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Srinagar: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Monday said people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection could be reinfected with the new mutated strain.

“Those who have got Covid-19 could get sick again with the new variant,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement issued.

“A new mutated Covid strain has surfaced in United Kingdom and is spreading to other countries,” he said.

“The new variant has multiple mutations in the spike protein of the virus and the most troubling is deletion mutation which makes it spread more easily.”

Quoting a new study published in the preprint server bioRxiv, Dr Nisar said that antibodies elicited by natural Covid-19 infection may not be able to neutralize emerging strains that display deletion mutations in their genetic sequence.”

“Researchers from South Korea found that a young woman infected with one strain of Covid-19 was, just weeks after recovering, reinfected with a different strain of the virus,” he said.

“The findings indicate that the patient’s immune response to the first strain did not protect her from the second strain and highlights how mutations could make controlling Covid-19 more difficult than first thought.”

Dr Nisar said the mutation in the new variant has resulted in an altered protein product which could evade the immune response elicited by earlier strain of the same virus.

“The new strain could lead to resurgence of Covid-19 cases that could reignite the pandemic,” he said.

“The mutated variant is the dominant strain in UK and is responsible for more than 60 percent of Covid-19 cases.”

“While we struggle to come to grips with the news of new strain of coronavirus being detected in UK, another variant of the virus, potentially more infectious has emerged in South Africa,” said Dr Nisar.

“Kashmir being the favorite tourist destination, the mutants can come to us anytime. We have to be prepared and alert – we need to gear up our hospitals to prevent an outbreak,” he said.

Srinagar: The tussle between Government and Mutton dealers is nearing to end as the committees formed to visit livestock Mandis outside the state for exact pricing has ready to submit report to the Government.

According to KNS correspondent, provincial administration fixed the retail price of meat in the valley at Rs 480 per kg in early November this year, which was flatly rejected by mutton dealers, commission agents and butchers, but the government took action against butchers selling meat at extra prices. After the butchers’ resentment, partial strike and artificial shortage of meat, the Kashmir Economic Alliance offered to mediate in the matter.
They suggested that they visit outside states to review the prices of sheep, goats, livestock and meat there.

Officials partially agreed with the proposal and formed a two-member government committee comprising the Department of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Assistant Director Dr.Baba and member from sheep and husbandry department.
Meanwhile, Kashmir Economic Alliance also formed a 15-member committee comprising journalists, traders, industrialists and stakeholders who visited outside UT markets since last Sunday.
Sources said that Kashmir Economic Alliance visited Delhi, Amritsar, Ambala, Sekar Rajasthan and other markets to review the prices of sheep and goats, while the government committee also visited Sekar Rajasthan and Delhi. The visit of Kashmir Economic Alliance and Government Committee has been completed and both the committees will soon submit their review report to the provincial administration and the concerned department.

Kashmir Economic Alliance says it has compiled data in all markets, and the 15-member committee will meet soon in Srinagar, during which the report will be compiled. Kashmir Economic Alliance co-chairman Farooq Ahmed Dar said that during the one-week they visited all the markets outside the states where the meat is supplied to the valley, and during this time the also monitored illegally collected money in many places besides interstate taxes.

“The committee will also submit its report to the Administration in this regard keeping in view all the details and documents.” Dar said

He said that in this report not only the prices of meat should be fixed, but will also propose to the Consumer Affairs Department and the Jammu and Kashmir authorities to organize this trade, solve the problems, faced by the butchers, mutton dealers and commission agents.
Dar further added that his report would be based on fair and independent review and opinion as KEA as civil society not represents the people involved in the trade and government but the people and consumers.( KNS).

Srinagar: A top commander of the army Lt. Gen. BS Raju, the Chief of the Army’s 15th Corps said that there are continued reports of 200-250 militants in launch pads in Pakistan administrated Kashmir (PaK) looking for a chance to infiltrate.

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He said that it is responsible for maintaining surveillance around the core Line of Control and combating terrorism in remote areas. The top commander of the army also spoke about the recently concluded Zilla Vikas Parishad elections and said that he was happy that the elections were held in a peaceful manner and people came out to vote to strengthen democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

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“It is now up to the elected representatives to work for the people and people should also ask them for development,” he said. Regarding infiltration from low altitude areas in the winter on the Line of Control, he said that There are constant reports that 200 to 250 militants in PaK are in infiltration. They will try to use inclement weather for infiltration but the security forces are keeping an eye on infiltration directly from LoC in Kashmir and infiltration from areas south of Pir Panjal,” he said.

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Deployment on LOC is strong and surveillance equipment is in place at many levels. ” “To divert the attention of our people from internal issues, Pakistan can increase the tension on the border even in the winter season by infiltrating militants or violating the ceasefire,” the army commander said. In both the situations we are ready and will give a befitting reply to any such daring. ” (PTK)

A young talented youth who hails from the Vessu area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has topped the Panchayat Accounts Assistant Examination by scoring 107.25 points out of 120.

Abdul Shakoor Itoo, who lost his father when he was 11 Years old was among that one lac and 64 thousand aspirants from Jammu Kashmir who appeared in the examinations for the Panchayat Accounts Assistant. He belongs to poor family background and said that he worked very hard but was not expecting to top the exams, “The results are overwhelming for me, I am joyous,” he said.

He said the youth of Kashmir should focus on technical education and self study rather than solely banking upon colleges and universities. “We can do innovative work, if we develop our technical knowledge,” he said. He has pursued education from a small school in his in Qazigund and then he studied Class 12th from a Government Higher Secondary. “I have studied from home, i have done my graduation through distance mode,” Shakoor told. He said that due to the frequent internet bans in the Kashmir valley and the reduced internet speed he had to face problems. “I appeal the local administration and the Indian Government to restore the 4G internet services in the region.” Shakoor’s success has brought perils to his family and to the locality where he lives.

Srinagar: India and China, both countries have agreed that the next round of military talks should be held soon for an ‘early and complete’ disengagement of of troops along the Line of Control (LOC) in eastern Ladakh in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols, the ministry of external affairs said.

Anurag Srivastava, External affairs Ministry spokesperson said in a press conference that a round of talk for the military forces of the both the countries would be conducted soon. He added that the steps would be taken to enhance the conditions of the forces standing on the Line of Actual Control.

“India and China continue to maintain communications through diplomatic and military channels. These discussions have helped both sides to enhance understanding of each other’s positions,” Srivastava said.

Both the countries held a round of diplomatic talks last week under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs.

In a virtual meeting, sides agreed to work towards ensuring better conditions of the military soldiers on the LAC in eastern at the earliest. Efforts are being taken to normalise the conditions even after 7 months from 22nd May, 2020 when disturbances started at the border where 50,000 soldiers are standing on each side. (PTK)

Says, Kashmir will become employment giver in days ahead

Srinagar, Dec 27: BJP senior leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain Saturday said that those opted the path of militancy in Kashmir are our own people besides citizens of the country and appealed them to shun the path of militancy.
The former Union Minister who was exclusively talking to Kashmir News Service said that those have taken the path of militancy in Kashmir valley are our own people. “Those taken up arms in Kashmir valley are our own people and also citizens of the country”, he said and appealed local militants to shun the path of violence and come forward in the contribution of nation building. He also added that militants natives of Pakistan are however being dealt as per law of the land.
“Pakistan based militants are also being offered to surrender but after their refusal they are being taken into task sternly”, he said.
“I have brought PM Narendra Modi’s pen to local youth and I appeal them to desist from taking up AK-47 as people of J&K are mostly peaceful”, he said and added “handful of people in valley are provoking youth and misinterpreting the message of Islam”.
About the allegation of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti of barring her from campaigning during recently held DDC polls, the BJP leader said “Mehbooba Mufti had created only drama to get the attention of media. I too deferred programs on that day due to security concerns but I didn’t resort to fuss”, he said.
While lashing out at regional mainstream political parties particularly PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, the BJP leader said that they provoked children of poor families to militancy to keep the pot hot but sent their own kith and kin abroad for making their future bright.
About recently concluded DDC elections, he said that this was the first time that any election in Jammu and Kashmir was held in a peaceful manner. “I congratulate State Election Commissioner and local administration for conduct of incident-free elections across J&K”, he said.
He continued that this is not an issue which party bagged more votes. “People voted in large numbers, they came out despite multiple odds. I want to clear here that it is a big-win of democracy”, Shahnawaz Hussain said. He asserted that BJP will change the fate of every citizen of J&K.
To a query, he said the allegations of Congress party are aimed to misled people of the country. “Congress has always leveled allegations on BJP, and this is not their first bid. They stand with People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). They are fond of rest-keeping. They don’t bother to visit grassroots level workers. However BJP from top to bottom are workers party, it is why I’m here for a month to supervise and monitor the party affairs during DDC polls. I visited each and every village of Kashmir and met people there”, he said.
Terming the conduct of DDC polls “historical” achievement, the BJP leader said that if farmers protest were not held, the DDC polls would have been the prime debate on national and international media. He added people of J&K have suffered immensely and tested Abdullah’s, Mufti’s & Congress and now they have reposed their faith on BJP which will not disappoint their hopes.
“I visited all districts of Kashmir. People welcomed me wholeheartedly and I assure them that BJP will change their fate and destiny. The party will ensure good roads, streets and also will bring smile on their disappointed faces”, he said and added that Kashmir is a God-gifted land full of resources and talent and I assure people of J&K that in days to come you wouldn’t be employment seeker but employment giver.
He added that some were saying that no person will hold tricolor in Jammu and Kashmir but during DDC polls it was only tricolor & BJP’s flag which were hosted in every part of Kashmir.
To a query about the delay of Assembly polls in J&K, he said that Home Minister Amit Shah had assured people of Jammu and Kashmir on the floor of house that they would not be left unattended. “Right now process of delimitation is under way and once it will come to an end, hopefully process for conduct of Assembly polls will also be taken up”, Shahnawaz Hussainn said.
When asked why some people broadcast wrong perception about Kashmir on national media and through other means, he said I appeal to those people who carry forward “unfounded” things about Kashmir, to come physically here and don’t propagate any incorrect without visiting this paradise. (KNS)

Ganderbal: The Muslim neighbourhood in Wussan locality of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal helped perform the last rites of an elderly Kashmiri Pandit on Friday.

Pandit Nath, 92, breathed her last in her home at Wussan in the wee hours on Friday plunging the whole locality in mourning, eyewitnesses told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Soon after the news of her death spread, local Muslims made special arrangements in performing her last rites. They also ferried firewood for helping the family to cremate the deceased.

“It is in our Islam to take care of neighbours irrespective of their religion,” Inayat, a local resident said.

In Wussan locality around a dozen pandit families are residing who did not migrate from Kashmir valley during early1990’s and instead decided to stay put. Since then the two communities have lived in the locality in harmony and have always shown compassion to each other.

After militancy erupted in the Valley in the early 90s, the Pandit community was forced to migrate from Kashmir. A very small percentage of Kashmiri Pandits, however, stayed back and are living in many parts of Kashmir—(KNO)

Srinagar, Dec 25: The government on Friday extended ban on high speed internet services in all but two districts of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the high voter turnout in recently concluded polls has not gone well with elements inimical to peace.

“The successful conduct of the recently concluded Panchavat elections which witnessed participation by political parties across the spectrum and large scale turnout, has not gone down well with elements inimical to public peace and tranquility as apparent from the multiple incidents of hurling of grenades by the (militants since the conclusion of the elections, targeting the civilians, police personnel/security forces the encounter with the security forces,” reads an order issued by the J&K Home Department, a copy of which lies with GNS. The government said that there are credible inputs have been received about the presence of a large number of militants “who are try to infiltrate from across the border, as also evident from multiple instances of heavy firing shelling on the IB/ LOC to facilitate the same.”

It said the restrictions on high speed mobile internet connectivity have acted as an impediment to such attempts.

Subsequently the government ordered extension in the ban on high speed internet in all but Ganderbal and Udhampur district till January 8.

“The IsGP, Kashmir/Jammu shall communicate these directions to the service providers forthwith and ensure their implementation in letter and spirit.”

Srinagar: A 40 year old lady and mother to 3 kids, Pooja became the first lady driver of Jammu. Belonging to Tehsil Basoli, District Kathua, she said that her journey to become a driver was obstructed by her family but did what had dreamt of always. She also said that the decision which was once opposed by everyone had made them feel proud of her today.

“It’s been 5-6 years since I’m driving. I used to drive a small car, then bought my own Eeco and then switched to a taxi. I always wished to drive that’s why was quick enough to learn it. Few days back, I was passing through the bus stand near ware house and told them to keep me as a driver. The Branch Manager, Yashpal Ji trusted me and gave me this opportunity due to my learnings and licence. I thank him. I value the trust and help of Rajinder Ji, belonging to Shani Chadwal who taught me truck driving.”
“I have 2 sons and a daughter. My husband usually stops me from working as a driver. He believes there are a lot of other ways of earning but I feel we only enjoy working what like. If I would have started some other work, my life wouldn’t be as cheerful as it is now.” She added.
Pooja said that she doesn’t fear driving a bus instead trusts God in saving her life every time she starts any vehicle.
“We all have to die one day. I’m a part of Nirankari Mission and take God’s name whenever I’m about drive. I believe he’ll save me from all mishaps. My daughter is in 10th standard, son is in 7th and the youngest one is in 2nd. Many of my relatives tell me to keep my son with them during my working hours but I don’t trust anyone. So, he’s always with me in the bus.”
She further added “Whole J&K (many people) are running after me, calling me and appreciating me for a step I took against my family’s decision. They stopped me from being a driver and now they are proud of me for the same thing. I never thought I would experience success so early in my life.”
“My message to all the people out there is that we aren’t born to be slaves. Many ladies aren’t able to pursue their dream of driving due to their families or husbands so it’s my request to support these ladies. They are initiating a good work. If I was wrong, everybody would’ve been against me till now but see each one of you is appreciating me and I’m grateful for that.