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Will intensify drive in enforcing the guidelines in public vehicles: RTO Kashmir; ADC Sgr issues warning to passengers, drivers

Before being getting penalised follow the Appropriate Covid Behaviour appeals Dr. Balkhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, says won’t hesitate in slapping fine

SNS KASHMIR

Jahangir Sofi

SRINAGAR,, APRIL 05 :

Public transport in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir is posing a serious threat to passengers as Covid-SoPs are going for a toss forcing the authorities to issue a serious warning for passengers and drivers. The Srinagar administration has also warned of slapping a fine on the passengers and drivers, who are found violating the Covid-guidelines.

Kashmir News Observer (KNO) spoke to a number of passengers who frequently travel in public vehicles including Sumos and Traveras, and came to know that one among 10 passengers use face mask during travel while others prefer not to use the face masks.

“Simply, Covid guidelines are going for a big toss in Kashmir. People are least bothered about Covid resurgence in Valley, especially Srinagar which is worst hit. This is strange. People are travelling without face masks and there is no monitoring at all,” said Shazia Bashir, who travels regularly to her office in Srinagar from Pampore area. Other frequent travelers echoed similar views and demanded a monitoring mechanism by the transport department or the district administration.

Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Ikram-Ullah Tak, while speaking with the KNO said, “we have already deputed our squads to check the Covid -19 Sops violation and fines have also been imposed on the violators.”

He further said the District Administration Srinagar has already constituted the teams in which “our teams are also part of it and jointly with the magistrates we are doing routine checks to make sure the Covid-19 sops are adhered while using the public Transport.”

He said that in coming days, the drive for the strict enforcement of the Covid-19 SoPs in public transport will be intensified and those found violating will be dealt with strictly.

Interestingly, Covid guidelines read: “Individuals must maintain a base distance of six feet (2 Gaz ki Dori) in public places”. However, this is hardly seen on ground.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Syed Haneef Balkhi said that the Covid-19 SoPs and guidelines are already in place and they have been repeatedly asking people associated with trade or transport, to adhere to the guidelines, and before that people are being penalized for violating the Covid-19 guidelines.

“I appeal people to show a responsible approach and follow Covid-19 guidelines in spirit,” he said. “We conduct random sampling and inspection also in and around the city. People found violating the Covid-19 guidelines are being fined, wearing of masks and maintaining of physical distance at public places is what is need of the hour,” he said—(KNO)

BANDIPORA, APRIL 05:

The District Administration Bandipora on Monday launched a special Covid-19 vaccination and testing for tradersin Bandipora.

Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad along with Senior Superintendent of Police Mohammad Zahid inspected the vaccination centres established at Main Market Bandipora and at Mini-Secretariat and reviewed the arrangements put in place. Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Bandipora, Wali Mohammad,  DySP (Headquarters) Mohammad Idrees, President Traders Federation Bandipora shamshad Hussain were also present on the occasion.

The officers were informed that the vaccination drive is going on with active participation of the people as traders are voluntarily coming forward to get vaccinated and simultaneously tested for COVID19.

Dr Owais urged the people to get themselves vaccinated at the designated vaccination counters besides appealing them not to lower guard as the second wave of COVID19 pandemic has knocked at our doors. 

He said that the vaccination was held so that all traders remain safe and healthy while they are doing their businesses. Dr Owais stressed on the business community to ensure each businessmen, shopkeeper, retailer or wholesaler comes forward and takes the vaccine shot.

‘Major leap towards completion of the Katra- Banihal railway section, bridge will be 35 meters higher than iconic Eiffel Tower’

SNS KASHMIR

NEW DEHLI APRIL 05 :

The Indian Railways on Monday said that it has completed the Arch closure of the iconic Chenab Bridge, which is world’s highest railway bridge being constructed over river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), official spokesperson said that the Chenab Bridge, world’s highest railway bridge, which is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project (USBRL) has set an important construction milestone today with completion of the steel arch of the iconic Bridge.

“This was one of the most difficult part of the bridge over Chenab. This achievement is a major leap towards the completion of the 111 km long winding stretch from Katra to Banihal. It is arguably the biggest civil-engineering challenge faced by any railway project in India in the recent history,” the statement reads.

It reads that the 5.6-metre last piece of metal was fitted at the highest point today and joined the two arms of the arch that currently stretch towards each other from both the banks of the river.

“This completed the shape of the arch that will then loom over the treacherous Chenab, flowing some 359 metres below. After completion of the arch work, removal of the stay cables, filling of the concrete in the arch rib, erection of the steel trestle, launching of the viaduct and track laying work will be taken up,” it reads.

The statement further reads that the completion of the historic Arch work was also seen by Shri Piyush Goyal Minister for Railways and Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Suneet Sharma, CEO-cum-Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashutosh Gangal and General Manager Northern Railway through video conferencing.

As per the statement Indian Railways is constructing the iconic Arch Bridge on River Chenab as a part of the USBRL project to connect the Kashmir valley to the rest of the nation.

“This bridge is 1315m long and is the highest Railway Bridge in the world being 359m above the river bed level. It will be 35 meters higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris (France).”

It reads that the construction of Bridge involved fabrication of 28,660 MT steel, 10 Lakh Cum Earthwork, 66,000 Cum Concrete and 26 Km motorable roads.

“Arch consists of steel boxes. Concrete will be filled in boxes of the Arch to improve stability. The overall weight of Arch is 10,619 MT. Erection of the members of arch by overhead cable cranes has been done for first time on Indian Railways.

As per the statement the most sophisticated ‘Tekla’ software was used for structural detailing and structural steel is suitable for -10°C to 40°C temperature—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR,, APRIL 5 :

Jammu and Kashmir High Court has put its order regarding resumption of physical hearing in abeyance amid surge in covid-19 cases.

As per an order by Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal, the hearing of cases in the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir as well as in the District and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals shall be conducted through “Virtual Mode” for time being.

“Entry of litigants and public into the Court premises from the very outer gate shall continue to be prohibited,” reads an order, a copy of which lies with GNS.
In addition to virtual hearing, the Chief Justice said that the matters may also be taken up for physical hearing, where the counsel for both the parties to the case give their consent for such physical hearing. “if counsel for either party declines or fails to give such consent in that event the roster bench may consider the request of other counsel for physical hearing,” the order reads
Identification of cases for physical hearing shall be done by the concerned Registrar Judicial a day before the date of listing, the order said.

“Advocates concerned in a particular case, who intend to get their case listed for physical hearing, shall give written consent for physical appearance and provide the requisite detail of the case to the concerned Registrar Judicial through email at least two days before the date of listing.”

The Registrar Judicial concerned, then, shall provide list of such counsel whose cases are listed for physical hearing, well in time to the incharge Security at the main gate to facilitate entry of such counsel, it said.

“In order to decongest the sections/ offices /Courts, the officials shall be permitted to function in batches with 25 percent reduction on rotation basis.”
The roster in this regard, the order said, shall be formulated by the Registrar Judicial of the concerned wing.

“The officials, who as per the roster are not on duty in the office, shall not leave the station and shall remain available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times.”
The staff on duty and the counsel appearing physically in Court shall take necessary precautions, ensure physical distancing, wearing of mask and observance of SOPs and guidelines issued by the respective Governments (J&K and Ladakh) from time to time.”

Regarding district and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals in J&K and Ladakh, the CJ‘s order said that entry of litigants and public into the Court premises from the very outer gate shall continue to be prohibited. “Pr. District & Sessions Judges, taking into consideration the urgency involved, apart from virtual hearing, may, where the counsel for the parties /parties in person involved give their consent to appear for physical hearing, permit physical hearing in Criminal trials where accused is /are in Custody, Matrimonial Cases, MACT Cases, Cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, Compromise matters or in any other matter as deemed desirable in the courts under their jurisdiction.” The courts under the supervision of concerned Pr. District & Sessions Judge, the order said, shall devise their own mechanism for listing of cases for physical hearing after taking consent of respective counsel, subject to their own assessment of prevailing local conditions including the intensity of COVID-19 infection. “The staff on duty in courts and the counsel appearing physically shall take necessary precautions, ensure physical distancing, wearing of mask and observance of SOPs and guidelines issued by the respective Governments from time to time.”

In order to decongest the sections/ offices of the Courts, the officials working in the Subordinate Courts, shall be permitted to function in batches with 25 percent reduction on rotation basis, the order added. (GNS)

Locals have appealed the Deputy Commissioner Bla and SSP Bla to enquir why police and adm threaten the villagers in this covid situation

SNS KASHMIR

URI APRIL 05 :

The Ladies from Dakan Nambla uri objected the forcely construction of road in their land.today a team of police station uri tried to help contractor .but local ladies objected and police returned back.Locals alleged that police not follow Covid sop,s and without mask tried to disburse gathered ladies.locals have appealed the Deputy Commissioner Bla and SSP Bla to enquir why police and adm threaten the villagers in this covid situation.

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR,, APRIL 5 :

Two women have been arrested in connection with a militant attack at BJP leader’s house in Aribagh Nowgam area of Srinagar in which a policeman on guard duties was killed while his rifle was snatched on April 1. The BJP leader Anwar Khan was not present at the residence on the day of attack.

“The women were arrested by police station Nowgam in connection with the attack and are presently under the custody of Women Cell of police station Ram Bagh Srinagar.

Both the women are residents of Kanihama Bungam Nowgam, they added. A top police officer while confirming it told GNS that more arrests are expected soon. (GNS)

SNS KASHMIR

Suhail Khan

BARAMULLA, APRIL 05

Former Army General Syed Ata Hasnain on Monday remarked that dialogue is the only way out between the two neighbouring nations for creation of a conducive and peaceful atmosphere for the people.

Taking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in north Kashmir’s Baramulla), Lt. Gen. Retd. S A Hasnain, as per Global News Service (GNS) said that things in Kashmir will be fine and people will live a peaceful life once both nations will go for a full-fledged dialogue.

Reiterating his statement, the retired army officer the things across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be alright and people will be allowed to move freely once the issues get resolved through a meaningful dialogue.

“Pakistan should reciprocate and cooperate with the peace overtures made by India to help in peace, prosperity and development on a larger extent, especially for the people of Jammu and Kashmir”, Hasnain maintained, (GNS)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR,, APRIL 05:

Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Monday said hospitals in Kashmir are witnessing a surge in severe cases of Covid-19 infection.

“A few weeks ago, we had drop in number of severe cases, but over the last few days hospitals are seeing increase in number of seriously-ill Covid-19 patients, much like we saw last spring,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

“Patients in large numbers are coming to hospitals with severe bilateral pneumonia requiring oxygen, some needing intensive care and the support of ventilators to help them survive the respiratory distress. Our beds are full, oxygen points are occupied and we don’t have space in intensive care units.”

“Patients are coming with bad lungs when it is difficult to salvage them. Not only the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, but young people are coming with severe disease and some of them are dying,” DAK President said.

“The rising number of cases over the past two weeks is now starting to reflect in rising number of hospitalizations,” he said.

“The number is expected to rise further in coming days as there are still massive number of people in the population who are susceptible to the virus.”

“The virus has once again become dangerous and is behaving aggressively which gives us to understand whether a mutated strain has sneaked into the valley because of huge tourist influx or we are dealing with an indigenous mutant,” Dr Nisar said.

“Another reason for resurgence of cases in the valley is because of public complacency.”

“People no longer regard pandemic as a risk and have thrown caution to the wind,” he said.

“Many people don’t wear masks and they don’t care for social distancing. Huge gatherings are seen in gardens and public functions.”

“Accelerated transmission of Covid-19 within the next few weeks would not be surprising considering the lackadaisical approach by most people towards the pandemic,” said Dr Nisar.

“People must continue to adhere to health guidelines to avoid catastrophic slipup.”

“And, it is vitally important to ramp up the vaccination process and vaccinate as many people as possible that too quickly to break the chain of virus transmission,” he said.

Sd/

Dr Riyaz Ahmad Dagga

Spokesperson DAK

Journalist fraternity hails services and media friendly behaviour of Bashir Ahmed Sofi

Baramulla, April 05 : Non Gazetted Employees Union of Department of Information and Public Relations Baramulla today organized an impressive function in connection with the superannuation of Assistant Information Officer Bashir Ahmad Sofi, who has reached his superannuation on 31st of March 2021. The function was organised under the chairmanship of District Information Officer Baramulla Mudassir Hussain in which officials of District Information Centre Baramulla among others participated.

In his keynote address, DIO felicitated the retiree and highlighted his contribution towards the betterment of the department. He also wished him a happy and prosperous post retirement life.

Earlier, District President of the Union Shahzad Ahmad Bhat expressed gratitude of the participants and highlighted the exemplary services rendered by the retiree. He said that the offical has served the department for about 39 years during which he performed his duties with zeal and dedication.

Meanwhile, he expressed his dismay and anguish for the pathetic approach of higher authorities adding that the said official has retired in own pay and grade service which reflects the lackadaisical and exploitative approach on the part of higher functionaries. He also appealed the Director Information and Public Relations to look into the matter as to why years are being wasted for convening a single DPC.

Other participants also spoke on the ocassion who highlighted the services of the retiree besides wished him a happy post retirement life.

Bashir Ahmad Sofi also spoke on the occasion and shared his experiences of his service carrier. He expressed gratitude of the union for arranging the farewell party for him.

Meanwhile, journalist fraternity in Baramulla have hailed services and journalists friendly behaviour of Bashir Ahmed

SOPORE, 05 APRIL 2021:

On 03 April 2021, a joint Naka by Sopore Police, 22 RR and 179 CRPF was established at Model Town crossing Sopore.

During naka checking one hard core OGW of TRF Outfit namely Ihsaan ul Haq Khanday S/O Nazir Ahmad Khanday R/O Faisalabad Sopore A/P Nowpora Kalan was apprehended and Incriminating material including letter pad of TRF Outfit has been recovered from his possession.

In this regard case FIR NO. 82/2021 U/S 13 ULA (P), 506 IPC Stands registered further investigation is going on.
More arrests are expected.