Jammu & Kashmir

Authorities on Wednesday said that on Thursday subject to fair weather and better road conditions, Light Motor Vehicles (passenger) and private cars shall be allowed from Srinagar towards Jammu on the highway.

The traffic department in an advisory issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said TCU Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.

It also said that commuters are advised not to travel on Jammu-Srinagar NHW without confirming the status of the road from TCU Jammu/Ramban/Srinagar.

The traffic department in an advisory said LMVs will have to cross NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side) from 08:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs. “No Vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing,” it said.

“Subject to fair weather and better road condition, HMVS shall be allowed from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qazigund side) towards Jammu after the tail of down LMVS crosses NAVYUG Tunnel. TCU Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the HMVs,” it added.

“Security forces are advised/requested not to ply against advisory/traffic plan in view of traffic congestion on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. They may ply from Srinagar towards Jammu after confirming the status of highway,” reads the advisory.

Mughal Road, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road and Kishtwar-Sinthan Road were closed for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation by the administration, it said—(KNO)

As the summer capital of J&K recorded highest ever daily covid-19 cases on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar  Mohammad Aijaz Asad said that taking the virus “mild is a mistake.”

“1745 positive cases in Srinagar today. That is way ahead of 1300 cases during peak of second wave. Virus is warning us. Taking it mild is a mistake,” he said in a tweet.

Time and again, the deputy commissioner, as per GNS, appealed to the people of Srinagar to abide by covid appropriate behavior and do not invite complete lockdown. He said violation of CAB will have serious repercussions. (GNS)

Burglars ransacked a house and stole cash, gold, and other stuff from a house when the occupants had gone to market in Kashmir capital Srinagar.

The incident occurred this evening at Barbarshah Sathu Srinagar and the house owner is a lady namely Fehmeeda Akhter.

“We had locked our house before going out. When we returned back at around 6 pm this evening, we found things lying at sixes and sevens much to our shock,” Fehmeeda Akhter who is a widow told news agency Kashmir News Trust.

Burglars have stolen gold, cash, copper, shawls and some electronic items.

Police have taken cognizance of the theft incident and registered a case under relevant sections of law. (KNT)

Covid-19 cases continue to mount as Jammu and Kashmir reported 5818 fresh cases while four persons died due to it in last 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.

They said 1752 of the fresh cases were confirmed from Jammu Division and 4066 from Kashmir valley, taking the overall tally to 372669.

Giving district wise details, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 1745 cases, Baramulla 791, Budgam 594, Pulwama 230, Kupwara 93, Anantnag 217, Bandipora 130, Ganderbal 84, Kulgam 162, Shopian 20, Jammu 1131, Udhampur 105, Rajouri 85, Doda 63, Kathua 100, Samba 89, Kishtwar 5, Poonch 66, Ramban 53 and Reasi 56.

Four persons also died during the time—all from Jammu division. So far 4579 people have died due to the virus—2232 in Jammu division and 2347 in Kashmir Valley.

A number of these cases were confirmed at various diagnostic hospitals here and include Male (38) (NA) from Chanpora, female (21) (NA) from Narbal, female (21) (NA) from Khansahib budgam, female (25) (NA) from Khaag, male (43) (NA) from Barbarshah, female (35) (NA) from Hawal, female (30) (NA) from Lalbazar, male (42) (NA) from Barbarshah, male (35) (NA) from Lalbazar, male (44) (NA) from Bemina, male (13) (NA) from Bemina, male (54) (NA) from Bemina, male (35) (NA) from Chattabal, male (44) (NA) from Alochibagh, male (45) (NA) from Bemina, male (58) (NA) from Buchpora, female (21) (NA) from Kanihama, male (33) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (80) (NA) from Awantipora, male (80) (NA) from Zaldagar, female (23) (NA) from Elahibagh, male (65) (NA) from Soura, male (45) (NA) from Balgarden, male (44) (NA) from Hyderpora, female (41) (NA) from Solina, male (25) (NA) from Tangmarg, female (45) (NA) from Anantnag, female (31) (NA) from Bemina, female (23) (NA) from GMC Sgr, male (30) (NA) from Pulwama, female (24) (NA) from GMC Sgr, female (22) (NA) from GMC Sgr, female (22) (NA) from GMC Sgr, male (50) (NA) from Sgr, female (24) (NA) from Sgr, male (21) (NA) from GMC Sgr, male (36) (NA) from SMHS Sgr, male (90) (NA) from Baramulla, male (20) (NA) from Anantnag, male (20) (NA) from Anantnag, male (50) (NA) from Pulwama, female (02) (NA) from Shopian, female (65) (NA) from Sgr, male (28) (NA) from SMHS Sgr, male (70) (NA) from Habakadal, female (58) (NA) from Elahibagh, female (38) (NA) from Elahibagh, male (37) (NA) from Budgam, female (23) (NA) from Gulab Bagh, male (35) (NA) from Baramulla, male (55) (NA) from Bemina, male (41) (NA) from Budshah nagar, female (41) (NA) from Chanpora, female (28) (NA) from Sgr, male (35) (NA) from Anantnag, male (29) (NA) from Pulwama, female (28) (NA) from Karangar, male (23) (NA) from Budgam, male (27) (NA) from Chanpora, male (34) (NA) from Sgr, male (53) (NA) from Ahmed nagar, male (25) (NA) from Beerwah, male (44) (NA) from HMT, female (30) (NA) from Shopian, female (25) (NA) from Anantnag, male (29) (NA) from Pulwama, female (27) (NA) from Noorbagh, female (20) (NA) from Soura, female (25) (NA) from Baramulla, female (41) (NA) from Jawahar nagar, female (40) (NA) from Shopian, male (28) (NA) from Ramban, male (55) (NA) from Budgam, male (38) (NA) from Bagi mehtab, female (25) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (18) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (37) (NA) from Natipora, male (38) (NA) from Tral, female (29) (NA) from Eidgah Sgr, male (23) (NA) from Batamaloo, male (54) (NA) from Soura, male (33) (NA) from Humhama, female (32) (NA) from Sonwar, female (45) (NA) from Bemina, male (09) (NA) from Bemina, male (16) (NA) from Bemina, male (57) (NA) from Khaniyar, male (40) (NA) from Chanpora, female (85) (NA) from Dalgate, male (44) (NA) from CD hospital, male (55) (NA) from CD hospital, male (80) (NA) from Harwan, male (50) (NA) from kupwara, male (57) (NA) from HMT, female (65) (NA) from Habakadal, female (50) (NA) from Rajbagh, female (24) (NA) from Sangerwani pulwama, female (55) (NA) from Abhama pulwama, female (03) (NA) from Abhama pulwama, male (50) (NA) from Gabbarpora pulwama, female (75) (NA) from Rajpora pulwama, male (10) (NA) from Bellow pulwama, male (42) (NA) from Fatehkadal and female (15) (NA) from Bandzoo pulwama.

Besides, they said, 1255 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time—592 from Jammu Division and 663 from Kashmir. So far 341854 people have recovered, leaving active case tally at 26236—9336 in Jammu and 16900 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 41266 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Always in the different era people come across such multidimensional, philanthropist and time witnesses the shadows of these amazing personalities. It takes sweat and blood of one to be on the apex of desired goal.In case of our valley,it has always been the home of talented people who always make motherland proud by their blessed talent. Same we are also blessed to have such an amazing, multidimensional, Social Activist, Teacher, and what not, in our valley whose whole life from childhood is revolving around the peace, love and prosperity of the nation.Mr.Tariq Ahmad Shera a name known to every Kashmiri is the symbol of future of Kashmir.Mr.Tariq Ahmad Shera

Social Activist/ Cultural Activist

Approved Drama Artist (DDK & AIR) 

Founder & President of Angel’s Cultural Academy, Shahr e khaas Literary & Cultural Welfare Society, Angel’s Drug Free kashmir, Shahr e khaas Film Production & Meeras e kashmir.

Mr.Tariq Ahmad Shera hails from Drabiyar Habba kadal Srinagar. Talking about educational qualifications Tariq Sahab has pursued M.Sc Mathematics and B.ed from KASHMIR UNIVERSITY. He has also done M.A Urdu from MANUU. Tariq Sahab being well educated is currently a guest faculty at various institutions in valley. After completing the educational journey Tariq Sahab being already full of zeal and zest for social work started working for the progress of valley. From the childhood he performed various Cultural Programmes which have been appreciated by various institutions of valley. My parents always supported me for the same to come infront and showcase my talent to the world said,Mr.Tariq Ahmad shera. For the same Mr. Tariq Ahmad Shera laid foundation of two main and Cultural academies namely ANGEL’S CULTURAL ACADEMY and SHAHRE KHAAS LITERARY AND CULTURAL WELFARE SOCIETY which came into being just to provide platform to the talented youths of Kashmir for showing talent in respective fields. It inculcates moral, religious and modern talents to the artists. These two organisations are main and well known for the budding artists. Being enthusiastic Tariq Sahab has organised various programmes related to different theme which encompasses the need of the hour. Tariq Sahab has been well appreciated by various institutions at various levels. Besides running these institutes ACA & SKLCWS, Mr.Tariq Ahmad Shera Sahib sees himself as an inborn artist who has worked in several Kashmiri serials and Jokes ratified by Tv Channel’s like Tuj, Bangool, Trate bozun,Hateh honeh kehteh Zang, Deforestation,Article 35 and Wutribunul , Laar e Laar etc. Also Worked in Various Webseries & Films like Laila Majnu, Raazi, Sarhad, Enigma of Paradise,Aadha Ishq, Fauda, Masaba Masaba 2 & Albums. Tariq Sahab has various National awards in his name and has featured in various programmes. Tariq Sahab always tries to uplift the situation of the youths of valley.

Tariq has a list of awards but the main which he received are mainly

1. Real Hero Awardee

2.Young Achievers Award 2021 Awardee

3. UNESCO Awardee

4.Social Worker Awardee

5.Cultural Activist Awardee

& Many More. 

Tariq Sahab also initiated DRUG FREE PROGRAMME whose motive is to make Kashmir drug free valley and save the lives of precious youth of valley, who are the future of nation. Tariq Sahab always tries to promote the talent of youth at various levels and made a way easier for them by bearing all the hurdles by himself. We should always appreciate such a great proud personalities to make our future bright and vanish the darkness of valley. We should always support Mr.Tariq Ahmad Shera for the same doings to make our valley proud.

Faheem ul Islam

Author , writer and student at Aligarh Muslim University.

These Kashmiri shawl retailers are from Chandigam Lolab area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district

The incident occurred a day before these shawl retailers were scheduled to return back to Valley.Divulging information about the incident, one of the victims, Irshad Ahmed told news agency Kashmir News Trust over the phone that the burglars entered into the room in their absence and not only stole shawls worth Rs 50,000 but also cash to the tune of Rs 4.75 lakh.

“The incident occurred in broad daylight. The burglars had made a mess of the room, ransacking everything. We had put the cash into the bag that belonged to a few retailers. Before leaving for home, we wanted to clear the transactions with local businessmen,” he said.He said they approached the police who assured them that the burglary incident will be solved. “We are finished as we have lost everything that we had earned this season,” Irshad Ahmed said.

The victim shawl retailers appealed to Jammu and Kashmir civil and police administration to intervene in the matter and impress upon the Adhampur Police to nab the culprits.

A police official from Adhampur Police Station said that they have examined the CCTV footage.

“A burglar can be seen leaving the room along with shawls but his face is not clear. We are investigating the incident and hopefully, culprits will be identified and booked,” he said. (KNT)

Amid the surge in Covid-19 cases in J&K, the positivity rate is high, however, the hospitality rate is less, officials said on Tuesday.

Top health officials while talking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that at present the positivity rate is very high and every third person in J&K is found to be positive for Covid-19.

Principal GMC Jammu Dr Shashi Sudan while talking with KNO said that the current positivity rate is very high and every third person in J&K is found positive for Covid-19.

She said that so far no death has been reported only because of the omicron variant and whosoever dies has underlying problems.

“The positivity rate is very high and it has taken a toll on health care workers. So far around 500 doctors and paramedics have been tested positive for Covid-19 in GMC Jammu and its associated hospitals,” Sudan said.

She said that though hospitalization rates haven’t increased so much, we shouldn’t lower the guard and should continue to follow CAB in letter and spirit.

Top officials from Kashmir division also said that the positivity rate is quite higher than what they are witnessing on official data as there are hundreds of people who are testing themselves at home or at private laboratories, besides most people who have symptoms just isolate themselves at home without getting tested.

“Death which are currently witnessed are of those who are having underlying problems and most of them are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated,” they said—(KNO)

Amid spike in Covid cases, the doctors, paramedics and teachers are striving hard to ensure that everyone is tested prior to entering into the gardens here in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Valley.

Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Sampling Incharge of gardens, Dr Afshan Rehmat said “Our teams of doctors, paramedics and teachers have been conducting tests at the gardens since July 3rd, 2021.”

“Even in bad weather, there is no heating arrangement and without holidays, we are making sure that all those who enter into the gardens are tested properly,” she said.

“We appeal people to help us in fighting this pandemic by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and take proper precautions to prevent the virus from spreading,” she added—(KNO)

*COVID-19: Omicron replacing Delta indicates end of pandemic, say experts*

*‘Persons getting infected with Omicron are recovering faster than Delta’*

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, Jan 18 (KNO): Omicron variant known as the most infectious variant of Covid-19 triggering the third wave in J&K is said to have infected large scale of people while experts believe that with Omicron replacing Delta, Covid-19 will not remain a pandemic but an endemic illness.

A Kashmiri doctor Dr Shakeel Ahmad Sofi who is working in Apollo hospital in Kolkata while talking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that though Omicron is spreading at a very fast speed but it isn’t causing so much severity as it is not involving lungs but only upper respiratory tract.

He said that as it is spreading fast but within 4-6 days people come negative as well and 95 to 99 percent of positive patients don’t even need hospitalization as it is behaving like a common flu.

He said that whether a person will be vaccinated or unvaccinated, it is not going to spare anybody but most people won’t even know when they got infected and when they recovered.

“Omicron is so infectious that if a person comes in contact with a positive patient for just 10 to 20 minutes, he will get infected,” he said, adding that fancy masks are of no use and people must use N 95 and surgical masks.

Sofi added that there is no need to isolate for more than three to four days if there are no symptoms and there is no need to go for repeated tests.

He said that with Omicron replacing Delta, it is the beginning and end of pandemic and Covid will become a seasonal flu.

“People should leave fear of Omicron as today or tomorrow you will get infected but it won’t cause any damage,” Sofi said.

Dr Nisar Ul Hasan Flu expert and president of Doctors association Kashmir while talking with KNO said that the replacing of Delta by Omicron has happened to the good of population and it is mild flu and will help everybody to get immunity due to which we may see an end to this pandemic.

“It won’t help in full elimination of the virus but it will end from pandemic stage to endemic and become 5th respiratory virus of the world,” he said.

He said that the third wave is likely to witness a peak next week and by the end of February the wave will be over—(KNO)