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J&K: Two more terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter

encounter
File photo

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Two militants who were hiding in a local mosque in Meej area of Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district were killed early this morning, taking the total number of militants killed in this operation since yesterday to three, police said today.

Officials said that one terrorist was killed early yesterday morning while two entered a local mosque and didn’t come out despite repeated announcements made by the police and Army through loudspeakers.

“The operation was halted though the cordon was tightened from all sides to ensure terrorists don’t flee. Today early morning, both the terrorists hiding in the mosque were killed in a clean operation,” officials added.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar said that “patience and professionalism worked” at the Meej, Pampore operation.

“No use of firing and IED. Used tear smoke shells only. Maintained sanctity of the mosque. Both militants hiding inside the mosque neutralized,” the IGP said in a tweet.

In two separate encounters, the total number of terrorists killed has reached eight in the last 24 hours.

Pertinently, IGP Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar recently said that militancy stands almost wiped out from South Kashmir and the police would now shift its focus on north Kashmir from next month.

This year so far, 102 terrorists including top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed which includes Reyaz Naikoo, the chief operational commander of Hizbul, Bashir Koka of Lashkar and Abdur Rehman alias Fouji Bhai of Pakistan, who was an IED expert of Jaish.

Figures suggest that 72 terrorists, including five killed in the last 24 hours, have been killed since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in Kashmir on March 20. In the last two weeks, 32 terrorists were killed in two southern districts of Shopian and Pulwama.

-CHK

COVID cases in India climb to over 3.80 lakh, death toll at 12,573

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 3,80,532 and fatalities from the virus have gone up to 12,573, according to Union Health Ministry.

In the past 24 hours, 13,586 fresh COVID-19 infections were reported, the highest single-day spike in the country.

At least 336 more people succumbed to the pandemic in a day.

In terms of total number of cases, Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state with 1,20,504 coronavirus cases followed by Tamil Nadu with 52,334 and Delhi with 49,979 positive cases.

The other worst affected states are Gujarat (25,601, Uttar Pradesh (15,181), Rajasthan (13,857) and Madhya Pradesh (11,426).

In terms of deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 5,751 fatalities followed by Tamil Nadu with 625 deaths.

The death toll in the national capital surged to 1,969 while another 21,341 patients have recovered so far, healthy ministry data shows.

So far, 2,04,710 patients have been cured of the virus or discharged. With this overall recovery rate improves to 53.8 percent in the country.

Meanwhile, four districts in Tamil Nadu will impose strict lockdown from today till June 30. The districts are Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur have all seen a steep rise in number of COVID-19 cases.

-RJV

J&K: 4 cops, doctor among 149 new Covid cases, tally jumps to 5,555

Over 3,200 cops COVID positive in J&K and 15 succumbed to virus
File photo

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Four policemen and a doctor were among 149 new cases that tested positive for Covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir today, taking the total number of cases to 5,555 in the Union Territory.

Officials said that among the fresh cases, 49 were reported from Jammu and 100 from the Kashmir division. “Among the new cases were four policemen and a doctor. The total number of cases in the UT has jumped to 5,555,” they said.

The officials said that 230 more patients recovered and were discharged from the hospitals. “Among those, discharged include 72 from Jammu and 158 from Kashmir,” the officials said, adding that eight Covid deaths were reported in the UT in the past 24 hours that include six from Kashmir and two from Jammu.

Of the total cases in the J&K, Kulgam has recorded 653 positive cases, Baramulla 552, Srinagar 577, Anantnag 587,  Shopian 595,  Kupwara 421,  Bandipora 251, Budgam 289, Pulwama 282,  Ganderbal 65, Jammu 290, Ramban 201, Udhampur 201, Kathua 175, Poonch 107, Samba 120, Rajouri 72,  Doda 63,  Reasi 31 and Kishtwar 23.

Officials said that the total number of persons enlisted for observation is 2,46,798 while the number of persons kept under home quarantine is 40,067. “Persons kept under hospital quarantine are 29.  15,7945 people have completed surveillance,” they said.

As per the official Covid bulletin, Jammu has 641 active cases and Kashmir 1,699. There are total of 2340 active cases in the UT.

“In Jammu, 633 people have recovered and in Kashmir, the number of recoveries is 2,511. Total number of recoveries in UT is 3,144,” the bulletin read.

It said that so far 71 people have died due to the deadly virus in J&K of which 62 were from Kashmir and nine from Jammu.

The bulletin also informed the people that the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining a physical distance of at least 2-meter 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”.

The advisory has further exhorted 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 handwashing with soap and water.”

J&K: 2 relatives of Covid victim collapse, die during cremation in Jammu

Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): In a shocking incident, two relatives of a Covid-19 victim collapsed and died while performing the last rites of the person in Jammu, prompting the District Magistrate to order a magisterial probe into the incident.

Officials told NVI that a man, who was tested positive for coronavirus died in Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu last evening was taken for cremation at a ground in Jammu.

“The body was being cremated when two relatives of the deceased present in the last rites fell unconscious and died on the spot under mysterious circumstances,” they said, adding that the matter was brought immediately to the notice of Jammu administration.

District Magistrate Jammu Sushma Chauhan took serious note of the incident and has ordered a magisterial probe.

“It is imperative to probe the circumstances leading to the unfortunate death of said two persons through a magisterial inquiry,” reads the order. “Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Jammu shall conduct a detailed inquiry and shall submit the report with findings by 22 June.”

DM Jammu has also asked the inquiry officer to get the autopsy of both the deceased conducted through a board of doctors.

The Jammu DM, while speaking to NVI said she has ordered an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances in which both the relatives of Covid-19 victim died.

Official sources said that the inquiry will find out whether the two deceased were wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing the last rites. “Another reason for their death could be the scorching heat in Jammu region where temperatures are already above 40 degrees Celsius,” an official said.

Soldiers injured in Ladakh clash stable, 58 can resume duty in a week: Army

Amshipora encounter

New Delhi (NVI): All 76 Indian soldiers injured in the violent face-off with the Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley are stable and no one is critical now, the Indian Army said today.

Giving further details, the Army said that 18 soldiers are at its hospital in Leh and they will be able to join the duty in about two weeks. 58 are at other hospitals and can resume duty within a week.

“No one critical as of now. All stable. 18 soldiers at our hospital in Leh. Will be out on duty in about 15 days. 58 soldiers at other hospitals. Should be back on duty within a week. Status as of today afternoon,” the Army said in an official statement.

The Army has also requested media to not hype the numbers. “As you can see, most soldiers will be back on duty within this week itself,” it said.

The Army’s clarification came after some exaggerated figures were doing rounds in some sections of media.

20 Indian soldiers including the commanding officer of 16 Bihar regiment were killed in the violent face-off at Galwan Valley with China’s PLA on the intervening night of June 15 and 16.

Earlier in the evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that no Indian troops are missing in the Monday night’s violent clashes in the area along LAC.

“This has been clarified by the Army today afternoon that there are no Indian troops missing in action,” said MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava.

PM appeals people to observe this Yoga Day at home

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today appealed to people to mark the sixth International Yoga Day at home with family while following all norms of physical distancing.

Ahead of the IYD-2020, the Prime Minister released a short video message, appealing people to remain indoors on the occasion and celebrate the day despite the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

“We are marking the sixth International Yoga Day in extraordinary times. Usually, Yoga Day is about public events, mass participation. This year, Yoga Day goes indoors,” PM Modi said, adding the theme of this year is “Yoga at home and Yoga with family.”

“The world is fighting a pandemic of monumental scale but Yoga provides multidimensional solutions to the multiple challenges Covid-19 has brought. Yoga gives you the opportunity to know your immune system better,” he said.

-ARK

Galwan face-off: No Indian troops missing in action, says MEA

India-China face-off: Core issue is to 'strictly' follow bilateral border pacts, says MEA

New Delhi (NVI): No Indian troops are missing in the violent clashes with the Chinese Army that took place Ladakh‘s Galwan Valley on Monday night, the Ministry of External Affairs said today in response to a question during a media briefing.

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, “This has been clarified by the Army today afternoon that there are no Indian troops missing in action.”

Srivastava also reiterated that both sides are in regular touch with each other to solve the matter through diplomatic and military level talks.

“The two sides are in regular touch through their respective embassies and foreign offices.  At the ground level the two sides have maintained communication at the commanders’ level. Meetings of other established diplomatic mechanisms such as Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs (WMCC) are under discussion,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Major-General level talks between the two sides continued for the third day today but the details of the meeting are yet to come.

During the media briefing today, the MEA spokesperson reiterated that it was the Chinese side that departed from the consensus to respect the LAC in the Galwan valley that was arrived on June 6 meeting between the top military commanders from both the sides.

“On the late evening and night of 15th June 2020, a violent face-off happened when the Chinese side unilaterally attempted to change the status quo there,” the External Affairs spokesman said while recalling the Monday night incident.

“They took premeditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties suffered by both sides. This could have been avoided had the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side,” he added.

Srivastava also mentioned the telephonic conversation between EAM S Jaisankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where the Indian FM “conveyed that the need of the hour was for the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps.”

Apart from that, the MEA spokesperson echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stand on the issue saying while India remains firmly convinced of the need for maintenance of peace and tranquility in the borders areas and the resolution of differences through dialogue. “At the same time, we are also strongly committed to ensuring India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

20 Indian soldiers including the commanding officer of 16 Bihar regiment were killed in the violent face-off with China’s PLA on the intervening night of June 15 and 16.

India-China stand-off: J&K DGP says terror outfits may try to foment trouble in Kashmir

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh today said that in the wake of Galwan Valley stand-off in Ladakh, there were reports that infiltration may increase as various terrorist outfits have joined hands across Line of Control (LoC) to foment trouble in Kashmir.

DGP Singh chaired a high-level security review meeting in Jammu today, which was attended by top Police, Army, BSF, CRPF and intelligence officers from the UT’s security grid. All the officers gave their feedback on the prevailing situation in J&K in the backdrop of the recent violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley of Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, including an officer.

Officials said that at the outset of the meeting, the participants paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Galwan Valley clashes with China’s PLA on Monday night.

The officials said that DGP Singh complimented the Police, Army and paramilitary forces for outstanding performance and exhorted them to continue with the efforts to maintain peace and create a further conducive environment.

“Our officers and policemen, paramilitary forces and the army is continuing with successful operations in counter-insurgency grid and on borders. Cross LoC infiltration attempts are being made continuously from Pakistan even in times of pandemic and we have to be extra alert to thwart all such attempts,” the DGP said in the meeting.

He said that in view of the Ladakh standoff, Pakistan will try to push more militants into this side and also give impetus to violence in Kashmir and elsewhere.

“Border alongside Pakistan needs extra attention in view of the Ladakh developments. He said that there are reports that militant outfits in Pakistan like Jaish, Hizbul, Lashkar etc are joining hands to create mischiefs in our Union Territory. There are greater challenges for which we have to be prepared in the changed environment,” the DGP said and directed the officers to take care of the vital installations as also review minority guards.

He also said that the security presence on the highway grid has been increased by putting in service mobile patrols and the number of Nakas (checkpoints) has also been increased.

The J&K police chief also said that there is an urgent monitor social media space as anti-national feelings can be whipped-up at such time, which “we need to guard against.”

A police spokesman said that during the meeting, ceasefire violations and infiltration dynamics were discussed. “There are a number of camps all across the borders in various sectors where militants are ready to infiltrate,” he said.

The spokesman said that in the meeting, IG BSF Jammu, NS Jamwal gave a presentation with regard to strengthening of border grid and briefed on the security plans being made on LoC and International Border (IB).

CAIT appeals Indian celebrities to stop endorsing Chinese products

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI) In an open letter to India celebrities, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has appealed to them to join the call for boycotting all Chinese products and stop endorsing them, as a mark of respect for the fallen Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley attack.

The traders’ body has appealed to celebrities including actors and cricketers “unite in this national movement” and stand in solidarity with the Indian soldiers who face “continued unabated aggression from China.”

The confederation has requested Aamir Khan, Virat Kohli, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan to stop endorsing Chinese brands as a mark of respect for Indian soldiers.

“At a time when China’s army in the most clandestine manner has committed a barbaric attack on the Indian army at Ladakh border, the heart of every Indian is filled with deep anguish, resentment and abhorrence against the atrocities of the Chinese and their persistent attitude of antagonism towards India. The blood of every Indian today is boiling with a strong sense of vengeance and a firm resolve to hit back at China not only militarily but also economically,” read the letter.

CAIT has also invited Amitabh Bacchan, Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, Madhuri Dikshit, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Sonu Sood to join the nationwide campaign of “boycott Chinese goods” under its flagship movement “Bhartiya Saaman – Hamara Abhiman”.

20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent face-off with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on the intervening night of June 15 and 16 in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley near Line of Actual Control (LAC).

There is a strong anti-China sentiment in the country after the “pre-meditated and planned” attack by the Chinese army on Indian troops that lead to violent clashes and casualties on both sides.

-RJV/ARK

COVID cases in Afghanistan climb to 27,532; death toll at 546

New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus cases in Afghanistan saw a rise of 658 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number to 27,532, according to Afghan media reports.

The death toll due to the virus rose to 546 with 42 new fatalities being reported in the last 24 hours.

Among the fresh cases reported, the highest count of new positive cases was reported in Kabul with 415, followed by Bamiyan with 62 positive cases.

Likewise, 40 cases were reported in Takhar, 27 in Kandahar, 6 in Balkh, 21 in Logar, 17 in Baghlan, 2 in Ghazni, 7 in Parwan, 22 in Kunduz, 14 in Panjshir, 4 in Faryab, 5 in Ghor, 6 in Zabul, and 10 in Daikundi.

In terms to fatalities, 17 COVID-19 deaths in Kabul, 19 in Herat, 1 in Balkh, 2 in Samangan and 3 in Faryab in the last 24 hours, as per media reports.

The Afghan Ministry of Public Health said 7,660 people have recovered from the respiratory disease in Afghanistan.

So far, 61,599 people have been tested for COVID-19 in the country, as per media reports.

-RJV

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