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  • Bijbhera Attack: 35-Year-Old Man Succumbs, Toll

    Anangnag: A 35-year-old man, auto driver by profession, who was injured in firing by suspected militants Jablipora area of Bijbhera in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has succumbed to the wounds, taking the fatality count in the attack to two.

    Earlier, a 19-year-old youth was killed in the attack which took place around 8005 hours on saturday.

    A senior police officer told GNS said that unknown gunmen fired upon the duo, leaving them injured. They were shifted to nearby sub district hospital where one of them Sanjeed Ahmad Parrey (19), dental technician, son of Abdul Azeem Parrey was declared dead on arrival while Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhat (auto driver) son of Ghulam Qadir Bhat was shifted to GMC Anantnag where he succumbed to the injuries later.

    Meanwhile whole area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers. When this report was filed, no arrests were made, they added.(GNS)

  • Social media post attributed to French virologist false: DAK 

    ‘Covid-19 vaccine completely safe’

    Srinagar, May 29: The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Saturday said a social media post attributed to French virologist about Covid-19 vaccine is false.

    “A viral message has been doing the rounds on social media claiming that French virologist and Nobel Laureate Luc Montagnier has said that all people who got vaccinated against Covid will die within 2 years,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

    “This has left netizens startled and scared and caused lot of anxiety among those who have taken vaccine,” he said.

    “It is also promoting vaccine hesitancy among those who are yet to be vaccinated,” he added.

    Dr Hassan said the French virologist has not said anything like that.

    “However, Nobel Laureate has raised concerns about antibody- dependent enhancement and variants due to mass Covid-19 vaccination,” he said.

    Dr Hassan said the antibody-dependant enhancement (ADE) is a phenomenon in which virus-specific antibodies enhance the entry of the virus, and in some cases, the replication of the virus.

    “The potential problem of ADE has already been addressed during Covid-19 vaccine development,” he said adding “no ADE has been documented from cases of reinfection or breakthrough infection.”

    The DAK President said variants are produced when the virus replicates in the human body – the more the virus spreads, the more it mutates.

    “Vaccine limits the virus transmission and prevents the emergence of new mutants and variants,” he said.

    Dr Nisar said Covid-19 vaccine is completely safe.

    “Getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect yourself and others from Covid-19,” he said.

    He further said vaccination is the only way to stop the pandemic and bring an end to this ongoing public health crisis.

    “Authorities need to crack down on those who spread rumors and misinformation about Covid-19 vaccine.

    People need to be booked for promoting anti-vaccination propaganda and there is an urgent need to penalize social networking sites for uploading false information regarding the vaccine.

    Misinformation has the potential to create public skepticism over Covid-19 vaccine which could undermine our fight against Coronavirus pandemic,” said Dr Nisar.

  • Some doctors with vested interest are unhappy with Director SKIMS

    Srinagar, May 29: Some unscrupulous doctors with vested interest have converted SKIMS into a mudslinging arena which has often marred its functioning and impacted healthcare.

    A senior doctor on condition of anonymity said that some faculty members whose interests have been severely hit with the ban imposed on the menace of private practice by the J&K administration have started a campaign of mudslinging against Director A G Ahangar.

    “The incumbent director Pro A G Ahanger implemented the ban in letter and spirit so that the patient care at SKIMS doesn’t suffer. However, these doctors and faculty members have drawn their daggers to target him,” hesaid.

    A middle-rung doctor, who didn’t want to be named either said Prof Ahanger has improved the standard of accountability and transparency at SKIMS because of which he has “made many enemies.”

    “The government should investigate all the senior faculty of various departments of SKIMS and their properties to find out the source of their ill-gotten money. If Prof Ahanger is corrupt, let the government investigate him as well to find out the truth,” the doctor said.

    Insiders said these faculty members continue to enjoy all the facilities and perks including allowances but they want to continue their private practice as well which affects patient care at the institute.

    “These people have amassed huge wealth and properties not just in J&K but outside and abroad as well. They have made fortunes while patients suffered for the want of better care,” sources said.

    They said the role of Prof Ahanger has been being hailed by the government of Jammu and Kashmir including by LG Manoj Sinha and the government of India for his efforts to control the Covid-19.

    “He has given new direction to SKIMS and works hard to push the institute towards a pinnacle of success. It was under his leadership that many projects at SKIMS that were languishing for several years have been completed,” he said.

    Many doctors also hailed the role of Prof Ahanger in ensuring that senior faculty is available for patients at the time of their need, “Now we see them (senior faculty) visiting patients wards which was rarely the case earlier,” said another doctor.

    KNT

  • J&K Reports 20 More Covid-19 Deaths, Toll 3815

    Srinagar, May 29: Jammu and Kashmir reported at least 20 people more covid-19 deaths since last evening and two among the victims were 35-year-old women, taking the overall fatality 3815, officials said on Saturday.

    Twelve of these deaths were reported from Jammu and remaining from Kashmir Valley, the officials told GNS.

    They said the victims from Jammu includes a 60-year-old man from Phallian Mandal, a 55-year-old woman from Lower Gadigarh, a 35-year-old woman from Domana Jammu, an 82-year-old woman from Digiana Jammu , a 67-year-old woman from Palli Bari Brahmana, a 62-year-old man from Poonch A/P Trikuta Nagar, an 85-year-old woman from Bantalab Jammu, a 94-year-old man from Sidhra Jammu, a 69-year-old from Resham Ghar Colony Bakshi Nagarand, a 55-year-old woman R.S Pura, a 71-year-old woman from Roop Nagar and a 66-year-old woman from Paloura Jammu.

    Among others the victims from the Valley include a 65-year-old man from Puchal Pulwama who died 25 days after he was admitted to district hospital Pulwama, they said.

    A man from Karimabad died at district hospital Pulwama, a day after he was admitted there, they said.

    An 80-year-old from Sangerwani Pulwama died six days after he was admitted to the same hospital, they said.

    A man from Kokernag died at GMC Anantnag last evening, they said.

    A 52-year-old man from Tangmarg Baramulla died fornight after he was admitted to SKIMS Bemina, they said.

    Also, a 35-year-old woman from Charar-e-Sharief died two days after she was admitted the covid-19 management facility, they said. Two deaths were also reported at SHMS hospital, they said. (GNS)

  • Wife of soldier killed in Pulwama joins Army; Lt Gen Joshi puts stars on her shoulders

    Jammu, May 29: Following in the footsteps of her husband Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, who laid down his life in Pulwama, Nitika Kaul on Saturday donned the Army uniform with commander of the Army”s northern command Lt Gen Y K Joshi piping stars on her shoulders at a ceremony held at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

    The PRO Udhampur, Ministry of Defence shared the brief video on its official Twitter handle, drawing spontaneous praises for Kaul and the Army.

    “#MajVibhutiShankarDhoundiyal, made the Supreme Sacrifice at #Pulwama in 2019, was awarded SC (P). Today his wife @Nitikakaul dons #IndianArmy uniform; paying him a befitting tribute. A proud moment for her as Lt Gen Y K Joshi, #ArmyCdrNC himself pips the Stars on her shoulders!,” the PRO Udhampur wrote on twitter.

    Major Dhoundiyal laid down his life fighting Militants in Jammu and Kashmir”s Pulwama and was awarded Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) for his sacrifice for the nation.

    “You know why this is important because the Army never leaves its families alone even if the soldier is not there. For him to be there and support a veer nari who was married to a brother officer & now adorns the uniform herself, speaks volume about the Army Values & Code of conduct,” a netizen Swapnil Pandey, who was among thousands who viewed the tweet, said.

    Several others also praised Kaul and one of them wrote “…what a befitting tribute to the late husband. Truly inspirational story.”—(PTI)

  • China blamed Britain for India’s problems with Kashmir

    SRINAGAR, MAY 28: China on Friday took an unusual diplomatic step, blaming Britain for India’s troubles over Kashmir. At the same time China also criticized Britain on many other issues. China made a number of tweets in the matter, with Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Chinese government, attacking Britain and the system of British imperialism in the past in relation to India and Kashmir. China also said that as long as violence continues in Kashmir, Britain will never be able to clear itself of its bloody colonial past.

     

    Lijian tweeted an article published in Xinhua News Agency, China ‘s largest and most influential government media, tweeting, “If British India was the jewel in the crown of the British Empire, Kashmir was a crack on it, and the time came. But finally this gem fell and fell on the ground.

    According to the Groundreport.in, ‘Xinhua is an official state-run press agency, headed by members of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Opinion Peace, published by the agency, is considered Beijing’s official statement, even though the CCP never accepts it.

    Lijian is the deputy director and spokesperson of the Department of Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Zhao, an outspoken and avid diplomat, is quite active on Twitter, the banned US micro-blogging site in China. Sharing this article on Friday, he further tweeted, ‘The British Empire collapsed, but the politics of both countries dissolved the poison of hate for decades. This land was once as famous as the Kashmiri Sapphire found here, but it has been given many wounds. Due to the greed of the imperialists, there have been cracks in it, which have been watered by the tears of the scared and frightened people. ‘

    Zhao also said that as long as violence continues in Kashmir , Britain will never be able to clear itself of its bloody colonial past. The basis of this approach by the Chinese spokesperson is the book ‘The Nation’ by Retired Justice Markandey Katju of India.

  • Handwara ‘Shell’ Blast: After Daughter, Mother Loses Battle For Life

    Handwara, May 29: Two days after her 19-year-old daughter was killed, a 49-year-old woman succumbed to the serious wounds at a hospital in Srinagar in wee hours of Saturday, official sources said.

    The mother and the daughter had suffered grievous wounds when a “dead shell” went off while they were cleaning collard greens, popularly known as ‘Haakh’, and some forest vegetables (‘longdi’), kept inside a bag, at their residence in Sharkoot Villgam in Taratpora Amargargh area of Handwara.

    Police said that the duo had apparently brought the “dead shell” along with the vegetables from nearby forest area on Tuesday (May 25).

    On next day (Wednesday), as they were cleaning the vegetables from inside the bag, there was big blast suddenly, leading to the serious injuries to them, police said.

    Identified as Sara Begum (49) wife of Ghulma Ahmad Rather and her daughter Gulnaza Banu (19), they were removed to local hospital at Handwara where the teenaged-girl succumbed to wounds immediately while the middle-aged woman was shifted in critical condition to Srinagar for specialized treatment.

    Official sources told GNS that Sara Begum succumbed to the wounds at the Srinagar hospital on wee hours today.

    Police has already filed a case and further investigations are underway. So far no compensation has been paid to the family by administration. (GNS)

  • Global Covid-19 caseload tops 168.5 mn; Deaths surge to more than 3.50 mn: WHO

    Washington, May 29: The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 168.5 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.50 million, according to official figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    As of Saturday morning, the current global caseload and death toll stood at 168,599,045
    confirmed cases and 3,507,477, respectively.

    The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 32,869,009 and 586,890, respectively, according to the WHO. In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 27,555,457 cases.

    The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (16,274,695), France (5,535,701), Turkey (5,220,549), Russia (5,044,459), the UK (4,473,681), Italy (4,205,970), Germany (3,669,870), Spain (3,663,176), Argentina (3,622,135) and Colombia (3,294,101), the WHO figures showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 454,429 fatalities.

    Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (318,895), Mexico (222,232), the UK (127,758), Italy (125,793), Russia (120,406) and France (108,354).—(IANS)

  • 56 Covid-19 Deaths, 2803 Fresh Cases In J&K

    Srinagar, May 28: Jammu and Kashmir reported 2803 fresh covid-19 cases while 56 more people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Saturday.

    They said 1009 cases were confirmed from Jammu Division and 1794 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 284431.

    Regarding the deaths, they said, 30 were from Jammu Division and 26 from Kashmir Valley, taking the toll to 3795.

    Moreover, they said, 3637 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—1741 from Jammu Division and 1896 from Kashmir. There are 41382 active positive cases—16142 in Jammu and 25240 in Kashmir.

    Providing district wise details, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 382 cases, Baramulla 204, Budgam 223, Pulwama 179, Kupwara 228, Anantnag 207, Bandipora 57, Ganderbal 168, Kulgam 94, Shopian 52, Jammu 320, Udhampur 71, Rajouri 107, Doda 82, Kathua 79, Samba 71, Kishtwar 30, Poonch 92, Ramban 77 and Reasi 80.

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

    The GMC Anantnag cases include male (28) from Manzgam, male (35) from Nagam, male (30) from Nandimarg, male (30) from Laisoo, male (16) from Wattoo, two males (22, 45) and females (48, 60) from Nandimarg, male (35) from DH Pora, three males (45, 17, 19) from Manzgam, three females (45, 16, 17) and six males (42, 53, 14, 40, 46, 52) from Hanger, two females (23, 18) from Kaladrang, male (45) from Moirhama, male (20) from Okay, male (30) from Kulgam, male (40) from Nowpora, female (38) from Chancer, male (48) from Kulgam, male (65) from Nadimarg, male (65) from Bogund, female (70) from Batpora, male (34) from Kulgam, male (70) from Awhatto, female (48) from K B Pora, two males (37, 56) and female (40) from Soaf, male (42) from Hiller, female (40) from Shalnard, male (45) from Buchoo, male (30) from Sagam, male (43) from Kokernag, male (43) from Ahlan, male (56) from Ketriteng Bij, female (22) from Gadiseer Bij, female (32) from Waghama Bij, male (32) from Wopzan Haripora Bij, male (26) from Wanpoh, female (11) and male (07) from Chanapora, male (28) from Nai Basti Ang, female (48) from Larkipora Ang, two males (28, 60) from Kakapora Pul, male (68) from Janglat Mandi, female (35) from Kulgam, male (11M) from Furrah, male (40) from Qazigund, male (26) from Dangerpora Bandipora, female (34) from Sarnal Bala Ang, male (45) from Shirpora, female (28) from Mirgund Khanabal, female (50) from Khanabal Ang, male (28) from Adhal Vailoo, female (50) from Janglat Mandi, female (17) from Kp Road Iqbalabad, male (52) from Nai Basti, male (38) from T.B Shah Ang, male (65) from Ashajipora Ang, male (29) from Shirpora Bala Ang, male (21) from Khanabal Ang, male (42) from Chee Ang, male (41) from Pushwara Khanabal, female (27) from Nai Basti, female (23) from Ashajipora Ang, female (33) from Nathpora Khanabal, two males (48, 18) and female (69) from Moominabad, female (75) from Lazibal Kp Road, male (60) from Batapora Khanbal, male (32) from Chee Ang, female (25) from Arabal Dooru, male (50) from Pethbugh Dailgam, male (40) from Janglat Mandi, two females (36, 55) from New Qazibagh, female (50) from Kulgam, male (26) from M Pora, male (30) from Achabal, male (32) and two females (30, 32) from M Pora, two females (20, 55) and six males (60, 38, 11, 50, 35, 17) from Poniwah, two females (37, 40) from C Hajan, male (38) from Srandoo, male (40) from Kelam, two females (15, 45) from Badroo, male (35) from Parigam, female (60) from Budroo, female (34) from Charsoo Ang, female (20) from Dangerpora Shazimarg Pul, male (56) from Nowgam Shangus, two males (31, 60) from Hardi Tooru, female (30) from Ranipora Shangus, male (37) from Deethu Shangus, male (70) from Nanil Mattan, female (52) and male (50) from Kheribal Mattan, female (10) from Krangsoo Mattan, male (33) from Kadipora Ang, male (37) from Sundbrari, male (28) from Chontipora Vrg, female (20) from Kreeri, female (61) from Nowgam, male (32) from Gawas Kapran, female (32) from Mirmidan Doru, female (35) from Tumbripora, male (59) from Mehmoodabad, three males (22, 31, 21) and female (30) from Larram Wanpoh, male (19) from Kapran, male (75) from Nowgam, male (80) from Halsidar, female (45) from Chontipora Vrg, female (31) from Gadool Kokernag, female (30) from Verinag, male (39) from Ganiegund, female (27) from Goorinard, male (45) from Chontipora, female (19) from Arabal Dooru.

    The CD cases include male (40) from Khawaja Bazar, female (29) from Lal Bazar, NA (20) from Srg, male (25) from Magam Budgam, male (29) from Srg, two males (35, 35) and three females (70, 40, 08) from Murran Pul, male (60) from Inder Pul, three males (29, 23, 34) and female (22) from Urcharsoo Pul, female (28) from Koil Pul, female (22) from Kadipora Pul, female (25) from Panjren Pul, female (36) from Qasba Yaar, male (47) from Palpora Pul, female (12) from Wasoora Pul, male (75) from Hardpora Pul, male (28) from Arihal Pul, male (18) from Marheng Pul, male (25) from Arihal Pul, two males (37, 61) from Keegan Spn, male (60) from Hanjan Payeen, female (28) from Murran Pul, male (44) from Tengpuna Pul, two males (30, 26) from Drabgam Pul, female (28) from Rajmahal Pul, male (50) and female (45) from Achagoza Pul, female (32) from Budgam JAK, three males (21, 19, 45) and female (16) from Wasimarg Pul, two females (29, 26) from Kuchmulla, male (56) and females (52, 55) from Lurgam, male (30) from Aripal, male (19) and female (36) from Chek Satoora, two females (35, 45) and three males (09, 22, 45) from Tral, female (34) from Kuchmulla, male (82) from Srg, male (65) from J&K, female (30) from Shadipora, two females (35, 18) from Batamaloo, two males (65, 22) from Bemina, two males (70, 35) and female (65) from Machoo, female (45) from Bemina, male (23) from Eidgah, two females (25, 22) from Gangbugh, two males (45, 12) from Batmaloo, male (20) and female (48) from Chadoora, male (34) from Qamarwari, male (16) from Sarai Bala, female (30) from Lal Bazar, male (53) from Natipora, male (20) from Rajouri, male (17) from Beerwah, male (38) and female (30) from Shalteng, female (36) from Batmaloo, female (44) from Bemina, male (48) from Padshahi Bagh, female (37) from Mehjoor Nagar, male (66) from Natipora, male (40) from Tangmarg, male (13) from Chattabal, male (26) from HMT, male (30) from Pampore, male (23) from Bemina, male (36) from Lal Bazar, female (30) from Chanapora, male (35) from Alochibagh, female (50) from Pamposh Colony, Natipora, female (25) from Sangam, female (40) from Noorbagh, male (35) from Chattabal, female (45) from Batpora, female (68) from Dacho, male (46) from Hydergund, female (35) from Frisal, male (23) from Mujamarg, female (35) from Babapora, male (27) from Chitragam, female (55) from Wachi, male (40) from CHC Zainapora, female (26) from Tulran, male (40) from Litter, male (24) from Handwara Srg, male (27) from Bemina Srg, female (25) from Zaina Kadal Srg, male (56) from Arizal Srg, female (34) from Ganderbal, male (32) from Pamposh Colony, male (50) from Kalashpora Srg, female (58) from Shaheed Gunj, female (60) from Charisharief, female (30) from Chattabal, female (46) from Dalgate, male (13) from Palpora Srg, male (17) from Khayam, female (21) from Habba Kadal, male (65) from Fatehkadal, male (39) from Lal Mandi, male (20) from Fatehkadal, male (50) from Hyderpora, two females (45, 27) from Srg, male (28) from Chattabal Srg, female (45) from Budgam, male (44) from Hawal, female (42) and two males (62, 32) from Zoonimar, male (42) and female (62) from Alamgiri Bazar, female (25) from Parigam Pul, two females (20, 46) and male (65) from Koil Pul, male (27) and five females (21, 50, 25, 24, 16) from Chakura Pul, female (46) from Braw Banduna Pul, two males (37, 65) from Shivpora Pul and two males (75, 37) from Hawal. (GNS)

  • Mirwaiz led APHC concerned over health of late Sehrai’s sons

    Demands their release along with all political prisoners

    Srinagar, May 28: All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday expressed serious concern over media reports about former Tehreek-e-Hurriyat chairman Late Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai’s sons having tested positive for Covid-19 in jail.

    APHC in a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) demanded their immediate release so that they would receive proper medical treatment.

    “Both sons of late Sehrai – Mujahid Sehrai and Rashid Sehrai – were arrested and booked by police just days after their father lost his life due to non-availability of medical treatment at Udhampur jail in Jammu. Hundreds of Kashmiri political leaders, activists and youth continue to be behind bars for years altogether and are not being released despite the second wave of Coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc,” the statement said.

    “Now as the reports appeared in media about the deteriorating health of Sehrai’s sons who have contracted Covid-19 in jail,” it said.

    APHC demanded their immediate release, saying the family has already suffered much. “Their mother who is also not keeping well due to the tragedy and the arrest of her sons has added to the family’s miseries.”

    APHC said it had time and again appealed to those at the helm to release the political leaders, activists and youth who are languishing in jails in and outside J&K on humanitarian grounds in view of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

    The statement said that global human rights organisations, the United Nations and all nations of the world must use their influence in at least securing the release of Kashmiri political prisoners in times of COVID pandemic including its chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who continues to under house arrest since Aug 5, 2019—(KNO)