New Delhi, July 13:  An Army official on Monday filed a petition in the Delhi High Court against the order banning the use of social networking platforms like Facebook and Instagram by Army personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel PK Choudhary sought a direction to the Director General of Military Intelligence (DGMI) for withdrawal of the order that directed the Army personnel to delete their accounts from social networking platforms and banned use of 89 apps and websites.

He submitted before the Court that soldiers serve in remote areas in extreme weather conditions and difficult terrain with the lingering threat of an enemy attack all the time and rely on social networking platforms like Facebook, to address the issues arising in their families, while posted in remote locations.

They often use the virtual connect to compensate for the physical distance between them and their families, Lt Col Choudhary said.

He contended that the provisions pertaining to ban on use of social networking platforms and the direction to delete accounts violated Fundamental Rights under the Constitution, including the right to freedom of speech and expression.

With the advent of internet, soldiers found an effective way to come closer to their friends, family and loved ones in the virtual world, which greatly eased the stress suffered on a daily basis due to the harsh service condition, he added.

The petitioner contended that the policy, which bans the use of various social networking platforms by soldiers and directs the soldiers to delete their accounts on Facebook, is illegal, arbitrary, disproportionate and violates the Fundamental Rights of soldiers

He further submitted that DGMI cited the security concerns and risks of data breach as the basis of imposing restrictions regarding usage of social media platforms, but here are several members of the civil administration and political class, who possess information of a much higher level of sensitivity than a regular soldier and no restrictions applying to them.

Thus, the act of banning usage and directing deletion of accounts of soldiers from social networking platforms is a clear violation provided under Article 14 of the Constitution of India, he added.

Srinagar, July 14:  The Commander-level talks between India and China were held at Chushul Border post in Eastern Ladakh, on Tuesday.

Sources told KINS that the first meeting of this month, between the core commanders of India and China was the first step towards phase two of disengagement at the friction points along the Line of Actual Control.

“Already PLA has retreated from Galwan, Gogra and Hotspirings after the June 30th Meeting between the core commanders,” the officials said.

The officials said that the meeting discussed the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC, to de-escalate the tensions in the region as agreed in the previous meetings and WMCC meetings.

“Along with the ongoing process, the talk focused on complete disengagement at Finger -4 at Pangong Tso and Depsang plains. Indian delegation was led by GoC of Fire and Fury corps Lt Genl Harinder Singh and Chinese side by South Xinjiang Military Province Major General Liu Lin,” sources maintained.

Precious Kashmir News

Jammu, July 14: Jammu and Kashmir Government is fully geared up to roll out the computerized Registration system through National Generic Document Registration System in the Union Territory.

To make it convenient, transparent and public friendly, the Government has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), the agency mandated by the Centre to act as the apex record keeping agency for rolling out E-stamping.

To further gear up the process, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Inspector General of Registration, Dr Pawan Kotwal today reviewed the preparedness of introduction of e-tamping.

The J&K Branch head of SHCIL, Harmandeep Singh, apprised the FC that to roll out the e-stamping in the Union territory, the agency requires the authenticated list of SRO offices and contact detail for creation of their location based user IDs, list of licensed stamp vendors and nomination of trainers and Nodal officer for better coordination with the agency. The FC enjoined upon all the registrars and sub Registrars to provide the detail required by the agency.

Dr Kotwal also nominated Rafiq Ahmad Jaral, as Nodal Officer for better coordination with SHCIL.

The meeting was attended by Additional Inspector General of Registration Jammu, Mr Rishpal Singh, Commissioner State Taxes, Mr PK Bhat and  Deputy Commissioner Stamps Jammu Mr Rakesh Kumar Gupta. To introduce the E-stamping at the earliest, Dr Kotwal directed AIGR, Jammu/Kashmir, to get the things done on mission mode.

The e-stamping is electronically generated stamp paper, which could be used by the registrant public as a safe and secure method of paying stamp duty for any purpose without physical purchase of stamp paper. The e-stamping facility will not only benefit the public for a hassle-free payment of stamp duty, but the government shall also benefit out of it, as it would save the cost of printing, storage and transportation of stamp papers.  The e-stamping procedure is secure, cheaper, time-saving and reliable, compared to the existing system, where you need to buy stamp papers for any kind of registration.

Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar, July 13: Jammu and Kashmir reported seven more deaths due to covid-19 including a 65-year-old who died while his sample for the virus was being taken and a paramilitary CRPF Sub Inspector posted with 18th battalion at Uranhal Kulgam.

The fresh deaths take the fatality count due to the pestilence in J&K to 188—17 from Jammu and 171 from Kashmir Valley.

The deaths include two persons, both aged 55 years, from Nikat Arbal  and Litter Pulwama respectively, CRPF trooper posted in Kulgam, 70-year-old man from Handwara, 73-year-old woman from Soibugh Budgam, 45-year-old from Sopore and a 65-year-old man from Rawalpora Srinagar who died while his sampling was being done at CD hospital, one of the exclusive facilities for the management of the covid-19 patients here.

Dr Salim Tak, Medical Superintendent at CD hospital told GNS that the quinquagenarian female from Pulwama was admitted on July 5. “She was suffering from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bilateral pneumonia besides other ailments. She died today,” he added.

Earlier a 45-year-old man from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district died of covid-19 at SKIMS Soura.

The quadragenarian was suffering from bilateral community acquired pneumonia (CAP) besides “multiple myelomas, thrombocytopenia and electrolyte dysfunction”, Dr G N Itoo, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, told GNS. He died at SKIMS Soura around 5:45 a.m., Dr Itoo added.

Meanwhile, a paramilitary CRPF trooper, who was posted in Kulgam, died at SMHS hospital. The trooper’s death is the second fatality due to the virus among the paramilitary ranks in Jammu and Kashmir so far.

Medical Superintendent SMHS hospital Srinagar, Dr Nazir Choudhary told GNS that the 55-year-old died at the hospital this morning. “His sample came out to be positive this afternoon,” he added.

The 65-year-old man from Rawalpora Srinagar who had died due to cardiac arrest while his sample was being taken for covid-19 tested positive for the virus later in the day.

Dr Salim Tak said that the man suffered cardiac arrest while his sampling was being done. “His sample was taken and it came positive for the covid-19 now,” he added.  The other deaths include 555-year-old man from Pulwama, the 70-year-old man from Handwara and 73-year-old female from Sobugh Budgam, officials said. “They died in last few days and their sample same out positive today or late last night.”

Srinagar district with 46 deaths has the highest fatalities followed by Baramulla (35), Kulgam (21), Shopian (16), Anantnag (14), Budgam (14), Jammu (10), Kupwara (11),  Pulwama (6), Bandipora (3), Ganderbal (4) and Doda (2) while one death each has been reported from Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri and Kathua. (GNS)

Precious Kashmir News

Jammu, July 13: Three hundred and fourteen more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, taking the number of cases to 10,827, officials said.
They said that 89 from Jammu division and 225 from Kashmir division tested positive till this evening. Moreover, 116 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 53 from Jammu Division and 63 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 10827 positive cases, 4545 are Active Positive, 6095 have recovered and 187 have died; 17 in Jammu division and 170 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 459703 test results available, 448876 samples have been tested as negative till July 13, 2020.

Additionally, till date 315386 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which included 38643 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 25 in Hospital Quarantine, 4,545 in hospital isolation and 45093 under home surveillance. Besides, 226893 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 385 positive cases (including 20 cases reported today) with 93 Active Positive, 289 recovered (including 03 cases reported today) and 03 deaths; Srinagar has 1806 positive cases (including 101 cases reported today) with 1236 Active Positive, 524 recovered (including 05 cases reported today), 46 deaths; Anantnag district has 802 positive cases (including 14 cases reported today), with 191 Active Positive, 597 recovered,  14 deaths; Baramulla has 1326 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 746 Active Positive, 545 recovered (including 01 case recovered today), 35 deaths; Shopian has 918 positive cases (including 16 cases reported today) with 205 Active Positive, 697 recovered (including 23 cases recovered today) and 16 deaths; Kupwara has 802 positive cases (including 30 cases reported today) with 318 Active Positive, 473 recovered and 11 deaths; Budgam has 572 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today) with 238 Active Positive and 320 recovered cases and 14 deaths; Ganderbal has 201 positive cases with 107 active positive cases and 90 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today) and 04 deaths; Kulgam has 1021 positive cases (including 21 cases reported today), with 333 Active Positive and 668 recoveries (including 09 cases recovered today) and 20 deaths and Pulwama reported 662 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 289 active positive cases and 366 recovered (including 23 cases recovered today) and 07 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 513 positive cases (including 25 cases reported today) with 165 active positive cases and 338 recoveries (including 09 cases recovered today) and 10 deaths; Udhampur has 303 positive cases  (including 01 case reported today)  with 29 active positive cases, 273 recovered (including 26 cases recovered today) and 01 death; Samba has 268 positive cases (including 24 cases reported today) with 129 Active Positive and 138 recoveries (including 01 case recovered today) and 01 death; Rajouri has 275 positive cases with 185 active positive cases and 89 recovered and 01 death; Kathua has 316 positive cases (including 16 cases reported today) with 91 Active positive and 224 recovered (including 13 recovery today) and 01 death; Kishtwar has 50 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 25 active positive cases and 25 recovered; Ramban has 270 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today) with 61 active positive and 209 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today); Reasi has 57 positive cases with 18 active positive and 39 recovered; Poonch has 146 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 24 active positive and 121 recoveries and 01 death while Doda has 134 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 62 active positive cases and 70 recoveries (including 01 case recovered today) and 02 deaths.

According to the bulletin, of the total 10827 positive cases in J&K 2925 have been reported as travelers while 7902 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 Coronavirus 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.

Srinagar, July 13: A massive sanitization drive was on Monday launched at Police Headquarters in Srinagar after a senior police officer tested positive for COVID-19.

Official sources said that the test result of a senior police officer, working at PHQ Srinagar, came positive for COVID-19 on Monday. “Following the news, all the officials, including officers, were asked to come out of the premises and a massive sanitization driver was launched in the PHQ in Hyderpora,” they said.

They said the policemen, including officers, who have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive officer, will be tested for the infection. “The officials who were in close contact with the officer, would be asked to self quarantine,” they said.

As many as 147 people have lost their lives due to infection in 39 days, and 167 people in 53 day in J&K, where the COVID-19 positive cases have surpassed 10,500-mark.

Jammu and Kashmir’s COVID count has now reached 10513, while deaths due to the  virus in the state have reached 185.

Jahangeer Ganaie

Anantnag, July 13: Two militants affiliated with JeM were killed while as a woman received bullet injuries in an encounter that raged between militants and forces in Viddy Srigufwara area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday morning.

An official told KNO that a joint team of Police, Army’s 3 RR  and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

He said that as the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated, thus triggering an encounter.

During the exchange of fire, two militants were killed and a woman living near the encounter site received bullet injuries, he said, adding that one militant is said to be local while the other is a foreigner.

He identified the injured woman as Arifa Jan, daughter of Late Ghulam Mohammad, who is a government teacher by profession.

Principal GMC Anantnag, Dr Showkat Jeelani told KNO they have received a lady with bullet injuries on Monday morning. He said that the condition of the injured lady is stable.

Pertinently, 130 local as well as non-local militants including some top commanders like Riyaz Naikoo of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Qari Yasir of JeM, Hyder of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Burhan Koka of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind in this year so far.

Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, the internet services have been snapped in Anantnag district

Meanwhile, in a statement issued here, Police spokesman said that on specific inputs generated by Anantnag Police regarding presence of militants in Srigufwara area of Anantnag, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by JKP, 03 RR and CRPF in the said area.

During the search operation, as the presence of militants got ascertained they were given the opportunity to surrender, however they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter.

In the indiscriminate firing by militants, one woman received gunshot injuries. She was shifted to hospital for treatment where her condition is stated to be stable.

In the ensuing encounter, two militants affiliated with JeM were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. One of the slain militants has been identified as Nasir alias Shahbaz alias Baz Bai, a Pakistan resident, ‘A’ category militant, while as the identification of the other slain militant is being ascertained.

“Arms and ammunition and other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter. Search in the area is in progress,” police said.

Keeping in view present COVID situation, the dead bodies of the slain militants shall be sent to Baramulla for their last rites after conducting medico-legal formalities including collection of their DNA.  “In case any family claims the slain militant to be their kith or kin, they can come forward for their identification and participation in last rites at Baramulla,” police said.

In this connection, a case under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station and investigation has been initiated, police said, while appealing people to cooperate with them till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any.

‘35-40 foreign, 17 local militants active in northern districts’

Peerzada Waseem

Srinagar, July 13: At least three Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants including two foreigners were Sunday killed in a day-long encounter in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, a top police officer said. He also stated that they are putting their every effort to ensure that the local youth will not pick up arms.

Addressing a presser in Sopore, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), North Kashmir Range, Muhammad Suliaman Choudhary said that a major threat has been averted after three militants affiliated with LeT have been killed in Sopore gunfight.

“We can’t rule out the possibility of the attack. The arms and ammunition recovered from the slain militants also indicate that they were planning for something big. After their killing, a major threat has been averted,” he said as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Correspondent.

He added that they have witnessed the attacks in the past and are ready to face any kind of challenge.

He identified the two among the three slain militants as Usman Bhai and Saifullah, adding that the identification of the third militant was being ascertained. “Usman Bhai was involved in the recent attack in model town Sopore in which one CRPF man and a civilian were killed. The duo foreign militants were active here from the last two years,” he said.

Giving details about the encounter, the DIG North Kashmir range said that the Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched in the area after receiving inputs about the presence of militants. “Soon after the search party reached near the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated and thus resulted in an encounter,” he said, adding that in the encounter that lasted for the entire day, three militants were killed.

Asked about the footfall of foreign militants in north Kashmir, the DIG north Kashmir said that as per their reports, 35-40 foreign militants are operating in northern districts, adding that some 16 or 17 local militants are also active. “There are fluctuating reports, but as per the reports available at present, nearly seven militants who are active in north Kashmir may have infiltrated in the last some months,” he added.

He also stated that four local militants here were active while three among them have been killed with the good support of people on the ground as they have rejected the narrative of these militants.

“Post abrogation of Article 370 last year, attempts are being made from across the Line of Control to create a narrative and put Kashmir on boil here. The militants who were active in Kashmir attacked fruit merchants, civilians and non-local labourers. But people have been quite cooperative and thus helped us to decrease the graph of militant recruitment,” he said.

“The youth who picked up arms since last year were either killed or arrested while many have been saved from joining the militant ranks,” he said, adding that “We are trying to ensure the youth will not join the militant ranks and people have been cooperating in this regard.”

The 5 sector commander of Army, Vivek Narang, who was accompanying the DIG north Kashmir, said that “many of the infiltration attempts have been foiled by the forces along LoC. At present, some 250-300 militants are ready on launch pads to infiltrate. But we are ready to foil their attempts.”

About the killing of BJP leader and his two other family members from Bandipora, DIG said that the details have been already shared by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone, adding that they are investigating each and every angle of killing.