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Pulwama, Apr 02: Two civilians including a girl were injured during the clashes near encounter site in Kakapora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday.

Official sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that two civilians including a girl were injured in clashes near encounter site in Kakapora area.

Block Medical Officer (BMO) Pampore, Dr. Gulzar Ahmad said that they received two injured persons both from Samboora at Sub District Hospital (SDH) Pampore, who were shifted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar for treatment

He identified them as Ishrat Jan (25), daughter of Abdul Aziz Dar of Samboora Pulwama who has bullet injury in right buttock and Ghulam Nabi Dar (42), son of Ali Muhammad Dar of Samboora Pulwama, who has multiple pellet injuries.

Pertinently, encounter is underway in Ghat Mohalla Kakapora—(KNO)

More details awaited

They were involved in Nowgam attack: Police

Pulwama, Apr 02: Three militants have been killed in an encounter in Ghat Mohalla Kakapora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday.

A senior police officer told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that three unidentified militants have been killed in the gunfight.

“The militants refused to surrender despite repeated appeals by forces,” he said.

He added that slain militants were involved in attack on BJP leader’s residence in Nowgam area of Srinagar on Thursday, in which one cop from Anantnag was killed.

Earlier, an official said that a joint team of Police, Army’s 50 RR and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the area on specific information about the presence of militants there.

“As soon as the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated, triggering an encounter,” the police said.

Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, internet services have been snapped in Pulwama district—(KNO)

Srinagar, Apr 01: Amid surge in COVID-19 cases among students, the government is mulling to issue directions to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Jammu and Kashmir on the functioning of schools.

Top officials in the General Administration Department (GAD) of told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), “We are contemplating to issue the directions to all DCs of Jammu and Kashmir to take a call regarding the functioning of the educational establishments.”

“We have already issued the general guidelines regarding the functioning of schools during COVID-19 crisis and according to the guidelines, it is very clear that the respective schools can take the call as to whether they are prepared for online or offline classes,” the official said.

He said that the schools have been given alternative to choose the mode of education as per the feasibility and safety of the staff and students.

“The administration is planning to issue directions to all DCs to take a call as per the rising COVID-19 cases and they will accordingly decide the mechanism to be followed besides the already issued guidelines,” the official said—(KNO)

JAMMU, MARCH 31: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today released renowned singer Jubin Nautiyal’s music album ‘Tujhe Bhoolna Toh Chaha’ at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.

Made under the banner of T-Series and filmed in the picturesque settings of Kashmir valley, the song also features Abhishek Singh, an IAS & actor, and daughter of the soil, Samreen Kaur.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor termed the occasion as yet another milestone in the direction of making J&K- a preferred shooting destination for the film-makers.

The aesthetic beauty of J&K has been beautifully captured through the song. It also marks the revival of J&K’s halcyon days of being a cinematographer’s delight, he added.

The Lt Governor observed that J&K has always been a famous film-shooting destination. The golden era is back and many filmmakers are ready to shoot their movies, web series and music albums in the UT.

J&K Government is all set to welcome the film-makers from all over the world again. We want to bring back the 1980s era to the film industry in J&K, and make Union Territory the most favourite destination of filmmakers worldwide, said the Lt Governor.

The coming of number of famous film personalities like Imtiaz Ali, Irshad Kamil, Madhur Bhandarkar, Siddharth Roy Kapur and other big names and production houses to the UT in the last few months has once again deepened the connect between J&K and the film industry, added the Lt Governor.

Highlighting the reformative measures being taken by the UT Government for making J&K a hub for filmmaking, the Lt Governor observed that the UT Government has developed one of the finest Film Policies which will revive J&K’s incredible glory in Indian Cinema. For facilitating the film-makers, and encouraging the local talent, besides providing more livelihood opportunities to the youth, the J&K Administration has recognized Film as an industry, he added.

Government has assured Single Window Clearance, security and world-class facilities to the film-makers coming to the UT, the Lt Governor maintained.

The Lt Governor observed that Betaab valley in Pahalgam gained prominence worldwide due to the shooting of a film there. Film-shooting will not only develop the tourism sector, but will also give fillip to the socio economic development of the region, besides opening up more avenues and opportunities for the local youth, artists and technicians, he maintained.

Recalling his interaction with prominent film personalities during his visit to Mumbai, the Lt Governor observed that the film industry is ready to capture the pristine beauty, breath-taking natural settings & serene valleys of J&K, and showcase it on the silver screen.

Once again, the natural beauty and untapped potential of J&K will be put up in the canvas of cinema worldwide. Work is underway to develop Film city, Film Training Institute, production house and National School of Drama’s regional campus in the UT in coming days, the Lt Governor maintained.

The Lt Governor expressed his gratitude towards the Hon’ble Prime Minister for encouraging the film-makers from across the country to shoot their films in J&K. He also thanked the Prime Minister for allocation of Rs 786 cr for promotion of Tourism in J&K, which is Rs 509 cr more as compared to the previous year.

To unlock J&K’s vast tourism potential, the Government is laying special focus on developing Tourism infrastructure, besides promoting unexplored tourist places of the UT and tourists locations of Jammu including Patnitop, Mansar, Surinsar, Rajouri, Poonch and Kishtwar. Tourist circuit is being prepared to connect the potential Tourist places in and around Jammu to attract film-makers and tourists, said the Lt Governor.

Srinagar, March 30: Four weeks after getting covid-19 vaccine jab, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, who is Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, tested positive for the virus, his son Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday.

“My father has tested positive for COVID-19 & is showing some symptoms. I will be self-isolating along with other family members until we get ourselves tested. I request anyone who has come in to contact with us over the last few days to take all the mandated precautions,” Omar, National Conference vice president and former Chief Minister of J&K, said in a tweet as per GNS.

Abdullah, 85, was given the first dose of the vaccine at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura on March 2.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while replying to his tweet, wished Farooq Abdullah, a speedy recovery.

“Praying for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Farooq Abdullah Ji. Also praying for your and the entire family’s good health @OmarAbdullah,” he tweeted.

Omar promptly replied to him, saying, “My father and the rest of the family join me in thanking you for your wishes and prayers @narendramodi ji.”

Former chief ministers N Chandrababu Naidu and Mehbooba Mufti, among others, also wished for Farooq Abdullah’s speedy recovery.

Mehbooba replying to Omar Abdullah’s tweet said, “Very sorry to hear that. Hope he (Farooq Abdullah) recovers soon.”

“Saddened to learn about Farooq Abdullah Ji testing positive for COVID-19. I wish him speedy recovery and the best of health,” Naidu said.

People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone wished a speedy recovery for Farooq Abdullah. “Wishing Dr Farooq Sahib a speedy recovery in his fight against COVID,” he tweeted.

Srinagar, Mar 30: Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Vijay Kumar on Tuesday associated the move of registration of outside vehicles in the backdrop of recent militant attacks and drug transportation in the valley which he said such vehicles were used.

IGP Kumar, while addressing the media on the sidelines of the wreath laying ceremony at STC Humhama of a CRPF trooper killed in the recent militant attack in Lawaypora on Srinagar outskirts said crackdown was started in the backdrop of the vehicles being used in militant attacks.

“Whether it is about Parimpora or Lawaypora incidents (attacks), or drug cases, it is these unregistered vehicles (used in the attacks), so we are seizing them. That’s why RTO Kashmir had to issue a circular.”

He added, ” vehicles were supposed to register within six months window period. But many of them didn’t not complete the process for over a year now. vehicle owners should cooperate.”

The chaos and panic has gripped motorists after the latest police crackdown on non-J&K registered vehicles in Kashmir,

According to reports Police has seized more than 150 vehicles in the valley after the issuance of a notification by RTO Kashmir directing the owners to register the unregistered vehicles forthwith to avoid seizure.

As per the the notification a 15-days’ window was provided to the owners for registering the vehicles with the local authorities, however seizure of the vehicles by the police has panicked the car owners.

The motorists have appealed the authorities to provide them some more time period to get their vehicles registered.(KNS)

Srinagar 30 March: Inspector General of Police,kashmir zone,vijay kumar on Tuesday said that there has been security flaw in Sopore attack and added that if PSO would have retailiated, the millitants would not have succeeded.

Covers 3,600 Kms Kashmir-Kanyakumari distance in 8 days recorded time

SRINAGAR, MARCH 30: Adil Teli, a professional Kashmiri cyclist today created a history covering the 3600 kilometers distance between Kashmir to Kanyakumari within eight days, one hour and 37 minutes time duration.

Braving all odds including rough terrains, harsh climatic conditions, traffic snarls and other difficulties, Adil kept on riding with full energy to break the Guinness Book of World Record set by Om Mahajan, who covered the same distance within eight days, seven hours and 38 minutes last year.

Adil, a young cyclist from Narbal area of Budgam district started his journey on March-22 morning after flagged off by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole from Lal Chowk area of Srinagar.

Passionate about cycling, Adil had already set a record in his name by covering 440 Kilometres distance from Srinagar to Leh in just 26 hrs, 30 min.

Abraq Agro which supported and sponsored Adil on the cycling expedition has lauded Adil on this great achievement. Abraq Agro also expressed its gratitude to the Divisional Administration Kashmir for its support throughout the Adil’s journey in setting the new record.

For Adil, Srinagar – Leh Cycling expedition turned a turning point boosting him to go for more and set eyes on breaking the World Record; however, it was not easy and needed dedication, passion, stamina and proper guidance and training.

To chase his dream of setting the world record, Adil went to Amritsar where he went under rigorous training for 4-5 months.

Adil, a fastest rider from Srinagar to Leh, did his training for cycling, at Gurunanak Dev University at Amritsar under coach Rajesh – H.O.D cycling Department.

He was trained at different levels, while in JNDU (University) trained for 10,000 kms of endurance and 20,000 kms. This training helped him to take up Kashmir to Kanyakumari Challenge. He was amongst the top 10 in the National Championship in the fixed Spring finish. In the beginning of the pandemic, it was very difficult to arrange bicycle parts and due to the ban on imported parts but with the support of sponsors everything was managed.

Staring his journey from Srinagar, Adil pedalled through many states including cities which included Sanant Nagar NH44, Qazigund, New Tunnel Banihal, Nashri Tunnel, Lakhanpur, Pathankot, Jalandar, Ludhiana, Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Gutti, Banglore, Madurai and finally Kanyakumari.

Only 1% population in JK vaccinated against Covid-19 so far: DAK

Srinagar, Mar 30: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday said only one percent of the population in Jammu and Kashmir (JK) has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 so far.

“That means most of the people are still susceptible to Covid-19 infection,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

“As per the vaccination data from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, JK has administered the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to 6,34,953 people as on March 30, 2021. The figure represents 5 percent of JK’s 1.25 crore population. Full vaccination (both doses) has been given to 1, 42,895 people which represent 1 percent of the population.”

“We need to vaccinate around 70 percent of the population to bring an end to the ongoing public health crisis,” DAK President said.

“When enough people are vaccinated, virus can’t find any host to survive, replicate and move on.”

“This is how pandemic will subside,” he said.

“But with current vaccination rate, it will take years to a decade to reach the goal.”

“Vaccine hesitancy is a cause of major concern,” Dr Nisar said.

“People are not coming forward for the vaccine. Misinformation and wrong perceptions about the vaccine are keeping people away from the vaccine.”

“Another reason why the goal can’t be achieved is because children who constitute a huge proportion of the population are not vaccinated,” he said.

“There are around 4.8 million children in JK who cannot be vaccinated.”

“Vaccine is the only way to stop the pandemic,” Dr Nisar said.

“In order to get back to normal, we need enough people to get vaccinated.”

“The sooner we get more people vaccinated, the sooner we start reliving our lives,” he said.

“The best way to circumvent Covid-19 variants is to continue to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible.”

“If we leave a large number of the population unimmunized, we will not be able to break the chain of infection and pandemic will linger on. And, we will continue to have fresh waves of Covid-19 infection,” said Dr Nisar.

Srinagar, March 30: Jammu and Kashmir reported 359 fresh covid-19 cases, the most in a day so far this year, to take the overall tally of the infections to 130587, officials said on Tuesday. Also, one death due to the virus was reported in the last 24 hours, taking the J&K’s fatality count to 1990—735 in Jammu and 1255 in Kashmir.

This is for the second time that single day cases breached 300-mark in Jammu and Kashmir. Also, it was for the fifteenth consecutive day that more than 100 cases were reported on a single day in J&K. In all, nearly 2900 cases were added to the tally in the last fortnight, they said.

Among the fresh cases, they said, 93 were from Jammu Division and 266 from Kashmir Valley.

Giving the district wise details, they said, Srinagar reported 150 cases, Baramulla 46, Budgam 19, Pulwama 12, Kupwara 5, Anantnag 10, Bandipora 3, Ganderbal 5, Kulgam 14, Shopian 2, Jammu 59, Udhampur 7, Rajouri 2, Doda 0, Kathua 19, Samba 1, Kishtwar 0, Poonch 3, Ramban 2, and Reasi 0.

Moreover, they said, 175 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals—20 from Jammu Division and 155 from Kashmir Division. There are 2293 covid-19 active cases—615 in Jammu and 1678 in Kashmir. (GNS)