deployment of IAF assets at forward locations in response to the prevailing situation in Eastern Ladakh has sent a strong message to the adversaries,”an IAF spokesperson said.

Singh said that the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty stands firm on the faith its people have in the capability of its Armed Forces.

He alluded to the ongoing efforts for de-escalation on LAC and urged the IAF to stand ready to handle any eventuality.

The minister praised the stellar contribution by IAF in supporting the nation’s response to COVID-19 pandemic and the role played during several HADR missions.

He highlighted the need to achieve self-reliance in defence production and noted that the theme chosen for this AFCC – ‘IAF in the Next Decade’ – was very apt for enhancing efforts towards indigenisation in the days to come.

Singh lauded the progress made towards enhancing synergy and integration within the three services since the appointment of CDS and creation of DMA.

Further, he concluded by acknowledging IAF’s role in adapting to changes in technology and adopting emerging capabilities in Nano Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and Space domains.

In his address IAF Chief ACM RKS Bhadauria said that the IAF was well prepared to counter short term as well as strategic threats and the units were evenly poised to counter any aggressive action by the adversary.

The IAF chief also noted that the response by all commands in ensuring deployment and readiness of forces was prompt and laudable.

He emphasized on the need to focus on the ability to handle situations at a short notice for ensuring a robust response.

During the three day conference, commanders will review the current operational scenario and deployments before deliberating on building the IAF capabilities in the next decade to tackle all emerging threats.

Srinagar, July 22: Police on Wednesday claimed to have busted a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) module by arresting three militant associates in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

A police official said that following specific information, a joint checkpoint was established by 50 Rashtriya Rifle (RR), 29 battalion of CRPF and police at Chadoora in Budgam. ”Security forces intercepted three militant associates, identified as Javaid Ahmad Bhat, Ajaz Wani and Aqib Ganaie, at the checkpoint,” he said.

He said incriminating materials, besides 40 rounds of AK 47, two detonators and JeM matrix sheets, were recovered from them. ”This group was involved in providing logistic support and shelter to active JeM militants,” he said.

”In this regard, case FIR no 120/2020 under relevant sections of UAPA has been registered in Police Station Chadoora, and investigation taken up,” he added.

Srinagar, July 22: A Division Bench Wednesday dismissed a plea challenging extension in services of incumbent Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmed Khan terming it in-fructuous.

The Division Bench of the State High Court comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Sanjay Dhar through video conferencing after hearing advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed through virtual mode took note of the submissions made by Advocate S.S. Ahmed and directed that the instant application having been rendered in-fructuous is hereby dismissed.

When this matter came up for hearing through virtual mode Advocate S.S. Ahmed invited the attention of the Division Bench to a PIL wherein the petitioners challenged order vide number 26014/1/2019-AIS-II dated June, 30, 2019 whereby Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India accorded approval to the extension in service of Baseer Ahmed Khan (IAS) as Divisional Commissioner Kashmir for a period of one year as a special case beyond the date of his superannuation.

Advocate S.S. Ahmed submitted that this application has been rendered infructuous with the efflux of time as Baseer Ahmed Khan (IAS) has further been appointed and elevated to the post of Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir and the cause projected in the instant application does not serve any purpose.

The Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Gita Mittal took note of the submissions made by Advocate S.S. Ahmed directed that the instant application having been rendered infructuous is hereby dismissed.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by social activist Sheikh Muhammad Shafi. (KNT)

Kashmir News Service

Srinagar, July 21: Government has decided to release all political prisoners and lift curbs on the movement of political leaders ahead of Eid as major confidence building measure after abrogation of Article 370.

Sources told KNS that Government of India has given green signal to J&K administration for the release of political prisoners.

The initiative has been taken after

J&K parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Apni party, CPI (M), People’s Conference demanded the release of all political leaders ahead of the upcoming Eid festival in the Valley.

Some days before, J&K Apni Party delegation led by Muhammad Altaf Bukhari in a meeting with Lt Governor had demanded release of all Political prisoners.

Soon after launch of J&K Apni Party, leaders after meeting the Prime Minister and Home Minister were quoted by media saying that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that the political leaders still under detention in Jammu and Kashmir will be released “very soon”, the newly formed Apni Party’s president had said.

Sources privy to the development who requested not to be quoted revealed to KNS that GOI is expecting the political- parties to start their activities soon.

Sources also revealed that former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, People’s Conference Chief and former minister Sajad Gani Lone is likely to be freed and restrictions on movement of other political leaders will also be lifted and they would be allowed to resume their political activities.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was released by the government after more than seven months in detention.

The move came just two weeks after his father Farooq Abdullah, also a former chief minister, was freed and marked the easing of restrictions on opposition politicians in Kashmir.

Sources also informed KNS that some separatist leaders and activists who are not wanted in any militancy related cases will also be released.

As many as 48 inmates at a jail in Anantnag– most of them political prisoners — have tested positive for the coronavirus. As soon as the news broke out, the families of these Prisoners and political parties started rallying for their release.

New Delhi/Jaipur, Jul 22: Rajasthan leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday sent a legal notice to Congress MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga who had accused him of offering Rs 35 crore to leave Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s fold and join the BJP.

Pilot asked Malinga, who is an MLA from Badi Assembly, to tender a written apology in press within seven days from receiving the notice or be prepared to face legal action.

If apology is not tendered then legal course of action under Indian Penal Code section 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defaming) will be taken, the notice said.

Pilot maintained that all allegations against him were false and baseless and were made just to tarnish his image and attain political mileage.

The former deputy chief minister, through the notice, asked if such an offer was made in December last year, then why he (Malinga) remained silent for almost seven months.

Pilot claimed that he never spoke Malinga on any such issue.

He alleged that strangely allegations were made by a person who himself switched parties in past.

Malinga on July 20, had alleged that Pilot had given an offer of Rs 35 crore to leave Gehlot camp.

“Sachin offered a lot of money. Yes, it was Rs 35 crore to leave the party. But I categorically rejected,” Singh had told reporters.

Malinga, however, said he didn’t have any call recording or proof but all his allegations were true.

When asked when did Pilot gave such an offer, Singh replied, “It was on two occasions. One was when I met him for panchayat related work, other was during a meeting on transfer of an official.”

Malinga, former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA from Badi, along with five others, was inducted into the Congress in September last year.

Srinagar, July 22: A policeman was shot dead by gunmen in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Wednesday evening.

Officials said that gunmen fired upon at the cop, identified as Abdul Rashid Dar (58) son of Ghulam Hassan at Furrah area in Mir Bazar Kulgam, leaving him critically injured. He was shifted to hospital where he was declared brought dead on arrival.

Medical superintendent GMC  Anantnag Dr Majid Mahrib told GNS that he was declared brought dead.
After the attack entire area was cordoned off and searches were launched to trace the attackers, officials added.