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8 minors among 35 new Covid cases in J&K, tally reaches 701

Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir today witnessed yet another surge in Covid cases as 35 more people were tested positive for the coronavirus, taking the overall tally in the Union Territory to 701.

However, the government said more people testing positive was the outcome of the increase in the UT’s testing capacity as the administration was conducting 2,500 plus tests a day.

J&K government spokesperson, Rohit Kansal in a tweet said that the government has increased the testing capacity and over 2,500 people tested in a day, breaking the 2,000 tests a day barrier.

“Finally J&K breaks the 2000 tests a day barrier. Over 2500 tests conducted in a day. New positives 35; Recoveries 33. Total Cases now 701 (Kashmir 640, Jammu 61),” Kansal tweeted.

He said that the positive cases have crossed 700-mark as 35 more people tested positive today, taking the tally of positive cases to 701. Kansal said that 640 cases out of 701 belong to Kashmir division and 61 are from Jammu region.

Officials said that out of 35 fresh cases, 34 are from Kashmir division and one from Jammu division. They said that out of 34 positive cases in Kashmir, 24 were tested positive at SKIMS Lab, 10 were tested positive at CD hospital Lab and one in Jammu GMC laboratory.

Among the new 34 new cases from Kashmir division, 11 are from Kupwara, 10 from Anantnag, 5 from Budgam, 4 from Shopian, 3 from Baramulla and one from Pulwama district.

Officials at the SKIMS Soura hospital in Srinagar said that that out of 24 cases tested positive at SKIMS today, 6 are between the age group of 3 and 14 while officials from GMC Srinagar said out of ten new positive patients, two are in the age group of 3 and 14. “In total, there were eight minors in the total 35 cases tested positive today,” the officials said.

As per officials figures, 128 positive cases including one death and 55 recoveries are from Bandipora, 109 positive cases including one death and a recovery from Anantnag, 106 including two deaths and 70 recoveries from Srinagar, 91 including 34 recoveries and 3 deaths from Baramulla, 81 including 19 recoveries from Shopian, 66 including 23 recoveries from Kupwara, 26 including 12 recoveries from Budgam, 14 with all 14 recoveries are from Ganderbal, 11 including 03 recoveries from Kulgam and 08 including 03 recoveries from Pulwama.

In Jammu division, all 26 patients have recovered in Jammu district, 20 including one death and 19 recoveries are from Udhampur, 7 with four recoveries are from Samba and 4 including three recoveries are from Rajouri, one from Kishtwar who has also recovered and one active case each from Ramban, Kuthua and Reasi.

As per the daily bulletin, 75,838 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 10,751 persons have been kept under home quarantine, besides 406 persons in hospital isolation and 183 persons under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 57,386 persons have completed surveillance period and 7,104 persons are under home surveillance.

Apart from that, results of 26,038 samples are available out of which 25,337 samples have tested negative. 701 have been tested positive and among them 406 are active, 287 persons have recovered and 8 persons have died.

Kashmiri saffron, world’s most expensive spice, gets GI tag

New Delhi (NVI): Kashmiri ‘kesar’ (saffron), an aromatic spice known world over for its unique taste and rich colour, has got the much-awaited Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Cultivated and harvested exclusively in the Karewas (high lands) of Jammu and Kashmir, the saffron variety is a much sought after spice in the world as well as in the country, famous for its aroma, deep colour and long and thick threads.

“Kashmir Saffron gets a GI tag! Kashmir Saffron has the distinction of being the purely chemical-free, organic and safe consequently being the preferred choice of the consumers,” the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a tweet.

Kashmir saffron is the only saffron grown at an altitude of 1600m to 1800m above the Mean Sea Level in the world, which adds to its distinctiveness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available in the market world over.

The spice is grown in some regions of the Kashmir including Budgam, Pulwama, Kishtwar and Srinagar. It also serves as a means of livelihood for many farmers in the region. Pampore in Pulwama is known as “Saffron Town of Kashmir”. The spice is known and used for its herbal and medicinal properties.

The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry also congratulated Directorate of Agriculture, J&K for getting GI tag for Kashmir saffron.

J&K: 8 civilians injured as unexploded shell goes off near Handwara encounter site

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): At least eight people were injured after an unexploded shell went off, a few kilometers from the Handwara encounter site, where a deadly overnight gunbattle ended this morning.

Eye-witnesses said that scores of people assembled at Ahgam in Handwara area, a village geographically located on a higher side, from where people were watching the sanitisation operation by security forces. All of a sudden a blast occurred and at least eight people were flat on the ground.

“We immediately whisked the injured away to the nearby medical facility for treatment. Thank God, all are stable,” said an eye-witness. He said it wasn’t clear what caused the explosion but those hurt received splinter injuries.

Residents of Ahgam said that the injured were shifted to Sub-District Hospital Handwara from where two were shifted to Srinagar hospital for advanced treatment.

A police official also said that an explosion has occurred in Ahgam village but stated that the entire police force of the area was busy in sanitising the encounter spot. “We are ascertaining the details what caused the explosion,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Army suffered heavy losses as a Colonel, a Major, two soldiers died along with a J&K police sub-inspector, in the overnight encounter at Changimul, Handwara. Two terrorists were also killed in the gunfight while a residential house was damaged.

WATCH | IAF SU-30 aircraft fly past Marine Drive in Mumbai to honour Covid warriors

Indian Air Force SU-30 aircraft flew past Marine Drive in Mumbai to express gratitude towards medical professionals and all Covid warriors working day and night to contain the spread of coronavirus in India. Army, Navy and Air Force today carried out coordinated activities including flypasts and showering flower petals overs hospitals as a special gesture towards those at the forefront on Covid-19 in the country. Read more

WATCH | Army targets house where militants were hiding in Handwara encounter in J&K

Security forces target house where militants were hiding in Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district late last evening. Defence spokesperson in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia told NVI that a joint operation was launched by Army and Police on the basis of an intelligence input that militants had taken some civilians as hostages at a house in Changimul. Two Army officers including a Colonel and a Major, two soldiers, and a J&K Police sub-inspector were killed in the encounter. The overnight encounter ended early this morning with the killing of two militants. Read more

Armed forces honour corona warriors: IAF conducts flypast, choppers shower flowers

New Delhi (NVI): In a big salute to corona warriors by Armed forces, Indian Air Force aircraft are conducting a fly past across the length and breadth of the country today, while Army bands are performing outside hospitals treating coronavirus patients.

The Armed forces are holding these activities in a special thanksgiving exercise to healthcare workers in the country. This comes as the nationwide lockdown has been extended to May 17 to combat Covid-19 and the districts in the country have been divided into red, orange and green zones.

Armed forces have organised multiple events like fly past by fighter and transport aircraft of the IAF from Srinagar to Thiruvanthapuram, and from Dibrugarh to Kacchh.


Army, Navy and Air Force are conducting these activities in a coordinated manner. The Navy and Indian Coast Guard will move ships in formations at sea at select locations while Army bands will visit COVID hospitals and play tunes outside the hospitals in an expression of gratitude to the Corona Warriors.


On Friday, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat had conducted a press conference along with the three services chiefs, announcing the special gesture by the armed forces to honour COVID warriors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also welcomed the decision by CDS Gen, Rawat, saying in a tweet: “…our Forces are, in a unique way, saying a big thank you to our frontline COVID-19 warriors for their endeavour towards making India COVID-19 free…”

The Prime Minister also shared a video via Tweet today, appreciating the unique gesture by the three forces to thank Covid warriors.

Colonel, Major among 5 killed in encounter at J&K’s Handwara, 2 terrorists dead

Shopian encounter
File Photo

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): An Army Colonel, a Major, two soldiers and a J&K police sub-inspector lost their lives in an overnight gunbattle at Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district while two terrorists were also killed in the gunfight, Army officials said today.

A deadly encounter broke out at Changimul area of Handwara late last evening between terrorists and the security forces after joint teams of the forces laid a siege in the area on the basis of a specific lead about the presence of the ultras hiding there.

Defence Spokesperson in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia told NVI that a joint operation was launched by Army and Police, based on an intelligence input that militants had taken as hostages some civilian inmates of a house in Changimul.

“A team comprising five army and JK police officers entered the house and to evacuate the civilians. However, during the process, the team was subjected to heavy volume of firefight. Two militants were killed,” Colonel Kalia said. He said that in the ensuing encounter, security forces personnel comprising two Army officers (a Colonel and a Major) two soldiers and one JK police sub-inspector were killed.

At the encounter site in Handwara this morning. (Photo via arrangement)

Defence sources said that the bodies of two militants have been recovered from the site of encounter. The bodies of slain Army officers, soldiers and J&K police cop have also been retrieved.

Senior police officials said that a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander from Pakistan was among the two terrorists killed in the encounter. Identified as Haider, the LeT commander had sneaked into this side of the LoC in 2017 and was heading a Lashkar module in north Kashmir.

The two martyred officers are Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, a gallantry award winner, and Major Anuj Sood.

Colonel Ashutosh was a decorated officer and an expert in jungle warfare.

Colonel Ashutosh was immensely respected for his quick response to emergencies. A brave Army officer, he once killed a terrorist in a public place at a distance of 5 meters on road in a near hand to hand combat. He was also an expert in jungle warfare.

Colonel Ashutosh Sharma had once killed a terrorist at a public place in a close hand to hand combat.
Major Anuj Sood also lost his life in the encounter, along with two soldiers. The whole team was led by Colonel Ashutosh.

The two deceased soldiers have been identified as Naik Rajesh and Lance Naik Dinesh, while the slain J&K policeman has been identified as Sub-inspector Shakeel Qazi.

J&K Police Sub-inspector Shakeel Qazi.

The operation was started by Army’s 15 and 21 RR regiments yesterday as the para commandos of 9 Para regiment were also rushed to the spot. A house where militants were hiding was also damaged in the gunfight.

The Handwara encounter has been the deadliest in the recent past where security forces suffered heavy causalities. This year, security forces eliminated over 50 militants of which 34 have been killed since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kashmir.

Wreath laying ceremony of slain Army personnel and J&K cop held in Handwara today.

Meanwhile, a wreath-laying ceremony of the slain Army personnel and J&K cop was held at battalion headquarters of 30 RR, based in Langate, Handwara today. All senior officers of Police, Army and CRPF participated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the slain soldiers and security personnel.
“Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred in Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. Condolences to their families and friends,” he said in a tweet.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled their deaths. “I offer my tributes to the soldiers and security personnel who fell in action. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones today. India stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of these brave martyrs,” he tweeted.

Army Chief General MM Naravane also paid tribute to the martyrs. “General M M Naravane #COAS and all ranks of #IndianArmy pay tributes to the valiant braves of our Army and J&K Police for their supreme sacrifice while fighting and eliminating terrorists in #Handwara,” the Indian Army tweeted through its official handle.


“This operation exemplified true tradition and strong determination of the #SecurityForces to safeguard the lives of own citizens. The Commanding Officer leading from the front along with others is testimony to the motto of Service before Self,” the Army said in another tweet.

Former Army Chief and Union Minister, General (Retd) VK Singh also expressed condolences over the death of Army personnel in the operation. “Proud of Col Ashutosh Sharma, Sena Medal Bar-twice decorated, CO 21 RR, who led Maj Anuj Sood,21 RR
NK Rajesh,21 RR LNK Dinesh,21 RR Shakeel Qazi, JKP in #Handwara to rescue civilians Team made the ultimate sacrifice. Shall always be grateful for your service & sacrifice #JaiHind,” he tweeted.

Coronavirus cases in India near 40,000-mark, 1301 deaths so far

(Representational/file photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The Covid-19 cases tally in India has climbed to 39,980, with 1,301 deaths recorded so far, as per the Ministry of Health data this morning.

There are 28,046 active cases now, while 10,632 patients have been cured or discharged.

Yesterday, 37,336 total confirmed cases were recorded, with 1,218 deaths. Going by the data, 83 cases have been recorded in the country in the past 24 hours, highest in a single day.

Doctors and medical experts have noted that there has been a spike in the number of cases as Covid testing has increased in the past few days. At present, around 70,000-80,000 samples are being tested on a daily basis.

However, the country has not reach a peak level in the number of cases or deaths and it may take another few weeks. Doctors have also observed that lockdown has definitely helped in controlling the situation and kept the number of cases from multiplying. They have said that without early restrictions, the curve would have been steeper.

Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi have recorded the highest number of cases in the country.

The nationwide lockdown to combat the disease has been extended to May 17 and the districts in the country have been divided into red, orange and green zones.

Meanwhile, Armed forces will today thanks corona warriors in India, with the Air Force conducting a flypast across the country, choppers showering flower petals on hospitals treating Covid patients and Army bands performing outside such hospitals.

The infectious disease has claimed over 2,44,000 deaths worldwide with 3.42 million total positive cases recorded.

Covid-19: 27 more test positive in J&K, tally mounts to 666

Abid Bashir 

Srinagar (NVI): A total of 27 people have tested positive for Covid-19 today in Jammu and Kashmir taking the tally of total of positive cases to 666.

According to the officials, out of the 27 fresh cases, 6 tested positive at SKIMS Lab, while 19 others tested positive at CD hospital Lab and 2 other cases were reported from GMC, Jammu.

Among the 25 cases from the Kashmir division, 15 are from Srinagar, 4 from Anantnag and 03 each from Baramulla and Shopian.

The officials said that among the 15 cases from Srinagar, 5 belong to a single family of Batpora Rainawari. 10 were tested positive on Friday night including eight from Srinagar, one from Narwara, who has a travel history of Delhi and other is a nursing employee from LD hospital.

The male nurse is from Jammu and is presently residing in Solina, Srinagar, the officials said adding that his contacts including his roommates and colleagues have been put under quarantine.

Pertinently, with these 27 fresh cases, the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir has reached to 666 including 60 from Jammu and 606 from the Kashmir division.

As per the officials figures, 128 positive cases including one death and 36 recoveries are from Bandipora, 99 positive cases including one death and recovery are from are Anantnag, 106 including two deaths and 69 recoveries are from Srinagar, 88 including 26 recoveries and 3 deaths are from Baramulla, 77 including 19 recoveries are from Shopian, 55 including 21 recoveries are from Kupwara, 21 including 11 recoveries are from Budgam, 14 with all fourteen recoveries are from Ganderbal, 11 including 03 recoveries are from Kulgam and 07 including 03 recoveries are from Pulwama.

As per the daily information bulletin, 74,083 people in the Union Territory are placed under observation while 9,816 people have been kept under home quarantine. In addition, 404 persons are kept in hospital isolation while 188 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 56,493 persons have completed the surveillance period and 7,174 persons are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 23,460 samples are available.

179 new positive cases in Afghanistan take Covid tally to 2,469

New Delhi (NVI): At least 179 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Afghanistan in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 2,469 across the country, according to Afghan media reports.

The country’s Ministry of Public Health spokesman said that 591 samples were tested from 12 provinces in the last 24 hours.

Among the new cases 75 were reported in Kabul, 23 in Herat, 18 in Balkh, 16 in Jawzjan, 15 in Kandahar, 10 in Ghazni, 7 in Baghlan, 5 in Logar, 4 in Takhar, 3 in Ghor, 2 in Zabul and 1 in Helmand.

An official spokesperson said, 249 medical personnel are currently infected with the coronavirus in the country.

In the past one week, at least 7,000 tests for COVID-19 were done, which shows that capacity is developing, as per media reports.

According to the ministry, so far more than 11,068 samples have been tested.

At least, 331 people have been cured or discharged while 72 have died across the country.

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