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Pak violates ceasefire in J&K’s Poonch; civilian injured, 3 houses damaged

Ceasefire
Representational image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A civilian was injured and at least three residential houses were damaged partially in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Mendhar and Balakote sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said today.

They said that after a brief spell of ceasefire violation in these areas last evening, heavy firing started again early this morning.

“Pakistani army fired with small arms as well as mortar shells that lasted for a few hours. Five villages of Mendhar and Balakote sectors were affected by the intense shelling,” an official said.

Locals of Mendhar and Balakote said that at least three residential houses were damaged while a civilian suffered leg injuries.

“A civilian identified as Muhammad Yaseen, son of Muhammad Rashid, resident of Gohlad village got injured in firing. He received a splinter injury in his leg,” said Block Medical Officer, Mendhar, Dr Parvez Ahmed Khan.

He said that the medical team has evacuated the injured civilian with the help of locals and he has been admitted to a hospital. “His condition is stable,” the medical officer said.

This year, over 1500 CFVs (Ceasefire violations) have been reported so far, which is highest in the last three years.

IAS officer tests Covid positive in J&K, top officials among 15 quarantined

Representational image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A senior Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer in Jammu and Kashmir has been tested positive for novel coronavirus, forcing the UT administration to put all his contacts including top bureaucrats under quarantine.

This comes just a few days after the wife and son of an advisor to the J&K Lieutenant Governor were found Covid-19 positive.

According to sources, at least 15 bureaucrats including top officials have been put under quarantine, who had possibly come in contact with the infected IAS officer. The need to put 15 officers, majority of whom are from the Health and Medical Education Department, was felt as the IAS officer who tested positive for the Covid was present in a high-level meeting held in Srinagar last evening. The meeting was aimed to review the pandemic situation and the measures taken so far.

Sources said that at least 15 officers including some senior officials have been quarantined in Srinagar. “These persons were in contact with the officer during the meeting held in Srinagar,” they said. “Efforts are on to trace all other contacts of the IAS officer apart from those who were present in the meeting.” The IAS officer had left for Jammu from Srinagar after attending the meeting.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole told NVI that the administration is tracing all those who had “unsafe contact” with the officer. “There is no need to panic. Effective contact tracing is going on. All the primary and secondary contacts of the infected IAS officer will be traced and quarantined,” Pole said.

World Covid tally mounts to 6.05 mn, US continues to be worst affected

Coronavirus cases

New Delhi (NVI): Globally, 60,54,187 people have been infected with the deadly coronavirus while 3,68,711 have died so far. 25,62,191 Covid patients have recovered from the virus till now.

The United States continues to be the worst-affected country with 18,05,745 confirmed cases so far. The US has 5,479 cases per 1 million people. The world average is 779 cases per 1 million. 1,05,159 people in the US have died due to the pandemic so far while 3,90,404 have recovered.

Meanwhile, health experts in Minnesota worry about a spike in cases as large protests continue over the death of an African American man on May 25. The number of Covid-9 cases in the US state surpassed 1,000 this weekend. Although it is too early to say, there are speculations that the large number of people gathering to protest the death of George Floyd will cause a spike in cases.

Floyd (46) died in Minneapolis last Monday while he was being restrained by the police. Video footage of the incident showed an officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he gasped for breath. The footage was broadcast by the US media and went viral on social media platforms.

In the wake of the incident and the subsequent protests, elected officials across the US are urging protestors to wear masks and other PPE when gathering so as to prevent further spread of the virus.

Over 1.82 lakh corona cases in India, death toll crosses 5000 mark

New Delhi (NVI): The total confirmed Covid-19 cases in India have reached 1,82,143 while 5,164 people have died due to the virus, according to the latest data with the Union Health Ministry. 8,380 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours, while 193 new deaths were recorded in the last one day.

There are 89,995 active cases in the country now while 86,983 have been cured or discharged.

The MHA yesterday said that lockdown restrictions will continue in containment zones till June 30 while in other areas, the curbs will be lifted in a phased manner.

The guidelines for the fifth phase of lockdown will come into effect from June 1 (tomorrow).
Hotels, restaurants and shopping malls will be allowed to open, but on certain conditions. Apart from that, all inter and intra-state movement of public and goods will be permitted.

As the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus ends today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be delivering his Mann Ki Baat radio address. The PM is likely to speak on new lockdown guidelines and the one year of the completion of the second term of the BJP government at the Centre.

Meanwhile, about 6 million people have been infected by Covid-19 globally, including 3,66,875 deaths. The United States is the worst-affected country at, 1,03,353 deaths.

UN to mark Sept 9 as Int’l Day to Protect Education from Attack

New Delhi (NVI): The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has unanimously decided to establish September 9 as the ‘International Day to Protect Education from Attack’ calling on UNESCO and UNICEF to raise awareness of the plight of millions of children living in countries affected by conflict.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the decision of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

The Day draws attention to the plight of more than 75 million 3-to-18-year-olds living in 35 crisis-affected countries and to their urgent need for educational support.

It also expresses concern over the effects of continued violence on these children and their ability to access education, whose consequences require special attention beyond the needs of learners whose establishments were temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said, “As the world fights to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, children and youth in conflict zones remain among the most vulnerable to its devastating impact. We must ensure our children have a safe and secure environment in which to learn the knowledge and skills they need for the future.”

“As the world begins planning to re-open schools once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we must ensure that schools remain safe places of learning — even in countries in conflict,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

She further added, “Attacks on schools are a violation of humanity and basic decency. We must not allow these senseless attacks to destroy the hopes and dreams of a generation of children. We acknowledge the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser and the State of Qatar for presenting the resolution to help ensure that schools and the children and teachers within them are protected.”

The General Assembly reaffirms the right to education for all and the importance of ensuring safe, enabling learning environments in humanitarian emergencies.

UNESCO and UNICEF will facilitate the annual observance of the Day in close collaboration with partners within and outside the UN system.

In the proclamation of this Day, the UN is sending a clear message regarding the importance of safeguarding schools as places of protection and safety for students and educators and the need to keep education at the top of the public agenda.

HH Sheikha Moza, who advocated for the importance of this day during the 2019 General Assembly High-level week and Social Forum for the Human Rights Council, said, “Amid this global pandemic, it is vital to ensure that the diseases of armed conflict and illiteracy that were prevalent before do not spread further.”

“That is why I am pleased that the General Assembly has recognized the significance of this urgent issue and established an International Day to Protect Education from Attack,” she added.

J&K: 10 pregnant women among 177 fresh cases, UT’s tally at 2,341

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Ten pregnant women are among 177 new Covid positive cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir today, taking the number of total confirmed cases to 2,341 in the Union Territory.

Officials said that among new 177 cases that were detected in J&K today, 19 were tested positive at SKIMS, 48 at CD hospital, 10 at JVC Bemina, 30 at Army’s Command Hospital Srinagar and rest at other private labs. “Among the new cases were ten pregnant women,” they said, adding that the number of pregnant women who have got infected with the virus in J&K has reached 65, with 50 alone from Kashmir.

They said that among 177 new cases, 125 belong to Kashmir division while 52 are from Jammu division, officials said, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir has reached 1,853 including 791 recoveries and 25 deaths while the total number of positive cases in Jammu has reached 368 including 117 recoveries and 3 deaths. They added that the total number of active cases in J&K is 405 including 1,037 from Kashmir and 368 from Jammu.

Cases tested positive in J&K include 18 from Anantnag, 4 from Kulgam, 26 from Srinagar, 10 from Budgam 3 from Kupwara, 16 from Shopian, 40 from Baramulla, 1 each from Bandipora and Ganderbal and 5 from Pulwama in Kashmir while 52 from Jammu include 2 from district Jammu, 14 from Ramban, 6 from Kathua, 13 from Udhampur, 7 from Samba district, 6 from Rajouri, 3 from Doda and one from Reasi.

As per official figures, 314 positive cases including five deaths and 122 recoveries are from Anantnag, 277 including four deaths and 23 recoveries are from Kulgam, 272 including seven deaths and 131 recoveries are from Srinagar, 258 including 74 recoveries are from Kupwara, 217 including 102 recoveries and five deaths are from Baramulla, 146 including 134 recoveries and one death is from Bandipora, 168 including 108 recoveries and one death from Shopian, 99 including 61 recoveries and one death is from Budgam, 32 including 24 recoveries are from Ganderbal and 70 including 12 recoveries are from Pulwama.

In Jammu, 130 including 37 recoveries and two deaths are from Jammu district, 89 including 15 recoveries are from Ramban, 61 including 19 recoveries are from Kathua, 65 including 25 recoveries and one death is from Udhampur, 41 including 11 recoveries from Samba, 38 are from Poonch, 27 including 5 recoveries are from Rajouri, 14 including 3 recoveries are from Reasi, 8 including 1 recovery is from Kishtwar, 5 including 1 recovery is from Doda.

As per the daily information bulletin, 165,225 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 36,538 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Apart from that, 1,405 persons are in hospital isolation while 56 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 83,684 persons have completed the surveillance period and 43,514 persons are under home surveillance.

So far, results of 164, 581 samples are available out of which 162,240 stand negative while 2,341 have been tested positive. Among positive cases, 1,405 are active and 908 persons have recovered while 28 persons have died.

Unlock 1.0: Govt extends lockdown in containment zones till June 30

MHA

New Delhi (NVI): A day before the end of the fourth phase of lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today said that lockdown restrictions will continue within containment zones till June 30, while issuing fresh guidelines in this regard.

MHA said that all activities will be relaxed in a phased manner outside containment zones as per the Health Ministry guidelines.

The Government also said that states may impose restrictions or prohibit activities as per their assessment. In addition to this, Night Curfew timings have been reduced to 9 PM to 5 AM across the country. Earlier it was 7 PM to 7 AM.

Releasing guidelines for Lockdown 5.0, MHA said that restrictions will be lifted at other places (other than containment zones) in a phased manner.

While places of worship, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls will be allowed to open from June 8, schools, colleges and other educational institutions would resume in the second phase after consultation with state authorities.

In the third phase, cinema halls, gymnasiums will open, and international flights will resume. Apart from this, other activities — social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, religious functions and other large congregations will also be allowed in this phase.

The Indian Railways have already announced that 100 pairs of trains will be started from June 1 (Monday). Bookings for these trains is open and one can book seat(s) up to 30 days in advance.

These trains will be in addition to Shramik special trains being run to ferry migrant workers stuck in different parts of the country due to lockdown.

India has recorded 1,73,763 total confirmed cases so far, while the death toll stands at 4,971. More than 8,000 fresh cases have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Covid plays spoilsport for annual reunion of Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims at this J&K temple

Abid Bashir

Tulmulla (NVI): Tears rolled down the cheeks of Bimla, a Kashmiri Pandit woman, who had travelled all the way from Shivpora area of Srinagar to participate in the annual mela (fair) at the revered temple of Mata Kheer Bhawani in Tulmulla area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, when she saw the main entry gate of the temple closed.

“Az kya gow aese (what happened to us today). The Covid has taken away sheen off the annual mela. There is nobody present in the temple today and the entry gate is locked, this is so unfortunate as this has never happened in my life,” she said.

Every year, Bimla would reach the temple early in the morning on the eve of Mela Kheer Bhawani as she would sit among dozens of Kashmiri Pandit women, who would sing Kashmiri songs and religious verses to mark the occasion. But today, she missed everything—the aura and spirituality she would enjoy with her friends and relatives at the temple—only due to Covid-19.

The Kheer Bhawani mela—one of the important festivals of Kashmiri Pandits, is celebrated on ‘Zyestha Ashtami’, which fell today, (May 30) this year. Every year, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits visit the temple to participle in religious rituals and to pay obeisance. Even the members of the community settled outside J&K would not miss the occasion and throng in large numbers on this eve to participate in hawans (offering prayers to god or a deity in front of the fire) and other rituals.

The festival has been always a glaring example of Kashmir’s composite culture and communal harmony as Muslims would facilitate their pandit brethren by providing refreshments and by setting up stalls to sell lamps (diyas) milk, coconut, flowers and everything used in the hawan and pooja.

“There are no stalls today here. The spiritual aura is missing. Where are our Muslim brothers and sisters, who would offer us water and refreshments on this day? Oh God, what have you done to us,” said Bimla, while leaving the temple after spending 15 minutes there.

Ghulam Rasool Dar, a local resident of Tulmulla said that there were clear directions from the administration that no stall would be set up in view of the pandemic and there was prior information that no large gathering will be allowed at the temple this year.

“Setting up a stall had been just an excuse as I would meet my childhood friend Radha Krishen on this day. My heart is crying and I want to cry loudly as the pandemic didn’t allow my friend to pay obeisance at the temple this year,” Dar said amid sobs. “I greeted him over phone and both of us broke down. Covid played spoilsport in our meeting. Hope this disease fades away soon.”

A local shopkeeper Abdul Ahad said that he would put on display Kashmiri shawls, curtains, bedsheets, cushion covers and other traditional varieties at his shop. “Last year, I sold 90 per cent of the stock and the majority of my customers were my KP friends,” Ahad said.

Sameer Bhat, a Kashmiri Pandit settled in Jammu said, he has been badly missing the Kheer Bhawani Mela this year. “I was informed by the J&K Dharmath trust, the managing body of the Kheerbhawani Temple, that there won’t be mela this year due to Covid. My daughter, wife and parents insisted me to visit the Temple, I have been trying hard to persuade them that it wasn’t possible this year due to pandemic. It was after hours of discussion they pacified,” he said.

Chuni Lal Bhat, a Kashmir Pandit, who would lead the hawan at the temple every year, said that it was really unfortunate that Kheerbhawani mela wasn’t celebrated this year. “The reason was genuine but we feel deeply hurt and saddened over the development. Our hearts would purify at the temple as would meet our relatives after a long gap and also the aura where muslims would prepare refreshments and facilitate our religious rituals is soothing and quite amazing,” he said, adding that “entire KP community is in shock over cancellation of religious rituals at the temple this year due to covid.”

Rare Ibis bird rescued from PM’s house

The bird was rescued by the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response unit.

New Delhi (NVI): A rare, glossy Ibis bird was rescued today from Prime Minister Narendra  Modi’s official residence after it collapsed due to extreme heat and dehydration.

Glossy Ibis is a wading bird belonging to the Ibis family. It is a migratory species and inhabits wetlands, marshes and agriculture lands all across the world. Ibises breed in colonies, building nests in low trees and shrubs. They feed on small fish, frogs, snails, insects etc.

As Delhi has been recording severe heatwave conditions this week, it is not just humans who are bearing the brunt but also animals across the national capital.

At PM Narendra Modi’s house, the bird was found by the security personnel near the reception area.

Suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration, the bird was unable to fly. Concerned for its well-being, the officials immediately contacted Wildlife SOS on their 24-hr rescue helpline number.

A two member rescue team from the NGO was rushed for the bird’s aid as it continues to provide animal ambulance services to wild animals in distress amidst the nationwide lockdown.

The bird was given oral rehydration solution and it is currently under observation.

A large number of animals, especially birds, are falling prey to the soaring temperature due to dehydration, heat exhaustion and lack of shade. As various parts of North India continue to reel under the heatwave such cases are bound to escalate in the months to come.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-Founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “We are thankful to the staff and security personnel at the PM house for their support, and for alerting Wildlife SOS to this emergency. This is a juvenile Ibis as it has a dull brown plumage and white flecks on its neck and chest. Breeding adults are mostly dark with iridescent green and reddish tones. Ibises have a distinctive curved, sickle-shaped beak. These birds measure 45 to 65 cm in length and their wingspan is 80 to 90 cm.”

Wasim Akram, Manager Wildlife SOS Special Projects said, “At times like this we must remain compassionate and consider the welfare of birds and animals that share our surroundings. We can do our bit by putting out earthen water bowls and food in our balconies, window sills, outside residential complexes and shops. Creating green cover by planting more trees and keeping potted plants also provide reprieve to these animals.”

 

PM extends wishes on Jyeshtha Ashtami

Efforts to wreak havoc & destruction in J&K thwarted again: PM on Nagrota encounter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended wishes to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

PM Modi tweeted in this regard, “Best wishes, especially to the Kashmiri Pandit community, on the very special occasion Jyeshtha Ashtami.”

“With the divine blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani, may everyone be happy, healthy and prosperous,” the Prime Minister added.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Jyestha Ashtami is celebrated at the shrine of Khir Bhawani in Tullamula in honour of their patron goddess Ragnya Devi.

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