Srinagar, July 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government has collected 14002 samples of labourers arriving at Qazigund toll post from 14th to 20th of July 2020 for COVID-19 testing..

As per the official data received in this regard, the samples are being collected from the labourers who are arriving at Jammu and Kashmir from several other states and UTs.

According to the figures, a total of 1012 samples were collected on July 14, of which, only six samples were tested positive while results for remaining 12990 of the total 14002 samples collected are awaited.

Pertinently, a total of 1012 samples were collected from the arriving labourers at Toll Post Qazigund on July 14; 2227 on July 15; 2099 on July 16; 2350 on July 17; 2893 samples were collected on July 18; 2000 on July 19; and 1421 on July 20 for corona virus testing.

Hilal Hashim

Srinagar, July 20: In the shadow of escalating brick rates, the brick manufacturing process in Kashmir is gearing up and most of the brick kilns in Kashmir have started the process of brick manufacturing. Most of the migrant labourers have been transported from Jammu where they were working till onset of monsoon but that does not suffice the lot needed here in Kashmir for brick manufacturing industry.

Administration has worked out a comprehensive plan of action for transportation of migrant labourers from neighbouring states vis- UP, Punjab, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, etc.

“There are set guidelines/SOP’s in place regarding transportation of labourers from outside states and those are followed strictly”, said Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole while interacting with KNS. “We allow around 2,000 labourers on daily basis to enter J&K through Lakhanpur. It will surely boost the developmental activities in the division and rates of bricks will slash down comprehensively. The buses from other states are not allowed to enter J&K, rather JKSRTC is providing/ hiring buses from local transporters for transportation of labourers from Lakhanpur to the Brick Kiln sites”, said P K Pole. Answering a query, he said that the sampling/testing of each and every Labourer is done at the toll post Lower Munda and not a single labourer is allowed to enter Kashmir without testing. He elaborated that the labourers are then quarantined at their respective Brick Kiln sites for 3 days or until the test comes negative.

“Bricks are essential for developmental activities, especially building and housing projects and we want to promote these developmental activities in public as well as in private sectors” Divisional Commissioner said.

While talking to Deputy Commissioner Anantnag K K Sidha, who is monitoring the sampling process in Lower Munda, said that all the covid 19 test reports of migrant labourers untill 16 july have been received and only 11 of them are positive, who have been shifted to isolation centres.

“People need not to worry, as we are fully aware of the situation. Out of thousands of labourers, 11 turning to be positive should not send panic waves across the Kashmir, as some are hellbent to create, keeping in view the number of positive cases coming out in Kashmir on daily basis,” DC Anantnag Said.

He also said “Every day we receive 60-70 buses and collect more than 2500 samples. Yesterday we sampled more than 2800 labourers in a single day”.

While reacting to a question he said “Today we have seized three buses at Lower Munda which were not part of the list shared by the Labour Commissioner. We have fined the brick kiln owner and also we have taken samples of these labourers for testing, and we are looking into the provision of collection of the costs from the brick kiln owner, so that it will be a case of deterrent for others . The buses were coming from Jammu”.

CMO Kulgam, who is monitoring the sampling/testing process at Lower Munda said that there are at least 15 stalls in place at Lower Munda, for around 2000 labourers (on daily basis) who come here from neighbouring states to start the developmental and other activities in the division. Replying to a question he said that around eleven thousand samples have been collected till Sunday evening.

According to set guidelines/SOP’s, copy of which is with KNS, the Brick Kiln owner have to provide the lists of labourers, with all the details in a prescribed format, to their respective Assistant Labour Commissioners. The Assistant Labour Commissioners have to forward this list to the Labour Commissioner J&K. The Labour Commissioner J&K then has to prepare at daily manifest of around 2000 labourers and forward the same to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir/Jammu, Nodal Officer in-charge Lakhanpur and District Magistrates’ Kathua and Anantnag.

The movement of labourers is being regulated by Labour Department in coordination with Divisional commissioner’s office Jammu.

The owner of a Brick Killn is responsible to facilitate the movement of labourers from source state to Lakhanpur on his own expense, after following the necessary SOP’s, and from Lakhanpur, the incharge Nodal Officer, in coordination with Labour Commissioner J&K, will regulate the inward movement of the labourers.

JKSRTC is responsible for arranging the buses for transportation of these labourers and the costs are being bearded by brick kiln owners.

Taking into account the security issues, the invert movement from Jawahar Tunnel is allowed between 6:00 a.m to 5 p.m. To avoid rush at sampling site at Lower Munda, the labourers from Banihal are allowed in batches of 10 buses each, with a time interval of 15 to 20 minutes between the two. Taking into account the large number of vehicles, around 70, on daily basis, sufficient number of police escort is provided from Jawahar Tunnel to Brick Kiln sites, under the supervision of IG Kashmir. IG Police (traffic), J&K, is responsible for coordination of movement from Kathua to Valley and SSP Ruler Kashmir has to deploy sufficient manpower from Jawahar Tunnel to Brick Kilin sites for smooth movement of labourers.

All the arrangements for labour vis-a-vis boarding, lodging, hand washing, sanitization, providing face mask etc shall be made by Brick Kiln owner during the period of stay at Brick Kiln.

Also Divisional level and District level Coordination teams have been framed for hassle-free inward movement of migrant labourers. (KNS)

Majid Nabi

Srinagar, July 20: Health experts in Kashmir Monday warned of a big ‘catastrophe’ if the ‘free’ movement of non-local laborers arriving from different parts of mainland India in Kashmir is not stopped forthwith.

Official figures available with KNO suggests that more than 14,000 non-local labourers have arrived in Kashmir since July 14 to July 20 and the number is set to rise in the days ahead as “UT government is giving them a free passage to enter in J&K.”

Health experts have already sounded alarm, saying the situation would turn ugly in case the arrival of non J&K workforce is not stopped given the behavior of Covid-19 vis-à-vis huge spike in positive cases followed by rise in deaths as well. What is more dangerous is that the non-local workers spread to all over Kashmir and they don’t stay at a one particular place or in a district given the nature of work they are involved in.

Authorities declared all ten districts of the valley as containment Red-Zones earlier this month and imposed fresh restrictions to slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, the influx of non-local laborers from different parts of India including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa continue to pose serious threat to the inhabitants of Kashmir.

Sources said even though the government claims that all the new arrivals including non-local labourers go through screening and their samples are being taken at the designated place which includes toll plaza Qazigund on Srinagar-Jammu highway. However, a video that went viral on social media takes a lid-off the government claims as a group of non-locals when asked why they aren’t wearing masks they replied with a “smile.” And when asked whether they were tested or screened they reply in negative. The video has been captured by some locals on Srinagar-Jammu highway.

Renowned influenza expert Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan said no outsider should be allowed to enter Kashmir till the situation gets normal on ground. “Hospitals are already overloaded with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and there is no letup in fatalities as well. The government should immediately stop free movement of non-local laborers before everyone in the valley falls prey to deadly pandemic,” he said.

“All the entry and exit points need to be sealed and no outsider shall be allowed to enter Kashmir. Situation is grim and the entry of non-locals may have far reaching consequences. Since we have poor health infrastructure, we may not be able to cope up with the situation, it would surely be a catastrophe.”

A senior doctor also echoed similar concerns stating that things are really ugly on Covid front and that outside entry especially non J&K work force should be barred from entering into Kashmir. “Once they arrive, they spread to every district of Kashmir and then stay in rented accommodations where they book one room for some 15 to 20 men.  That can be a disaster for the locals.

These men work in fields, construction of houses and many of them are painters, carpenters, plumbers, and barbers. Government must re-consider the decision of allowing the huge chunk of non-locals into Kashmir at this crucial juncture,” he said.

Srinagar, July 20:  A man was arrested by police after he allegedly jumped a security checkpoint late on Sunday in central Kashmir district of Budgam, official sources said here on Monday.

They said police signalled a vehicle to stop at a checkpoint at around 2040 hrs on Sunday in Beerwah Chowk in Budgam.

However, they said that the driver ignored the signal and tried to run away, prompting policemen at the checkpoint to fire few warning shots in the air. “Finally, the driver, identified as Zahid Majeed, stopped the vehicle,” they said.

They said the driver was immediately taken into custody for questioning. “There was no loss to life or injury in the incident,” they added.

Srinagar, July 20: An Army soldier was killed in a mine blast near Line of Control (LoC) in the border town of Kargil in the Union Territory of Ladakh, official sources said here on Monday.

They said the soldier accidentally stepped on a mine while patrolling near a forward post at LoC in Kargil on Saturday. “The soldier was injured in the blast,” they said, adding the wounded was rushed to a medical facility where he was declared brought dead.

They said the soldier has been identified as Dev Bahadur.

Confirming the reports, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said that the soldier died near LoC in Kargil.

New Delhi, July 20: Indigo, the country’s largest airline company, on Monday announced that it will lay off around 2,500 employees, citing the financial situation, caused by pandemic Covid-19.

The company said it would lay off 10 per cent of its employees due to poor financial condition.

The airlines have about 24,000 employees. In this way, the livelihoods of about 2,500 people will be lost. These include all categories of personnel including pilots and cabin crew.

Indigo said that it did not deduct the salary of an employee in March and April.

Since May, the company has also adopted measures for wage reduction and leave without pay, it said, adding that despite this, the financial condition of the airlines is deteriorating.

Only a few of its fleet of 250 aircraft are currently operational. Therefore, in compulsion it has to remove 10 per cent of the employees.

Salary and relief amount for notice period will be given to the fired employees. Both would be equal to at least three months’ salary.

Apart from this, employees and their family members’ health insurance will be valid till December this year.

The company will help the fired workers in finding new jobs, it said.

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, July 20:-The Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a meeting of officers to review flood preparation and response mechanism in place in Kashmir division.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary stressed on maintaining fool proof preparation and effective response mechanism to deal with any eventuality that may arise due to a flood like situation. In this regard, he called upon Divisional Administration to devise flood management and mitigation plans immediately.

Chief Secretary also impressed upon the officers to take proactive measures to augment effective flood preparation and response and ensure that works are completed in time for prompt flood response. He gave directions on raising of embankments at all vulnerable spots, dredging of flood channels and stocking of sand bags, besides making proper arrangements to mobilise men and machinery in time of any exigency.

Chief Secretary asked the officers to strengthen the flood control room and properly equip it for prompt relief and rescue operations.

While reviewing pace of execution of flood management related works, Chief Secretary directed timely completion of work on Sharief-abad and Naidkhai bridges.

Regarding rescue and relief measures, he directed the concerned to increase intake capacity of evacuation centres/ rescue shelters and ensure therein the availability of tents, standby power, fuel, and essential supplies including ration, drinking water, masks, sanitizers and personal hygiene facilities/products. Additionally, stationing of special teams of doctors and paramedics at all vulnerable areas was also stressed upon.

Further, SMC was directed to conduct a cleanliness drive in entire Srinagar city for immediate de-clogging of all drains, besides installing solar powered high mast lights in all flood prone areas for the hassle-free evacuation during floods.

SDRF was instructed to ensure training of personnel for prompt response during floods. “Rescue teams should be in high level of preparedness through regular mock drills and duty rosters of officials should be prepared beforehand”, Chief Secretary said.

Regarding protection of important installations like telephone exchanges, instructions were issued for relocation of critical equipment and technical infrastructure so as to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity during flood like exigencies.

The Chief Secretary directed the use of advance warning system for issuing weather alerts and disseminating evacuation and flood related information through Radio/TV.

The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Chief Engineer I&FC, Director Metrology Department, Joint Commissioner SMC, ADC Srinagar and officers of other concerned departments.

Srinagar, July 20: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and  National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah today threatened legal action against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel for implying that Congress rebel Sachin Pilot’s moves were linked to he and his father being released from detention in Kashmir earlier this year.
Bhupesh Baghel, in turn, refused to back down, saying he would “keep asking questions”.

“I am fed up of the downright malicious and false allegation that what Sachin Pilot is doing is somehow linked to my or my father’s release from detention earlier this year. Enough is enough. Mr Bhupesh Baghel will be hearing from my lawyers,” Omar Abdullah tweeted this evening, along with a formal rebuttal from the National Conference.

I am fed up of the downright malicious and false allegation that what Sachin Pilot is doing is somehow linked to my or my father’s release from detention earlier this year. Enough is enough. Mr @bhupeshbaghel will be hearing from my lawyers. Cc @RahulGandhi@INCIndia@rssurjewalahttps://t.co/Gojb7vN1V3

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 20, 2020

Baghel retorted: “Please do not try to turn this tragic demise of democracy into an opportune moment Omar Abdullah ji. The ‘allegation’ was only a question asked, and we will keep asking it, as will the country.”

Please do not try to turn this tragic demise of democracy into an opportune moment @OmarAbdullah ji.

The ‘allegation’ was only a question asked, and we will keep asking it, as will the country. https://t.co/VCavNt1BXM

— Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) July 20, 2020

To which, Omar Abdullah shot back: “You can send your answer to my lawyers. This is what is wrong with the Congress today, you don’t know your friends from your opponents. This is why you people are in the mess you are in. Your ‘question’ was malicious and will not go uncontested.”

You can send your answer to my lawyers. This is what is wrong with the @INCIndia today, you don’t know your friends from your opponents. This is why you people are in the mess you are in. Your “question” was malicious & will not go uncontested.

Omar Abdullah, whose sister Sara is married to Sachin Pilot, was freed after seven months of detention in Srinagar on March 24. Days before that, his father and former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah was also released from house arrest. They were among scores of political leaders detained last August as part of massive security curbs after special status to Jammu and Kashmir was scrapped.

Baghel sought to link Sachin Pilot’s revolt with the release of the Abdullahs in an interview to The Hindu newspaper published today. “As far as Sachin Pilot is concerned, not that I have been tracking the Rajasthan events so closely, but it does make one curious why Omar Abdullah was released. He and Mehbooba Muftiji were booked under the same sections of the law, while she is still languishing, he is out. Is it because Mr. Abdullah is brother-in-law of Sachin Pilot,” Baghel had said, hinting at a quid pro quo based on Congress allegations that Pilot is conspiring with the BJP to bring down its government in Rajasthan.

In a statement, the National Conference said it “unequivocally rejects such malicious, false and politically motivated statements that are used for convenient political posturing” and that it is considering legal action.

Baghel’s comment, apart from being “false and scurrilous”, was defamatory to the reputation of Omar Abdullah, said the National Conference, adding that it was public knowledge that the release of its leaders followed a legal challenge. “Given the indefensible nature of the illegal detention order the same was revoked by the government during the course of the proceedings before the Supreme Court,” said the statement. (Agencies)

Srinagar, July 20: The government in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday notified eight police stations as police stations of Anti-Corruption Bureau for investigation of offences triable under prevention of corruption act.

The government declared eight police stations including police stations Jammu, Doda Rajouri, Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Udhampur and Central as police stations of Anti-Corruption Bureau.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (s) of section 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) and in supersession of all notifications issued on the subject, the Government hereby declares the places mentioned in column II as “Police Stations of Anti-Corruption Bureau” and further notifies the territorial jurisdiction of these Police Stations of Anti-Corruption Bureau, Jammu and Kashmir as indicated in column III of the table below, for investigation of offences triable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (49 of 1988) and the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall, so far as relevant, apply in respect thereto,” the government  order states.

As per the order police station anti-corruption bureau, Jammu will have Jammu, Samba and Kathua under its jurisdiction while police station anti-corruption bureau, Doda will have Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban under its jurisdiction.

“Police Station Anti-Corruption Bureau, Rajouri will have Rajouri and Poonch, Police Station Anti-Corruption Bureau, Srinagar will have Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam, Police Station Anti-Corruption Bureau, Anantnag will have Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Police Station Anti-Corruption Bureau, Baramulla will have Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara and Police Station Anti-Corruption Bureau, Udhampur will have Udhampur and Reasi under their jurisdiction,” the order stated.

The order further states that Police Station Anti-Corruption Bureau, Central will have whole of Jammu and Kashmir under its jurisdiction. KNO

Srinagar, July 20: The government on Monday transferred Sajad Hussain Mufti, IFS, from the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir to the UT of Ladakh.

“In the interest of administration, Sajad Hussain Mufti, IFS (JK:2008), presently attached with Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, is hereby transferred and his services placed at the disposal of Union Territory of Ladakh, with immediate effect, until further orders or till final allocation by the Central Government under section 88(4) of the Jammu and Kashmir Re-organization Act, 2019,” states a government order.

Sajad is cousin of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.