Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu & Kashmir, a conglomerate of religious bodies of J&K, headed by incarcerated Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressing deep concern over the spread of coronavirus has issued a joint statement in wake of the outbreak that has killed over 7500 people and infected nearly two hundred thousand across the world,
MMU prayed to Almighty Allah to keep humanity safe from the deadly outbreak, and its spread.
In a statement MMU prayed not only for the Muslim World but the whole humanity which is combating the viral disease.
“We pray for an atmosphere of peace and health across the world,” the MMU said.
In view of the religious events in J&K, the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema has called upon the Ulema, Khateebs and management of masajids to strictly follow the following guidelines and educate people about them.
Refrain from organising events which require large gathering
Deliver brief Arabic sermon during Friday congregations and seek Almighty’s refuge from the coronavirus outbreak
People must offer Sunnah and Nawafil prayers at home, and leave the masjid shortly after Fardh (obligatory) prayers. They must continue with Tilaawat (reading of Qur’an) and Dhikr-o-Adhkaar (remembrance of Allah) at home
Every individual must turn to Allah (SWT) and keep seeking forgiveness of sins
The elderly the sick people are requested to stay home and pray there instead of coming to Masjid’s
While greeting other people handshake and hugs should be avoided.
Wash hands before entering and leaving the masajids
Limit felicitation and condolence meetings by shortening the duration period
Follow the advice of health experts in letter and spirit
The traders, shopkeepers and medical store owners must refrain from hoarding soaps and sanitisers
affluent people are requested to donate sanitisers to masajids, khanqaahs, shrines and imambaras
The concerned departments (municipal corporations) must ensure that all the religious sites and the places where religious congregations are held; are sanitised on regular basis.
Many Asian nations are facing an increasing battle to stem the spread of coronavirus, amid a World Health Organization warning that some needed to take “aggressive measures”.
Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines are among nations imposing strict border controls.
Cases in the South Asian subcontinent are still below 500 but there are fears a spike could overwhelm health systems.
There are 185,000 cases globally, with 7,500 confirmed deaths.
Some nations and territories that had seen success in controlling the virus or slowing its arrival, including South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, have seen new spikes, amid fears people returning from abroad are importing the virus.
Asian stocks have continued to fall as worries about the coronavirus pandemic eclipsed hopes that major stimulus plans would ease the impact of the outbreak.
What was the WHO warning? It was issued for the organisation’s South East Asia region, although this contains 11 nations spread widely, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh and North Korea.
Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director of the WHO South East Asia region, said on Tuesday that “more clusters of virus transmission are being confirmed”.
Thai officials monitor arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok
“We need to immediately scale up all efforts to prevent the virus from infecting more people,” Dr Khetrapal Singh said. “We clearly need to do more, and urgently.”
The WHO said the numbers in its South East Asia region showed that “some countries are clearly heading towards community transmission of Covid-19”.
It called for continued efforts to “detect, test, treat, isolate and trace contacts”.
Dr Khetrapal Singh said “practising social distancing [could] not be emphasised enough… this alone has the potential to substantially reduce transmission”.
“We need to act now,” she said.
Many regional countries inside and outside the WHO’s definition of South East Asia have had a slow response to the outbreak, only taking drastic measures in recent weeks or days as the number of cases continue to grow.
Where are the infections increasing? Almost all nations are seeing increases, although the rates vary widely.
China still has the highest number of confirmed cases, with more than 80,000, but its new infections are almost exclusively from people arriving from abroad and are very low.
South Korea has also been praised for its attempts to control the virus and its 8,413 cases have seen it fall below Germany to sixth in the running list of cases compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
South Korea has seen a cluster of new cases
It has been ahead of other nations by testing thousands of people and had seen a downward trend in new infections.
But there are now small clusters breaking out across the country, with 93 more cases in the past 24 hours. Dozens of sick and elderly patients in a hospital in Daegu were infected.
Taiwan announced its largest single-day increase in new cases – 23 – bringing the total to 100.
The trend was mirrored in Hong Kong – 14 cases in a single day is the highest in the territory, all but one brought in from abroad.
Indonesia on Wednesday also announced its biggest daily rise, 55 more cases taking the total to 227, with 19 deaths.
Pakistan’s cases have now risen to 245, with the total of reported cases for the South Asian subcontinent reaching 482.
Hong Kong is one region fearing a spike in cases imported from abroad
Thailand reported 35 new cases on Wednesday, taking its total infections to 212, officials said. Four of the cases were linked to an entertainment venue and 13 to a boxing bout, both in Bangkok.
Malaysia has warned of a fresh spike in cases, saying there is only a “slim chance” of breaking the chain of infections.
A mass Muslim gathering last month is linked to nearly two-thirds of its infections and thousands of attendees are yet to be tested.
Myanmar and Laos have both not reported any cases – though experts have seriously doubted the credibility of this.
A spokesperson for Myanmar’s government claimed that people’s “lifestyle and diet” had protected them from the virus. But it has imposed restrictions on arrivals and the UK government is now advising against all but essential travel there.
There are also no reported cases of the virus in Timor-Leste.
What are the nations doing?
From Wednesday, Malaysia is preventing citizens from travelling overseas and visitors from entering until 31 March at least.
Many Malaysians who commute to work in Singapore had to queue to cross the border before the midnight deadline, and will have to stay there.
Streets in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur were largely empty and supermarket chains are enforcing limits on purchases of staples.
Thailand has closed schools, bars, cinemas and other entertainment centres.
The Philippines, which has 202 cases and 17 deaths, has imposed some of the toughest movement controls, effectively quarantining about half of its 107 million population.
But it reversed a decision to ban all international flights, and foreign nationals may now fly out, although arrivals will face strict quarantine protocols.
Taiwan will on Thursday ban foreigners from entering, apart from in some exceptional cases. Everyone arriving, including Taiwanese, will have to go into quarantine for 14 days.
Japanese media report that visas issued to European travellers will be invalidated and people arriving from 38 nations will have to self-quarantine.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan urged calm in a TV address, saying: “There is no need to worry. We will fight this as a nation. And God-willing, we will win this war.”
From the weekend, all air passengers arriving in Pakistan from abroad will need to show a certificate declaring them free of coronavirus.
Sri Lanka is banning all incoming flights for two weeks from Wednesday and will apply price controls on staple products.
India, which Johns Hopkins says has 142 cases, has shut nearly two dozen long distance train services.
Indonesia has unveiled an $8bn (£6.6bn) stimulus package to boost economic growth, including tax breaks, and police have ordered shops to ration purchases of staple foods amid reports of panic buying.
President Joko Widodo admitted recently that he had deliberately held back information about the spread of the virus to prevent panic.
A 57-year-old man in Japan who had threatened to “scatter” his disease after testing positive has reportedly died.
(This story has not been edited by Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
The district administration has sealed Desert Box restaurant located at Karan Nagar for violating closure orders.
Three more eateries – all located at Batamaloo – sealed for violating closure orders. Operation of one drugstore named Ess Emm Medicos in the area also suspended for non-adherence to requisite guidelines specific to drugstores.
Srinagar, Mar 18: National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah met his incarcerated son Omar Abdullah at Hariniwas Palace in Srinagar on Wednesday.
This was the second meet of Farooq Abdullah with his son after his release. He was accompanied by his wife Molly Abdullah and daughter Sofia Abdullah.
Official sources told Kashmir News Trust The 82-year-old leader had requested the Jammu and Kashmir authority for permission to see his son for the 2nd time in seven months and the same was granted, officials said, adding that the two were together for about an hour.
Sources added that Omar met his family and interacted with them for more than an hour.
Omar Abdullah is facing detention under Public Safety Act since August 5, when Government of India annulled the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Another former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and seven other politicians including Shah Faesal, Nayeem Akhtar, Sartaj Madni, Hilal Akbar Lone, Ali Muhammad Sagar are also facing detention under Public Safety Act. (KNT)
Kulgam, March 18: Security forces on Wednesday afternoon busted a militant hideout in Devsar area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, official sources said.
Official sources told wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that on a credible input, security forces including 09 RR and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel busted a militant hideout in Akhal area of Devsar.
Superintendent of Police Kulgam, Gurinderpal Singh confirmed to KNO that a militant hideout was busted in Devsar area.
“During search operations Gas Cylinder – 01, Arty Shell – 01, Blanket – 03,Plates – 06,Glass – 01,Spoon – 02,Refined Oil – 03 Pkt, Salt Packet – 01, Rice, Turmeric powder were recovered, official added—(KNO)
Srinagar, Mar 18: Director SKIMS Dr AG Ahangar Wednesday said that out of 41 samples sent for Coronavirus test from Kashmir, 40 have been found negative only one report is awaited and hopefully that will also turnout negative.
Ahangar, who was flanked with a team of doctors was addressing a press conference here at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura.
He said people don’t need to panic but at the same time take precautionary measures. “We monitored every patient with a travel history and took their samples. A total of 41 samples were taken, 40 are negative while the report of one case is awaited,” he said.
He said that SKIMS is now one of the 19 designated testing centers for carrying out the tests after it received approval from National Institute of Virology.
Dr AG Ahangar according to KNT said that novel Coronavirus can be stopped. “Cover your mouth with handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. We should refrain from touching our hands with eyes, nose and mouth after sneezing. It is advised to take plenty of hot or lukewarm water,” he said.
He appealed people to refrain from visiting hospitals these days. In response to a question, Dr Ahangar said that all the patients who are being quarantined at SKIMS have travel history and all of them are recovering. “We should desist from spreading rumours but believe in facts only. The fact is that there is no Coronavirus case in Kashmir,” he said.
He said that quarantine has been made mandatory for people returning from the countries affected by Coronavirus, even if they exhibit no symptoms.
He said that over 40 are still under home quarantine. Talking on the sidelines of the press conference, Ahangar said that in a place like Kashmir, when a person returns from abroad, the family members and relatives hoard the home. This needs to change in present circumstances. “We need to take precautions at any cost,” he added. (KNT)
Shopian, March 18: Amid growing scare and increase in number of positive cases for coronavirus in India, administration in Anantnag has imposed restrictions over the gathering of more than 05 persons at any public place with immediate for the period of one month.
The restrictions have been imposed under section 144 CrPc and sources said that other Deputy Commissioners of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will also issue the similar orders.
“While taking cognizance regarding prevailing health emergency of NOVEL CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) which has affected several countries of the world wherein few cases have also been spotted in India. Accordingly an advisory was issued wherein the public was advised to refrain from venturing outside in large numbers and avoid mass gathering, crowds, congregations, functions etc.,” reads an order issued by Bashir Ahmad Dar, District Magistrate Anantnag.
The order further reads that necessary precautions with regard to prevention and control of NOVEL CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) have already been undertaken by the District Administration in co-ordination with Police and Health authorities.
“COVID-19 has pattern of transmission of rapid rate, in case prescribed preventive protocols including avoiding mass gathering etc. are not strictly followed”.
“Now, therefore in view of the above mentioned facts, I, Bashir Ahmad Dar, KAS, District Magistrate Anantnag in exercise of the powers vested in the under section 144 of Cr.P.C do hereby impose restriction/ban over the assembly/gathering of more than 05 persons at any public place of entire Anantnag District which includes all towns and villages with immediate effect for a period of one month,” reads the order, a copy of which lies with GNS.
Any violation of this order by any person shall invite action under IPC, the order added.
Last week, the Deputy Commissioners of Budgam, Kishtwar, Kupwara, Budgam had also imposed the similar restrictions. (GNS)
Srinagar: Out of 41 samples taken from patients with Coronavirus sympots have all turned negative, people should not worry but take precautions says Director SKIMS AG Ahanger.
People should not unnecessarily crowd hospitals. Minimise visits, People travelling from abroad must stay at home don’t approach hospitals unless there are symptoms, he said.
AVOID social gathering, AVOID public transport, AVOID cash transactions, he said.
‘Decision to stop landing flights from Leh baby of Govt’
Srinagar, Mar 18: Airport authorities at Srinagar have refuted the reports that it didn’t allow a flight from Leh to land at Srinagar Airport on Wednesday.
Director Srinagar Airport, Santosh Dhoke told KNT that AI 448 flight from Leh to Srinagar has infact landed at Srinagar Airport on Wednesday. He said that no flight has been diverted.
The Director added that staffers present at Airport associated with Health, Municipality and other agencies are capable enough to screen the passengers and recommend quarantine for those who are infected with virus.
He said that it is the baby of the government to decide whether flights from Leh are allowed at Srinagar Airport or not.
An official said that a decision in this regard will be taken soon but as of now, flight from Leh has landed at Srinagar Airport.
Pertinently, 8 cases of Coronavirus have surface in Ladakh region so for while on Wednesday morning it was also confirmed that a solider from Indian Army has been tested positive in Ladakh. (KNT)
Pulwama, Mar 18: Government Forces fired warning shots during a cordon and search operation in a Pulwama village of South Kashmir. Official sources told KNT that after receiving inputs about the presence of militants, Government Forces including soldiers from 50 Rastriya Rifles, 183 Battalion CRPF and SOG of Jammu Kashmir Police cordoned off Laroo village.
A thorough search operation was conducted during which soldiers fired a couple of shots in air that created panic in the area.
Sources added that there was no contact with the militants while search operation was still underway till the filing of this report. (KNT)
