Nasir Azam

Srinagar, June 12: The Union Home Ministry on Friday divided J&K House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi between Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, which were carved out from the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir.

In a first such move after bifurcation of the erstwhile State, the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is overseeing implementation of the J&K Re-Organisation Act-2019, ordered provisional apportionment of J&K House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi between J&K and Ladakh Union Territories.

The MHA today wrote to J&K Chief Secretary, B.V.R Subrahmanyam that the competent authority has approved interim apportionment of J&K House, Chanakyapuri till a high-level committee headed by former Defence secretary Sanjay Mitra will submit its final report on distribution of assets between J&K and Ladakh UTs.

In the letter, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the MHA has stated that “there is an urgent need for apportionment of certain amenities of J&K Bhawan at Chanakyapuri”.

According to the decision, main entrance from Kautilya Marg of Jammu and Kashmir Bhawan, New Delhi is to be given to the Union Territory of Ladakh along with adjacent Block-A( with 10 rooms and 4 suites), old Block-B( with 14 rooms and 3 suites), 16 type-B staff quarters and 8 Type C-staff quarters.

It also states that the second entrance will remain with UT of Jammu and Kashmir along with adjacent New Block-B (with 24 rooms), Block-C (with 21 rooms and 7 suites), and 10 Type-A staff quarters.

The letter also reveals that differences of opinion have emerged between the newly carved out UTs on an interim recommendation submitted by the panel over apportionment the asset.

The interim report submitted by the panel was shared by the MHA with both the UTs for their comments.

The arrangement will remain in place till a final decision is taken on the final recommendations of the high-level committee set-up by the MHA last year.

Headed by former defence secretary Sanjay Mitra, the panel comprises Arun Goyal (retired IAS officer) and Giriraj Prasad Gupta ( retired Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer).

Under section 85 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Central government has established the panel for the apportionment of the assets, rights and liabilities of the companies and corporations constituted for the existing State of J&K between UT of J&K and UT of Ladakh.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the erstwhile state of J&K has prized properties worth hundreds of crores outside the metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Kolkata.

In New Delhi, J&K has properties at Prithivi Raj road, Chankyapuri and Rajaji Marg –(KNO)

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, June 12: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang Kondbara pole today reviewed the progress of construction and road widening work on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway from Narbal to Uri in a meeting, here.

Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, G N Itoo, BRO officers including ADDLCE Project BEACON, Cl. JS prakash, Commander 760 BRTF, KK Sharma, and other officers participated in the meeting.

Div Com was apprised by the BRO officers regarding the issues faced by them including land acquisition, mutation, encroachment, material supply and other issues for completion of the project from Narbal to Uri falling in the District Baramulla.

On the occasion Div Com directed DC Baramulla to submit the detailed report of the quantum of land acquisition for four phases of National Highway so the project would be completed without any hindrance. He also told DC to prepare the financial implication of commercial and residential structures, trees and other utilities falling under the construction, widening and realignment of Narbal-Uri Bypass road.

Meanwhile, DC Baramulla informed the meeting that the project involves 1141 kanals of land from Narbal to Baramulla, of which major stretch starts from Narbal to Pattan, 10 kms, leading through 19 vilages and other stretch from Pattan to Kanispora.

Regarding the survey and preparation of the documents of land falling under National Highway, the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla said that he has deployed all the revenue staff to prepare the documents for the acquisition and mutation of the said land of which ninety percent of the work is already completed.

However, the officers of BRO asked for the complete papers so they could submit the DPR on time for approval.

The DPR cost for first, second and third pakages have been estimated 600cr, 450crand 550cr respectively. They also informed the meeting that BRO has already completed the technical survey which includes soil study, design of bridges, traffic, etc.

Div Com also directed concerned officers to protect the structures of archeological importance coming under the project.

Ishtiyaq Ahmad

Srinagar, June 12: Senior Bhartiya Janata Party leader and Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Friday said that there was no headway yet on the recently constituted delimitation commission as there was a possibility of appointment of more members in the days ahead.

“No meeting of the delimitation commission has taken place yet. There is no intimation about any meeting so far,” Jugal Kishore told KINS over phone from New Delhi.

Kishore was recently appointed as an associate member of the delimitation commission along with other BJP leader MoS PMO Dr Jitendera Singh, and three National Conference leaders, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Muhammad Akbar Lone and Justice (Retired) Hasnain Masoodi.

The NC leaders, however, decided to stay away from the exercise saying any move to participate in the exercise would tantamount to accept all the developments that unfolded post August 5 last year when erstwhile J&K was sliced into two Union Territories (UTs) and its special status under Article 370 was scrapped.

The BJP leader said that it looks like that in the days ahead, some more members of the commission may be appointed. “So that may be the reason why the delimitation process is not yet taking place,” he said.

Sources said that Centre may be zeroing in on some names for making the commission fully functional.

Asked about BJP’s stand for the delimitation process, Kishore said that “I am for justice for one and all. Regional imbalance must end and all must get justice for which they have been waiting since long.”

On NC leaders’ decision to stay away from the exercise, Kishore said that they should have participated in the exercise. “They should have put forth their views. Staying away is not a good move.”

It is to mention here that soon after the NC MPs were appointed as an associate member of the delimitation commission the party had said that its leaders will not be a part of the Delimitation Commission as it “goes against its party stand” on the issue of Abrogation of Article 370.

“With reference to the recently announced Delimitation Commission announced by Government of India, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference today rejects this process and its three members of the Parliament will not participate in the said commission. This delimitation commission is a product of the J&K Re-organization Act 2019 which JKNC is challenging in and outside Hon’ble Supreme Court. Participating in this delimitation Commission will be tantamount to accepting the events of 5th Aug 2019 which the NC is unwilling to do,” the statement had said. (KINS)

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, June 12: Senior leader of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Ghulam Hassan Mir Friday said that his party has already started the political process and there was no offer from Government of India with regard to any political process.

However he said that the party is vociferously demanding release of political prisoners and a rehabilitation package for the affected.

The former agriculture minister of erstwhile J&K State, told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that there was no offer on table from the Government of India (GoI) with regard to any political process or “something else”.

“I don’t understand what the definition of the political process for the media is. For me, we have already started a full-fledged political process as we are demanding release of all political prisoners, rehabilitation package for all the affected groups in Kashmir besides restoration of statehood,” Mir said, adding, “if this isn’t the political process what is it then. There is no question of getting offers from GoI. Why would they offer us and what for?”

Mir said that as a matured political party, they are not going with a “begging bowl” to New Delhi for any offer or space. “Every political party has its agenda, so have we. We are following our agenda and there is no need to seek a space. We will create our own space,” he said.

Asked whether there was any significant change in the situation post rollback of Article 370 in J&K, the veteran politician said that it’s true that there was no violence post abrogation of special status of J&K, but the credit for that must be given to the people who didn’t opt for any sort of violence. “People preferred to remain silent and not to resort to any violent activity,” said Mir.

As far as the development of J&K post article 370 rollback, Mir said: “There is no development taking place on ground. Mamla jo ka toun hai (There is a status quo as far as development),” he asserted. “I don’t see any development taking place in Kashmir or Jammu.”

To a query whether rumours about J&K Apni Party chief Syed Altaf Bukhari being given a post of Chief Ministership or the head of Advisory Council, Mir said: “That was all media hype. There was no truth in the rumours. Media men created hype themselves and then downplayed the same themselves too.”(KINS)

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, June 12: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today chaired 57th General Body cum 133rd Standing Committee meeting of J&K Sports Council here at the Raj Bhavan.

Farooq Khan, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner Financial Commissioner, Finance Department;  Bipul Pathak, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sarmad Hafeez, Special Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports department; Dr Saleem ur Rehman, Director General, Youth Services and Sports; Dr Naseem Javaid Choudhary, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, besides other senior officers attended the meeting, in person and through video conferencing.

Advisor to the Lt Governor, Farooq Khan apprised the chair about the organizational structure and administrative set up of the J&K Sports Council and briefed him about various initiatives undertaken by the Sports Council to promote sports amongst the youth, and other such important matters related to the development of sports sector in J&K. A brief discussion was also held on existing human resources available with the J&K Sports Council.

Terming J&K’s sports infrastructure as among the best in the country, the Lt Governor called for bringing policy reforms for proper maintenance of the sports infrastructure in the UT. He stressed on developing sports infrastructure at the grass root level in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. “Highlight success stories and all the positives in the sports arena of J&K to engage youth with sports related activities”, he added. He also called for bringing a coffee table book to highlight the activities of the Sports department during the last year.

On promoting water sports in the UT, the Lt Governor observed that Jammu and Kashmir has a unique advantage in terms of huge resources of water bodies and mountain ranges. He stressed on taking comprehensive measures, besides involving corporates to give a boost to the development of Water and Adventure Sports in J&K. He directed for preparation of DPR in this regard.

The Chair was informed about various ongoing sports infrastructure development projects in J&K including water sports at Nehru Park, Dalgate, Srinagar and Ranjit Sagar Lake, Basohli, Kathua. The Lt Governor issued directions for accelerating the work on these projects.

Emphasizing on strict enforcement of New Recruitment Rules, the Lt Governor asked the concerned to adopt the changes in recruitment process as per the new rules and further asked them to ensure that the Adhocism is done away with. He directed for inclusion of non-official members in the Council to make it comprehensive, inclusive and vibrant.

The Lt Governor appreciated sports activities and infrastructure developmental programmes executed during 2018-19 and 2019-20 by J&K Sports Council. He commended the efforts put in by all the stakeholders for the successful conduct of the Winter Sports Festival in the UT early this year, which also received appreciation from the Union Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju. He also congratulated the sports persons from J&K for putting up excellent performances at National and International level, despite various difficulties.

The Lt Governor desired more youth interactions and festivals to inculcate a sense of unity among the youth of the UT. He stressed on holding more inter village, inter district and inter province tournaments to nurture the sporting talent among the youth in a more professional manner.

The Lt Governor also directed for submission of proposal for the establishment of 03 sports academies in the UT. He further directed for proper fencing and boundary walls of the ongoing sports infrastructural projects.

 Srinagar, June 12: Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Gita Mittal, administered the oath of office to newly appointed Judge, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani as permanent Judge of the common High Court of Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh on Friday in a simple but impressive ceremony held in Chief Justice’s Court at Srinagar wing of the High Court.

On this occasion, Judges Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice Deeraj Singh Thakur were also present while other sitting Judges joined the oath ceremony through Video Conferencing. The Oath ceremony was live streamed on the internet through webcast also.

On account of guidelines with regard to measures for containment of COVID-19 pandemic in the country issued by the Government of India and the Government of Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and in order to avoid gathering as well as to maintain social distancing, Advocate General, Advisor to Lt. Governor UT of Ladakh, Assistant Solicitor General of India of both the wings of the High Court, President Bar Association, High Court of J&K, Jammu, Secretary Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs UT of J&K also joined the oath ceremony through Video Linkage.

Warrant of appointment of the Judge issued by the President of India was read by Jawad Ahmed, Registrar General (Officiating) High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in English and Hindi. He also read the Letter of Authorization issued by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, authorizing Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladkah, to administer the oath of office to the newly appointed Judge.

All the sitting Judges of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir who participated in the oath ceremony through Video link congratulated the newly appointed Judge immediately after the oath ceremony. Other dignitaries like Advocate General, ASGI Jammu and Srinagar, Secretary Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, President High Court Bar Association Jammu also congratulated the newly appointed Judge and conveyed their best wishes.

With the appointment of Justice Javed Iqbal Wani as Judge of the High Court, the strength of J&K High Court increased from twelve to thirteen. The J&K High Court has sanctioned strength of 17 Judges including 13 Permanent Judges and 4 Additional Judges.  (KNO)

 New Delhi, June 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an interaction with Chief Ministers of various states next week to discuss the coronavirus situation in India which has seen a surge in new cases in recent days amid relaxations being rolled out following the two-month nationwide lockdown. The online meeting will be held on June 16 and 17, sources said.

India reported a record daily increase of novel coronavirus cases on Friday, topping almost 10,000 new confirmed cases every day this week. Declared infections are now at over 3 lakh – the fourth highest in the world. Officially there have been nearly 8,500 coronavirus deaths, although the true number is widely believed to far higher.

Anxious to revive the economy after a nearly 70-day lockdown, the government this week opened most public transport, offices and malls, even though health officials said the country was weeks away from flattening the curve of infections.

On Friday, the health ministry said the number of cases had increased by 10,956 from the previous day, with new infections rife in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, stretching hospitals to breaking point.

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, June 12: The number of COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir mounted to 4730 as Union Territory on Friday recorded 156 fresh positive cases including 80 travelers taking the total number of cases to 4730.

Officials told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that among new 156 cases, 47  were tested positive at SKIMS, 11 at CD hospital, 32 at JVC Bemina, 2 army’s command hospital Udhampur and rest at other hospitals.

Among 156 new cases, 68 belong to Kashmir division while as 88 are from Jammu division, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division has reached to 3633 including 1733 recoveries and 47 deaths while as total number of positive cases in Jammu division has reached to 1097 including 353 recoveries and 6 deaths.

They officials said that  total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir are 2591 including 1853 from Kashmir division and 738 from Jammu division while as 266 more persons have recovered today from J&K

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 1 from Anantnag, 2 from Kulgam, 5 from Srinagar, 6 from Budgam, 5 from Kupwara, 38 from Shopian, 7 from Baramulla and 4 from Pulwama in Kashmir division while as 88 from Jammu division include include 8  from Jammu,21 from Ramban, 26 from Kutha, 12 from Poonch, 14 from Samba, 2 from Rajouri, 3 from Doda and one each from Kishtiwar and Rajouri,” officials disclosed.

Dr G H Yatoo Nodal officer for covid-19 at SKIMS said that out of 2625 samples tested at virology lab SKIMS, 47 were tested positive.

Among 47 new cases, 22 are from Shopian, 05 each from Kulgam and Kupwara, 07 from Baramulla, 03 from Srinagar, 02 each from Anantnag and Bandipora and one from Pulwama.

Principal JVC Bemina Dr Reyaz Untoo said that among the  536 samples tested at JVC, 32 were found positive.

Among 32 new cases, 06 are from Budgam and 26 from Shopian district, he said, adding that so far 415 patients have been admitted at JVC, among them 310 have been discharged after recovery and 105 are undergoing treatment.

He further added that so far 15 normal deliveries and 13 major surgeries of covid-19 positive pregnant ladies were managed at the hospital.

Lt Col Inam Danish Khan from Army’s Command Hospital Udhampur said that among the samples that were tested at the hospital, 02 samples from Udhampur were found positive.

As per officials figures, 570 positive cases including 08 deaths and 288 recoveries are from Kulgam, 504 including 10 deaths and 164 recoveries are from Baramulla, 502 including 12 deaths and 156 recoveries are from Srinagar, 483 including 338 recoveries and 05 deaths are from Anantnag, 478 including 225 recoveries and 04 deaths are from Shopian, 381 including 273 recoveries and 03 deaths are from Kupwara, 233 including 173 recoveries and 01 death are from Bandipora, 220 including 107 recoveries and 02 deaths are from Budgam, 203 including 33 recoveries and 02 deaths are from Pulwama and 59 including 36 recoveries are from Ganderbal.

In Jammu division, 261 including 117 recoveries and 03 deaths are from Jammu district, 193 including 37 recoveries are from Ramban, 153 including 37 recoveries and 01 death are from Udhampur, 149 including 59 recoveries are from Kathua, 103 including 28 recoveries from Poonch, 83 including and 28 recoveries are from Samba, 60 including 12 recoveries and one death are from Rajouri, 49 including 20 recoveries and 01 death are from Doda, 24 including 11 recoveries are from Reasi and 22 including 04 recoveries are from Kishtwar.

As per the daily information bulletin, 230,505 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 41,964 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 2591 persons are in hospital isolation while 31 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 130,128 persons have completed surveillance period and 55,738 persons are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 254,059 samples are available.

Out of 254,059 the number of samples tested negative stands at 249,329 while as 4730 have been tested positive, among them 2591 are active and 2086 persons have recovered and 53 persons have died—(KNO)

Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar, June 12: A 65-year-old man on Friday became the first person from Rajouri district and 53rd in J&K to succumb to COVID-19.

Official sources said that the man died at Government Medical College Jammu, ten days after he tested positive of the pathogen.

Medical Superintendent JMC Dr Dara Singh told GNS the man had fallen off from stairs as result of which had suffered injuries in head.

“He was admitted to GMC Jammu on June 1. His test report for covid-19 came positive on June 2 when he was shifted to isolation ward. He died today,” he added.

With his death, Rajouri has reported first fatality due to the virus and also takes Jammu division’s toll to six. So far Srinagar district with 12 deaths has the highest fatalities, followed by Baramulla ten, Kulgam eight, Anantnag six, three each in Shopian, Kupwara and Jammu, two each in Pulwama and Budgam while one death each has been reported from Bandipora, Doda, Udhampur and Rajouri. (GNS)

Leh, June 12: The COVID cases in Jammu and Kashmir continued to witness surge in Ladakh as 105 more cases were detected on Friday in the Union Territory.

As per the media bulletin released by the Directorate of Health Services UT Ladakh, 105 more people were tested positive for COVID-19 in UT Ladakh. “Out of these, 36 are from Leh district and 69 are from Kargil district,” the media bulletin said.

With this, the number of COVID-19 active cases in UT Ladakh has gone up to 176 including 74 in Leh district and 102 in Kargil district.

Moreover, eight COVID-19 patients were discharged from COVID hospital Kargil today.

The bulletin also informed that of the total 74 active cases in Leh, 22 positive patients are admitted in COVID hospital while 52 positive cases are in home isolation. “Out of total 102 active cases in Kargil district, 33 positive patients are admitted in COVID hospital while 69 positive cases are in home isolation,” it added.

It also informed that till date 41 numbers of patients in Leh district and 21 in Kargil district were cured and discharged from COVID hospitals.

The bulletin informed that 80 samples were tested at COVID-19 Laboratory Chuchot Yokma yesterday: 72 samples of Leh district and 8 samples of Kargil district. 1 sample was positive from Leh district while 7 samples of Leh district needed repeat testing and rest all other samples were negative for COVID-19.

The Health Department Leh received 438 sample reports yesterday; out of these reports 35 positive and 141 negative reports are of Leh district and 69 positive and 193 negative reports are of Kargil district.

The bulletin also informed that the condition of all 176 active cases of COVID-19 in UT Ladakh is stable. Today, 57 samples were sent to NCDC New Delhi for testing and all samples are of Leh district.

91 passengers and 137 drivers and helpers of 101 trucks, tankers and light motor vehicles were screened at Khaltsi check post yesterday. The vehicles were also sanitized.

The Health workers at Upshi check post screened 119 passengers yesterday including drivers and helpers who came to Leh in 57 tankers, 23 trucks and 07 light vehicles. KNO