DDC Polls: 23.67 % Votes Polled Till 11 AM Across J&K

SRINAGAR: The 2nd phase of DDC elections 2020 recorded voter percentage of 23.67 % across different constituencies spread over all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir till 11:00 am.

Voters show indelible ink marks on their fingers after casting vote in Amira Kadal area of Srinagar on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

As per the figures given by the office of State Election Commissioner, in Kashmir Division, Kupwara has recorded voting percentage of 16%, Bandipora 39.89%, Baramulla 14.45%, Ganderbal 15.65%, Srinagar 18.26%, Budgam 25.29%, Pulwama 6.08333 %, Shopian 3.95%, Kulgam 14.37% and Anantnag 15.56% till 11:00 AM.

Similarly, in Jammu division, Kishtwar has recorded voting percentage of 28.47%, Doda 35.86%, Ramban 24.75%, Reasi 32.27%, Udhampur 26.39%, Kathua 29.75%, Samba 38.34%, Jammu 39.65 %, Rajouri 32.09% and Poonch 38.42% till 11:00 AM.

Moreover, it was informed that the Kashmir Division recorded an overall polling percentage of 15.64% while as Jammu Division recorded 32.54% up to 11:00 AM.

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50-Year-Old Man Ends Life In Srinagar

SRINAGAR: A 50-year-old man on Tuesday morning ended his life by hanging himself to death in Banigam area of Shalimar in central Kashmir’s Srinagar.

Sources told news agency KDC that a 50-year-old man identified as Bashir Ahmad son of Ghulam Mohammed, a resident of Banigam Shalimar, allegedly hanged himself to death at his home.

Meanwhile, Police have taken cognizance of the incident and have set investigations into motion.

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DDC Elections: 6.61 % Votes Polled Till 9 Am Across J&K; Bandipora Records Highest 15.56% In Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A large number of people have come out to cast their votes during the second phase of District Development Council Elections 2020. Long queues can be seen despite severe cold conditions in Kashmir Division and hilly areas of Jammu Division.

Voters stepping inside the polling station to exercise their vote in Amira Kadal area of Srinagar on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

The historic elections being held for the first time for electing representatives to the District Development Councils leading to local government has gone well with the people and they are coming out in large number. People are enthusiastic to exercise their Right to Franchise.

43 constituencies are going under polling in the second phase of DDC elections including 25 constituencies in Kashmir division and 18 in Jammu division.

In Kashmir Division, Kupwara has voting percentage of 3.54%, Bandipora 15.56%, Baramulla 1.88%, Ganderbal 2.44%, Srinagar 8.33%, Budgam 2.09%, Pulwama 0.71%, Shopian 2.11%, Kulgam 1.89%, Anantnag 4.47% upto 9.00 am.

Voters in a queue at a polling booth in Srinagar on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, during DDC elections. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

Similarly, in Jammu division Kishtwar has voting percentage of 8.49%, Doda 9.08%, Ramban 6.39%, Reasi  10.90%, Udhampur 9.26%, Kathua 10.45%, Samba 17.27%, Jammu 9.80%, Rajouri 9.06% and Poonch 13.49% upto 9 am.

Kashmir division has polling percentage of 3.23% and Jammu division has 10.36% voter turnout. Overall, 6.61% voters have casted their votes upto 9 am.

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With 31,118 New Cases, India’s Covid Tally Nears 95L-Mark

SRINAGAR: With 31,118 new coronavirus cases and 482 deaths in the past 24 hours, India’s overall tally stood at 94,62,809 on Tuesday, as the fatality toll touched 1,37,621, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

Currently, there are 4,35,603 active cases, whereas 88,89,585 patients have been cured and discharged so far.

The recovery rate stands at 93.94 per cent, and the fatality rate is 1.45 as per cent, the Ministry said.

Maharashtra continued to be the worst-hit state with 18,23,896 cases till date. There are 91,623 active cases and 47,151 Covid-19 deaths.

According to the Ministry, over 70 per cent of the daily new cases are contributed by eight States and UT, i.e. Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh.

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 63 million mark, while the deaths have surged to more than 1.46 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In its latest update on Tuesday, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 6,31,89,103 and 14,66,762, respectively.

The US is the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 1,35,36,216 and 2,67,987 respectively, according to the CSSE.

India comes in second place in terms of cases.(IANS)

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Minimum Temperatures Improve Further In Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The weather slightly improved further in the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday with an increase in the minimum temperatures brought some relief to the people of Kashmir from a severe cold.

“The weather is likely to improve further and will remain dry till December 6,” an official said.

He said that the night temperature across Kashmir valley improved by several degrees last night.

“Mainly dry weather is expected till 6th December. A spell of rain and snow is likely during December 7 and December 8,” said an official.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded 1.0 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature on today as compared to Monday’s minus 1.3.

The famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, which experienced several feet of snowfall on various occasions last month, was the coldest place in Kashmir with a low of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius.

The famous hill resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a minimum of 0.2 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara township of north Kashmir recorded a low of 1.0 degrees Celsius. Kokernag, in south Kashmir, recorded 1.2 degrees Celsius while Qazigund registered 1.4, he said.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 10.9 degrees Celsius, Katra recorded 10.6, Banihal 4.2, Batote recorded 8.1 and Bhaderwah 5.4 as the night’s lowest temperatures.

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DDC Polls-Phase 2: Voting Begins In J&K Amid Tight Security, Covid Guidelines

SRINAGAR: Voting in the second phase of the District Development Council (DDC) elections and byelections for panch and sarpanchs in Jammu and Kashmir has begun from 7 am.

Voters in a queue at a polling booth in Srinagar on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, during DDC elections. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

In DDC elections, voting is taking place in 43 constituencies — 25 in Kashmir Division and 18 in Jammu — and it will continue till 2 pm today (Tuesday).

There are a total of 321 candidates in the electoral fray — 196 from the Kashmir Division and 125 from Jammu.

Out of 7,95,118 voters, 3,88,273 are from Jammu Division and 4,06,845 are from Kashmir. Kashmir Division has 2,12,024 male voters and 1,94,821 women, whereas Jammu has 2,04,721 male electors and 1,83,553 female voters.

The sarpanch bypolls are being conducted in 83 constituencies and total 223 (151 male and 72 female) candidates are in the fray. The panch bypolls are being held in 331 constituencies with 709 candidates (552 males and 157 females) in the fray.

There are 2,142 polling stations — 837 in the Jammu Division and 1,305 in Kashmir.

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DDC Elections: Ganderbal Parts To Go For Polls Tomorrow

by Ishtiyak Magray

GANDERBAL: Amid unprecedented security arrangements, voting for the second phase of the District Development Council (DDC) and Panchayat by-polls will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) in Jammu Kashmir

DDC Candidates

In Ganderbal district three DDC constituencies – Kangan-A, Kangan -B and Kangan-C- are going to vote. The officials informed that 171 polling booths have been set up in the district.

A total of 32135 electorates will exercise their franchise among which16848 voters are male voters while 15287 are female voters, an official told Kashmir Life.

For DDCpolls there  27 candidates are in the fray and for the Phancyat by- Elections for Sarpanch and Panch seats a total of 167 candidates are in the fray, he said.

“Out of 27 DDC candidates six each from Kangan-A, B and 15 from Kangan-C, while 13 and 154 are respectively contesting for Sarpanch and Panch seats.”

The campaigning for the second phase ended on Sunday. Elaborate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls and special measures taken in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the official claimed.

The major political parties including the recently formed People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) an amalgam of National Conference, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Peoples Conference and CPI(M) are fighting the maiden DDC elections together. BJP and Altaf Bukhari led Jammu Kashmir Apni party ( JKAP) are also in the fray.

In Kangan- A, six candidates are in the fray for DDC Seat but here it is going to be neck-to-neck contest between PDP’s Tasmeena Adil, the joint candidate of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and Ruheena Shahzad an independent candidate. BJP’s Rabiya Rasool and Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) Roohena are also in the fray for this seat.

Tasmeena Adil, candidate of PAGD is confident of winning this DDC said, “I can’t predict the winner, let’s wait for some time but still I am confident that I am going to win this seat,”.

An independent candidate Ruheena Shahzad, who according to sources is backed by BJP though she rejected this claim, is going to give PAGD’s a tough fight.

“I categorically reject this claim that I am backed by BJP, I am fighting as an independent candidate and I am hopeful that I will come out victorious.”

In Kangan-B, also six candidates are in the fray for DDC seat but NC contestant Miya Gulzar, the joint candidate of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration ( PAGD) is in a strong position against his rivals.

Junaid Ahmad Khatana the candidate of BJP, Nazir Ahmad of Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) besides three other candidates are in the fray for DDC seat.

Strong neck to neck contest is also expected in Kangan-C, where NC’s contestant, Mir Mudasir, the joint candidate of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration ( PAGD) is having a fight against Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JkAP) candidate Nazir Ahmad Mir.

PAGD’s Mir Mudasir is hopeful that he would emerge victorious.

“With the grace of Almighty Allah I have full faith on my supporters and inshaAllah I will win this seat,”.

But Jammu Kashmir Apni party candidate Nazir Ahmed is having too much confidence in grabbing this seat. “I want to end this injustice with our youth, I want to work for the welfare of the poor people, I am hopeful my people won’t let me down,”.

There are 15 candidates in fray for this seat. The polling will start at 7 am and will conclude at 2 PM.

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J&K’s Panchayat Awards Instituted

SRINAGAR: To recognize the ability, struggle, and excellence of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), besides encouraging competitiveness among them, the Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved institution of ‘Panchayat Awards’ at Union Territory level.

The awards will be conferred on Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and District Panchayats under 4 categories.

As a part of the annual celebrations of the National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April, the winning PRIs will be presented with J&K Panchayat Awards at a Union Territory level function, which will include a momento/citation and award money of Rs. 3 lakh (for Gram Panchayat), Rs. 4 Lakh (for Block Panchayat), and Rs. 5 lakh (for District Panchayat).

The process of selection of Panchayats for UT awards will coincide with the process of selection of Panchayats for national awards and will include nominations received from District Committees. The winners under each category will be selected by the UT level Panchayat Performance Assessment Committee headed by Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department.

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Covid-19 Claims 9 More Lives, J&K Toll 1694

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir reported nine more covid-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the number of those succumbing to the virus to 1694.

Among those who succumbed to the virus include six persons from Jammu and three from Kashmir Valley, the officials told news agency GNS on Monday.

Two among the deaths from Jammu region were reported from the winter capital of J&K, taking its count to 300 while Kishtwar reported two fatalities besides one each from Kathua and Samba.

The victims from Valley include one each from Budgam (a 70-year-old man from Khanda Chattergam), Bandipora (a 65-year-old man from Arampora)and Kulgam( a 58-year-old man from Checkiwangund Qazigund), they said.

With these deaths, the total fatality count in the Valley has reached 1104 and 590 in the Jammu region.

Srinagar district with 416 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (300), Baramulla (163), Budgam (101), Pulwama (86), Kupwara (83), Anantnag (78), Doda (56), Bandipora (51), Kulgam (51), Rajouri (49), Udhampur (49), Ganderbal (38), Shopian (37), Kathua (37), Samba (30), Poonch (22), Ramban (18), Kishtwar(18), and Reasi (9).

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DDC Polls: 4 Families Campaigned For Their Females Restricted To A Single Room For Security

by Farzana Nisar

KULGAM: Two DDC constituencies Manzgam and Pombay are all set to go to polls in the second phase on Tuesday. There are 14 candidates in fray including 10 candidates in Pombay and 4 in Manzgam.

PAGD Candidates

Manzgam, located 7 km away from sub-district headquarter Damhal Hanjipora, is a female reserved seat for the scheduled tribes (ST). There are four women in fray. This is for the first time that this major village has seen ST women into some kind of electoral activity.

Of the four candidates in fray, one belongs to Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) and the remaining are contesting as independents. What is interesting, all the four are under security as a result of which their families are campaigning for them enthusiastically. The campaigning was taking place without the candidates. Authorities had already restricted the contestants to some safe place.

Eventually, it turned out that authorities had “restricted” all the four to a single room for the 15 days now. They said now their families are campaigning for them but they had no idea about how their families are managing their campaign. Incidentally, a fortnight-long “association” has made them friendly with each other.

“This is the first time that we have been given a reservation and we are really happy about it,” Chowdhary Sobia Paswal, father of Jameela Akhter, a DDC candidate, told a gathering of STs. “This area has a 50% population of ST people and now we can have our own people fighting for our rights and needs.”

Hailing from Tangmarg Aharbal, Jameela Akhter of National Conference has been given a mandate by PAGD. She has a bachelor’s degree in science and has also done her BEd. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Arts through IGNOU. Her father has been an NC supporter for years and believes that loyalty towards his political party prompted him to make her daughter file the nomination. “The party has seen a lot of ups and downs but I never left the party,” said Sobia Paswal. “When the party asked me to find an educated female candidate from my area. I couldn’t find one and then my own daughter was my only choice.”

Jameela also feels that education played a major role in her decision to contest the elections. “I can speak well for my people and take the issues to higher authorities. After the abrogation of Article 370, people of Kashmir have suffered a lot and PAGD wants to serve them in the best way possible,” Jameela said. Jameela comes from a family of working people. One of her brother is a lecturer, another one serves the animal husbandry department and the third one is a doctor based in Chandigarh.

The other candidate is Rubeena Akhter who is contesting independently with Apple as her electoral symbol. “Abi nahi to kabi nahi (It’s now or never),” she said she believes in it.

Residing in Avil Gujjar Basti Manzgam, Rubeena is a housewife and has done her schooling till twelfth class. Eradication of poverty, Rubeena said, is her main plank for the election. “I am a poor woman and well acquainted with the problems that come along with the poverty,” Rubina told this reporter. “Our tribe has been neglected for long, and now its time to speak up for ourselves.”

Another independent candidate is from Halan Manzgam, Shaziya Akhter with the table as her symbol. She has dropped out after passing her matriculation. Shazia said she has always been fascinated by politics, and when Manzgam constituency was given a ST reservation she couldn’t resist taking part in DDC elections.

“More than passion, it was my helplessness that made me file the nomination. I have cried many times on seeing pregnant ladies being carried on shoulders to hospitals. I always wanted someone to raise these issues but nobody cared for us,” Shaziya said. “At the time of votes, the politicians used to come and make big promises but after they used to win, they hardly remembered us.”

Shaziya’s husband is a labourer and has been a great support to her. “He did a door to door campaigning for me and I am hopeful of non-ST support too.”

 The same Bijli, Paani, Sadak, is also the proclamation of independent candidate Shaheena Akhter who is famed as the wife of a local Village Level worker (VLW). With tractor as her election symbol, Shaheena said that her husband was initially apprehensive at her decision of entering district level politics. “He didn’t support me earlier but now when he realized that this is for our good, he is supportive,” she said. She said that ST people have been always looked down upon and it has impacted their position in politics too. “We need hospitals, road connectivity, power supply, and more than that we need respect. Political parties give mandate to influential people, so I decided to contest independently.”

According to locals, Jameela of PAGD is favourite to win the election, keeping in view the dominance of NC and PDP in the area. “Jameela is the only well-educated and well-speaking female candidate. PDP and NC has been holding sway in the past elections, so she is surely going to get a lot of votes from the supporters of both parties,” said a local, Aarif Ahmad.

Unlike Manzgam, the PAGD is fighting each other in Pombay where 10 male candidates are in the fray. While PAGD has fielded PDP’s Mohammad Amin Dar, CPI (M), a PAGD constituent has fielded Mohammad Afzal Paray. BJP has given the mandate to Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, a KB Pora resident.

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BJP Claims On Development A Crude Joke, Smokescreen For Its Failures: NC

SRINAGAR: National Conference on Monday asserted that despite running a high-pitch electoral battle in Kashmir, the sidelined and internally displaced lot of BJP campaigners have failed to impress the electorate in the ongoing DDC elections.

In a statement, NC Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said that the internally displaced leaders of  BJP are resorting to mistruth mongering and fabrication of facts in order to get coveted positions in the central cabinet. “The self-anointed strategists of BJP who have landed in Kashmir are the last persons to comment on the political aspirations and aspiration of the people of Kashmir as they themselves failed to pick up the mood of people in their respective constituencies in Bihar and elsewhere in the country, where their political careers have been extinguished by the voters.  Having been sidelined in the party, these people are leaving no stone unturned to vent their frustration in a bid to increase their political prospects back home,”  he said.

Imran said that BJP has mastered the art of spreading lies. “Ever since BJP came to power it has been using institutions to further its own interests rather than that of the nation subverting all established constitutional norms and ethics. The last-minute change of polling booths in the ongoing DDC elections, denying level playing field to contesting candidates, according to selective security to them and undue administrative intervention in the Mayoral elections are few cases in point that justify how brazenly averse BJP is towards democracy,” he said.

He said the hyper campaigning of BJP leadership and cabinet ministers reveals the shakeup the BJP is undergoing on account of the support PAGD is receiving from different quarters. Unlike other parts of the country, BJP cannot get away with lies here. “It goes without saying that the false propaganda is only meant to help BJP sail through the DDC elections and escape the wrath of people whom they have failed on all accounts. The malicious propaganda is short-lived and will die out on its own once the DDC elections are over. The frustration BJP rank and file is suffering from is well understandable in wake of the imminent drubbing it is anticipating in the forthcoming DDC election in J&K, “he said.

He said a fact check and misdirection of the BJP led Government speaks for itself, “All the claims of BJP have demonstrably been debunked by ground reports and figures of various national agencies like Niti Ayog.  BJP is lying profusely, lying globally, and lying nationally as well.  A large number of these lies seemed to justify the abject failure of the BJP government to rise up to the expectations of people, ignoring the measurable loss of life due to COVID-19 and the suffering inflicted on India’s poorest on account of a crumbling economy and rapidly increasing employment.   The Lying Spree of the BJP is also reflective of its failure to answer the burning questions,” he said.

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DDC Polls: In Shangus 4 Home Makers Are Fighting A Congressman’s Daughter

by Parrey Babar

SRINAGAR: The group of women contesting in the female reserve Shangus micro constituency has made the DDC election every interesting. One element to the contest was added by literal ‘adoption’ of an independent by the PAGD after the Congress-backed out of the alliance.

Salma Latief                                   Rozey Jan

Salma Lateef,  the wife of Mohammad Jameel, resident of Brari Angan is one of the contents. She said she lacks any political background. Salma is presently pursuing MBA degree through IGNOU.

Salma said she has filed nomination as an independent candidate with a tractor as her symbol.

After the Congress party withdraw support to Gupkar Alliance (PAGD), she claims the National Conference gave her the mandate even though she continues to be an independent technically. On the ground, neither of the PAGD constituents have rejected or questioned her claim. But it remains to be seen if they will vote for her.

“We will fight in bringing back our identity of Jammu and Kashmir i.e 370 and 35A, with support of Gupkar Alliance. I want to work for my people who had been fooled during decades by politicians,” Salma told this reporter.

Another candidate is Sabahat Gulzar, daughter of former MLA of Congress Gulzar Ahmad Wani. A resident of Chittergul Shangus, Sabahat is presently pursuing LLB from the University of Kashmir.

“I participated in elections, not because of my father but my own decision,” Sabahat said. “It is my aim to help people.”

Rozey Jan is another candidate. Wife of Abdul Hameed Reshi, a resident of Nagenaren, Rosy had completed her graduation from Government women’s college Anantnag. Rozey’s husband is a BJP sarpanch, but Rozey has filed her nomination as an independent candidate, having voter sign Television.

Rozey said she is contesting for a specific purpose. “We have to end the family rule of National conference, PDP and Congress who had fooled people from decades. Her (Sabahat) father was MLA and mother sarpanch and now daughter wants to be in DDC.”

Besides, there are two more candidates – Mubeena Begum wife of Ghulam Haider Khan on Apni Party mandate and Sabreena Mushtaq wife of Mushtaq Ahmad Shah as an Independent candidate.

The campaigning in this politically sensitive constituency remained low-profile with the candidates preferring taking in families at their homes. Quite a few gathering were reported from the area.

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J&K Reports 370 New COVID-19 Cases, Tally Reaches 110224

SRINAGAR: The Government on Monday informed that 370 new positive cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), 181 from Jammu division and 189 from Kashmir division, have been reported today thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 110224. Also, 09 COVID-19 deaths have been reported; 06 from Jammu division and 03 from Kashmir Division.

Moreover,483 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 202 from Jammu Division and 281 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), out of 110224 positive cases, 4965 are Active Positive, 103565 have recovered and 1694 have died; 590 in Jammu division and 1104 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 3014877 test results available, 2904653 samples have been tested as negative till November 30, 2020.

Till date 788608 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 20030 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 4965 in isolation and 37572 in home surveillance. Besides, 724347 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 23059 positive cases (including 84cases reported today) with 1124 Active Positive, 21519 recovered (including 125 cases recovered today), 416 deaths; Baramulla has 7455 positive cases (including 18 cases reported today) with 308 Active Positive, 6984 recovered (including 33 cases recovered today), 163deaths; Pulwama reported 5109 positive cases (including 22 case reported today) with 150 active positive cases, 4873 recovered (including 19 cases recovered today), 86 deaths; Kulgam has 2593 positive cases (including 02 case reported today) with 52 Active Positive, 2490 recoveries (including 00 cases recovered today), 51 deaths; Shopian has 2348 positive cases (including 00 case reported today) with 74 Active Positive, 2237 recovered (including 00 cases recovered today) and 37 deaths; Anantnag district has 4553positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 119 Active Positive, 4356 recovered (including 19cases recovered today), 78 deaths;  Budgam has 6895 positive cases (including 19 cases reported today) with 231 Active Positive and 6563 recovered (including 42 cases recovered today), 101 deaths; Kupwara has 5198 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 234 Active Positive, 4881 recovered (including 14 cases recovered today), 83 deaths; Bandipora has 4418 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 144 Active Positive, 4223 recovered (including 08 cases recovered today), 51 deaths and Ganderbal has 4207 positive cases (including 23 cases reported today) with 196 active positive cases, 3973recoveries (including 21 cases recovered today)and 38 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has20677 positive cases (including 81 cases reported today) with 659 active positive cases, 19718 recoveries (including 90 cases recovered today), 300 deaths; Rajouri has 3487 positive cases (including 17 cases reported today) with 151 active positive cases, 3287 recovered (including 08 cases recovered today), 49 deaths; Ramban has 1925 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 136 active positive, 1771 recoveries (including 01 cases recovered today) and 18 deaths; Kathua has 2800 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 104 Active positive, 2659 recovered (including 17 cases recovered today), 37 deaths; Udhampur has 3565 positive cases (including 26 cases reported today) with 440 active positive cases, 3076 recovered (including 48 cases recovered today) and 49 deaths; Samba has 2480 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 209 Active Positive, 2239 recoveries (including 00 cases recovered today) and 32 deaths; Doda has 3111 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 235 active positive cases, 2820 recoveries (including 07 cases recovered today), 56 deaths; Poonch has 2391 positive cases (including 01cases reported today) with 56 active positive, 2313 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today), 22 deaths; Reasi has 1459 positive cases with 88 active positive, 1362 recoveries  and 09 deaths while Kishtwar has 2494 positive cases (including 16 cases reported today) with 255 active positive cases and 2221 recoveries (including 28 cases recovered today) and 18 deaths.

According to the bulletin, among the total 110224 positive cases in J&K, 10762 have been reported as travelers while 99462 as others.

The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.

The bulletin added that there are 1306 COVID dedicated beds, 1170 Isolation beds with 989 vacant beds and 136 ICU beds where 76 beds are vacant in Jammu division while there are 2345 COVID dedicated beds, 2197 Isolation beds where 1797 beds are vacant and 148 ICU beds where 118 are vacant beds in Kashmir division. There are total of 3651 COVID dedicated beds, 3367 Isolation beds with 2786 beds vacant and 284 ICU beds with 194 vacant beds in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Central Government is continuously monitoring the evolving situation of Covid-19 in the Union Territory and is providing all necessary support towards effective containment of the spread of Covid-19 and better clinical management of positive cases.

The government has also started free tele-consultation general OPD services by Specialists/MBBS Doctors for the residents of J&K under National Tele-consultation Service. People can avail these services from Home by registering online on web portal  https://ift.tt/2YXoEWE. The services are available on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. People can also download and install e-sanjeevani OPD app from google play store.

Besides, 24×7 Rapid Antigen Testing facility for COVID-19 has been started outside the emergency of GMC Hospital Jammu. The facility will be very useful for segregation of patients in emergency wing of GMC Jammu.

Meanwhile, a 24×7 COVID Control Room has been set up for redressal of the grievances related to COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the Associated Hospitals of Government Medical College, Jammu and Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Patients or attendants can call at 0191– 258 5444 (Control Room), Exchange: 0191-258 2626 / 258 5542 / 258 4290 /258 4291 / 258 4292 / 258 4293/ 258 4294 for assistance.

The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining 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”.

Advisory has further exhorted upon 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 hand washing with soap and water.”

In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.

People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).

The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussives, bronchodilator, etc properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 11.36 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensured during this pandemic.

Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.

People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumors and pay no heed to them at the same time.

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Grassroots Democracy Flourishing In J&K First Time In Seven Decades, People Tasting Real Autonomy, Self-Rule: Dr Jitendra Singh

SRINAGAR: Senior BJP leader and Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendera Singh Monday said far from the hollow slogans of regional parties, people of J&K are first time witnessing the grassroots democracy flourishing in the form of Panchayati Raj System and common masses of J&K are tasting the real self-rule and autonomy after a gap of 73 years.

BJP’s DDC Candidates wife presenting traditional Kashmiri Samovar to MOS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh in south Kashmir’s Anantnag on Monday, November 30, 2020. KL Image by Shah Hilal

He said that the only issue with Pakistan is the resolution of passed in the Parliament in 1994 that states, other parts of Kashmir under Pakistan is under the illegal control and needs to be retrieved. Addressing a press conference here, Dr Singh said that it was for the first time that grassroots democracy was seeing the light of the day in J&K after a gap of 73 years. “For the past over 50 years, regional parties have been beating the drums of autonomy and self-rule.

Basically, they wanted autonomy and self-rule for themselves by winning elections with just 10 per cent voting while common people of Kashmir were always befooled over hollow slogans,” Dr Jitendera said as per news agency KNO.

The DDC elections, the phase two of which is going to be held tomorrow, is basically a pledge of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards people of J&K to realize the real meaning of democracy at the grassroots level. “I would say that this is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of democracy in Kashmir,” the top BJP leader said, adding that the ensuing elections is also a chance for the introspection of people of J&K. “People will not enjoy the rule of the self not self-rule of politicians,” he said.

He said that in the first phase of polling where over 50 per cent voting was recorded, the percentage is much higher than the previous Lok Sabha elections.  “In Lok Sabha elections, people had got disillusioned and their aspirations were also disillusioned.

Politicians managed to win in just 10 per cent polling and entered in the Parliament,” Dr Jitendera said. “Today’s elections are an aspirational outlet, through local self-governance and it’s a reflection of peoples’ enthusiasm.”

He said if local politicians who have been beating the drums over the revocation of Article 370 were so outraged, they should have simply resigned from the Parliament. “Why they didn’t do it and go back to the people with the same issue. Instead, they decided to sit in Parliament and enjoy perks.

Three National Conference MPs and two from the PDP were present in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha when the announcement of the scrapping of Article 370 and 35 A was made,” he said, adding that “all remained silent and didn’t raise voice then.”

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Women At Higher Risk Of Heart Attack Death Than Men: Study

SRINAGAR: Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have revealed that women face a 20 per cent increased risk of developing heart failure or dying after the first severe heart attack compared to men.

Previous research looking at sex differences in heart health has often focused on a recurrent heart attack or death.

However, the differences in vulnerability to heart failure between men and women after a heart attack remain unclear.

For this study, published in the journal Circulation, the research team data focused on more than 45,000 patients (30.8 per cent women) hospitalized for a first heart attack between 2002-2016 in Alberta, Canada.

They focused on two types of heart attack: a severe, life-threatening heart attack called ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and a less severe type called Non-STEMI or NSTEMI, the latter of which is more common.

Patients were followed for an average of 6.2 years.

Women were older and faced a variety of complications and more risk factors that may have put them at a greater risk of heart failure after a heart attack.

The findings showed that the development of heart failure either in the hospital or after discharge remained higher for women than men for both types of heart attack, even after adjusting for certain confounders.

Women were seen less frequently in the hospital by a cardiovascular specialist: 72.8 per cent versus 84 per cent for men.

Based on these findings, Padma Kaul, study co-author from the University of Alberta, said the next step is to examine if all patients are receiving the best care, particularly women.

“We need to be vigilant, pay attention to our own biases and to those most vulnerable to ensure that we have done everything possible in providing the best treatment,” Kaul added.

Another study published earlier this year in the journal Nature Medicine found that more women than men die of heart failure. (IANS)

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Some Candidates In Fray Have Already Won Peoples’ Hearts

by Saifullah Bashir

SRINAGAR: With the first phase of the ongoing DDC polls over and seven more to go, there are hundreds in a contest to make it to the top. There are candidates who may never win but have left indelible marks on people – thanks to social media that covered their actions and activities for garnering votes.

Javid Ahmad Qureshi BJP

It is a huge bunch of candidates who have emerged sort of entertainers. They are very famous and carry huge crowds along on social media. They will never win, however. People follow them for how not to do politics

This all started with a video of Javaid Qureshi, reportedly a cleric from north Kashmir and a die-hard BJP worker. In that video, he could be seen tearing his clothes while saying Kapday phaad kay (by cutting my clothes). In the video, he was actually reacting to Mehbooba Mufti statement on the tricolour.

Qureshi’s style and delivery of the dialogue is still being talked about and referred to. There were countless memes that emerged out of that video.

It was followed up by Peerzada Mohammad Shafi, who is apparently contesting from Khag belt in Budgam. His broken Urdu along with his huge overreaction to developments made the audience laugh. His speeches are a huge hit.

A female BJP candidate broke records by her hilarious appeal to people. She was actually explaining it on a video: “Mai BJP ki taraf sai vote nhi mangti. Mai bolti hun aap mujay vot dou, mearay cheray ko vote do”. This is quite common in Kashmir that individuals caught in difficult and untrustworthy situations tell people that “they must trust me in person”. But it was the delivery of the dialogue that did the viral trick. This video reached millions across Kashmir.

The use of social media by the candidates and vice versa gave this election a new distinction. Earlier it was Shabir Khanbali, whose dialogues were hit and making rounds in the valley. His Seedhay mout, koli manz, paieth latmond, was a sixer on no-ball. But current DDC candidates have replaced him.

The DDC election is a new level in which a lot of people are involved at the micro-constituency level. In certain cases, the individuals who are contesting are too excited. A People’s Conference says in one video: “Letter pad and stamp aagayi hai aur bas ab nokri k liyai tayar raho”. In another video, one candidate lists his priorities which include getting a vehicle and appointing all youth in his locality in government.

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India, Pakistan Armies Trade Fire In Poonch

SRINAGAR: India and Pakistan armies on Monday exchanged heavy fire and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.

Reports said that the Pakistani army opened fire in Shahpur sector of Poonch district  by firing with small arms and mortars, however, the Indian army manning the fence retaliated strongly.

However, there are no reports of any damage or loss of life from either side.

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DDC Polls-Phase 2: All Polling Stations In Kashmir Sensitive, Says SEC

SRINAGAR: State Election Commissioner (SEC) K K Sharma Monday said every polling booth in Kashmir is sensitive and that adequate security measures are in place for the second phase of District Development Council (DDC) in which 43 constituencies will go for polls tomorrow.

Sharma reiterated that no candidate is barred from going for campaigning and that PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti being the former chief minister of erstwhile J&K, needs to follow security protocol while going out. Addressing a press conference here, Sharma said that all arrangements are in place for the phase-two with adequate security in place.

“In Kashmir every polling booth is sensitive and is guarded with adequate number of security forces personnel,” Sharma said as per news agency KNO, adding that he was hopeful of larger participation of people in the phase two of DDC polls tomorrow. “I hope people will come out in good numbers without fear and participate in polls so that DDC’s are formed in each district to give development a new push.”

There are 280 DDC constituencies in J&K and each district has 14. “In phase two, 25 constituencies will go to polls in Kashmir and 18 in Jammu region,” he said. He said that there are 321 candidates in the fray for DDC polls of which 196 are from Kashmir and 125 in Jammu.

He said there are 7.90 lakh voters eligible for the DDC polls while total number of polling stations is 2142 of which 1305 are in Kashmir and 837 Jammu. It is pertinent to mention that phase-1 of the DDC polls witnessed 52 per cent voting.

To a question that there are reports that PAGD candidates are barred from campaigning, he said that a few complaints were received by him on WhatsApp and the same were forwarded to IGP Kashmir, who has taken up the issue with the concerned SSPs. “I reiterate that no candidate is barred from campaigning and that there are at times security risks. For us human lives matter. Candidates are advised to inform the police so that necessary security arrangements are made for their campaigning,” he said, adding that some candidates have been elected unopposed and they will soon be allowed to go to their respective homes under proper security cover.

About the PDP chief Mehbooba  Mufti’s accusations that she was not being allowed to venture out, the SEC said that Mehbooba being a former chief minister of erstwhile J&K State, there is a set protocol which has to be followed by police whenever she tries to go out. “As far as her Friday’s visit, that was not for campaigning. She is free to do campaigning for her party candidates under proper protocol,” she said.

Sharma urged the voters to follow Covid-19 protocol in spirit and wear face masks while being in queues, stating that 10 litres of sanitizers have been kept at all polling booths. He also said that West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) participated in the election for the first time. “The exact number of WPRs who participated in the poll process first time, will be provided to the media separate,” he said.

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Harsher Winter Forecast For J&K, Ladakh This Season

SRINAGAR: Overnight temperatures remained below the freezing point through the Kashmir Valley as the weather office on Monday forecast below-normal minimum temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh during this winter season.

In its seasonal outlook, the Meteorological (Met) Department said: “During the winter season (December to February), below-normal minimum temperatures are likely over most subdivisions of north, northwest, central and few subdivisions over east India”.

A Met official said that Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.3 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 2.3 degrees, and Gulmarg minus 3 degrees on Monday. The minimum temperature was minus 4.3 degrees in Leh town and minus 6.5 degrees in Kargil town of Ladakh union territory.

Jammu city recorded 10.3 degrees, Mata Vaishno Devi base camp Katra town 10.7 degrees, Batote 6.7 degrees, Bannihal 4.4 degrees, and Bhaderwah 4.5 degrees.

Met officials said that similar weather conditions are likely to continue till December 3, after which another spell of rain and snow is likely to occur in J&K and Ladakh.

Rain and snowfall occur in J&K and Ladakh due to Western Disturbance (WD), an extratropical storm originating in the Mediterranean Sea that causes rain and snow in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The prospects of the Rabi crop in these countries depend mostly on how powerful the WD is during the winter months. IANS

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CRPF Officer Dies In South Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A Sub-Inspector of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) who was ailing, died under mysterious conditions in Damhal Hanjipora area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday.

Officials told news agency KNO that a CRPF trooper, identified as Shabad Kumar from F—Company of 93 Battalion, deployed in D.K Marg Higher Secondary School, died under mysterious conditions on duty at around 12:30 Am last night.

CRPF Assistant Commandant Junaid Khan said that the CRPF trooper died due to some health aliments.

Block Medical Officer (BMO) DH Pora Dr Shugufta Salam said CRPF trooper was declared brought dead on arrival. “The exact cause of death will be known after post mortem is done,”she said.

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With 38K New Covid-19 Cases, India’s Tally Reaches 94,31,692

SRINAGAR: With 38,772 new coronavirus cases and 443 deaths in the past 24 hours, India’s overall tally stood at 94,31,692 on Monday, as the fatality toll touched 1,37,139, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

Currently, there are 4,46,952 active cases, whereas 8,84,76,00 patients have been cured and discharged so far.

The recovery rate stands at 93.81 per cent, and the fatality rate is 1.45 as per cent, the Ministry said.

“India continues to have one of the lowest deaths per million population globally (presently 99). Focussed measures to ensure a low and manageable fatality rate have resulted in daily mortality figures of less than 500,” it added.

Maharashtra continued to be the worst-hit state with 1,820,059 cases till date. There are 92,062 active cases and 47,071 Covid-19 deaths.

According to the Ministry, over 70 per cent of the daily new cases are contributed by eight States and UT i.e. Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh.

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 62.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 1.45 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

In its latest update on Monday, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 62,670,153 and 1,458,360, respectively.

The US is the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 13,374,162 and 266,838, respectively, according to the CSSE.

India comes in second place in terms of cases.(IANS)

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JeM Militant Associate Arrested In North Kashmir: Police

SRINAGAR: Police on Monday claimed to have arrested a militant associate of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Dragmulla area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Quoting a senior police officer news agency GNS reported that police arrested a militant associate of JeM at a Naka along with 01 Chinese grenades and Rs.3.5 lac.

The police officer further said that he had come from Sopore along with money to purchase weapons.

A case has been lodged under FIR no. 333/2020 US 3/4 Explosive sub act, 13,38, 40 ULAP act in Police Station Kupwara, the officer added.

Official sources identified the apprehended militant associate as Sahil Mushtaq son of Mushtaq Ahmad Dar resident of Babgund Handwara.

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Pesticides Dealers’ Seek On-Time Aggressive Testing

by Sheikh Hilal

SRINAGAR: The Shopian Pesticides Distributors and Dealers’ Association demanded the government to take aggressive and on-time testing of pesticides.

Pesticide association held a meeting in Shopian.

The association appealed Apple Growers to buy pesticides with registered dealers and seek a proper bill of product. Association added that buyers should check the batch number, written on the bill. So that apple grower can legally take action if he would find some defect in his Pesticides.

The Shopian pesticides association held a Meeting in Shopian to regulate the quality of pesticides in markets. Members of pesticide association which include Syed Mohammad Yousuf (president of the association), Shabir Ahmed, Khursheed Ahmed Turay and Ashiq Hussain Charag joined the meeting.

 

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Woman Killed, Three Others Injured In Uri Mishap

SRINAGAR: A 45-year-old woman was killed while three others sustained injuries in an accident in Noorkhah area of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.

According to the news agency KNO, a vehicle (Van) bearing registration number JK05F-6513 skidded off the road, resulting in on spot death of a woman and injuries to three others at Noorkha area in Uri.

Officals identifed the deceased as Nazira Begum of Daragutliyan Uri, adding that the injured persons were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and investigations are set in motion, they said.

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What Happened In Saudi Hosted G20 Summit?

by Asad Mirza

The Riyadh Summit focussed both on handling the pandemic and the global economic recovery.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with Saudi heir apparent Mohammad bin Salam (MBS) in 2019

The virtual G20 Summit in Riyadh, which was organised under the direct supervision of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MbS), was indeed able to showcase the leadership capability of the Kingdom on the global stage.

As expected the coronavirus pandemic topped the agenda of the two-day Group of 20 major economies, with countries committing to ensure “affordable and equitable” access to coronavirus vaccines worldwide and to be prepared to deal with future health crises.

International pandemic treaty

Charles Michel, president of the European Council, proposed an international agreement on the pandemic to prevent future pandemics. “It should be negotiated with all nations, UN organisations and agencies, in particular the WHO. The WHO must remain the cornerstone of global coordination against health emergencies”, Michel said.

The G20 leaders pledged over $21 billion at the outset of the crisis to support funding in global health capacities, according to a statement by G20. Moreover, the members have injected over $11 trillion so far to shield the economy and protect livelihoods, it said.

PM Narendra Modi with Saudi Arabia leader.

International leaders expressed their collective determination to strengthen COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution, extend social protection guarantees to low-income countries, and cement crucial debt-relief extensions.

Saudi Vision

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in his closing remarks at the summit stressed that cooperation is necessary today more than ever to face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to build a prosperous future for the people of the world. He also noted that G20 has achieved a lot this year.

Donald J Trump

“We have adopted important policies that will achieve recovery all the way to an economy that is resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and balanced,” he said, adding that these policies will also maintain the momentum to make the global trade system work for all and create the conditions to achieve sustainable growth.

Though the Saudis wanted to sell a positive narrative of reform and change in the kingdom and showcase the country’s future ambitious projects like the Neom city, the plans were diluted due to the on-going pandemic, yet by conducting the flawless virtual summit they were able to showcase the country’s technological advancement to a certain degree.

Indian Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Summit virtually and reiterated the importance of reformed multilateralism in order to fight Coronavirus effectively across the world.

In his virtual address, PM Modi started his speech by stating, “We are focused on saving citizens and economy from pandemic.” and went on to turn everyone’s focus toward the changing climatic condition. “Climate change must be fought not in silos but in an integrated, comprehensive and holistic manner”, he said. Along with highlighting ‘self-reliant’ India, he also talked about women’s empowerment and how it can be the pillar for the overall development of the nation.

 America’s Nonchalance

As the timing of the summit and US presidential elections clashed, MbS was not able to rope-in the Saudi ally, President Trump, in any significant role during the summit. Reports say that Trump made a brief appearance via Zoom to extol his administration’s efforts at combating the pandemic and then left to play a round of golf. President-elect Joe Biden had described Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” state in 2019, stating in October that his administration would “reassess our relationship with the Kingdom, end US support for Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen, and make sure America does not check its values at the door to sell arms or buy oil.” However, the Saudis hope that that was just electioneering talk. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Saudi foreign minister speaking to Reuters, said: “I’m confident that a Biden administration would continue to pursue policies that are in the interest of regional stability.” The foreign minister might be correct in that assessment. But it is far less likely that the Biden White House will buy into the positive narrative of reform and change, which the Saudis are pushing forward.

Collective Future Actions

On the question of navigating the pandemic collectively, the G20 correctly indicated that the “unprecedented” financial and humanitarian costs can be best challenged through an even stronger focus on COVID-19 related health, economic, and social exigencies faced by developing countries at present.

Nadrendra Modi with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said decisions taken at this year’s G20 summit would prove decisive in global efforts to curb the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and in meeting the world’s expectations from the group.

Sustaining Economic Growth

In his speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a further search for common approaches to reforming the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in accordance with modern challenges.

In her remarks at the summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel also emphasised that the pandemic made governments more conscious that economies must grow sustainably rather than “at the expense of environmental degradation.” “There is a desire to learn from the pandemic and make the economy more sustainable,” she said.

Other crucial global issues such as the economic recovery, reform of the WTO, taxation of the digital economy and ways to support low-income countries were also discussed at the summit.

Many countries across the globe are facing huge economic stress and as many as 48 countries have already requested debt relief under the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), equalling some $5.7 billion in critical debt service deferral for this year alone.

The G20 leaders committed to implementing the DSSI including its extension through June 2021. They recalled their support to the WTO reform process in the lead up to the 12^th WTO Ministerial Conference. The group agreed to strive to find a consensus-based solution for a globally fair, sustainable, and modern international tax system by mid-2021.

In a welcome move, finance officials from all 20 states will continue to monitor global economic behaviour into the next year, and determine whether the further extension of DSSI debt freeze merits consideration. Thus, it can be surmised that G20’s demonstrated desire to internationalise economic recovery prospects, instead of confining them within its own territorial bounds, signifies its commitment to equitable global recovery.

The G20’s embrace of its newly established Global Innovation Hub for Improving Value in Health is also a step in the right direction. The Hub will serve as a dedicated platform for knowledge sharing and positions itself as a gateway for better Universal Health Coverage across countries. It seeks to accomplish this goal by collecting evidence-informed expertise, and determine which health policies nations should fund, whether these health interventions reflect that country’s actual needs, and how financial risks to a given populace are best minimised.

Climate Change

Asad Mirza

By taking climate initiative into its own hands, the G20 dispelled the notion that an external stimulus may be necessary to trigger progression on climate-aligned SDG commitments. Instead, the desire to commit to voluntary climate communication is a welcome departure from previous evidence that found G20’s climate commitments to be at relative odds with the emissions reductions goals set out under the Paris Accord. Speaking about the climate issue, Merkel said all states except the US made a commitment to follow the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

A resolute G20 alliance, therefore, can thrive on the back of clearly chalked-out priorities. Balancing its resolve with delivery can lead to accelerating the cause of a strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive post-COVID-19 era around the globe.

(Asad Mirza is a senior journalist based in New Delhi. In his career spanning more than 20 years, he was also associated with BBC Urdu Service and Khaleej Times of Dubai. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Kashmir Life.)

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5 More Die Of COVID-19, J&K Toll Now 1685

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir reported five more deaths due to covid-19 in the last 24 hours, taking its fatality count to 1685.

Among those who succumbed to the virus, three were from Jammu region and two from Kashmir which took the death toll past 1100-mark in the Valley, officials told GNS on Sunday.

The victims from Valley include a 65-year-old man from Noorbagh Baramulla, a 75-year-old woman from Handwara. The victims from Jammu include two from Udhampur district and one from the J&K’s winter capital—a 77-year-old from Old Rehari Amphalla

With these deaths, the total fatality count in the Valley has reached 1101 and 584 in the Jammu region.

Srinagar district with 416 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (298), Baramulla (163), Budgam (100), Pulwama (86), Kupwara (83), Anantnag (78), Doda (56), Bandipora (50), Kulgam (50), Rajouri (49), Udhampur (49), Ganderbal (38), Shopian (37), Kathua (36), Samba (29), Poonch (22), Ramban (18), Kishtwar(16), and Reasi (9).

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Hope Classes Celebrates 130 Successes

SRINAGAR: Private coaching chain, Hope Classes celebrated its, what it calls, Victory Day, at is Parraypora campus. A galaxy of VIPs attended the special event.

An official of the Hope Classes said 130 students were facilitated. They all had managed to crack the examinations to get admission in various engineering and medical colleges in the sessions of 2019 and 2020.

IPS Officer Mrs Tanushree facilitating a young girl for her success at the Hope Classes function on November 29, 2020.

Those who attended the function included SKIMS Director Dr AG Ahanger, ADC Srinagar, S H Balkhi, IPS officer Tanushree, scholar Dr Nazir A Zargar.

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J&K Govt Retires First Employee Under ‘New Rules’

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has prematurely retired its first employee under new rules.

According to an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency KNO, the Board of School Education prematurely retired it’s one of the employees who has already completed 27 years of service on October-14-2020.

The order issued by BOSE chairman Veena Pandita reads, “In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 226 (2) of the Jammu and Kashmir civil service regulation, the chairman of BOSE hereby gives a notice to one of the employees’ orderly that he having already completed 27 years’ service on October-14-2020 shall retire from service with immediate effect forenoon of December-01.”

Pandita said that the retired employee is allowed three months’ pay and allowances in lieu of three months’ notice.

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J&K Reports 471 New COVID-19 Cases, Tally Reaches 109854

SRINAGAR: The Government on Sunday informed that 471 new positive cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), 260 from Jammu division and 211 from Kashmir division, have been reported today thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 109854. Also, 05 COVID-19 deaths have been reported, 03 from Jammu Division and 02from Kashmir Division.

Moreover, 491 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 168 from Jammu Division and 323 from the Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), out of 109854 positive cases, 5087  are Active Positive, 103082 have recovered and 1685 have died; 584 in Jammu division and 1101 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 2995668 test results available, 2885814 samples have been tested as negative till November 29, 2020.

Till date, 786587 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 20673 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 5087 in isolation and 39874 in home surveillance. Besides, 719268 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 22975 positive cases (including 86 cases reported today) with 1165 Active Positive, 21394 recovered (including 126 cases recovered today), 416 deaths; Baramulla has 7437 positive cases (including 31 cases reported today) with 323 Active Positive, 6951 recovered (including 59 cases recovered today), 163 deaths; Budgam reported 6876 positive cases (including 21 cases reported today) with 255 active positive cases, 6521 recovered (including 53 cases recovered today), 100 deaths; Pulwama has 5087 positive cases (including 16 cases reported today) with 147 Active Positive, 4854 recoveries (including 21 cases recovered today), 86 deaths; Kupwara has 5192 positive cases (including 14 cases reported today) with 242Active Positive, 4867 recovered (including 27 cases recovered today) and 83 deaths; Anantnag district has 4546 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today) with 131 Active Positive, 4337 recovered (including 06 cases recovered today), 78 deaths;  Bandipora has 4410 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 145 Active Positive and 4215 recoveries(including 08 cases recovered today), 50 deaths; Ganderbal has 4184positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 194 Active Positive, 3952 recoveries (including 18 cases recovered today), 38deaths; Kulgam has 2591 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 51 Active Positive, 2490 recoveries and 50 deaths while as Shopian has 2348 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today) with 74 active positive cases, 2237 recoveries (including 05 cases recovered today)and 37 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 20596 positive cases (including 122 cases reported today) with 670 active positive cases, 19628 recoveries (including 104 cases recovered today), 298 deaths; Rajouri has 3470 positive cases (including 24 cases reported today) with 142 active positive cases, 3279 recovered (including 06 cases recovered today), 49 deaths; Udhampur has 3539 positive cases (including 26 cases reported today) with 462 active positive, 3028 recoveries (including 09 cases recovered today) and 49 deaths; Doda has 3106 positive cases (including 22 cases reported today) with 237 Active positive, 2813 recovered (including 22 cases recovered today), 56 deaths; Kathua has 2785 positive cases (including 14 cases reported today) with 107 active positive cases, 2642 recovered (including 07 cases recovered today) and 36 deaths; Poonch has 2390 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 58 Active Positive, 2310 recoveries (including 04 cases recovered today)and 22 deaths; Samba has 2465 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 195 active positive cases, 2239 recoveries and 31 deaths; Kishtwar has 2478 positive cases (including 17 cases reported today) with 269 active positive, 2193 recoveries (including 16 cases recovered today) and 16 deaths; Ramban has 1920 positive cases (including 17 cases reported today) with 132 active positive, 1770 recoveries and 18 deaths while Reasi has 1459 positive cases (including 01  case reported today) with 88 active positive cases, 1362 recoveries  and 09 deaths.

According to the bulletin, among the total 109854 positive cases in J&K, 10738 have been reported as travelers while 99116 as others.

The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.

The bulletin added that there are 1306 COVID dedicated beds, 1170 Isolation beds with 1000 vacant beds and 136 ICU beds where 80 beds are vacant in Jammu division while there are 2345 COVID dedicated beds, 2197 Isolation beds where 1777 beds are vacant and 148 ICU beds where 117 are vacant beds in Kashmir division. There are a total of 3651 COVID dedicated beds, 3367 Isolation beds with 2777 beds vacant and 284 ICU beds with 197 vacant beds in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Central Government is continuously monitoring the evolving situation of Covid-19 in the Union Territory and is providing all necessary support towards effective containment of the spread of Covid-19 and better clinical management of positive cases.

The government has also started free tele-consultation general OPD services by Specialists/MBBS Doctors for the residents of J&K under National Tele-consultation Service. People can avail these services from Home by registering online on web portal  https://ift.tt/2YXoEWE. The services are available on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. People can also download and install esanjeevani OPD app from google play store.

Besides, 24×7 Rapid Antigen Testing facility for COVID-19 has been started outside the emergency of GMC Hospital Jammu. The facility will be very useful for segregation of patients in emergency wing of GMC Jammu.

Meanwhile, a 24×7 COVID Control Room has been set up for redressal of the grievances related to COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the Associated Hospitals of Government Medical College, Jammu and Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Patients or attendants can call at 0191– 258 5444 (Control Room), Exchange: 0191-258 2626 / 258 5542 / 258 4290 /258 4291 / 258 4292 / 258 4293/ 258 4294 for assistance.

The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining 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”.

Advisory has further exhorted upon 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 hand washing with soap and water.”

In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.

People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).

The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussives, bronchodilator, etc properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 11.36 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensured during this pandemic.

Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.

People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumors and pay no heed to them at the same time.

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Man Dies After Chinar Tree Branch Fall On Auto Rickshaw

SRINAGAR: A person was killed on Sunday when a chinar tree branch fell on an auto rickshaw he was driving in Khimber area of central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.

Man Dies After Chinar Tree Branch Fall On Auto Rickshaw

The deceased, identified as Rouf Ahmad  Bhat a resident of Dalal Mohalla Zaina Kada, died on the spot after branch from a Chinar tree fell on his auto in Khimber area of Srinagar.

The auto was also badly damaged in the incident.

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Kargil Chill Triggered Stroke In Aashqui Actor, Flown To Mumbai

SRINAGAR: Bollywood actor, Rahul Roy has survived a brain stroke while shooting in Kargil. He is admitted to a hospital in Mumbai after being flown from Kargil to Srinagar on Saturday.

Rahul Roy

Roy was in Kargil for almost a week. He was shooting for the film LAC – Live The Battle. Being jointly produced by Chitra Vakil Sharm and Nivedita Basur, the film is being directed by Nitin Kumar Gupta.

Media reports said the Aashiqui actor who is admitted to the Nanavati hospital in Mumbai is responding to the treatment. He was initially treat at Srinagar for many days.

In LAC-Live the Battle, Roy is playing the role of an army officer in the movie. It is based on the Galwan happenings this summer.

“LAC is based in Kargil and we are working under extreme weather conditions and due to covid19, we all are alert and cautious. The entire unit has been extremely hardworking and I can only show my gratitude towards them,” one actor, also part of the film, had written on social media.

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J&K Panchayat By-Elections Records 64 % Polling For Panch, 57 % For Sarpanch Vacancies: SEC Sharma

SRINAGAR: “The first phase of maiden by-elections to vacant seats of Panchayat level bodies has recorded 64 percent and 57 percent polling turnout here on Saturday”, informed State Election Commissioner, K.K Sharma.

SEC informed that a total of 85363 electors exercised their franchise in these historic elections, which began at 7 am with culmination at 2 pm, against 143592 electors for both Sarpanch and Panch vacant constituencies.

In the vacant Panch constituencies in Jammu Division, Ramban district recorded the highest voter turnout of 77.77 per cent followed by Doda with 77.73 percent while in Kashmir, Shopian witnessed 86.74 per cent followed by Budgam with 72.79 per cent polling.

Similarly, in the Sarpanch vacant constituencies, Ganderbal witnessed 71.04 per cent voter turnout while Jammu district recorded the highest turnout of 77.24 per cent.

Sharma said that the DDC and Panchayat elections will play a decisive and catalytic role towards the development of the people at the grass-root level. He appreciated every stakeholder for their tireless efforts towards the successful conduct of the polling process.

In the first phase of the Panchayat by-elections, 1131 candidates were in fray including 852 in Panch constituencies for 368 vacancies and 279 for 94 vacancies for Sarpanch Constituencies.

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How The Jammu and Kashmir Police Was Rebuilt In 1997?

by Gurbachan Jagat

I have always believed that if we had worked more towards establishing a vibrant democracy in J&K and held the politicians and bureaucrats accountable to the people, the situation would have been vastly different.

As always, Jammu and Kashmir has figured prominently on the national horizon, the last two years being no exception, and tumultuous changes effected there have shaken the very foundations of the structure — changes which were not entirely unexpected. However, in doing so, we may have played into the hands of our enemies, who are always looking for opportunities to create divisions and weaken our republic. The tremors are being felt across the erstwhile state in most spheres of life. Trust is the basis of all human relations, and this was what we were working towards for decades. This trust lies fractured today and I’m hopeful that we can rebuild it. We have to stay united even as we respect each other’s diversity all over the country. I also was a participant in the task of strengthening this ‘trust’ through the rebuilding of J&K Police.

Jammu and Kashmir women police wearing face masks as a precautionary measure to spread of COVID-19 during full-dress Rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations, at Sher-i- Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Thursday 13 August 2020. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

Elections to the J&K Assembly were held towards the end of 1996 and Dr Farooq Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the National Conference government. At some point thereafter, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs took the decision to appoint the DGP from outside the J&K cadre to head J&K Police. I was asked if I was willing to go on deputation from the Punjab cadre and I agreed to do so, considering it a great privilege to head the police in the trouble-torn state. I took over as DGP in February 1997 and stayed on till the end of 2000.

It was winter and so I joined at Jammu and quickly completed the formalities of calling on the Governor, the CM, the Chief Secretary and officers of the armed forces, paramilitary and police. I then began a tour of the Valley police stations and those in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and other districts. I interacted with the constabulary and junior officers everywhere and took the opportunity of calling on senior Army/PMF officers in the area. I called upon the police officers and men to honour their uniform and act together in defence of the motherland against foreign agents and their local supporters. My aim was only one — to win the trust of the police and the people and this could only be done if I was seen to be fair, unbiased, compassionate and professional. The force lacked in infrastructure and modern arms, vehicles, communications, etc. With full backing of the MHA, we assured them that all of this would be available in a matter of months and the only thing expected from them was loyalty, devotion to duty and good intelligence for our operations.

Dilbag Singh Takes Over As New JK Police Chief.

One of the policy decisions was to augment the strength of the police force. This was deemed necessary not only as it was seriously undermanned, but because the employment generated would be of immense benefit to the local population. In the months to come, the remotest of areas was covered and a large body of able-bodied young men were recruited. We would give short notice before going to an area and then transport the selected candidates to the nearest Police Lines. This was done in order to remove all scope for middle men, ambiguity and the accompanying nuisance of bribery and underhand dealing. The young men could not believe their luck and would often ask the recruiting party to take them along at that very moment. One could see abject poverty in the remote parts of the state and a desolation which years of conflict had brought about.

These young men from the remote border hamlets proved to be a great asset in counter-terrorist operations and became an integral part of our protective shield. They were not only familiar with the treacherous mountainous terrain and moved nimbly on it, but were an excellent source of information. Religion or region was no consideration except that the balance was maintained between Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The positive results of this were visible in a few months and ‘trust’ started becoming a reality. The policemen came to form the vanguard of the Special Operation Groups (SOGs), which also contained elements of the Army, PMF, SPOs. The men behind the success of the SOGs were these local boys, who provided real-time actionable intelligence.

Modern equipment started coming in and we first ensured that the transport, communication and arms, etc. were given to the police stations. This led to further strengthening of our credibility and the police officers and men had a new spring in their step. Senior officers were given due regard and responsibility assigned to them, which they gladly accepted and discharged. We started developing into a team at headquarters and in the field. After due deliberation, we posted young and bold officers in the districts and told them to work carefully and fearlessly and we would ensure total moral and material support. We facilitated on an urgent basis the induction of approximately 35 state police officers into the IPS (something which had been lying pending for seven-eight years) by coordinating with the MHA, DoPT and UPSC. This led to an increased level of motivation. All this was made possible by the continued support of Delhi and the state government. During my tenure of approximately four years, I saw three changes in government at the Centre and as many Prime Ministers. Not one of them diluted the fight against terror and to the contrary, it only strengthened with time. The purpose, the direction and the goal was common — to defeat the designs of our enemy and build a strong, unified, effective police force. We were fully trusted by the Centre and the state government, which enabled us to go from strength to strength.

Another example of the country coming together on this quest was the training of new recruits. We had recruited thousands of constables and non-gazetted officers, but lacked the facility to train them. I made a request to the heads of police forces in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi and they took on a few thousand each and devoted personal attention to their training. This exposure to other states and police forces was very useful to our men. To top it all, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi refused to charge us anything for the training. Yes, the country responded to our dire need, and our need was indeed dire as the enemy was not sitting idle. Massive attempts at infiltration were made and Pakistan, freed from its ‘jihad’ in Afghanistan after installing a Taliban government there, had diverted major resources and manpower towards Kashmir. In the years leading up to Kargil, we were put hard to the test, but the young men of J&K Police held strong. Many were martyred in the defence of our republic. During the Kargil war, many attempts were made by the ISI to create disturbances and violence within the state to create an image of a revolution within. It is to the credit of the J&K Police and other forces that our shield held strong — a quiet battle was fought by many an unnamed policeman in his remote police station. This was especially commendable as all the regular Army units on internal security duty were withdrawn overnight and only gradually replaced by RR units.

Women contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police during march past an Independence Day celebration at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium Srinagar on Wednesday 15 August 2018.
PHOTO BY BILAL BAHADUR

Gurbachan Jagat

Here I must pause and acknowledge the tremendous contribution of the armed forces, the PMF, the intelligence agencies and all the allied forces and institutions which worked together under the Unified Command. Above all, the support of the Chief Minister and MHA was total. Only once did the Deputy PM come up with apprehension about arming of the J&K Police and SPOs on a large scale with modern weapons. I assured him that there would be no desertions or loss of arms. At the time of demitting office, I reminded him of his fears and informed him that these had been unfounded and in all the three regions of the state, we had a loyal, trained and dedicated force. Unity in diversity, combined with a strong federal structure, has been our strength. It is what distinguishes us from our fanatical neighbour. I have always believed that if we had worked more towards establishing a vibrant democracy in J&K and held the politicians and bureaucrats accountable to the people, the situation would have been vastly different. I do hope that years of fighting the barbarians have not made us more like them. As Roosevelt said, ‘War is young men dying and old men talking.’ It is easy to draw lines on maps and make proclamations while in positions of power — the ramifications are felt for long.

(The writer is a former Director-General of Jammu and Kashmir Police. The write-up appeared in The Tribune Chandigarh today.)

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