222 in Kashmir, 48 in Jammu; Srinagar worst affected with more than 50 cases, 14 Red Zones

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Apr 13: With 25 more persons testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday in Kashmir, the total number of infected people in the Union Territory of J&K mounted to 270.

J&K UT spokesperson Rohit Kansal while sharing the details tweeted: “25 new cases of COVID-19 reported in J&K. All from Kashmir. Total now at 270.”

An official said that with this the total number of infected persons has risen to 270. “Out of 270 positive cases, 222 are in Kashmir and 48 are in Jammu,” they said, adding the new cases have had contact with COVID-19 positive patients.
They said 258 are ‘Active Positive’, eight have recovered and four died in J&K.

Srinagar is the worst affected district in the Union Territory of J&K as it has recorded about 26 per cent of the total 258 active positive cases, besides one death so far. Following the surge in the COVID-19 cases, authorities imposed stringent restrictions on movement and assembly of people in the district and notified 14 areas as ‘Red Zones’. These zones, which have been completely sealed and no one is allowed in or out, were marked after several people from these areas tested positive for the infection. The authorities also initiated a massive contact tracing and sanitization driver in the district.

As many as 138 people, mostly from Kashmir, were tested positive for COVID-19 in J&K last week. Thirty-three new positive cases, including 28 from Kashmir and three from Jammu, were reported on April 4 and April 5, making it one of the highest jumps in the COVID-19 infected persons in J&K.

Eight persons, including five from Jammu and three from Kashmir, were tested positive for COVAID-19 on Thursday while the number jumped by five on Friday. Six persons were tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday while seven other cases were reported on Wednesday. As many as 11 persons, including eight in Kashmir and three in Jammu, tested positive for COVID-19 in J&K on Monday. The positive case reportedly includes a doctor in Jammu.

A 62-year-old man died at a government hospital less than 12 hours after being tested positive for Coronavirus in Kashmir valley on March 29, when five persons were tested positive for the infection. So far, two persons have died due to the infection while as many have been successfully treated. As many as 12 positive Coronavirus cases was recorded in J&K in a single day on March 28, triggering panic among locals despite assurance by administration that they are fully prepared to curtail the infection.

On March 27, two patients are from Chattabal while two others from Bemina in Srinagar were tested positive for Coronavirus. Two minor siblings also from Srinagar were tested positive for Coronavirus on March 26, when a 65-year-old Hyderpora resident became the first person to die due to deadly infection in J&K. On March 25, four persons, who had met the 65-year-old patient during an event in the valley, were tested positive for Coronavirus.

Meanwhile, markets and streets remained deserted for the 25th day on Monday as authorities have intensified restrictions on movement and assembly of people, particularly in ‘Red Zones’ in Kashmir valley, where violators of lockdown have been warned of strict action to curtail the spread of Coronavirus.

India reports 35 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hrs; total positive cases 9152, toll 324

United News of India
New Delhi, Apr 13: Amid speculations of an extended lockdown just a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address, the country witnessed the deadliest day on Monday, as death toll rose to 324 with the Novel Coronavirus pandemic claiming 35 lives in the past 24 hours.

With 796 fresh Coronavirus cases, the country’s tally mounted to 9,152, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry, informed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Nation on Tuesday morning, the last day of 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

”Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Nation at 10 AM on April 14, 2020,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s office said. As per sources, PM Modi is likely to announce a further extension of the lockdown.

In a video-conference of the Prime Minister with Chief Ministers of all states on April 11, an overwhelming consensus was in the favour of extension of the lockdown as the trajectory of Covid cases was not declining.

Maharashtra remained worst-affected with 1,985 cases and 149 casualties, followed by Delhi–1176 case and 24 deaths and Tamil Nadu–1075 cases and 11 deaths.

As the cases are spiking steeply, the Health Ministry shared a data to show that more than adequate arrangements were in place.

”In 601 hospitals, over 1 lakh beds are available,” a health official had said.

Highlighting the use of technology in the fight against deadly virus, health department said the government is using technology for case tracking, management, implementation and monitoring of containment plan.

Agarwal said that any person suspected to have infected, may contact either central government or the concerned state government helpline numbers and accordingly based on symptoms guidance will be given on the specific situation and dedicated hospitals.

He said the government has formed a core strategy group with CSIR based on a detailed review of Covid research, undertaken by the Union Health and S&T Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, wherein 38 CSIR labs are also involved.

Gujarat has reported two more deaths and 22 new cases of Novel Coronavirus infection in the last 12 hours, taking the overall number of positive cases in the western state to 538, including 26 deaths and with 47 recoveries so far.

  Srinagar, Apr 13: Two minor siblings, who had tested positive for COVID-19 last month, were treated successfully and discharged from Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) hospital here on Monday, taking the total number of patients cured to five in Kashmir.

An official said that first two COVID-19 positive children were on Monday discharged from JLNM Hospital Rainawari Srinagar along with their mother. “The woman was COVID-19 negative but was staying with her daughters,” he said.

He said the repeat samples of both the children and their mother came negative for COVID-19 on Modnay following which they were discharged. “With this five people, three from Srinagar and two from Bandipora, have recovered,” he added.

“Great News…Mubarak to the families and gratitude to the entire medical team,” J&K UT spokesperson Rohit Kansal tweeted.

Reacting to the development, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Choudhary said he takes a humble bow in respect of doctors at JLNM hospital and for resilience of a brave mother as two kids, who had earlier tested positive, are discharged after repeat samples testing negative. “Congratulations,” he added.

The total number of Coronavirus cases had risen to 245 in the Union Territory of J&K with 21 more people, including 17 from Kashmir and four from Jammu, testing positive for the infection on Sunday.

Leh, Apr 13: Two persons, including one from Leh and another from Kargil, were on Monday tested positive for Coronavirus, taking the total number of infected people to five.

Meanwhile, 13 patients, who were tested positive for COVID-19, were discharged from hospital after they were successfully treated.

Ladakh Spokesperson, Commissioner Secretary, Rigzin Samphel on Monday said that two new positive cases were reported in the Union Territory. “One of them is from Sabu in Leh while another is from Shakar-Chiktan in Kargil,” he added.

He said the other two positive cases are from Leh and one from Kargil. “13 cases have been discharged from the hospital but kept under quarantine,” he added.

He said in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 among the locals, the Department of Health has adopted an aggressive strategy of mass sampling. “As per the ranking of the states and UTs on the basis of number of sample sent per population of a million, Ladakh stands at number one in the country,” he said.

He said a total of 618 samples have been sent for testing to NCDC, New Delhi. “The government has accorded highest priority to the evacuation of stranded pilgrims from Iran to India,” he added. (UNI)

‘No risk of transmission after person recovers but one must remain in isolation till completion of home quarantine after hospital discharge’

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Apr 13: Kashmir’s leading pulmonologist and head Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar Dr Naveed Nazir Shah Monday said Srinagar will soon move into the stage of discharging recovered COVID-19 patients and it was important to understand that these persons are now as normal as others.

He said while it is understandable that people are scared of this disease and one must take all precautions as required it is important to understand that those who had it and have now recovered are just as free from it as others who don’t have it.

Dr Naveed said the stigma that has been seen as having been attached to someone affected with this infection is uncalled-for and it is important to end it for all societies to live a normal life.

He said there is no risk of transmission after a patient has recovered and become negative for the viral load — adding however that as a precaution the recovered person must remain under quarantine for the required period after discharge from the hospital.

The doctor said all such persons should keep themselves isolated from others until their home quarantine – following hospital release – has completed — adding that relatives and friends should also not go visit them until their said quarantine has completed.

Police register case under relevant sections

Precious Kashmir News
Pulwama, Apr 13: Authorities today booked 8 persons for violating the quarantine laws. The accused fled the Red Zone areas and travelled to Tral in the same district.
According to Tehsildar Pulwama, information was received from field staff regarding the presence of eight persons staying in the house of Mohammad Shaban Sheikh R/o Amirabad Tral from few days. The accused had fled the Parigam and another village in Pulwama and went on to stay with their relative.
The District Administration quickly traced all 8 persons and they were put in the quarantine at Hamdard Grammar School Tral and in this connection the violations have been booked under  section 269 IPC( unlawfully or negligently doing something which is likely to spread infection of any dangerous disease to life) , section 270 IPC ( malignant act likely to spread infection of dangerous disease to life), section 271 IPC (knowingly disobeying any quarantine rule) and section 188 IPC ( for disobeying any Govt orders.
The DM warned of stern action against anyone violating the orders. He reiterated that their would be zero tolerance against the people endangering thousands of lives. He added that violating Govt orders shall invoke penal action and prosecution proceedings shall be initiated without second thought.( With inputs from KNS)

Family members of positive cases test negative
Jammu, Apr 13: As Coronavirus figure showed a surge in parts of the country, some good news poured in from Jammu that the family members of all positive cases were tested negative in Jammu district.

“Only one case which was found…family members also tested negative. Muthi not red zone…”, the twitter handle of the J&K government tweeted.

During the last 24 hours, not even a single case has been tested positive and furthermore, family members of patients investigated as positive also tested negative.

Meanwhile, authorities lifted sealing of Lower Roop Nagar and some parts of Muthi after family members of one positive patient were tested negative, said an official.

A man, originally a resident of Ramnagar in Udhampur district and presently living in Lower Roop Nagar, was tested positive on Sunday after remaining hospitalized at ASCOMS since April 5.

Authorities, however, also heaved a sigh of relief as a newly born baby and husband of a woman- who was tested positive within hours after delivering a baby, were also tested negative.

“All staff members of the labour room of SMGS hospital where a woman has delivered baby were also tested negative,” they said adding that the wife of the Army Jawan, who was tested positive, has tested negative.

An official further said that 278 symptomatic cases were conducted in the past 24 hours and all tested negative while tests of 44 cases are underway. (UNI)

Mubashir Aalam Wani

Srinagar, Apr 13: Normal life across the red zones as well as in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir continued to remain paralyzed for the 20th straight day on Monday in wake of the lockdown announced by the government to contain COVID-19 from spreading.

According to KNO the red zones declared by the government remained sealed with authorities keeping close eye to the areas to ensure that no one will enter of exit from these areas as precautionary measure.

The people stayed indoors throughout the day while as the police and paramilitary troopers continued to remain deployed in the roads to enforce the lockdown with erecting concertina wires at any points, thus thwarting vehicular as well as pedestrians’ movement.

The markets also wore deserted look throughout the day while as the vehicular movement was also off the roads, witnesses said. The educational institutions including, Schools, Colleges and Universities continued to remain closed.

Moreover, the Jammu and Kashmir police continued to book people who are found violating the government’s prohibitory orders issued under section 144 CrPC. –(KNO)

KINS

Srinagar, Apr 13: With three civilians dead along the Line of Control (LoC) in “Pakistani” shelling in frontier district of Kupwara in north Kashmir on Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, reviewed the situation with National Security advisor Ajit Doval and other top officials today.

An 8-year-old boy was among three people who died along the Line of Control. The Army lost its 5 soldiers last week while foiling an infiltration bid at Jumgund area in same district. Five militants were also killed in the encounter.

Top sources told Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that both Home Minister and Defence Minister denounced the killings and took stock of the situation along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

“National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top officials of the ministries of Home and Defence, briefed Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh on the latest situation along the Line of Control, sources said.

They said that a possible strategy to deal with the Pakistan shelling, infiltration along the LoC was also discussed.

“The top security brass also briefed both the ministers about steps already taken to counter “firing by Pakistani forces and possible infiltration on LOC,” sources said.

Sources said that security forces have been asked to remain all-out alert.

The Border Security Force (BSF) under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Armed Forces under the management of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Government of India are deployed on Line of control in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources said that intelligence agencies have reported that in view of the coronavirus pandemic spreading chaos everywhere, “Pakistan army was trying to take advantage of the crisis and push militants into Jammu and Kashmir”.

The Army said that in the recent days, several attempts were made by the infiltrators in Kupwara, Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region.

“There were a total of 646 incidents of ceasefire violations along the International Border (IB) as well as the LoC between January 1 and February 23 this year”, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said in March.

Over 3,200 ceasefire violations by Pakistan troops were recorded in 2019. There is 198 km IB and over 510 km of LoC with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

3 col with pix and box
Militants attack Police, CRPF party in Malangpora

UNI/GNS
Jammu/Srinagar, Apr 13: A Special Police Officer was killed, another injured while their weapons snatched when they were attacked on Monday afternoon by militants in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said.
“A SPO was killed and another injured while their weapons were also snatched after suspected militants attacked on Monday afternoon in village Tandan of Kishtwar district,” official sources here said.
They said the after attack, injured cops were being shifted to the hospital but one of them succumbed on the way.
“The militants also took away two weapons of the cops while a manhunt has been launched to nab the attackers,” they added.
Inspector General of Police Mukesh Singh said that on Monday, SPOs namely Pashid Iqbal (1328) and Vishal Singh (1342), both posted SOG police post Tander, Dachhan, Kishtwar had gone to the upper area for patrolling. They were attacked at that place by Basharat Hussain, son of Ghulam Qadir Gainoo and Ashiq Hussain, son of Bashir Ahmed, both residents of village Tander, Dachhan resulting in the killing of SPO Pashid Iqbal and serious injury to another, said the IGP.
Both the attackers fled from spot, he said adding that one of the attackers, Ashiq Hussain was involed in case FIR no 06/2018 u/s 363,376 RPC of P/S Dachhan.

Militants attack Police, CRPF party in Malangpora

Meanwhile, suspected militants on Monday fired upon a joint party of police and CRPF at Naka in Malangpora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

A senior Police officer told GNS that militants attacked joint party at Malangpora near Railway Station; the joint party retaliated, triggering off a brief exchange of gunfight.

No loss of life or injury was reported, the news agency added.

Meanwhile, additional reinforcement was rushed to the area and searches were launched in the whole area to nab the attackers.