Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir reported 6253 fresh daily Covid-19 cases while seven persons succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said in Sunday.

1754 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 4499 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 397202, the officials told GNS.

Regarding the deaths, they said, three were reported from Jammu division and four from Kashmir. So far 4605 people have died due to the virus—2249 in Jammu division and 2356 in Kashmir Valley.

On Saturday last, the J&K recorded its highest daily case count since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 as it recorded 6568 cases.

Giving district wise details, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 1464 cases, Baramulla 564, Budgam 590, Pulwama 150, Kupwara 344, Anantnag 578, Bandipora 261, Ganderbal 320, Kulgam 174, Shopian 54, Jammu 1075, Udhampur 114, Rajouri 35, Doda 140, Kathua 83, Samba 47, Kishtwar 26, Poonch 10, Ramban 176 and Reasi 48.

There has been surge in covid-19 cases in J&K since the start of the New Year. On January 1, J&K reported 169 cases, 165 cases on January 2, 178 on January 3, 199 on January 4, 418 on January 5, 349 on January 6, 542 on January 7, 655 on January 8, 687 on January 9, 706 on January 10, 1148 on January 11, 1695 on January 12, 1966 on January 13, 2456 on January 14, 3251 on January 15, 3499 on January 16, 2817 on January 17, 4651 on January 18 and 5818 on January 19 and 5992 on January 20 besides 5720 on January 21.

A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of GMC Anantnag and District hospital Pulwama.

The GMC Srinagar cases include male (60) (NA) from Lalbazar, female (60) (NA) from Lalbazar, male (43) (NA) from H. no 29 Amida kadal, female (30) (NA) from Lalbazar, female (13) from khaniyar, male (26) (NA) from Kupwara, female (02) (NA) from Lalbazar, female (03) (NA) from Lalbazar, female (62) (NA) from Hyderpora, female (54) (NA) from Elahibagh, male (61) (NA) from Habbak, male (27) (NA) from Habbak,female (61) (NA) from Habbak, male (60) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (29) (NA) from Bemina, female (28) (NA) from Malbagh, female (45) (NA) from Umarabad, female (33) (NA) from Tral, male (42) (NA) from Poonch, male (23) (NA) from Baramulla, male (35) (NA) from Kishtawar, female (18) (NA) from Kupwara, male (65) (NA) from Sgr, female (82) (NA) from Sgr, female (25) (NA) from Sgr, female (75) (NA) from Budgam, male (25) (NA) from Bemina, male (28) (NA) from Budgam, male (27) (NA) from Budgam, male (26) (NA) from Sgr, male (25) (NA) from Sgr, male (39) (NA) from Sgr, male (70) (NA) from Eidgah, male (35) (NA) from Zainakadal, male (23) (NA) from Pulwama, female (66) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (24) (NA) from Pulwama, male (10) (NA) from Sgr, female (40) (NA) from Sgr, male (32) (NA) from Sgr, male (13) (NA) from khayam, female (22) (NA) from Karanagar, female (22) (NA) from Karanagar, female (23) (NA) from Karanagar, male (64) (NA) from Ahmed nagar, female (60) (NA) from Ahmed nagar, female (40) (NA) from Budgam, female (31) (NA) from Ganderbal, male (66) (NA) from HMT, female (36) (NA) from HMT, female (09) (NA) from HMT, male (08) (NA) from HMT, male (06) (NA) from HMT, female (04) (NA) from HMT, male (21) (NA) from Kupwara, male (26) (NA) from Boys hostel, female (30) (NA) from Nawakadal, female (50) (NA) from Chattabal, female (25) (NA) from Sgr, female (56) (NA) from Qamarwari, male (40) (NA) from Bemina, male (25) (NA) from Kupwara, female (28) (NA) from Girls hostel, male (45) (NA) from Sgr, male (35) (NA) from Ganderbal, female (60) (NA) from Sonwar, male (82) (NA) from Sgr, female (70) (NA) from Sgr, male (40) (NA) from Sgr, male (30) (NA) from Bemina, female (34) (NA) from Sgr, female (28) (NA) from Girls hostel, female (40) (NA) from Anantnag, female (29) (NA) from Eidgah, male (30) (NA) from Tangmarg, male (27) (NA) from Karanagar, female (27) (NA) from Anantnag, female (35) (NA) from Bemina, female (24) (NA) from Kulgam, male (35) (NA) from Pakherpora, female (30) (NA) from Soura and male (30) (NA) from Soura.

The DH Pulwama cases include male (35) from Sirnoo, female (26) from Ratnipora, male (50) from Parigam, male (56) from Dangerpora shopian, male (55) from Bandzoo, female (16) from Tenghara, female (40) from Dalipora, male (50) from Arihal, female (26) from Murran, male (64) from Murran, female (46) from Murran, female (38) from Murran, female (11) from Murran, female (26) from Wasoora, male (30) from Newa, male (24) from Chandigam, female (32) from Chakoora, female (30) from Karimabad, female (30) from Beighpora, female (35) from Newa, male (40) from Ratnipora, female (28) from Ratnipora, female (30) from Babhara, female (35) from Achan, male (40) from Inder, female (32) from Rakh children, female (36) from kashbayar, female (31) from Tahab, female (32) from Parigam, male (60) from Malikpora, female (32) from Gongoo, male (32) from Pulwama, female (25) from Malikpora, female (26) from Tenghara and male (15) from Drabgam.

Besides, they said, 2493 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time—997 from Jammu Division and 1496 from Kashmir. So far 349731 people have recovered, leaving active case tally at 42866 —13233 in Jammu and 29633 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said.

They also informed that 22955 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Barring few places including Srinagar, night temperature recorded a fall in Kashmir Valley with mercury settling at minus 9.5°C in the world famous skiing resort of Gulmarg. Some places including famous resort of Pahalgam accumulated fresh snowfall.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar received 2.6mm rainfall in last 24 hours till 0830 hours today while the summer capital of the J&K recorded a low of 2.8°C against last night’s 0.4°C, he said.

Kashmir is presently under the grip of 40-day long harshest period of winter, known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan, which started from December 21. It is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai Khurd’ and a 10-day-long ‘Chilla Bachha’.

Gulmarg had about 11cms of fresh snowfall during the time and recorded a low of minus 9.5°C against minus 6.0°C on previous night, he said. The temperature was 2.2°C above normal for this time of the year in the famous resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, had 5.6mm of rainfall and recorded a low of 0.2°C against 0.0°C on the previous night, he said.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, had 3.5 cms of snowfall during the time and recorded a low of minus 0.5°C against minus 0.7°C on the previous night, the official said.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, had 712.8cms of snowfall and recorded a low of minus 0.8°C against minus 1.2°C on the last night, he said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir received no rainfall during the time while as it recorded a low of 0.2°C against 1.2°C on the previous night, the official said.

Jammu, received 1.6.7mm of rain and recorded a low of 7.6°C against previous night’s 8.7°C which is 0.6°C above normal for the J&K’s winter capital during this time of the year, he said.

Banihal had 0.5cms of snowfall during the time and recorded a low of 0.0°C, Katra had no rainfall and recorded minimum of 6.2°C while Bhaderwah had 7.4cms of snowfall and recorded a low of 0.2°C, the official said.

Ladakh’s Leh recorded a low of minus 11.9°C against last night’s minus 9.0°C while mercury at automatic station in Kargil settled at minus 9.6°C. Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, recorded a low of minus 8.4°C against last night’s minus 10.8°C, official said.

The weatherman has forecast improvement in the weather from today till January 29.

“There is possibility of isolated very light rain/snow over Jammu and Kashmir in next 24 hours,” the official said, adding, “The weather will be mainly dry weather (till January 29)”. (GNS)

Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, has been closed as a “loaded truck is deeply embedded in the mud” near Panthyal area in Ramban district, officials said.

“Highway is still blocked at Panthyal due loaded truck deeply embedded in the mud. Restoration work is going on war footing basis,” a traffic department official told GNS, adding, “People are requested not to travel on highway (Jammu towards Srinagar and vice versa) without confirming the status of road from TCUs (Traffic control units).”

Authorities had Sunday announced that only stranded traffic shall be allowed on thoroughfare which was closed following mudslides and shooting stones at many places on the weekend.

Meanwhile, Mughal Road, connecting Shopian with Poonch and Rajouri districts, remained closed for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali.

Also,Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road remained shut for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation on Zoji la axis and has been closed till further orders. Kishtwar-Sinthan road also remained closed in view of snow accumulation, the traffic department official said. (GNS)

Continuous snowfall in the region has hampered the communication lines and day to day activities of the villagers in far flung areas of Rajwar, therefore Indian Army organised a khairiyat patrol to meet the medical requirement of the villagers of Budshungi wherein general awareness on cold related ailments and precautions were disseminated to locals.

The opportunity was also utilised to make villagers aware about the Omicron variant of Covid and masks were distributed to the poor, so as to instill a sense of seriousness amongst the people.

The patrol also administered first aid and provided medicines to the the people in need. A total of 17 houses and approx 35 people were outreached by this Patrol in an effort to desseminate Health Happiness and to win hearts and mind of our own awam. Hand-sanitizers, wearing of masks and all Covid related protocols were also told to young generation which they must be abiding for safety and wellness of the society as a whole.

In an order issued by the State Executive Committee headed by Chief Secretary Dr Arin Kumar Mehta, the government has reiterated most of the measures announced by it following the start of the 3rd covid-19 wave.

“Night Curfew shall continue to remain in force in all Districts from 9 pm to 6 am with complete restriction on non-essential movement,” the order, a copy of which lies with GNS reads, adding, “There shall also be complete restriction on non-essential movement in the entire J&K from every Friday 2.00 PM to Monday 6.00 A.M.”

All the offices have been asked to regulate the attendance of its employees in such a manner so as to ensure that appropriate Social Distancing Norms are maintained.

“Pregnant Women Employees will be exempted from Physical attendance. They shall be allowed to work from home.”

Employees with disabilities, the order said, shall also be given option to work from home.

“A maximum number of people permitted to attend any indoor/ outdoor gathering shall be strictly restricted to 25.”

Banquet Halls in all the Districts of J&K have been permitted to allow gathering up to 25 vaccinated persons (with verifiable RT-PCR or RAT not older than 72 hours) or 25% of the authorised capacity (whichever is less), preferably in open spaces.

“Cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, restaurants, clubs, gymnasiums and / swimming pools are permitted to function at 25% of the authorized capacity with due precautions such as CAB and adherence to SOP.”

As regards the education institutions, all Colleges, Schools, Polytechnics, ITIs, Coaching Centres for Civil Services/Engineering/NEET etc. have been asked to adopt online medium of teaching. “There shall be no in-person teaching.”

Educational institutions, it said, shall be permitted to direct attendance of vaccinated staff for administrative purposes only. “The Head of the institution must ensure that guidelines related to social distancing and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) are strictly followed.”

Enforcement of CAB is critical in determining the need for additional restrictions, the SEC said.

“The District Magistrates (Chairperson, DDMAs) of respective Districts of J&K shall adopt a Zero Tolerance policy towards non- compliance of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) and shall ensure due action against defaulters under relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act, Epidemic Act and the Indian Penal Code.”

The DMs have been asked to constitute inspection teams of district officers to check whether the instructions contained herein for enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) are being implemented by the concerned with due responsibility. “Further, the DMs shall constitute joint teams of Police and Executive Magistrates for intensifying enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behaviour and ensure no violator is let off,” the order reads further, adding, “The joint teams shall submit daily report regarding activities carried out by them and their assessment of compliance level.”

The Home Secretary, Government of Jammu & Kashmir shall monitor the enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behaviour closely and shall submit a Report to the Chairperson of the State Executive Committee (Chief Secretary) on daily basis, it said.

“The Health and Medical Education Department, Jammu and Kashmir shall closely monitor all relevant statistics and Data in respect of Covid-19 for timely interventions wherever required.”

All the Government Department(s)/Office(s) shall minimise conducting in-person meetings/interactions etc.

“All Administrative Secretaries/ Head of the Departments)/ Institution^) shall ensure optimal use of virtual mode for conducting official meetings etc.

Jammu and Kashmir’s daily Covid-19 cases breached all records since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 as it recorded 6568 fresh infections while seven person succumbed to the virus in last 24 hours, officials said on Saturday.

1875 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 4693 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 390949, the officials told GNS.

Regarding the deaths, they said, five were from Jammu division and two from Kashmir. So far 4598 people have died due to the virus—2246 in Jammu division and 2352 in Kashmir Valley.

Giving district wise details, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 1604 cases, Baramulla 749, Budgam 643, Pulwama 230, Kupwara 320, Anantnag 243, Bandipora 418, Ganderbal 99, Kulgam 333, Shopian 54, Jammu 1236, Udhampur 78, Rajouri 59, Doda 120, Kathua 59, Samba 91, Kishtwar 49, Poonch 50, Ramban 99 and Reasi 34.

There has been surge in covid-19 cases in J&K since the start of the New Year. On January 1, J&K reported 169 cases, 165 cases on January 2, 178 on January 3, 199 on January 4, 418 on January 5, 349 on January 6, 542 on January 7, 655 on January 8, 687 on January 9, 706 on January 10, 1148 on January 11, 1695 on January 12, 1966 on January 13, 2456 on January 14, 3251 on January 15, 3499 on January 16, 2817 on January 17, 4651 on January 18 and 5818 on January 19 and 5992 on January 20 besides 5720 on January 21.

A number of the fresh cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of GMC Srinagar and District Hospital Pulwama.

The GMC Srinagar cases include female (24) (NA) from Baramulla, male (28) (NA) from Shopian, female (65) (NA) from Baramulla, male (05) (NA) from Pulwama, male (26) (NA) from Bandipora, male (65) (NA) from Baramulla, male (56) (NA) from Sgr, male (28) (NA) from Sgr, male (32) (NA) from Kupwara, male (35) (NA) from Bemina, male (22) (NA) from Bemina, male (31) (NA) from Sgr, male (30) (NA) from Bemina, female (36) (NA) from Chanpora, male (30) (NA) from Bemina, female (30) (NA) from Bemina, male (30) (NA) from Ganderbal, male (52) (NA) from Bemina, male (68) (NA) from Bagi mehtab, male (60) (NA) from Rajpora, male (24) (NA) from Batamaloo, female (18) (NA) from Eidgah, female (30) (NA) from Budgam, male (30) (NA) from Shopian, male (50) (NA) from Noorbagh, male (30) (NA) from Kaksarai, male (30) (NA) from Baramulla, female (52) (NA) from Bemina, male (50) (NA) from Anantnag, male (40) (NA) from Budgam, female (24) (NA) from Rajbagh, female (30) (NA) from Rajbagh, male (56) (NA) from SMHS Sgr, male (25) (NA) from Tral, female (32) (NA) from HMT Sgr, male (36) (NA) from Bagi mehtab, male (36) (NA) from SMHS Sgr, male (30) (NA) from Tangmarg, male (02) (NA) from Sgr, female (30) (NA) from Qamarwari, male (25) (NA) from Rajourikadal, female (30) (NA) from HMT Sgr, male (40) (NA) from Chanpora, male (47) (NA) from Batamaloo, male (58) (NA) from Rainawari, female (27) (NA) from Sgr, male (71) (NA) from Budgam, male (40) (NA) from Sgr, male (42) (NA) from Soura, female (29) (NA) from Sgr, female (24) (NA) from Sgr, female (26) (NA) from Sgr, male (30) (NA) from Chadoora, male (03) (NA) from Baramulla, male (24) (NA) from Rajbagh, male (70) (NA) from Nawabaxar, female (38) (Na) from Peerbagh, female (05) (NA) from Shopian, male (85) (NA) from Eidgah, female (58) (NA) from Hyderpora, female (30) (NA) from Sgr, female (28) (NA) from Sgr, male (85) (NA) from Pulwama, female (26) (NA) from Gopalpora, female (29) (NA) from Natipora, male (15) (NA) from Kathidarwaza, male (28) (NA) from Dargah, female (30) (NA) from Anantnag, male (32) (NA) from GMC Sgr, male (29) (NA) from GMC Sgr, male (30) (NA) from Nishat, male (32) (NA) from Nishat, female (63) (NA) from Nishat, female (02) (NA) from Sgr, male (45) (NA) from Batamaloo, female (59) (NA) from Qamarwari, male (01) (NA) from Qamarwari, male (06) (NA) from Jawahar nagar, male (20) (NA) from Kupwara, male (47) (NA) from Kupwara, female (30) (NA) from Tengpora, female (19) (NA) from Batamaloo, male (35) (NA) from Barbarshah and male (30) (NA) from Rajbagh.

The DH Pulwama cases include male (60) from Koil, female (27) from Kralcheck, male (50) from Chandpora, female (40) from Panzgam, female (27) from Samboora, male (35) from Ratnipora, female (30) from Arihal, female (30) from Parigam, female (35) from Balapora SPN, female (30) from Chakoora, female (35) from Sanzwatri, female (30) from Keigam, female (30) from Malwari, female (50) from Gusoo pulwama, female (30) from Gundipora, female (50) from Ratnipora, female (30) from Pampore, female (26) from Zadoora, female (30) from Karimabad, female (30) from Achan, female (30) from Gusoo, male (40) from Awantipora, female (70) from Tral, female (30) from Tiken, male (50) from Karimabad, female (30) from Ashmander, female (30) from Wasoora, female (22) from Kakapora, female (23) from Banderpora, male (36) from Shopian, male (28) from Gongoo, female (23) from Daroo Shopian, female (23) from Chattapora, female (28) from Shopian, male (20) from Prichoo, male (67) from Kiloora Shopian, male (38) from Kiloora Shopian, male (28) from Kiloora Shopian, female (32) from Kiloora Shopian and female (36) from Hassanwani pulwama.

Besides, they said, 2330 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time—993 from Jammu Division and 1337 from Kashmir. So far 347238 people have recovered, leaving active case tally at 39113—12479 in Jammu and 26634 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said.

They also informed that 34423 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

The Srinagar District has achieved First Rank in Public Infrastructure & Utilities Sector under Good Governance Index(GGI) released by the Union Minister for Home, Amit Shah on Saturday in presence of Lieutenant Governor J & K Manoj Sinha and MOS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh. The District has also ranked in top 5 Districts in Composite GGI in Kashmir Division by scoring 5.313 points.

Pertinently, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah on Saturday launched District Good Governance Index for the 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir which has been prepared by the Department of Administration Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). The GGI 2021 framework covered 10 sectors and 58 indicators.

Under Public Infrastructure and Utilities, the Srinagar District has scored 0.944 points and ranked first in District Good Governance Index(DGGI).

The aim of the Good Governance Index is to create a tool that can be used uniformly across the States for assessing the impact of various interventions that are taken up by Central and State Governments. The Good Governance is the key component of the economic transformation and with the present government’s focus on ‘minimum government and maximum governance’ the Index assumes more significance. GGI is a comprehensive and implementable framework to assess the State of Governance across the States and UTs which enables ranking of States/Districts.

Meanwhile, with regard to the release of Good Governance Index by Union Home Minister, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has said a good initiative has been started in J&K and other districts will learn from the best practices in various districts so that good governance can be established across the entire J&K and the people can be given better facilities & services.

The event was organised jointly by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPARD)in association with the Center for Good Governance.

In a Joint Press Statement the Janta Dal United, Leaders, J&K, Sh.Sanjay Dhar, State General Secretary, Sh. Vivek Bali State Secretary, Gowher Wani State Spokesperson ,Daizy Dhar, V. C,(M)State, Raj Kumar Ticku, President(M)Jammu, Sumit Bhat, Youth President(M) Jammu, Under Chairmanship of Sh. P.L.Pandita,Chairman Migrants J&K State,in a joint Statement have appealed the Honourable Lieut.GovernorJ&K,U.T Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Revenue, Commissioner Secretary, DMRR,to locate and issue the appointment Orders of P.M.Package Class Fourth 550 Candidates selected by the SSRB vide Selection Order No:- SSB/Secy/Sel/2021/7260-68 dated:- 21.10.2021 in ref.to Advertisement Notification No.03 of 2020 dt.01.12.2020,which seems lost in Transit or is presumed to have been filed by some dealing office being the order pertaining to Migrant Community,as all other selection orders of P.M.package appointment orders viz,Sub-Inspector,Exise department Assistants,Assistant Compilers,and others,stand since issued and all appointed have joined since,but being class IV a low paid post pertaining to the below poverty line families,and not having sources of voice,.It has been demanded that appointment orders of these selected class IV candidates under P.m.package vide above selection orders of SSRB may kindly be got issued at an earliest so that these candidates may become earning sources to their poor parents and can become a bridge for resettlement process of displacement.Besides they have appealed for abolition of S. O. 194 Ambit in case of Class IV appointed candidates, being a lower class paid employees for enabling them to at least feed their lodging, boarding charges during probation period, having no capability of financial back up from their families.

Government Railway Police Kashmir (GRPK) on Saturday claimed to have solved the theft cases by arresting 21 accused persons involved in robbing OHE copper wire, which were being installed by railway authorities through a private firm.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) GRPK, Harmeet Singh informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that 21 accused have been arrested while the stolen property of OHE wire 388 Kgs, worth Rs 3,56,572 was also recovered from them.

“The job installation of OHE copper wire by railway authorities through M/S R.S. Infra private limited company has been under progress from Baramulla to Banihal since September, 2021. While the job of the installation of said wire was being carried out by the said agency it was reported by the said company that during night hours, unknown thieves have committed theft of OHE copper wire/ attempts to theft in Sopore, Pattan, Budgam, Srinagar and Bijbehara areas,” he said.

He added that on the basis of the written reports received from the M/S R.S. Infra private limited company, nine FIRs (04 in 2021 and 05 in 2022) were registered in GRPS of Baramulla/Hamaray/Srinagar and Anantnag and investigation set into motion.

“To work out the case, SSP GRPK constituted 03 separate teams Sub Division wise led by the concerned SHO’s and supervised by the concerned SDPO’s. The teams after strenuous / hectic efforts cracked /solved the theft cases by arresting 21 accused persons involved in the commission of crime,” he said.

“The stolen property of OHE wire 388 Kgs, worth Rs 3,56,572 was also recovered from them. Weapon of offences including cutter, Hexa blades, Gloves and ropes alongwith four load carriers utilized for the transportation of stolen property were also seized,” SSP GRPK said—(KNO)

An official told news agency Kashmir News Trust that a joint team of Police, 34RR and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

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

A senior police officer also confirmed the exchange of fire between forces and militants.

As per the sources, one to two militants are believed to be trapped in the village. (KNT)