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Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday extended lockdown restrictions in the region till January 31.

Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs had announced the extension of the previous COVID-related guidelines while asking people to remain vigilant against the new variant of the virus in the United Kingdom.

All existing protocols and instructions will continue to remain valid till 31.01.2021, the Jammu and Kashmir government said in a press note today.

The ministry said the mutated UK strain was detected in eight samples at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), one at the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), Kalyani (near Kolkata), one at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune, seven at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences Hospital (NIMHANS) Bengaluru, two at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and one at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi.

All these persons have been kept in single-room isolation in designated health care facilities by respective state governments. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts, and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on,” the Health Ministry said. (PTK)

Srinagar: 166 local militants were also among the 203 militants killed by the Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir this year.

Official sources said that 43 civilians were also killed in the union territory while 92 others were injured. He said that the security forces arrested 49 militants this year while also ensuring the surrender of nine militants.

Officials said that this is the result of the coordinated efforts of Army, Police and Keripub working in the joint security grid.

He said that 203 militants were killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year and 166 of them were locals and 37 were of Pakistani or foreign origin.

He said that 96 militant-related incidents occurred in 2020. The number of casualties has decreased compared to 2019, where 47 civilians died and 185 others were injured last year.

Sources said that 14 IEDs were recovered during 2020 while 36 IEDs were recovered in 2019. In 2019, a total of 152 militants, including 120 local and 32 Pakistani-origin militants were killed by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, while 215 militants were killed by security forces in 2018.

According to the report, in 2018, a total of 257 militants, 91 security personnel and 39 civilians were killed in 614 militant incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

The maximum number of encounters took place in South Kashmir where the most terrorists were killed. In areas like Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama, there were cases of recruitment of local youths by terrorist groups and this was also the most encounter. (PTK)

‘450 VDCs functional in UT, trained for self-defence, counter attack by ANEs’

Jammu: At least 450 Village Defence Committees (VDC) are functional in Jammu and Kashmir for which males as well as females have been trained for self-defence and to counter any attack by Anti-National Elements (ANEs), Army said on Tuesday.

As per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Lt Col Abhinav Navneet PRO Defence, said that all the members are trained by security forces personnel in elementary battle craft, field craft and weapon handling.

“Conflict is as old as the existence of mankind. The structures and process for conflict execution have differed over the ages, impacted by prevailing cultural, social, economic and technological positions. One such conflict that has been the centre of all the discussions in all forums is ‘militancy’. The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has seen over three decades of militancy and insurgency in the area. This militancy has devastated not only the state administration, but also the lives of the people,” the statement said.

It added that the government responded to it primarily by employing security forces but militancy can only be defeated when the local populace rejects it. “Terrorism targets persons and property normally considered protected under the laws of war. Regular police officers (PO) may be augmented by Special Police Officers (SPO). They provide paramilitary manpower that may be used in field force fashion to extend the reach of regular police forces. To defend local populace, local areas may form Village Defence Committees (VDC).”

The statement added that Village Defence Committees (VDCs) were first set up in the mid-1990s in the Chenab valley area of Jammu and Kashmir for the self defence of people in remote hilly villages against militancy.

“They consist of villagers as well as police officers. Troubled regions of far flung villages of Jammu and Kashmir were heavily manifested with militancy and there were no police or army pockets near these inaccessible villages.”

“VDCs were set up and were trained by security forces, were provided with weapons and wireless sets to counter militant attacks. At present, 450 such VDCs are now functional in Jammu and Kashmir for which males as well as females have been trained for self-defence and to counter any attack by Anti National Elements. All the members are trained by security forces personnel in elementary battle craft, field craft and weapon handling.”

“The concept of VDC is not restricted to only the self-defence of far flung villages, but it also enhances the image of SF in the local populace. The increasing terrorism could only be stopped with the help of locals, the security grid and intelligence input can work flawlessly with the help of locals only.”

After the rise of VDCs, the statement said that anti-national elements who relied on local support by hook or by crook have realized the potential of the system. “Remote hilly areas of Jammu now act as small defensive units. This not only helped in reduction of militancy, but regular inputs by villagers also helped in identifying and curbing the infiltration routes often used by militants.”

VDCs have worked wonders when it comes to establishing the normalcy in the area, it said. Pertinently, the first female VDC was set up in twin villages of Marrah and Kulali, which became a role model for others.

“Women of such areas have established fine examples when it comes to save lives of not only their own family but also the entire village. The security lapses and the intelligence input gaps could only be covered with the help of VDCs. The primary reason for the prevailing conundrum in J&K is essentially internal. Steps like establishment of VDCs not only help locals in combating terrorism, but are also measures to win hearts and minds of the people of J&K. The day is not far when entire population of Jammu and Kashmir will unite and stand against the terrorism and will supplement the strength of backbone of India.”—(KNO)

Srinagar: With the record-breaking of over 4000 ceasefire violations between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, the northern belt of Kashmir witnessed the killing of 18 armed forces with 58 instances that damaged property worth crores besides leaving several civilians handicapped for life.

India shares a 3,323-km-long border with Pakistan, of which 221 km of the International Border (IB) and 740 km of the Line of Control (LoC) that falls in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the figures available with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), north Kashmir alone witnessed 53 instances of ceasefire violations during which 18 army men including BSF troopers and 10 civilians including the youngest victim were killed besides 126 residential houses got damaged including schools and religious seminaries while 28 civilians received injuries.

Bandipora

Giving the details officials in Bandipora said that in the ensuing year 2020, the Gurez sector alone witnessed nine ceasefire violation instances in which two security personnel guarding the forward areas were killed.

They said that the ceasefire violations in the Gurez sector this year left five forces personnel and civilians injured. Besides, fatalities and injuries, 31 houses were partially damaged, one Horse and Donkey also got killed.

Apart from this, a Government High school, religious seminary (Madrassa), and a ration store got partially damaged, they said.

Baramulla

In the border district Baramulla, the officials said that in the 28 instances of ceasefire violation a total of four security forces and five civilians were killed while two security personnel and 14 civilians received injuries.

They said that though the figure of ceasefire violations was low as compared with the 42 instances in 2019 the damage it caused is more than witnessed in past and led to more casualties and damage to the civilian population including the livestock.

“In 2019 only 42 CFV instances were reported in which 10 civilian and only security personnel received injuries and two each civilian and security personnel’s were killed”, they said.

About the houses, an official said that over 36 houses got damaged in the ensuing year of which 30 of the houses were damaged in the recent intense cross-border shelling on November 17.

Defence sources said that multiple militant hideouts were busted and a weapon drop was also fouled during which a huge amount of arms and ammunition besides war like store was recovered.

Kupwara

Officials in Kupwara said a total number of ceasefire violations in the ensuing year has risen to 16 in which five civilians and 12 forces personnel were killed while two troops and nine civilians injured besides 59 houses were damaged. Only 11 ceasefire violation instances were reported in 2019 last year.

“With the heightened surveillance, intelligence, and active troopers two major infiltration bids were foiled in Kupwara district at Machil and Keran sector. Also in a separate operation two militants were killed in the Nowgam sector on 11 July,” officials said.

On November 13, Army claimed to have caused substantial damage to Pakistan army’s infrastructure and casualties across the LoC while retaliating the unprovoked ceasefire violation that left three army men dead and three injured.

In Kupwara, officials said that 12 army men and a BSF trooper were killed during the unprovoked ceasefire violations.

“In March, five heavily armed militants were killed by the army braving the heaps of snow and tough terrain. Three militants were gunned down in the Machil sector last month include the two major foiled infiltration bids in the ensuing year in Kupwara,” officials said.

Defence sources said that a quadcopter was also shot down by active troops close to the fence earlier this year.

Women soldiers on forward areas

Amid the rising narcotic and ammunition supply for the first time, women soldiers have been deployed in selected forward areas to keep a watch on suspects and to plug the entry of narcotics and ammunition into this side close to the forward areas.

Construction of community bunkers

The year also witnessed the construction of community bunkers close to the forward areas gaining pace which include a total of 140 to be constructed in the three border districts with 50 in Uri, 30 in Gurez, and 50 in the Tangdhar sector—(KNO)

Srinagar: Stating that SARS-CoV-2 might be much ‘aggressive’ and spread more rapidly between people in Jammu and Kashmir, a senior medico at the valley’s top tertiary care hospital SKIMS Soura Tuesday advised people to follow SOPs properly to avoid falling prey to ‘mutated’ virus.

Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Medical Superintendent SKIMS Soura, Dr Farooq Jan said 40 percent antibody response and vaccine efficacy can also contain the variant which is referred to as SARS-CoV-2.

He said there is no firsthand information about the mutated virus available at the moment but the positivity rate of the new strain might be much higher than its older version (COVID-19).

“We really don’t have any firsthand information about this new strain, the positivity rate of Mutated Virus is high and it can be much aggressive as well. But with 40 percent antibody response and effective vaccination we can resist the disease,” MS SKIMS added.

It is pertinent to mention that India recorded the first six cases of mutant Corona-Virus strain after six persons, who returned from the United Kingdom (UK) were tested positive.

Dr Jan also said the positivity rate of COVID-19 has reduced in Jammu and Kashmir while a significant drop of patients admitted with deadly disease has been witnessed in hospitals over the past few months.

He said the SKIMS administration is fully prepared to tackle any eventuality and advised people to follow Standard Operating Procedure SOPs like wearing face masks, maintaining social distance to avoid falling prey to the variant called SARS-CoV-2.

“We are fully prepared for any eventuality, I hope this disease will not visit the valley and in case it happens, we will do our best to contain the same until some vaccine is introduced,” Dr Jan said—(KNO)

JK reports 234 new positive cases, 115560 recovered so far

Srinagar: The Government on Tuesday informed that 234 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 103 from Jammu division and 131 from Kashmir division, have been reported today thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 120527. Also 04 COVID-19 deaths have been reported; 02 from Jammu Division and 02 from Kashmir Division.
Moreover, 299 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 159 from Jammu Division and 140 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 120527 positive cases, 3088 are Active Positive, 115560 have recovered and 1879 have died; 694 in Jammu division and 1185 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 3768849test results available, 3648332 samples have been tested as negative till December 29, 2020.
Till date 875756 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 15018persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 3088 in isolation and 30071 in home surveillance. Besides, 825700 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 25216 positive cases (including 69 cases reported today) with 554 Active Positive, 24213 recovered (including 35 cases recovered today), 449 deaths; Baramulla has 7931 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 124Active Positive, 7635 recovered (including 12 cases recovered today), 172 deaths; Budgam reported 7582 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 166active positive cases, 7308 recovered (including 15cases recovered today), 108 deaths; Kupwara has 5517 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 132 Active Positive, 5294 recoveries (including 09 cases recovered today), 91 deaths; Pulwama has 5531 positive cases (including 21 cases reported today) with 180Active Positive, 5263 recovered (including 26 cases recovered today) and 88 deaths; Anantnag district has 4774 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 100 Active Positive, 4591 recovered (including 10 cases recovered today), 83 deaths;  Bandipora has 4640 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 54 Active Positive and 4526 recoveries(including 11 cases recovered today), 60 deaths; Ganderbal has 4459positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 100 Active Positive, 4316 recoveries (including 13 cases recovered today) and 43deaths; Kulgam has 2657 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 68 Active Positive, 2536 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today) and 53 deaths while as Shopian has 2493 positive cases (including 04 case reported today) with 91 active positive cases, 2364 recoveries (including 07 cases recovered today)and 38 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 23649 positive cases (including 65 cases reported today) with 850 active positive cases, 22445 recoveries (including 84 cases recovered today), 354 deaths; Udhampur has 4076 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 74 active positive cases, 3945 recovered (including 14 cases recovered today) and 57 deaths; Rajouri has 3832 positive cases with 187active positive, 3591 recoveries (including 13 cases recovered today) and 54 deaths; Doda has 3380 positive cases with 57 Active positive, 3260 recovered (including 11 cases recovered today) and 63 deaths; Kathua has 3182 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today) with 65 active positive cases, 3069 recovered (including 05 cases recovered today) and 48 deaths; Kishtwar has 2717 positive cases with 21 Active Positive, 2675 recoveries (including 08 cases recovered today) and 21 deaths; Samba has 2725 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 153 active positive cases, 2534 recoveries (including 24 cases recovered today) and 38 deaths; Poonch has 2442 positive cases with 26 active positive, 2393 recoveries and 23 deaths; Ramban has 2101 positive cases with 37 active positive, 2043 recoveries and 21 deaths while Reasi has 1623 positive cases with 49 active positive cases, 1559 recoveries  and 15 deaths.
According to the bulletin, among the total 120527 positive cases in J&K, 11261 have been reported as travellers while 109266 as others.
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
The bulletin added that there are 1321 COVID dedicated beds, 1185 Isolation beds with 1094 vacant beds and 136 ICU beds where 104 beds are vacant in Jammu division while there are 2345 COVID dedicated beds,2197 Isolation beds where 1933 beds are vacant and 148 ICU beds where 124 are vacant beds in Kashmir division. There are a total of 3666 COVID dedicated beds, 3382 Isolation beds with 3027 beds vacant and 284 ICU beds with 228 vacant beds in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Central Government is continuously monitoring the evolving situation of Covid-19 in the Union Territory and is providing all necessary support towards effective containment of the spread of Covid-19 and better clinical management of positive cases.
The government has also started free tele-consultation general OPD services by Specialists/MBBS Doctors for the residents of J&K under National Tele-consultation Service. People can avail these services from Home by registering online on web portal  https://esanjeevaniopd.in/. The services are available on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. People can also download and install esanjeevani OPD app from google play store.
Besides, 24×7 Rapid Antigen Testing facility for COVID-19 has been started outside the emergency of GMC Hospital Jammu. The facility will be very useful for segregation of patients in emergency wing of GMC Jammu.
Meanwhile, a 24×7 COVID Control Room has been set up for redressal of the grievances related to COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the Associated Hospitals of Government Medical College, Jammu and Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Patients or attendants can call at 0191– 258 5444 (Control Room), Exchange: 0191-258 2626 / 258 5542 / 258 4290 /258 4291 / 258 4292 / 258 4293/ 258 4294 for assistance.
The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meters from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).
The bulletin has informed that the Directorat e of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussives, bronchodilator, etc properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 12.08 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensured during this pandemic.
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.

People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumors and pay no heed to them at the same time.(KINS)

Srinagar: A one-of-a-kind fact-finding team comprising of members of the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, Kashmir Economic Alliance and some local journalists travelled to different cities and states to investigate mutton prices. The team has now returned to the Valley and will soon publish its report.
“There are a lot of misconceptions about mutton prices in Kashmir and it’s become a serious issue, lately. We invited members from the Kashmir Economic Alliance and some journalists to join us as we visited different cities and states to check local mutton prices. We will soon present our findings to the public,” Mehrajuddin Ganai, general secretary, All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, said.
Ganai further added that mutton dealers throughout Kashmir find themselves at the receiving end because locals believe that dealers here charge higher prices than the market rate set by the government.
“It was necessary to take local journalists along with us to let them understand what the market scenario is like, outside Kashmir and what the prices are like in other states. They influence public opinion and we are now eagerly waiting for their report,” Ganai added.
In November, the divisional commissioner of Kashmir fixed the retail price of mutton at Rs 480 per kilogram. However, many dealers sell the meat at a higher price.
Prior to that, in 2016, the rate of mutton had been fixed at Rs 440 per kilogram but the mutton retailers over the years haven’t adhered to the prices fixed by the government.
Interestingly, when the government capped the price of mutton at Rs 480 per kilogram (retail) and Rs 450 per kilogram (wholesale), most meat sellers closed their shops in the Valley leading to a massive meat shortage.
Later, even as they reopened their shutters, the crisis over meat prices continued.
Meanwhile, the government has insisted that the annual inflation doesn’t exceed 5-7 per cent and has accused the dealers of arbitrarily increasing the prices. The government claims that the prices it has fixed are realistic.
The government’s new rates will be applicable till December 2021 after which there would be an automatic price revision of mutton for 2022 as per the wholesale price index of the time.
The authorities have also directed the concerned departments to ensure that the rate list is displayed in every mutton shop and the new rates are strictly followed.
Of the 320 lakh kg annual consumption of mutton in the Valley, authorities claim the Valley produces 120 lakh kg while the rest 200 lakh kg is brought in from other states. Authorities argue that this is enough to stabilise mutton prices in the Valley.
However, the All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association claimed that the government’s rates are unfair. (KINS)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari has claimed that his party will make its chairman in at least six seven District as 21 independent candidates Support Apni Party. 

Bukhari’s party has won 12 seats in the DDC elections. Bukhari said that his party had fielded some independents from behind the scenes. Lashing out at the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, he said that we are being called BJP’s B team. We are the new party and are building our base in Jammu and Kashmir. We are including the right people in the party. Some political parties are trying to damage our identity. These parties are claiming that these elections are giving a message to restore Article 370.

Bukhari said that 21 independent candidates are supporting Apni, It has been a few months since our party was formed. Despite this, our vote is more than the PDP. People are contacting us and we are going to them. Our political party is not a dynastic party. Anybody can take an important place here. (PTK)

Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir BJP-in-charge Tarun Chugh said that the recent DDC polls was the farewell party for the “Mufti and sons and the Abdullah’s and sons”. J&K BJP-in-charge further said that he sees future Chief Minister of the Union Territory in the current BJP unit of the state. 

BJP’s Tarun Chugh said, “I have seen the BJP of 2008, of 2014 and I’m also watching BJP of 2020. And in this BJP of 2020, I’m seeking the next Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Today I want to say to Abdullah and sons and Mufti and sons, that Jammu and Kashmir is changing.

Asserting that DDC election was a farewell party for Abdullah and sons and Mufti and sons, Chug said that even the winning candidates of their party are leaving. He said, ”When the elections were announced, they said that nobody will come to vote. Mehbooba Mufti said there won’t be a hand to hold the tricolour, but now the big bungalows of Gupkar road are shaking.” (PTK)