SRINAGAR: As the ‘walking pneumonia’ scare has raised its head in China, the people globally and in Kashmir valley alike are caught in a frenzy with most of the people due to psychosis or less knowledge seeing it as a reminiscent of Covid19.

However, valley’s top Pulmonologist Naveed Nazir Shah has played down the severity of the infection, urging people to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from all  the pathogens leading to respiratory tract infections.

Talking to GNS, Naveed Nazir Shah said that the Pneumonia which is being reportedly in china is infecting predominantly children said pathogens causing it are being ascertained and may b strains of influenza are responsible for it.

Though any age group can get infected, the children are nonetheless more prone to the infection”, Dr. Naveed said.

The symptoms of the infection, the known Pulmonologist says include persistent cough and fever, sore throat and is leading to extended symptoms .

"It is a normal flu-like condition where the patient may feel down as with any viral infection in the respiratory tract”, says Dr. Naveed.

Asked about the necessary precautions, Dr. Naveed Shah that people need to take general measures like putting masks on their faces, washing hands with soap or sanitizer every time they touch any soiled surface, covering one’s face while coughing or sneezing and drinking properly boiled water.

“The best way to prevent the different respiratory infections is to isolate the person who has any type of symptoms as all family members tend to sit in same room to maintain warmth from the cold conditions ”, Dr. Naveed said.

Notably, in response to the evolving public health situation in China, the Union Health Ministry of India has taken a proactive stance by initiating a comprehensive review of preparedness measures against respiratory illnesses. The health ministry has already issued advisories to all states and Union territories, urging them to immediately reassess and reinforce public health and hospital preparedness measures.  (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, ManojSinha, accorded administrative approval for transfer of land for various public purposes.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, and Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, attended the meeting.

These include land transfer for establishment of Industrial estates Redbug, Kupwara; Munsif Court, Qazigund Anantnag; establishment of police post at Moochwa, Budgam; setting up of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) at Zainpora, Shopian; establishment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Battalion Headquarters in district Samba and establishment of Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Virology (ICMR – NIV), North Zone Unit at Jammu.

The Administrative Council approved transfer of land measuring 85 Kanals in favour of Industries & Commerce (I&C) Department, J&K for establishment of Industrial Estate at Redbug Kupwara. The Industrial estate shall be developed at a project cost of Rs.668.25 lacs and is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour, while also providing indirect employment avenues for local vendors and youths.

In another proposal, approval was granted for the transfer of land measuring 20 Kanal at Wanpoh Qazigund, Anantnag for establishment of Munsif Court Complex. The new Munsif Court Complex shall ensure better facilities to Judicial Officers, Litigants, Advocate as well as general public.

Approval was also granted for the transfer of land measuring 90 Kanals& 10 marlas, situated at Zainapora, Shopian in favour of School Education Department for establishment of JawaharNavodayaVidyalaya (JNV). Setting up of JNV shall ensure a marked improvement in the educational environment for better future prospects of children.

In order to bolster disaster preparedness, AC approved the transfer of State land measuring 568 Kanals in District Samba in favour of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), MHA GoI, for establishment of Battalion Headquarters. Given Jammu and Kashmir's susceptibility to various disaster risks, the presence of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) becomes crucial, aligning with both public and national interests. Currently, the 13th Battalion of NDRF designated for J&K and Ladakh operates from Ladhowal in Punjab, with temporary arrangements in place.

Besides, approval was also given for transfer of land measuring 41 Kanals& 04 marlas, situated in Jagti, Nagrota, Jammu in favour of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI, Pune for establishment of ICMR – NIV, North Zone Unit.

The establishment of a National Institute of Virology (NIV) unit in Jammu shall play a pivotal role in addressing virus disease outbreaks by employing epidemiological and diagnostic tools. Besides, it shall also provide referral diagnostic services to individuals, community, medical colleges & research institutions.

SRINAGAR: For the first time after Independence, the far off Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district was successfully connected to the electricity grid on Sunday.

The 30,000 population of the frontier region having high strategic importance for being close to the Line of Control (LoC) relied on diesel generator sets for the electricity.

The region now has access to a reliable source of electricity, an official spokesman said.

On Sunday, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) made the announcement of the historic development on X.

"KPDCL is thrilled to share that Gurez now enjoys Grid connectivity with the successful charging of the 33kV Line and RSTN Dawar overcoming challenging terrain. This marks a significant milestone as it brings electricity to the only area in Kashmir that relied on DG sets," the KPDCL said in the post on X.

J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, expressed his joy and stated that this marks a momentous occasion in the history of the region.

The spokesman said the project of connecting Gurez to the electricity grid involved around 180 kilometers of 150 mmsq conductor, 1950 ST Poles, four km of underground cabeling over vast streches passing over Razdhan Pass situated at a height of 12672 ft above sea level having most hostile weather conditions and tough terrain and topography.

“The successful test check underscores the commitment of the Government to reach out to the people of far-flung areas,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Owais Ahmad said patience and perseverance of people of Gurez throughout the process.

He said the impact that electricity will have on various facets of daily life, including education, healthcare, and economic activities.

The DC said 1500 consumers will be benefited in the first phase and the rest of the villages will be connected in a phased manner.

"The electrification of Gurez Valley is not just about providing power but about empowering the local communities, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life," he said.

As the lights illuminate Gurez , it symbolizes not just the arrival of electricity but the dawn of a new era for the residents, full of possibilities and opportunities. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Seven Kashmiri students of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology have been arrested under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) over an alleged altercation with non-local students after India lost the Cricket World Cup final against Australia on November 19.

The seven students of SKUAST’s veterinary sciences and animal husbandry department were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district after a formal complaint was lodged by a non-local student.

The complainant, also a student of the SKUAST, said he was supporting the country during the final of the Cricket World Cup and after the match finished the seven students “abused” and “threatened” him for supporting India.

“They also threatened me to shut up, otherwise I would be shooted,” the complaint read.

He alleged the Kashmir students also shouted pro-Pakistan slogans after the match “which created fear amongst the students from outside Union territory of J&K."

Soon after the complaint, a case was registered in Ganderbal police station under sections 13 of UAPA and Sections 505 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code related to public mischief and criminal intimidation.

Police said the seven accused have been arrested in the case and further investigation is underway.

A SKUAST official also confirmed the arrests. He said the incident was reported from an undergraduate hostel on the campus on November 19 and the students were arrested a day later.

"There was no clash between the students,” he said. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Court Pulwama designated under NIA Act issued Proclamation orders on Monday under section 82 CrPC against 04 active militants involved in Case FIR No. 42/2018 under sections 18,20 and 38 UA(P)Act of Police Station Pampore, case FIR No. 119/2022 under sections 38  UA(P)Act of Police Station Tral, Case FIR No. 04/2018 under sections 18,20 and 38  UA(P)Act of Police Station Tral and Case FIR No. 36/2023 under sections 7/25 I.A Act, 18, 20, 23, 25, 38 & 39 UA(P)Act of Police Station Tral.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that proclamation orders have been issued against the involved militants Owais Feroz Mir son of Feroz Ahmad Mir resident of Frestibal Pampore, Gowhar Manzoor Wani son of Manzoor Ahmad Wani resident of Hurdumir Tral, Mubashir Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Nabi Dar resident of Syedabad Tral and Feroz Ahmad Ganie son of Gh. Nabi Ganie @Nabir Ganie resident of Noorpora Awantipora.

The spokesman further stated that before issuing proclamation, Court has already issued open ended Non Bailable warrants (NBW) against these militants. Today Proclamation orders have been read in the conspicuous places of their native villages and Copies of proclamations were pasted in conspicuous places of their residential Houses and conspicuous place of their villages as well.

Before initiation of further proceedings under law against militants Owais Feroz Mir, Gowhar Manzoor Wani and Mubashir Ahmad Dar,  Court has given them a chance to surrender before the competent authority by or before 10/10/2023. NIA Court has also given terrorist Feroz Ahmad Ganie a chance to surrender before the competent authority, reads the statement. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday said that digital QR code or Quick Response Code being provided to every household will provide modern services to the citizens of Srinagar.

Talking to media persons, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Srinagar Smart City Athar Aamir Khan said that digital QR house code aims to provide modern services in the city.

Jammu Kashmir government recently decided to provide digital QR codes to every household including streets, heritage buildings, and residential houses in Srinagar for easily tracing the address of a place.

SMC Commissioner said that QR code will complete documentation of the house, which could be possible from this system and added that better planning can be done with this method.

He said “each metropolitan city has a specific system for finding a house address”.

Khan said that “this (digital QR house code) provides complete documentation of the house and will help to know who the house is used for either for commercial purposes or is it residential, its electricity connection, water supply and other related things”.

He said that a Geographic Information Survey (GIS) mapping of the entire city has been done and house to house survey of 2.30 lakh houses have so far been completed in Srinagar city.

The SMC Commissioner said that a street number system has been generated and an address system of houses is also being created

Khan said that the aim of digital QR code is to provide modern services and better planning in the city.

The CEO said that a metal board will be installed in front of every house on which QR code and house address will be written. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: A police personnel was injured when his service rifle went off accidentally in Rajouri on Saturday evening, officials said and ruled it out as militant incident.

“During a routine operation task in Gundha Khawas area, service weapon of a  police personnel went off accidentally due to which the personnel received injury in his foot,” a police official said in a statement to GNS, adding, “On this some VDC members fired some aerial shots.”

The injured personnel, he said, has been evaluated for treatment. “No (militant) aspect involved in incident,” the official added. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir Awami Tehreek (JKAT) held a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar New Delhi on Saturday, pitching for the release of religious leaders, Journalists and political workers.

The protest was led by Chairman JKAT Waqar H. Bhatti. Civil Society member and track 2 diplomat OP Shaw was also part of the protest.

The protesters staged a silent dharna carrying placards which read: ‘we demand fair and fast trial for all the detained journalists of J&K’, ‘growing drug addiction cases are biggest threat to our young generation-wake up save J&K, ‘If everything is stable and changed after 5 August 2019, then also scrap the draconian laws PSA, UAPA, AFSPA,’ ‘we demand ban on all newly opened wine shops in J&K,’ ‘peoples will and wishes matter, my fundamental, my democratic rights are everything for me,’ ‘public elected representatives have only right to frame public policies,’  and ‘free all religious preachers of Jammu and Kashmir, restore their religious activities.”

The protest culminated peacefully, the party said. (KNT)

SRINAGAR: Two militant associates were arrested along with grenades in Lolab area of North Kashmir Kupwara district on Friday.

Official sources told News Agency Kashmir Scroll that naka checking at Krusan. Lalpora police, Sog Lalpora, 162 CRPF Bn and E coy ex 28RR arrested 02 persins with grenades.

He identified them as Zubair Ah shah Mubasir Yousaf Shah They added that 05 hand grenade and 02 mobile phone were recoverd from their possession.

Meanwhile FIR no 67/2023 u/s 7/25 IA act , 23/ULAP act has been logged in Police Station Lalpora while further investigation has been taken up.(KS

Police booked 54 most wanted and notorious drug smugglers under Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, and Public Safety Act (PSA) in Jammu Kashmir’s Baramulla district during the current year.

Baramulla police in its ongoing operation against drug smuggling and in order to eradicate the menace of drugs from society, has booked 54 drug smugglers under PIT- NDPS Act and PSA in the district after obtaining formal detention orders from the competent authorities and lodged in different jails of Jammu and Kashmir during the current year, a police statement said on Friday.

These hard-core drug peddlers were operating in Uri, Pattan , Baramulla, Kreeri and Tangmarg sub divisions of the district.

Pertinent to mention that many cases are registered against these drug Smugglers and were involved in promoting drug abuse trade by supplying drugs to local youth of in the district, police said and added despite their involvement in many FIR's they did not mend their activities and were again involved in promoting drug abuse trade by supplying drugs to local youth.

Sustained action against drug peddlers has brought a visible change in the ground situation and drug abuse has seen a considerable downfall in Baramulla district. Citizens have lauded the efforts of Police and have expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for the work of police.

Police urged the general People to come forward with the information of drug peddlers in their areas (identity will be kept confidential) in order to support police to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a government official for demanding and accepting bribe from a complainant in Srinagar.

CBI arrested a Junior Assistant posted in Institute of Management, Administration and Rural Development, Srinagar (J&K) for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000 from the Complainant, a statement said on Friday.

A case was registered on a complaint against the accused on the allegations of demanding bribe from the Complainant in lieu of getting him recruited as a Driver in the Government Department.

CBI laid a trap and caught the accused while demanding and accepting a bribe from the Complainant.
Searches were conducted at the premises of the accused in Srinagar which led to recovery of incriminating documents.

The arrested accused is being produced today before the Special Judge, CBI Cases, Srinagar, the statement added. (UNI)