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2 militants, their associate killed in Kashmir encounter

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Two militants and their “hardcore associate” were killed in an overnight encounter with the security forces at Awantipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, police said today.

A police official said that after receiving a lead about the presence of militants at Goripora area Awantipora late on Friday evening, joint teams of police, army and paramilitary CRPF laid a siege in the village.

“The searches were intensified in the midnight. When security forces zeroed in on the house, the hiding militants fired indiscriminately on the forces, triggering an encounter,” the official said.

He said the firing was retaliated to and two militants and a “hardcore associate” of theirs were killed with the first light of the day.

Kashmir zone police on its twitter handle said, “2 unidentified militants and 1 hardcore associate of militants killed. Search is still going on. Details shall follow.”

Police sources said that the bodies of slain have been taken for legal formalities and identification.

Today’s gunfight took place barely a few hours after security forces killed two militants in Aarwani area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

The slain militants had abducted a policeman and were travelling in a vehicle. When they reached Kharpora, Arwani, where joint points of police and army had set up a check post after receiving an input, the vehicle was signaled to stop, but militants fired, triggering a brief shootout in which two militants were killed. The abducted cop was rescued while as another cop sustained minor injuries in the exchange of fire.

So far 50 militants have been killed in J&K this year and post outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic on March 18 in the UT, 23 militants have been killed so far in various encounters.

Coronavirus cases surge past 2.8 million globally

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases worldwide has gone up to nearly 2.8 million, with more than 1,90,900 deaths being reported, according to John Hopkins University tally.

Around 781,000 infected people have recovered from the deadly virus around the world so far.

The United States reported the maximum 8,90,524 cases with more than 51,000 deaths due to the contagion.

U.S President Donald Trump signed a 484 billion U.S. dollar coronavirus relief bill.

With U.S death toll topping 51,000 and nearly one in six workers out of a job, Georgia, Oklahoma and several other states took tentative steps at reopening businesses, according to media reports.

In mainland China, total number of COVID-19 cases now stands at 82, 816 with no new deaths reported, leaving the toll unchanged at 4,632.

A total of 983 asymptomatic patients are under medical observation, as per government data.

The authorities in Tokyo are urging people to stay home from today till May 6 to curb the spread of the coronavirus, officials said.

In addition to this, the World Health Organisation said, the agency is teaming up with countries and partners worldwide to accelerate work on drugs and a vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Covid-19 cases in India rise to 24,506; death toll at 775

(Representational/file photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen to 24,506 and fatalities from the virus have gone up to 775, according to the Union Health Ministry.

In the last 24 hours,1,752 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the country, the highest single day rise, ministry said.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected state, with more than 6,000 cases and 280 deaths.

Gujarat has surpassed Delhi and Tamil Nadu to become the second-worst affected state in the country.

No new case of COVID-19 has been reported from 80 districts in the last 14 days, it said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued order to allow shops selling non-essential goods to open, easing lockdown restriction.

So far, number of active cases stands at 18,668 and 5,062 people have been cured/discharged.

J&K: Advisor Baseer Khan reviews SOPs for resuming MGNREGA activities

Srinagar (NVI): Advisor to J&K Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan today said that MGNREGA activities can be resumed amid lockdown in the Union Territory while following the guidelines issued by Union Ministry of Rural Development.

Khan stated this while chairing a meeting to review the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the resumption and roll out of Rural Development Department activities during the lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, instructions were conveyed for resumption of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) activities as per the Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. “The Advisor further stated that under the SOPs, officials of MGNREGA must ensure that an adequate shelf of works is approved in every area in order to meet the demand for the works of the job seekers,” the statement said.

The meeting was informed that the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) would start works at district level as per demand of wage seekers for areas outside the demarcated containment zones. However, if any new area is included in the category of containment zones, then MGNREGA activities allowed in that area will be immediately suspended.

The DPC will also ensure allocation of works in such a way that social distancing could be maintained at the works sites. During the allotment of works, it shall be ensured that the on-going and incomplete works should be completed first.

The Advisor emphasized the need for adherence to Social Distancing, usage of masks and personal sanitation at the work sites. “He further directed to focus on Irrigation and Water Conservation Works, Construction of Ponds, Wells, Horticulture and other related activities,” the statement said.

PM extends Ramzan greetings

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Ramzan. The holy month of Ramzan began today after the sighting of the crescent moon.

In his message on Twitter, PM Modi wished for the safety and well being of all amid the coronavirus pandemic and a healthier planet.

“Ramzan Mubarak! I pray for everyone’s safety, well-being and prosperity. May this Holy Month bring with it abundance of kindness, harmony and compassion. May we achieve a decisive victory in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and create a healthier planet,” he tweeted.


The start of Ramzan is decided as per the sighting of the moon. The Muslim community around the country will now start the fasting for the month-long festival from tomorrow.

J&K: Militants abduct cop, intercepted and killed

Kashmir
Representational Image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Terrorists tonight abducted a policeman in Kashmir but they were intercepted by security forces soon after, leading to a gunfight in which two militants were killed and the abductee was rescued.

Police constable Sartaj Ahmed Itoo of Yaripora in Kulgam district of South Kashmir was abducted by the militants.

The militants abducted the policeman at Shirpora village following which an immediate cordon was launched by a joint team of Police and Army, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Range, Vijay Kumar (IPS) said.

“Soon, militants were chased at Kharpora, leading to a brief gunfight in which both of them were killed while a policeman was injured, ” he said.

“The joint team successfully rescued the abducted cop,” the IGP added.

Police sources said after the tip-off that the militants along with the abducted cop were traveling in a vehicle, a check post was set up in Arwani area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district.

On sighting the suspect vehicle, the security forces signalled the driver to stop it. But the militants inside the vehicle opened fire and tried to flee.

This triggered a brief shootout in which two militants were killed.

In the exchange of fire, a policeman also sustained injury and was removed to nearby medical facility for treatment.

Sources in the police said that the two slain militants had recently joined militancy and were affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit.

20 more test positive in J&K, Covid tally mounts to 454

Representational image

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Twenty more persons have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Kashmir today, pushing the total tally of cases in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to 454.

J&K government officials told NVI that all fresh Covid positive cases were confirmed at Viral Diagnostic Lab of SKIMS hospital, Soura. “Of them, nine are from Bandipora, five from Shopian, four from Kupwara and two from Baramulla district,” they said.

The officials said that among total 454 cases, 57 are from Jammu division and 397 from Kashmir division. Apart from that, total number of active cases in Kashmir is 301 and 39 in Jammu division.

They said that 109 persons have recovered in Jammu and Kashmir so far. Among them, 92 are from Kashmir division while 17 persons have recovered in Jammu division. “Four persons in Kashmir division and one person in Jammu division have died due to Covid-19,” said officials.

Dr GH Yatoo, Nodal officer for Covid- 19 at SKIMS Soura, said that out of 395 samples tested today, 20 were tested positive while 375 were tested negative.

Among 20 positive cases, nine are from Bandipora, five from Shopian, four from Kupwara and two from Tangmarg and all positive cases have contact history, he said, adding that one more patient was discharged from SKIMS after recovery.

As per officials figures, 79 positive cases, including one death and 27 recoveries are from Srinagar, 108 positive cases including 22 recoveries and one death are from Bandipora, 52 including two deaths and 12 recoveries are from Baramulla, 45 including six recoveries from Kupwara, 60 including 11 recoveries are from Shopian, 14 including two recoveries are from Ganderbal, 14 including nine recoveries are from Budgam, 6 are from Kulgam, 16 from Anantnag and three cases (all recovered) are from Pulwama in Kashmir division.

In Jammu division, 26 including five recoveries are from Jammu district, 20 including one death and eight recoveries are from Udhampur, 4 from Samba and 4 from Rajouri including three recoveries, one from Kishtiwar who has also recovered and one from Ramban.

As per the daily information bulletin, 65,722 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while as 6,162 persons have been kept under home quarantine. Apart from that, 340 persons are in hospital isolation while 260 persons are under hospital quarantine.

According to the bulletin, 46,985 persons have completed surveillance period and 11,979 persons are under home surveillance. Besides that, results of 11,764 samples are available.

Out of the 11,764, the number of samples that tested negative stand at 11,310 while as 454 have been tested positive. Among them, 340 are active and 109 persons have recovered. J&K has reported five deaths so far.

Oil refineries in Pakistan suffer huge losses, seek bailout package

New Delhi (NVI): With the global oil industry bearing the adverse impact of Covid-19, the oil refineries in Pakistan have suffered huge losses and are left with no option but to shut down their operations, according to a The News report.

Pakistan’s refineries have apprised the government of their situation while seeking a bailout package if it wants to keep the industry afloat, the Pak daily reported.

Crude oil prices plunged below zero dollars a barrel for the first time in history earlier this week, owing to low demand across the world amid the pandemic situation.

Oil markets crashed in the US, where the prices of oil went into negative zone due to lack of demand, even as there was a recovery later.

The spread of the novel coronavirus recently and a price war between Gulf nations and Russia on crude has also sent oil prices into the negative zone. As a result, refineries in Pakistan have to bear the brunt of the severe price fluctuations, in recent months, resulting in huge losses, The News reported.

Three out of five refineries have already braved over Rs 16 billion in losses in the last nine months, according to the newspaper.

The two other refineries are also running huge losses and that they plan to make it public in the coming days, reports The News.

According to the newspaper, the Managing Directors of the five refineries including National Refinery Limited (NRL), Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), Pak-Arab Refinery (PARCO), Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), and BYCO told the government in a meeting yesterday that they were close to shutting down.

However, the Pakistan government has asked the refineries to come up with proposals for the bailout package.

Covid-19: India reaches out to nationals stuck in Nigeria

Officials at the Indian Embassy in Nigeria (Source: Twitter @india_nigeria)

New Delhi (NVI): Amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Indian Embassy in Nigeria has reached out to Indians stuck in the African country and assured them of every possible support.

In this regard, the mission officials interacted with Indian community organizations, Samajams and businesses in Nigeria yesterday, through a video conference in which more than 200 people participated, the embassy said in a tweet.


The officials addressed the concerns of Indian citizens in the country and reassured them of the mission’s constant support.

Earlier today, External Affairs Ministers S Jaishankar also had a conversation with his Nigerian counterpart Geoffrey Jideofor Kwusike Onyeama. The two leaders had a discussion on coronavirus cooperation between the two countries. Jaishankar also reiterated India’s commitment to providing medicines.

In a tweet, the EAM said: “Good conversation with FM @GeoffreyOnyeama of #Nigeria. Discussed our #coronavirus cooperation; India is committed to provide key medicines. Thanked him for the welfare of the Indian community. Exchanged views on the Commonwealth.”

The External Affairs Ministry has been receiving several requests regarding Indians stuck in the west Africa nation amid the coronavirus outbreak, from their relatives or family members in India.

India is currently under an extended lockdown till May 3 in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak and all domestic and international air travel has been suspended till further orders.

J&K HC rejects bail application of former Finance Minister’s son

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu & Kashmir High Court today dismissed the bail application of former Finance Minister Abdur Rahim Rather’s son in a multi-crore bank fraud case.

A single bench of the High Court headed by Justice Puneet Gupta dismissed the bail application moved by Hilal Rather, son of former Finance Minister Abdur Rahim Rather, on medical grounds.

“The application being without merit is dismissed. The merits of the case have not been argued by the counsels as the application for bail was mainly confined on medical grounds,” reads the High Court order.

The court observed that bail cannot be granted on the mere asking of the accused, nor can the accused claim bail as a matter of right. “Each case has to be decided on its own merits,” the court observed.

It also observed that the case of the accused is not covered by the directions of the Supreme Court for decongesting jails in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

“The other contention of the learned counsel for the accused is that the case of the accused is covered by the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court issued in view of the spread of COVID-19 and the lockdown which is in force. The learned counsel for the respondent has argued that the case of the accused is not covered by the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and in any case the charges in which the accused has been booked carry the punishment for more than seven years,” reveals the court order.

The Court observed that the apprehension raised by counsel for the accused that he may contact infection or even can infect other inmates of the jail due to the prevailing conditions is not borne out from the record. “The court finds no material on record which substantiates the argument of the counsel for the accused. The apprehension of the accused is misplaced as of now. The Jail authorities must be otherwise taking all the measures to keep the jail in hygienic conditions keeping in view the onslaught of COVID-19. The bail cannot be granted on mere assumption that the conditions in the Jail are unhygienic and that the accused will suffer for that reason,” the order read.

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