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In the exchange of firing, three In the exchange and an excellent due to “It was of General Police Inspector he said year, During the current “The bodies of mili the three family He added that in case any handout issued a by Meanwhile, the mil the reports, to According 0194-2502327 on a tip-off, special op Acting out broke He said a encounter “78 new COVID-19 cases were cases were COVID-19 “78 new in on Tuesday The cases detected Kash in central district, Budgam Jammu, districts said five They upon a search party and the forces party and the forces upon a search retaliated. killed, said. he were militants and Army Police, swiftby action car was the joint operation CRPF, manner ried out in a professional damage,” with no collateral said, Kumar (IGP) Kashmir Vijay a joint news while addressing conference. com including top 94 militants been in killed, 24 have manders weeks. two in last Shopian district Baramulla been sent to have tants conducting after rites their last for includingmedico-legal formalities said. Kumar ofcollection DNA,” their their to claims the slain militants can come forward kith or kin, they the identificationfor and participa at Baramulla. rites tion in last claimed that the slain mil the army in abduction involved were itants Ahmad and killing of Tariq a civilian, week. last in the district Paul are killed encounter the in itants Zubair commander district Hizb Kamran of Turkawangam, Wani ofManhas, nephew PDP former MLC Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, : - 3 Kills Army In Militants Shopian Nephew MLC’s Ex-PDP Among Slain Militants SRINAGAR: ofcommander and nephew a Party Democratic Peoples former among three (PDP) MLC were in killedmilitants on Tuesday in south Kashmir’s an encounter Shopian district. (SOG) ofgroup police, erations 44 RR and CRPF launched army’s in operation and search a cordon of area the district Turkwangam a police hours Tuesday, in the wee said. spokesperson opened the militants fire after

that 177 more patients patients more that 177 78 More Test Covid-19 Covid-19 Test More 78 In J&K Positive SRINAGAR: in Jammu COVID-19 for positive tak and Kashmir on Tuesday, ing the number of to cases in J&K 5,298, officials said. from in J&K. While 62 are detected Jam of from them are 16 Kashmir, mu, ” the officials said. cluded who had returned 23 persons Jammu and Kashmir recently. to number had the highest of cas mir, and Srinagar by followed at 14, es cases each, at 10 Anantnag districts the officials said. and Kishtwar Ramban, Doda, Reasi said officials cases. The had no fresh Since March this year, when the when the this year, Since March try is still While administration it rate, a decent recovery Despite is the only COVID “It seems like

YOUR COPY OF first COVID-19 positive case was case was positive COVID-19 first the virus has in Kashmir, detected in the soci horrors unleashed new killed,it Some spared, it some ety: it scared. many and means out ways figure ing to situation, and this novel address to figure try to medical professionals it, it has already stop to out how than 60 persons in killed more Jammu and Kashmir. has an alarming death rate. equally no place have as our hospitals killer, diseases,” fatal cancer and other for if “God forbid, anyone Khan says. it disease, a or infection an catches good your is only

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 The policy attempts to thwart thwart to The policy attempts P-02 “That feeling somewhat explains “That explains somewhat feeling ofthe uncertainty and death life you,” infects when this coronavirus voice. in a low Khan says also been called from the Jammu also been the Jammu called from and and Kashmir chief secretary Department of Infor Secretary, a PCI mation and Public Relations, said. statement and news fake misinformation, that a mechanism develop tries to at any alarm against will raise vitiate use the media to to tempt and in public peace, sovereignty an official oftegrity the country, admin ofspokesperson the UT’s had said earlier. istration  - - - - 3 ` Postal Regn: L/159/KO/SK/2014-2016 Regn: Postal | Price: | Price: pposition parties on Tuesday questioned the questioned on Tuesday pposition parties Modi and Minister Narendra "silence" of Prime Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the violent hina on Tuesday lodged a protest with India over with India over lodged a protest hina on Tuesday of troops the the June 15 violent face-off between when countries, which it claimed took place two  08 ndia on Tuesday said the violent face-off between the between said the violent face-off ndia on Tuesday thearmies of India and China in eastern Ladakh was side to unilaterally the Chinese of an attempt by result nese side," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. Srivastava Anurag nese side," MEA Spokesperson killed during soldiers were colonel and two An Indian Army in eastern a violent clash with Chinese troops India With Protest Lodges Beijing C line for "illegal the border the Indian personnel crossed Chinese person and attacked activities and provoked conflict. nel" leading to serious physical "mentioned" during a meeting with was The protest Minister Luo Zhaohui, Indian Am Chinese Vice Foreign meeting a was Misri said. "There Vikram here bassador ministry during which what hap foreign at the (Chinese) was on Monday (LAC) Control pened at the Line of Actual if China has lodged When asked said. Misri discussed, mentioned in the it was Misri told PTI "yes, the protest, meeting," but clarified Modi Govt Guns At Train Oppn Parties O in eastern La Indian and Chinese troops clash between the nation into confidence them to take dakh and asked on the matter, while the ruling BJP asserted that India''s intact under Modi''s leadership. will remain borders killed during a violent least 20 Indian soldiers were At on Mon Valley in the Galwan clash with Chinese troops fatalities night, in the first such incident involving day escalation and signalling a massive after a gap of 45 years region. standoff in the sensitive border in the five-week officer Army termed the death of the Indian The Congress face-off with China as " and soldiers in the LAC China Trying To Unilaterally China Trying To Unilaterally Change Status Quo: MEA I change the status quo in the region. said both sides suffered The Ministry of External Affairs had the agree been avoided casualties that could have been scrupu at earlier at the higher level ment arrived the Chinese side. by lously followed management, to border approach its responsible "Given within always clear that all its activities are India is very expect the same of the Chi We the Indian side of the LAC. Taking note of provisions re of provisions note Taking have on the matter Comments | Pages: | Pages: Today, Khan restlessly talks talks Khan restlessly Today, the government in the media. the government mentioned news” “fake garding the Jammu whereby in the policy, autho and Kashmir government officersrises the on decide to of and content print, electronic of forms media other “fake for jour against and proceed news” and media organisations, nalists as suo motu the PCI has moved func the free affects the matter tioning of the press. - - - - - death viral encounter. death viral of numbness and about his state ward. hopelessness in the hospital - - - - - 128 - - File Pic 02

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HEN a girl with cold-pale face and bruised neck was rushed to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital on May 20, 2020, it looked like May on SMHS hospital Srinagar’s to was rushed face and bruised neck cold-pale HEN a girl with found area was Bemina from Srinagar’s air: “The 15-year-old before some relative cleared the other trauma case any still a matter of extreme path—was an to such drove her question—what room.” Six days later, as the her in hanging 23 The Press Council of The Press facebook.com/kashmirobserver facebook.com/kashmirobserver W about a after learning in a neighbourhood started assembling Sopore Apple Town some masked villagers in investigation, demise..... shocking man’s young  Jyotsna Bharti The killing of the Indian Army The killing ofArmy the Indian Singh held meeting The first The Indian Army said there said there The Indian Army Press Trust Of India Of Press Trust have beenChi on the casualties have nese side as well. inci such personnel is the first a after fatalities involving dent Indian sol Four ofgap 45 years. killed in an ambush at diers were Pradesh La in Arunachal Tulung be border along the de-facto countries in 1975. the two tween Affairs External by attended was Chief of S Jaishankar, Minister Staff Gen Bipin Rawat Defence and service chiefs, and the three it carried comprehensive out a of situation in the ground review as delib Ladakh as well eastern on India's preparedness erated with any deal to two sides have been bitter a on have sides two weeks. five standoff over for hroughout his stay in a in a his stay hroughout father a young ward, woeful to craved Baramulla from warm toddler’s his touch The Jammu and Kashmir ad - - - - Says It Affects Functioning Of Free Press Affects Says It NEW DELHI: a sought Tuesday on (PCI) India the Jammu and Kash from reply new its over mir government observing that pro media policy, func visions in it affect the free tioning of the press. this had earlier ministration the ‘Media Pol month approved a sustained creating for icy-2020’ of on the functioning narrative PCI Seeks J&K Govt’s Reply Reply PCI Seeks J&K Govt’s Media Policy On New Ever since he “came out alive” since he “came out alive” Ever death and sent his boxed body for a a body for death and sent his boxed hush-hush burial. he where ward the hospital from dy patient COVID fellow his saw death, and miserable ing a lonely name) has his real Shabir Khan (not His secluded gardening. to taken their 35-year- members say family and quiet old headman has grown a near- having thoughtful after ‘I Lived Death At The Door of Hell’: Kashmir’s Chilling COVID Chronicles Door of Chilling COVID Death At The ‘I Lived Hell’: Kashmir’s T hands. with his trembling fingers possible deathbed,his On want he time”, see his home, “one last ed to him to virus could choke the before 1441 Hijri | Vol: 1441 Hijri | Vol: | l - - - -

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Defence Minis Defence PAGE PAGE   Press Trust Of India Of Press Trust twitter.com / kashmirobserver / kashmirobserver twitter.com Singh also briefedSingh Prime sol The colonel and the two  Govt, Military Brass Go In Military Brass Go In Govt, Briefs PM Huddle, DM ter Rajnath Singh held two- Rajnath ter with meetings back-to-back on Tuesday military brass top on the situation deliberating an In Ladakh after in eastern sol officer and two dian Army killed in a violent diers were in clash with Chinese troops Valley. Galwan Modi about Narendra Minister the killing of Indian the three personnel during Monday Army as on the night's clash as well situation in the region, overall said. sources government killed in the violent diers were face-off with Chinese troops the where Valley in Galwan NEW DELHI: ------The UN also verified attacks concerned “I remain 02

Shawwal-ul-Mukarram (13 boys, 2 girls), between the between girls), 2 boys, (13 or during “by ofages 1 and 17, of joint operations the Central the Indi Force, Police Reserve and Rifles) (Rashtriya an Army Group Operations Special the ofand Kashmir the Jammu un Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Police, identified armed or elements, the Line during shelling across of Control.” in Jammu and on nine schools “unidentifiedKashmir by ele said. the report ments”, that the United Nations “veri Nations that the United fied” the killing of eight chil and maiming ofdren seven This action by the JKNC has ce the JKNC This action by DEFEAT CONCEDES MAYOR Junaid Azim In a series of tweets, ------body polls these four Corporators Corporators body polls these four had joined others along with seven 2019. the party in May in perception the existing mented that the BJP and the Kashmir Valley the coup. engineered jointly NC Sri as describedMattu his ouster a second floor test after Mayor nagar in less than six months cided to becided a part of to the BJP-initiated SMC against Confidence Motion No oftheir note taking Hence Mayor. the party leadershipincompliance, the basic mem from them expelled Those expelled bership of party.” included N Sofi, G Danish Bhat, Nee Shulloo. Although and Majid lofar the urban had boycotted the JKNC PAGE 23 25  - - - UN chief File Pic www.kashmirobserver.net www.kashmirobserver.net Found Hanging: Secret Sorrows and Secret Sorrows and Found Hanging: Observer Monitoring Desk The 20 dead soldiers included inci be such first to It is believed The incident took place follow The incident took 20 Indian soldiers were least At Press Trust Of India Chinese troops in the Galwan Val Galwan the in Chinese troops on Monday Ladakh in eastern ley night. The casualty number could news to further rise, according ANI. agency officer identified Army Indian an Babu, Com as Colonel Santosh Bihar manding Officer ofthe 16 officialsregiment, said. dent along the contested NEW DELHI: In a massive escala NEW DELHI: In a massive at least tion of tension, border Indian soldiers, includ twenty ing the commanding officer of were an infantry battalion, killed during a violent confron in with Chinese troops tation night. Indian Ladakh on Monday has confirmed the num Army ber of casualties. of weeks ing and tensions rising ofthe deployment thousands of sides. both from troops extra killed during a violent clash with 20 Indian Soldiers Killed In Clash Soldiers Killed In 20 Indian Troops In Ladakh With Chinese On India, the report said On India, the report The Secretary-General’s re The Secretary-General’s MENTAL RESILIENCE IN KASHMIR MENTAL RESILIENCE Conflict’ said that the UN had 25,000 vio verified over grave glob children lations against December January to from ally that the trag stressing 2019, continued face edy children year. the throughout unabated UN Chief Concerned Over Over UN Chief Concerned In J&K Child Casualties UNITED NATIONS- has ex Guterres Antonio child concern over pressed casualties in Jammu and Kash the government mir and urged to measures preventive take to the children. protect and Armedport on ‘Children According to JKNC’s spokesperson spokesperson JKNC’s to According in No Confidence Motion and not be and not Confidence Motion in No political BJP-sponsored a part of any of Inspite the clear directions, move. de Corporators out offour our 11 lowing their refusal to comply with comply to refusal their lowing and subse the party instructions Confidence in the No voting quently SMC Mayor.” against Motion Dar said in a statement Nabi Imran Corpo that the party had “asked its participating from abstain to rators AM

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 The latest debacle in Sri The latest

Gowhar Geelani 17 Maximum : 29°c 15°c Minmum : Humidity : 42%

But it is reliably learnt that the learnt that But it is reliably News expelled four SMC Corporators from from SMC Corporators four expelled “fol basic membership of the party, from the office on June 16 was made was the officefrom on June 16 support of the possible with active dra the what has addedAnd to BJP. on Tuesday that JKNC ma is the fact engineered his downfall, a charge a charge his downfall, engineered the parties. both denied by of Mayor Srinagar removal dramatic People’s Conference (JKPC). Mattu Conference People’s himself that the Bharatiya believes (BJP) and the J&K Na Party Janata jointly (JKNC) tional Conference SRINAGAR: SRINAGAR: (SMC) Corporation Municipal nagar was Confidence Motion’ a ‘No where the in passed against ‘successfully’ Mattu of the J&Kcumbent Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu Is Not The Srinagar Mayor Anymore. What’s The Backstory Of His Rise And Fall? The Backstory Of His Rise Anymore. What’s The Srinagar Mayor Azim Mattu Is Not Junaid Srinagar Mayor Defeated In A Dramatic Coup D'état Mayor Defeated In Srinagar total number of recoveries in the total number of recoveries union territory to 85, they said. Ladakh had reported district, the officials said. Three and were recovered patients hospital in from discharged this morning, taking the Kargil While 50 new coronavirus While 50 new coronavirus Kargil from reported cases were district, 44 samples returned in Leh for COVID-19 positive tested positive for COVID-19 in for COVID-19 tested positive taking the Ladakh on Tuesday, total number of virus cases in the union territory to 649, health officials said. department Ladakh Records 94 Ladakh Records 94 New Covid-19 Cases as 94 people As many Leh: department searched for him and searched department morning found the on Tuesday body of the partly-eaten Monday night and pouncedMonday Muhammad upon two-year-old said. reports Sharief Dragad, missing, theOn finding the boy family and authorities of Wildlife south Kashmir’s Kulgam district,south Kashmir’s A leopard said Tuesday. reports Korial in Gujarbasti appeared village of Damhal Hanjipora Srinagar: In a tragic incident ofSrinagar: In a tragic man-animal conflict, a minor a leop mauled to death by was of area in Damhal Hanjipora ard Leopard Mauls Leopard Mauls Minor In Kulgam stan, according to the officials. stan, according felt in were tremors Strong Val of the Kashmir most parts including Srinagar, Kisht ley, and Doda districts. war However, there were no reports no reports were there However, damage, they said. The of any at 7 AM occurred earthquake is Tajiki and its epicenter was magnitude 5.8 hit Jammu and in the early hours Kashmir officials said, the of Tuesday, days. to hit J&K in three third 5.8 Magnitude Magnitude 5.8 Jolts J&K Earthquake of Jammu– An earthquake of Indian Army with mortars with mortars of Indian Army Defence and other weapons, Colonel Rajesh spokesperson, said. Kalia day, Pakistani troops resorted resorted troops Pakistani day, ceasefire to unprovoked Sector violation in Tangdhar posts forward and targeted gunfire along the Line of Con gunfire sector in Tangdhar (LoC) trol Kupwara of north Kashmir’s hours Tues district. In the wee India, Pak Troops Troops India, Pak Trade Fire Along LoC Srinagar: India and Pakistan heavy traded Tuesday troops league @JKNC_ General Secretary General league @JKNC_ he Ali Mohd Sagar. Thankfully, challenged his detention Shariq Reyaz and party leader and party Shariq Reyaz Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday. "The J&K High Court has quashed col senior the detention of my Public Safety Act against National Safety Act Public Secretary General Conference Ali Mohammad Sagar who was ofdetained after the abrogation his lawyer Article 370 provisions, Under PSA Quashed Under PSA Srinagar: The Jammu and Kash mir High Court has quashed the Sagar’s Detention Sagar’s Detention From Front page... Wednesday | 17-06-2020 02 some stringent measures as each sign of weakness makes Chi- the @JKPC_ has been passed in the SMC with 42 votes out of 70. The SMC election was marred by an unprecedented boycott 20 Indian Soldiers Killed... na''s reaction more "belligerent". Congress leader Rahul Gandhi The @BJP4India, @JKNC_ and some independents have polled call by pro-independence amalgams and groups, coupled with border with China that Indian armed forces personnel have said words cannot describe the pain he feels for the officers and against the @JKPC_ and @INCIndia abstaining whip where 28 non-participation of the JKNC and the PDP. All of this helped been killed after a gap of nearly 45 years. Four Indian soldiers men who sacrificed their lives for the country. "My condolences Corporators abstained.” both the BJP and the Congress in a big way as most candidates had lost their lives in an ambush at Tulung La in Arunachal to all their loved ones. We stand with you in this difficult time," Minutes after he was shown the exit door, Mattu edited his pro- from these parties were elected unopposed. Pradesh in 1975. he tweeted. file on Twitter from “Mayor of Srinagar and Minister of State” The four-phased urban local body elections in all districts of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefed Prime Minister Naren- Reacting to the border clash, BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda to “Former Mayor Of Srinagar”. While respecting the verdict of restive region saw thin participation as, in the absence of the JK- dra Modi about the situation in eastern Ladakh after he held a asserted that the borders of India will remain intact under the the Corporation Mattu alleged that the JKNC and the BJP have PDP and JKNC, the Congress was ahead of the BJP in the Kashmir high-level meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, leadership of Prime Minister Modi. come together to ensure his downfall. “I respect the verdict Valley by bagging 157 wards while the saffron party won in 100 Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and the three service Addressing the ''Kerala Jan-Samvad'' virtual rally, he referred of the Corporation. The seemingly unthinkable seems to have wards. As many as 78 candidates of the Congress and 76 of the chiefs. to the India-China face-off and said during the de-escalation happened as @JKNC_ and @BJP4India have come together in BJP were elected unopposed, courtesy the boycott call and non- The violent face-off between Indian and Chinese military forces process a violent clash took place with the Chinese army on Srinagar. But more on that later. Time to spend some time with participation of the two main regional unionist parties. took place along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh re- Monday night. my family after nearly four months of our war against #CO- gion amid heightened tensions over the border dispute between "Indian Army gave a befitting reply, but unfortunately, we have VID19.” ‘BJP’s Blue-eyed Boy’ ‘I Lived Death At The Door ... the two countries. The Army said there were casualties on the lost our three army men. I pay homage to them for their sacrifice On its part, the JKNC refused to buy Mattu’s argument. The deeds that can save you!” Chinese side as well but the extent of it was not immediately and I can assure you that under the leadership of PM Modi, In- party, in turn, is of the view that Mattu was himself a “proxy But as the valley has already lost many people in the COVID clear. However New Delhi based TV channels reported that Chi- dia’s territorial integrity will not be compromised," he said. Mayor of the BJP” and now he stands “backstabbed” by the combat, many survivors share their moving journeys from their nese suffered 45 casualties during the clash. Official sources said "We now have the political will and our Army is fully equipped same party he had pinned his hopes on. Former cabinet minis- positive to negative test and trial. Case 1: ‘I Wanted To See Birds’ there was no firing between the two sides. “During the de-esca- to take (on) any adversary," he said. Earlier senior BJP leader B ter, three-time legislator and chief spokesperson, JKNC, Ruhul- They came suddenly one day to take me away when my mother lation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off L Santhosh said Indian forces were resolute in forcing Chinese lah Mehdi alleged that Junaid Mattu had backstabbed his for- was tested positive. By then, I had shown what they now call took place on Monday night with casualties. Hindustan Times troops to "retreat" in a violent face-off in Ladakh, claiming that mer party (JKNC) to side with the BJP at a critical juncture. “Mr. COVID symptoms. reported that rival soldiers exchanged blows, threw stones at the loss on the adversary''s side could be "still more huge". "Our Mattu is the same person who resigned from the National Con- I thought I had just developed this constant cold after eating an each other and Chinese troops even attacked Indian soldiers forces were resolute in forcing Chinese troops to retreat. In the ference to join the People’s Conference with the BJP’s ‘ashirvad’ ice-cream. I confused my cold and running nose with my poor with rods and nail-studded clubs during the brawl that went on process yesterday we have lost 3 brave Deshbhakt soldiers. ''Veer (blessings). He is the BJP’s ‘blue-eyed boy’ and, even before the immunity. So, yes, I was just hoping against the hope. for over six hours. However, this wasn’t the first time the two Sadgati'' to the departed souls. The picture on the Chinese side SMC elections in 2018, J&K’s then Governor Satya Pal Malik had But eventually, they said it. After tested positive for this vicious armies engaged in fisticuffs or used stones and rods to attack is yet to emerge. It is still more huge," the BJP general secretary made it public that there will be a US-educated Mayor in Sri- virus, I felt like world blurring from my eyesight. Constant cough- each other in the area. Brawls and face-offs flare on a fairly regu- (organisation) tweeted. nagar,” Mehdi told this writer. ing and burning lungs made me restless. In the hospital, I would lar basis between the two nuclear-armed neighbours over their In a guarded reaction to the border face-off, Left parties said In- Mattu’s mayoral victory had come against the backdrop of a feel like dying alone. Nights haunted me more. I had no comforting 3,500-kilometre (2,200-mile) frontier, which has never been dia and China should initiate talks to defuse tensions between contentious statement made by then Governor Satya Pal Malik, company of my mother around me. She was herself lying in seri- properly demarcated, but no one has been killed in decades. the two countries in eastern Ladakh. The CPI(M) called on the who had remarked during the SMC elections that the Srinagar ous condition! Even in that distress hour, where I was staring at Beijing on Tuesday confirmed the incident and accused India of government to come out with an "authoritative statement" to city’s next mayor would be “a foreign-educated young person”. my possible end, I wanted to go out and watch birds. I wanted to crossing the border and “attacking Chinese personnel”. explain what happened in eastern Ladakh''s Galwan Valley, and At the time it was public knowledge that the governor was re- see them fly and free. Only a captive can value the true meaning Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Indian said that high-level talks should be initiated between the two ferring to Mattu as the new Mayor of Srinagar. of freedom. troops “crossed the border line twice… provoking and attacking nations to defuse the situation. The CPI, in a separate statement, The 35-year-old Junaid Azim Mattu who studied at Bishop Cot- Case 2: ‘I Was at the Door of Hell’ Chinese personnel, resulting in serious physical confrontation said that it is believed that the present standoff can be resolved ton School, Shimla, graduated from Michigan State University After losing my husband to cancer and son to abroad, I live between border forces on the two sides.” through talks and established frame-works agreed by both the in 2009. The US-educated Mattu contested as an independent alone. I hadn’t stepped much out of home since the time pan- A large number of Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in countries. "Any military confrontation between the two major after formally resigning from the JKNC and got elected as Mayor demic lockdown was announced. I would only go out to buy an eyeball-to-eyeball situation in Galwan Valley and certain oth- Asian countries not only impacts the cooperation and friendship of Srinagar city in 2018. He enjoyed the backing of the BJP and groceries. er areas of eastern Ladakh for the last five weeks. The incident between the two countries but also can jeopardise the peace and Sajad Lone-led People’s Conference, a party which he joined al- One fine day, when I went out to buy essentials, I was exposed comes days after Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said both stability in the Asia-Pacific region," it said. most immediately after leaving the JKNC. He had won 40 votes to a lot of people on street. That evening, I felt like inhaling more sides have begun disengaging from the Galwan Valley. The Indian Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda termed as ''disturbing'' the to beat Ghulam Rasool Hajam, the Congress candidate for May- oxygen than I usually do. A quick test followed and I was declared and Chinese armies are engaged in a standoff in Pangong Tso, violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops and said the govern- or’s post who won 26 votes. COVID positive. On the third night in the hospital, I saw myself Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. ment should offer a clearer picture to the nation on the border issue. Ruhullah Mehdi further said that his party had nothing to do with standing at the door of hell, mourning in pain. It was a terrifying A sizeable number of Chinese Army personnel even transgressed The Janata Dal (Secular) leader sought to know as to how Indian the SMC elections or the no-confidence motion moved against nightmare. I didn’t want to die. After that night, I became more into the Indian side of the de-facto border in several areas includ- soldiers lost their lives during a de-escalation process and said Mattu. “In fact, it is Mr. Mattu who backstabbed us (JKNC) when faithful and fun-loving — entertaining COVID-depressed souls ing Pangong Tso. Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Singh should come we took a stand against revocation of Articles 370 and 35(A). His in the ward. Sharing, caring and storytelling felt like a healing. The Indian Army has been fiercely objecting to the transgres- out with a clearer picture. proximity with Mr. Ram Madhav, BJP’s General Secretary, is no But at the same time, being COVID positive was no fun. There sions, and demanded their immediate withdrawal for restora- secret. Instead of crying foul, Mr. Mattu is well advised to curse were days when I couldn’t stop coughing. I was running out of tion of peace and tranquillity in the area. Both sides held a series Army Kills 3 Militants... the BJP which had earlier rewarded him and now shown him his breath. My vision turned blurry at days. I couldn’t even swallow of talks in the last few days to resolve the row. and Muneeb-ul-Haq of Sugan Zainapora Shopian. place by kicking him out,” he said, adding, “Mr. Mattu’s rants are anything. It was a terrible time. You understand life when you are Kamran Manhas had announced joining the Hizb ranks in Janu- demonstrating his frustration. He is notorious for shifting loyal- an iota close of death. ary 2019 and a picture showing him holding an AK-47 rifle went ties. He joined the PC against the wishes of the people and is now Case 3: ‘I Felt An Excruciating Pain’ Govt, Military Brass Go... talking about morality in politics.” Mattu started his political in- eventualities, the sources said. viral on social media then. Reacting to it then, Zaffar Manhas said Burning joints, pounding headache and numbness made me feel nings by joining the JKPC led by Sajad Lone and later joined Omar It is learnt that the government decided to further ramp up In- he was in “absolute disbelief” and that he and his family could like a living corpse in that COVID ward. Pain was excruciating, so Abdullah-led JKNC only to return to the JKPC-fold. dia's military strength in areas like Pangong Tso, Galwan Val- never imagine such a thing even in dreams. Since then Zaffar was this feeling of dying alone in that apathetic space. ‘BASELESS ALLEGATIONS’ ley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. After the Manhas left PDP and joined Jammu and Kashmir Apni party. They keep a tab on your vital signs from distance there. Then, Mattu also said that the ‘No Confidence Motion’ against him was nearly one-hour meeting, Singh gave a briefing to Prime Min- Kamran was the first youth from the Sharaab village to join mil- one day, one of them came and told me that my body wasn’t “elaborately engineered by the BJP’s State General Secretary and ister Modi on the overall situation, they said . In the late after- itancy in more than twenty years. It could not be ascertained absorbing the right level of oxygen. My lung power was falling, other office bearers”, a charge denied by the BJP leader. noon, the defence minister held another meeting with Jaishan- immediately if any other youth has joined the militant ranks so was the hope of coming alive from that ward. It’s terrifying Rejecting Mr. Mattu’s allegations, the BJP’s general secretary kar, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane and Chief of Defence Staff since then, news agency GNS reported. to be in that situation. All of a sudden, you wondered about the Ashok Kaul said that a party with mere four seats in SMC cannot Gen Bipin Rawat. The sources said Gen Naravane presented a futility of your dreams, goals and life plans. Nothing made sense. be in a position to bring about the Mayor’s downfall. Kaul argued detailed report to the defence minister covering various finer I was looking forward to this summer to attend my niece’s wedding. 78 More Test Covid-19 ... that Mattu “has failed to keep the flock of independent candidates details of Monday night's clash in Galwan which continued for But then, who knew that I would instead be fighting for my own life in recovered and were discharged from different hospitals. at SMC together. We reject his baseless allegations. We have no several hours. The Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in the that horror ward, where you’re being dumped as some filthy person. The number of confirmed cases has now reached 5,298, out of which role whatsoever in his downfall.” However, the strong perception standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Case 4: ‘You Do Not Want To Catch This!’ 4,091 are in Kashmir, while 1,207 are in Jammu, the officials said. in the Kashmir Valley is that the BJP has engineered the coup de Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. A sizeable number of Chinese After nursing COVID symptoms for 10 days, I suddenly faint- There are 2,454 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COV- e’tat, won over the many independent candidates and is planning Army personnel even transgressed into the Indian side of the ed one day, and vomited. I had to call for help and was under ID-19) in J&K — 1,760 in Kashmir and 694 in Jammu — and 2,781 to soon elevate the former Deputy Mayor SMC, Sheikh Imran, to de-facto border in several areas including Pangong Tso. observation for one night. The long feared news finally came (2,275 from Kashmir and 506 from Jammu) patients have recov- the status of new Mayor for Srinagar. ‘Mujahid’ Imran versus ‘An- The Indian Army has been fiercely objecting to the transgres- and sent me packing to a COVID-designated hospital. Soon as ered, according to officials. The J&K has witnessed 63 COVID-19 arkali’ Mayor The story of businessman-turned-politician Sheikh sions, and demanded their immediate withdrawal for resto- I breathed heavy, they put a device in my mouth. I started to (56 from Kashmir, 7 from Jammu) deaths so far. Imran is an interesting one. In April 2019, Imran had urged all ration of peace and tranquillity in the area. Both sides held a panic. I had this sense of drowning and dying. I thought of my Kashmiris to include prefix ‘Mujahid’ (holy warrior) to their social series of talks in the last few days to resolve the row. In their young kids and how they would be managing at my relative’s media profiles and would routinely record some anger-filled vid- first serious efforts to end the row, Lt General Harinder Singh, UN Chief Concerned... place. I imagined myself falling from a cliff and going down in by child casualties in Jammu and Kashmir and call upon the eos with a sense of heroism. the general officer commanding of the Leh-based 14 Corps, and an abyss. You develop that sort of mindset when you realise that Government to take preventive measures to protect children, In June last year, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a Commander of the Tibet Military District Maj Gen Liu Lin held a you are up against a formidable enemy—who was slowly leaving including by ending the use of pellets against children. case against Srinagar’s then Deputy Mayor Imran and officials nearly seven-hour meeting on June 6. The meeting was followed you breathless. Some days after, my situation started to improve. “I am concerned by the detention of children, including their of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank for allegedly misappropriating by two rounds of Major General-level talks. The Indian side has I moved on to another ward with four others. arrest during night raids, internment at army camps, torture crores of rupees from the public exchequer. There are serious al- been pitching for restoration of status quo ante and immedi- After a few days, I was one of the lucky ones who made it through. in detention and detention without charge or due process, legations against Imran, one of these that he allegedly owes J&K ate withdrawal of thousands of Chinese troops from the areas I came home, but trust me, you do not want to catch this! and urge the Government to immediately end this practice. I Bank over 100 crore rupee and is listed as an NPA (Non Perform- which India considers on its side of the LAC. Case 5: ‘I Lived Death’ note that the Government conducted age verification for some ing Asset). He is also purported director of the Kehwa Group of I woke up one morning gasping for air, feeling that I was having detainees and urge for its systematisation,” he said. However, Companies. His Kehwa Group had submitted a proposal to the a heart attack. An initial coronavirus test came back negative. But China Trying To Unilaterally children’s access to education and health services continues to J&K Bank to set up a storage facility under the name of Kehwa when the symptoms worsened, I got tested again. This time the Ladakh's Galwan Valley on Monday night, the first such incident be of concern owing to this insurgency, in particular in Chhat- Square Pvt Ltd in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The ACB results were positive. involving fatalities after a gap of 45 years. tisgarh and Jharkhand, he said. spokesperson at the time had alleged that its team, which vis- In a ward full of COVID patients, I struggled with fever and "We remain firmly convinced of the need for the maintenance of “I am concerned by attacks on schools, yet I am encouraged ited the site in Pulwama, said “the cost of the project pegged heavy breathing. It felt like something was stuck there and not peace and tranquillity in the border areas and the resolution of that the Government has commenced legal proceedings at Rs 33 crore was inflated”. Furthermore, the ACB investigation coming out. differences through dialogue," Srivastava said. against the perpetrators,” he said. Guterres reiterated his en- had revealed that the Kehwa Group owned six more firms and Nights were more tormenting. I did not go to sleep for three days "At the same time, we are also strongly committed to ensuring couragement to the Indian government to put in place nation- that Sheikh Imran had allegedly raised loans and overdrafts for because I was scared that I wouldn’t wake up. India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added. al preventive and accountability measures for all grave viola- these units. “The liabilities on account of loan accumulated to I lived death and that too when there was hardly anyone to con- tions, as soon as possible. India has expressed disappointment Rs 138 crore,” a spokesperson for the bureau had said. “Since, sole you. Yet I made it alive from the hospital, where I saw the Beijing Lodges Protest ... over the UN chief’s previous report on ‘Children and Armed one of the companies Kehwa Square had turned non-performing virus consuming a poor patient. that he was not summoned. Conflict’ in 2019, saying such an attempt to “expand mandate asset, Imran sought one-time settlement with J&K Bank authori- "Summon is a wrong word, Misri said when asked whether he in a selective manner” to certain situations only politicises ties.” Imran, who describes himself as “former political captive” was summoned by the Chinese foreign ministry. the agenda. “In spite of the clear mandate by the Council, we on Twitter, was briefly put under detention last year soon after Sagar’s Detention Under PSA even when those around him were reluctant to. This once again Asked whether there was any discussion or mention by the Chi- are disappointed that the Report of the Secretary-General in- J&K lost its semi-autonomous status and statehood. After engag- highlights the unjust & indefensible nature of the 5th Aug deten- nese about the casualties on their side, he said our discussion was cludes situations which are not armed conflicts or of threat ing in verbal gymnastics with the JKPC he had joined hands with tions," Abdullah tweeted. more about what had happened yesterday but we didn't get into to maintenance of international peace and security,” a senior its leader Sajad Lone and Junaid Mattu. But in one of his recent Sagar was detained in August last year after the special status any details about casualties," and added that the situation was still Indian diplomat at the UN said in August last year. Launching statements he alleged that he was being followed by a white granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 was with- evolving. the new report on Monday, UN Special Representative of the Santro vehicle which he said belonged to a close aide of ‘Anarkali drawn. He is kept under detention in a Srinagar government Luo was the former Chinese Ambassador to India. Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Mayor’, a reference to Mattu. “A grey Santro car was following guesthouse declared as a sub-jail. China has alleged that the Indian troops twice crossed the bor- Gamba said that boys and girls used and abused in armed con- me, JK01S 6483, in which drugged brother of #tumulchor (rice "Extremely happy to let all of you know that the PSA against der line on June 15 for "illegal activities and provoked and at- flict in the world have had their childhoods replaced by “pain, thief) Corporator and close air (aide) of Anarkali mayor was driv- Sagar sb. has been quashed by the J&K High court after the court tacked Chinese personnel" which led to serious physical conflict brutality and fear while the world watches.” ing along with 3 gonads (gundas) with an intention to hurt me. proceedings which took 6 hearings and finally the judgement between the two sides, hours after the Indian Army said the The report said that the most shocking increase of more than I have lodged the complaint with the Burzulla police station.” has been delivered. violent face-off took place between the troops during the "de- 400 per cent is seen in the denial of humanitarian access to Inside sources in SMC revealed that Sheikh Imran enjoys the Thanks to entire @JKNC_ family and party leadership for being a escalation process" in the Galwan Valley. "I am not aware of the children, with 4,400 verified incidents. The report highlights full backing of the BJP and the saffron party has taken over 40 great," Sagar's son, Salman Sagar tweeted. information you provided," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes- violence against humanitarian workers and impediments to independent candidates on board not only to topple Mattu Senior Sagar's lawyer Shariq Reyaz confirmed that the court had man Zhao Lijian said in Beijing when asked about the reports their work, the looting of supplies and restrictions of move- but also with the aim to move a resolution on Article 370 quashed the detention of the former minister but said the de- of the Indian casualties at the contested borders. "Our border ment, among the many disruptions in the provision of basic in the Corporation and get it approved by the independent tailed order would be made available later. troops had a high-level meeting and reached important consen- assistance to children. candidates under Imran’s leadership. Mattu was ‘elected’ Sri- The preventive detention order of Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar sus on easing the border situation but astonishingly on June 15 Yemen, Mali, the Central African Republic (CAR), Israel and the State nagar Mayor in the 2018 urban local body elections which quashed by HC. Had the pleasure of arguing his case along with the Indian troops seriously violated our consensus and twice of Palestine and Syria are the most concerning situations, it said. were boycotted by two important regional parties, JKNC and Mr. Shuja Ul Haq before the HC. Judgment to be uploaded soon, crossed the border line for illegal activities and provoked and at- Overall, millions of children were deprived of education and JKPD. He faced a floor test on June 16 in a special session of he tweeted Tuesday evening. tacked Chinese personnel which led to serious physical conflict health care as a direct result of attacks, misuses, or because of the General Council on a no-confidence motion largely per- National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah also ex- between the two sides and China has lodged strong protest and school closures and/or due to military use, the report said. ceived to be engineered by the BJP and signed by over 40 pressed hope that the legal team of PDP president Mehbooba representation with the Indian side," Zhao said. Boys and girls also continued to endure sexual violence with 735 members of a 70-member House. cases verified, however, the violation is vastly underreported, it said. Sources in the know also informed that several top leaders of Mufti will take heart from "today's judgement in the J&K High The largest verified numbers correspond to the Democratic Re- the National Conference had “genuinely tried to prevent Mat- Court" to pursue her case in the Supreme Court with increased Oppn Parties Train Guns ... public of the Congo (DRC), Somalia and the Central African Re- tu’s debacle, but the BJP had already bought loyalty of several determination and vigour. deeply shocking, horrifying and unacceptable" and demanded public. Factors such as impunity for perpetrators and lack of ac- independent candidates.” Others are seeing the quashing of "She deserves to be freed without further loss of time". answers from Prime Minister Modi on how this happened. cess to justice, fear of stigma, and lack of services for survivors, senior NC leader Ali Sagar’s Public Safety Act (PSA) by the J&K "Although (PDP leader) Nayeem Sb & (NC leader) Hilal haven't The party also demanded that the government take the nation are largely the cause of under-reporting, it said. High Court on June 16 as quid pro quo moment in exchange challenged their detentions in court, I hope the authorities see into confidence and convene a meeting to brief the leadership of Human rights groups strongly criticised Guterres for removing of NC’s alleged help to the BJP in toppling Mattu. Respond- the writing on the wall & realise their continued PSA deten- political parties about the ground situation. the Saudi-led coalition, which was responsible for 222 child ing to the JKNC leader Ruhullah’s strongly-worded remarks, tion is indefensible. Congress'' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said reports casualties and 4 attacks on schools and hospitals in Yemen in the JKPC chief spokesperson Adnan Ashraf Mir said: “At least of brazen Chinese transgressions at three points in Ladakh into 2019, from his list of parties responsible for grave violations we had the courage to own up an alliance. It is the NC's turn Indian territory since April or May have caused grave concerns India, Pak Troops Trade ... against children. to show some moral courage and own up their alliance. They He said that army gave a “befitting response” to the unprovoked as the Modi government remained a "mute spectator". He also “ignored violations by other powerful countries”, in- had 14 members. Four had joined the BJP six months back. Of ceasefire violation. "To the distress and dismay of the entire nation, Prime Minis- cluding Russia, the US, and Israel, by omitting them from his the remaining 10, seven voted with the BJP. And then they ex- ter Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remain list, Human Rights Watch said in a statement. pelled those 4 Corporators who had left NC six months back. absolutely ''mum''," Surjewala said. He said the prime minis- “The secretary-general has brought shame on the UN by remov- Is deputy mayor (Sheikh Imran) not their member? Who did ter and the defence minister must come forward and answer 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake ing the Saudi-led coalition from his ‘list of shame’ even as it he vote for? The NC should give us a break. They vote with whether it is true that Chinese have killed an officer and sol- Tremors were also felt in Jammu, they said. continues to kill and injure children in Yemen,” said Jo Becker, BJP openly and now have the audacity to deny it. He (Ruhulla) diers of the Indian Army in the Galwan Valley and whether In- children’s rights advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. would do well to check his own tweets about his own party dian soldiers have also been critically injured. "If so, why are “He has repeatedly and inexcusably left powerful countries off just a few weeks back before he surrendered.” PM Modi and Defence Minister maintaining absolute silence?" his list despite overwhelming UN evidence of grave violations BACKGROUND Leopard Mauls Minor ... he asked. The Congress remains firm that the entire country against children,” Becker said. The story of SMC elections is a little complicated one. boy from the bushes in a nearby forest area, reports added. stands as one to protect India’s security and its territorial in- Amid unprecedented boycott and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir the tegrity at all costs, Surjewala said. then 74-member body of SMC went to polls in October 2018, nearly "Let Modi government remember that in our Parliamentary de- Srinagar Mayor Defeated ... four months after the BJP had bid adieu to its political coalition alli- mocracy, ''secrecy or silence'' are unacceptable on part of our time as “the BJP-engineered, orchestrated and backed” in which Ladakh Records 94 New ... ance with the J&K People’s Democratic Party (JKPDP). The Congress one coronavirus-related death. government," he said. Punjab Chief Minister and senior Congress he alleged that the J&K National Conference (JKNC) played a “fa- party won 16 seats and the BJP bagged only four seats in SMC elec- The condition of 563 active cases in the union territory -- 453 in leader Amarinder Singh said it is time now for the Centre to take cilitatory role.” Junaid Mattu announced his defeat on Twitter, saying that “The vote of ‘No Confidence Motion’ against me, and tions. Independents bagged the 53 seats in the 74-member body. Kargil and 110 in Leh -- is stable , the officials said. Wednesday| 17-06-2020 3

DIAL-EMMA NTA Extends Last Date For Submission Of • TRAFFIC POLICE : 9419993745, 01998-266686 • PCR: 0194-2452092,2455883 • PDD: 0194-2450213 • FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES : Various Online Entrance Forms Till June 30 2479488,2452222,2452155 • CAPD: 18001807011 Agencies • SMC HEALTH OFFICER: 9469409081 examination (CSIR- UGC NET) June 2020 The committee as per the order issued guidelines and other related issues relat- Srinagar: Amid Coronavirus crisis, the and All India AYUSH Post Graduate En- under number 647-JK GAD) of 2020, dated 15- ing to the treatment of COVID Patients, AIRPORTS National Testing Agency (NTA) has yet trance Test (AIAPGET)-2020. 06-2020 is headed by Dr. Muhammad Sultan measures to be taken to control the CO- SHIEK UL ALAM AIRPORT: 01942303311 again extended the last date for submis- “Submission of online application Kharoo, former Director SKIMS, Soura, vice VID pandemic and other related matters sion of various online application en- forms shall be accepted up to 05.00 PM chairman, apex selection committee, SKIMS. and advise the government on these is- RAILWAYS trance forms till June-30. and submission of fee up to 11.50 PM. The However, none among the ten mem- sues,” the order reads. • SRINAGAR: 0194-2103259 Earlier, the last date for submission of requisite fee can be paid through credit bers of the panel is epidemiologist. Meanwhile, Doctors Association • ANANTNAG: 01932-228243 online forms was June-15. or debit card, net banking, UPI and PAY- The eight members of the panel in- Kashmir (DAK) welcomed the constitu- • BARAMULLA: 0194-102029 According to the NTA order, a copy TM,” NTA said. clude Dr A G Ahangar, Director and Ex- tion of an Apex Level Advisory Commit- • BIJBHERA: 01932-228243 of which is in possession with the news “The detailed schedule mentioning re- Officio Secretary, SKIMS, Principal of tee AND hoped that the committee will • PAMPORE: 01933-294132 agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), vised dates of downloading of admit cards Government Medical College (GMC) Jam- analyze and review authentic data per- • PATTAN: 01954-293507 the extension was made in view of the and of examination will be displayed sep- mu and Srinagar, Dr. Rajinder Singh, for- taining to treatment of COVID-19 across • QAZIGUND: 01951-296153 hardships faced by the various aspirants. arately on respective examination web- mer professor and head, Chest Diseases the globe, which will help to mitigate and “In view of many requests and repre- sites,” Joshi also said. He said that the and Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Javid Ma- contain pandemic. HIGHWAY STATUS sentations received from students and the NTA would keep students updated about lik, Head, Pulmonary Medicine, SKIMS President DAK, Dr Suhail Naik in a • Sgr-Jammu highway - ( Open ) hardships faced by them due to COVID-19 the latest developments and would inform Medical College, Bemina Srinagar, Dr. statement hailed the government move, • Mughal Road - (closed) epidemic, the NTA has further extended them about changes with ample time. Anil Sharma, Professor & Head, Depart- calling it “a step in the right direction for the • Srinagar- Leh- (Open) the last dates of submission of online appli- NTA advised the candidates and their ment of Medicine, GMC Jammu, Dr. Nav- coronavirus patients.” “It is due to the com- cation forms for various examinations to parents to visit the respective examina- eed Nazir, Professor and Head, Chest & munication gap that the local people and be conducted by the Agency,” NTA Direc- tion websites for latest updates—(KNO) Diseases, GMC Srinagar, Dr. Aijaz Nabi activists have developed apprehensions due tor General Vineet Joshi said in an order. COVID: Govt forms apex level panel Koul, Additional Professor General Med- to lack of a clear understanding of the pan- The entrance test application forms to review protocol, guidelines for treat- icine & Head Infectious Disease Unit, demic and its mass management,” he said. Prayers include Indira Gandhi National Open ment of patients SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar and Dr. Simriti The doctor’s body also said that it ex- University (IGNOU) Ph.D. and OPEN- DAK welcomes, suggests inclusion of Gulati, Prof & Head, Department of Anes- pects that the committee would examine MAT (MBA) Entrance Examination-2020, epidemiologists in committee thesiology, GMC Jammu. the scientific, ethical, social and legal FAJR 3: 34 Indian Council of Agricultural Research Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir According to the order, Dr. Rahul challenges associated with treatments (ICAR) AIEEA 2020, Jawaharlal Ne- government has constituted ten-member Gupta, Professor and Head, Chest Dis- and interventions. DAK suggested that Hijri ZUHR 12: 31 hru University Entrance Examination high level advisory panel to review the eases, GMC Jammu has been appointed as the committee should be empowered by (JNUEE)-2020, University Grants Com- protocol, guidelines and other related is- the member secretary of the panel. adding Director Health Services Kashmir Calendar ASR 5:31 mission-National Eligibility Test (UGC- sues about the treatment of COVID-19 pa- “The terms of reference of the Com- and Jammu, epidemiologists and pharma- Magrib 7:46 NET) June 2020, Joint CSIR-UGC NET tients and their implementation. mittee shall be to review the protocol/ cologists to it—(KNO) 25 Shawwal 1441 ISHA 9:28 Employees from J&K UT posted in No fresh appointment under This Day In History Ladakh demand immediate repartition SRO 202, Probation period of old SRO 202 appointees reduced to 2 yrs • 656 Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) elected the 4th Caliph of the ‘By giving deaf ears to our demands, UT Govt is violating its own rules’ Rashidun Caliphate JAMMU, JUNE 16: In a historic posts, Mr. Kansal said that for 7052 • 1631 - Mumtaz Mahal dies during childbirth. Her hus- Ladakh: The employees re- “The government itself has or any other department and and employee friendly move to ad- Class IV posts, a new set of rules band, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I, then spends more cruited by J&K government flouted the norms by not trans- only the LG of UT J&K can do dress the long standing demand of call the Jammu and Kashmir Ap- than 20 years building her tomb, the Taj Mahal posted in union territory of ferring us after the completion it,” Ahmed said. unemployed youth as well as nearly pointment to Class-IV (Special Re- • 1861 - Battle of Boonville, MI-Brigadier General Lyon Ladakh for the past three years of one year as third zone post- The employees said that 10,000 old appointees, the Govern- cruitment) Rules, 2020 had been defeats Confederate forces Tuesday demanded immedi- ing,” they said. they are serving in good num- ment has decided that no future ap- notified to fast track the recruit- • 1863 - Battle at Middleburg, Virginia ate repatriation stating that Basheer Ahmad, one of bers in Ladakh UT that include pointments in the UT of J&K shall ment process and make it transpar- • 1863 - Battle of Aldie, Confederates fail to drive back they can't bear the challenging the lecturers, posted in union Health Department (6), Educa- be made under SRO-202. Existing ent. These rules too have also been Union in Virginia conditions anymore. They said territory of Ladakh said that tion (64), PDD (12), finance and employees under SRO 202 will get amended and SRO 202 will not be • 1877 - Indian Wars: Battle of White Bird Canyon - the even after completion of stipu- at least 64 lecturers and two planning (10), Home depart- a major relief as their five year pe- applicable to these appointments. Nez Perce defeat the US Cavalry at White Bird Canyon lation period, administration Chief educational officers ment PO (2), PWD (R&B) (5) riod of probation shall be reduced Regarding the vacancies al- in the Idaho Territory has not initiated any step to (CEOs) are posted in parts of and PHE (2). to the normal probation period i.e. ready referred to recruitment agen- • 1885 - Statue of Liberty arrives in NYC aboard French transfer them back to Kashmir. UT who even after completion “Many employees of newly two years only. These decisions cies under SRO 202, the spokesper- They said that over 100 of stipulated period of one year created UT of J&K have been were taken in a meeting of the Ad- son stated that in all such cases the ship `Isere’ employees of different depart- are still craving for the atten- rendering their services in ministrative Council held under agencies shall be advised suitably • 1896 - Polar explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Frederick ments of which the majority tion from the authorities for Ladakh UT in compliance the Chairmanship of the Lieutenant to bring the recruitment out of the Jackson meet by chance in Franz Josef Land, the Arctic belong to the education depart- the their transfer. with transfer/posting orders Governor Girish Chander Murmu. purview of SRO 202. This, he said • 1916 - US troops under General Pershing march into ment were deployed in Ladakh He said three years have issued by their respective de- Speaking at a press conference will include all pending cases in- Mexico prior to the bifurcation of the already passed but there seems partments from time to time here today, the Principal Secre- cluding those where only referrals • 1938 - Japan declares war on China. erstwhile state of Jammu and to be no seriousness from the before 31-October, 2019,” they tary PDD & Information, Mr. Rohit to SSB/PSC have been made, where • 1940 - USSR occupies Estonia Kashmir into two different LG’s administration in union told KNO. Kansal, who is also the Govern- written test has been held but no • 1940 - World War II: sinking of the RMS Lancastria by union territories and they are territory of Jammu and Kash- The employees demanded ment spokesperson, said that the interview has been conducted, the Luftwaffe near Saint-Nazaire, France yet to be called back. mir despite a number of repre- personal intervention of Lt. decisions will benefit both existing where interview has already been • 1947 - 1st round-the-world civil air service leaves NYC Talking to the news agen- sentations made from time to Governor of J&K and said em- employees and potential recruits as conducted but the result has not • 1950 - Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia & Syria sign se- cy—Kashmir News Observer time to the concerned offices. ployees serving in Ladakh UT all future appointments including been declared and where the selec- curity pact (KNO), the employees said that “We earlier met the Lt prior to the implementation of those in the pipeline will be out of tion has been completed but final • 1953 - Riots in East Germany for reunification the LG G C Murmu led admin- Governor of Ladakh who J&K Re-organisation Act 2019 the purview of this rule. appointment order has not been • 1970 - Edwin Land patents the Polaroid camera istration has left them to suffer clearly told us that it's not his be repatriated to their home Recalling that the government issued. Suitable orders and instruc- • 1976 - Indonesia annexes Portuguese East-Timor under immense challenging domain to transfer any of the UT of J&K at an earliest with- had recently started a special re- tions shall be issued to the recruit- • 1982 - President Galtieri resigns after leading Argen- conditions. employees be it from education out any delay—(KNO) cruitment drive involving 10,000 ing agencies by the GAD. tina to defeat in the Falkland Islands • 1984 - John Turner succeeds Pierre Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada • 1988 - Microsoft releases MS DOS 4.0 LAWDA resumes • 1988 - Soyuz TM-5 launches DAK aghast over suspension of doctor • 1991 - The body of the 12th US President, Zachary Tay- dredging of Brari lor, is exhumed to test how he died; rumors had per- “If people aren’t wearing masks, it is failure of district administration” sisted since his death in 1850 of arsenic poisoning - no Numbal Lagoon evidence of this was found SRINAGAR : Lakes and Waterways Srinagar: Doctors Associa- Management Act that the DC Rather to appreciate the on enhancing wearing masks • 2018 - Ivan Duque is elected President of Columbia Development Authority (LAWDA) re- tion Kashmir (DAK) Tues- Anantnag should have taken doctor for trying to build a so that such uncanny episodes • 2018 - Historic deal signed between Greece and Mace- sumes dredging of Brari Numbal La- day strongly condemned note of. sense of awareness & safe- won't be repeated. donia to end dispute over Macedonia’s name - chang- goon in Shahr-e-.Khass after getting the irresponsible behaviour DAK said Dr Nisar Ah- guarding health care workers, DAK said the health ser- ing to North Macedonia suspended due to the spread of Covid-19. of Deputy Commissioner, mad has been suspended and other patients and himself vices are governed by guide- • 2019- Activist Joshua Wong calls on Hong Kong leader The Vice Chairman, LDA Tufail Anantnag as the latter has humiliated by labelling him from being affected by a coro- lines & ethics in which safety Carrie Lam to resign after leaving prison amid street Matto flanked by engineering wing suspended one medico Dr for not following unethical navirus suspect, he has been of all healthcare workers is protests the day before of over 2 million people. team today took stock of the works un- Nisar Ahmed, currently practice, which is unfortu- suspended just to set the sys- imperative upon the depart- der execution on his visit to Lagoon. posted PHC Sadiwara. nate. tem right. ment & other stakeholders He said around 20,000 Cums are President DAK, Dr Suhail The order signed by DC The doctors body said that “Unfortunately they have expected to be dredged out in order to Naik said the said doctor has Anantnag mentions that “ei- people not wearing masks is a been left to suffer and when From Ko Archives deepen the lagoon and restore water been relentlessly working ther a doctor should have pro- failure of the government and they try their bit to rectify quality, besides this several develop- during the Covid-19 crisis and vided a mask or a cloth should action should be taken against some measures in the inter- mental works are also in progress for by just objecting to not seeing have been kept in her mouth" those who are not following est of the system they are pe- Musharraf envisages rapid its beautification vis-à-vis walk way a patient till he along with amounts to mere mockery of rules not against those who nalised just to appease those around lagoon for walkers, tourists attendants aren't wearing a the system. are following the guidelines. who create unruly scenes,” it accord on Kashmir and additional facility of kiosks and mask, he has been suspended. “The health workers are "It is time to stop administra- stated. jetties. Mattoo said to further beautify He said wearing a mask is struggling themselves to have tive medicine and interfer- DAK stresses on Direc- UALA LUMPUR - Stating that the Kashmir problem the lagoon, Footpath for pedestrian, mandatory as per the guide- masks being provided by the ence in hospitals and let doc- torate of Health Services could be solved in “two weeks” if India and Pakistan Food Street, Ornamental Street lights, lines of WHO, Ministry of department and furthermore tors to frame and implement Kashmir to intervene in the show political will, President Pervez Musharraf fountains and solid waste management Health and Family Welfare putting a cloth in the mouth hospital protocols." matter and revoke the order Musharraf today expressed optimism that it by providing dustbins around the la- Government of India, CDC has not been advised by any DAK demanded that DC otherwise the whole doctors Kwould be resolved in a “certain timeframe”. goon is being taken up under AMRUT and any violation is a crimi- medical governing author- Anantnag should immediate- fraternity will be compelled to “1 think it can be resolved in two weeks if there is a will and PMDP. nal offence under Disaster ity,” DAK said in a statement. ly revoke the order and focus go for strike. and we discuss the options and reach an agreement. Well, two weeks maybe...I have just said that. “The most important thing for the leadership is to have the will to reach a conclusion. I see that at this moment, the leader- GOVT. OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR GOVT. OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR ship does have.” he told reporters here when asked if he shared the optimism of some that the Kashmir issue could be settled in OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER a couple of years. “Therefore.” Musharraf said “I am optimistic that it would SUB-TRANSMISSION DIVISION PULWAMA SUB-TRANSMISSION DIVISION PULWAMA be resolved in a certain timeframe”. The Pakistan President, CANCELLATION OF NIT 06/STD/PUL of 2020-21 CANCELLATION OF NIT 04/STD/PUL of 2020-21 who was on his-way to Australia, said he would love to visit Kashmir. “I would love to go there” but he would not make a Dated:-16/05/2020 Dated:-16/05/2020 formal proposal as “the time was not ripe yet.” About Siachen, he said talks were being held between the Subject:-Cancellation of Tender due to poor response. Subject:-Cancellation of Tender due to poor response. two countries on withdrawing troops and redeploy them to end the “eyeball to eyeball confrontation”. He expressed optimism The NIT No 06/STD/Pul of 2020-21 Dated:-16/05/2020 vide e-NIT no: PDD_2020_97113_1.is hereby The NIT No 04/STD/Pul of 2020-21 Dated:-16/05/2020 vide e-NIT no: PDD_2020_97087_1.is hereby that an agreement would be reached on the issue. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said yesterday that the cancelled because of the poor response. cancelled because of the poor response. two countries were exploring the possibility of putting their Sd/- troops out of Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield and Executive Engineer Sd/- turn it into a “mountain of peace”. STD Pulwama Executive Engineer He also refused to affirm whether he would step down in No:- STD/Pul/510-16 STD Pulwama 2007 and hand over power to a civilian leader, saying “we will Date:- 11/06/2020 No:- STD/Pul/517-23 cross the bridge when we come to it.” DIPK-NB-698/20 Date:- 11/06/2020 DIPK-NB-699/20 (Kashmir Observer, 17 June, 2005)

Srinagar, Apr 23, KNT: The exploitation of private school teachers is continuing unabated in Kashmir valley as most of the schools have not paid salaries to the teaching staff since August 2019. With COVID-19 positive cases emerging every day all over the Valley, the resumption of normal life appears bleak in the near future. And, teacher com- munity employed in private schools has been badly affected. "It was the month of March when we were expecting the salaries to be released but now, given the coronavirus pandemic, we have no hope either. Our struggle has gotten worse, to say the least," Manzoor Dar, a private school teacher from Shopian told KNT. He added, "As we are observing that the administration is taking various steps to combat the epidemic crises of coronavirus like relief work, advance KashmirKashmir Observer Observer 44Friday,Friday, 01 01 February, February, 2013 2013 OPINIONOPINION

VIEWPOINTVIEWPOINT KKASHMIRASHMIR OOBSERVERBSERVER SRINAGAR,SRINAGAR, Friday, Friday, February February 01, 01, 2013 2013 AA LONGLONG WAYWAY TOTO GOGO undone whatever little may have catedcated forfor thethe ObserverObserver GroupGroup else-else- hehe would would like like to to remain remain Indian, Indian, but but I I ILOOFAR URESHI undone whatever little may have NNILOOFAR Q QURESHI beenbeen achievedachieved byby thethe CBMs.CBMs. wherewhere in in difficult difficult economic economic times. times. willwill request request the the government government of of India India However,However, despitedespite bothboth sidessides re-re- However,However, asas expected,expected, thisthis (to)(to) please please provide provide him him security.” security.” StrikingStriking atat RootsRoots FORFOR THOSE THOSE WHO WHO HAD HAD iteratingiterating that that the the bilateral bilateral ties ties had had not not ‘noble’‘noble’ proposition proposition with with fiscal fiscal import import NotNot content content with with his his ‘request’ ‘request’ to to PLACEDPLACED THEIR THEIR BETS BETS ON ON beenbeen derailed,derailed, thethe recentrecent turnturn ofof failedfailed to to cut cut any any ice ice as as the the issue issue un- un- thethe Government Government of of India, India, Malik Malik went went OCIETALOCIETAL TRENDS TRENDS guided guided by by the the political political elite elite have have shorn shorn eventsevents suggestsuggest otherwise.otherwise. NewNewSundayderder discussiondiscussion waswas anan openopen Observer debatedebate onon to to appeal appeal to to the the Indian Indian public public that, that, ‘AMAN KI ASHA’, 2013 HAS thethe teaching teaching profession profession of of its its status status and and sanctity, sanctity, turning turning it it ‘AMAN KI ASHA’, 2013 HAS Delhi,Delhi, suddenly suddenly like like a a bolt bolt out out of of the the onon peacekeepingpeacekeeping andand notnot onon auster-auster- “I“I wouldwould likelike toto requestrequest allall IndianIndian CERTAINLY BROUGHT blue,blue, raked raked up up the the ityity measures.measures. brothersbrothers andand sisterssisters andand allall thosethose intointo just just another another vocation vocation with with little little to to distinguish distinguish it it from, from, CERTAINLY BROUGHT BAD NEWS. BUT AREN’T issueissue ofof thethe rel-rel- WhyWhy NewNew DelhiDelhi WhyWhy NewNew whowho areare talkingtalking inin aa negativenegative wayway say,say, hawking hawking garments garments on on the the streets. streets. The The adventurous, adventurous, glam- glam- BAD NEWS. BUT AREN’T evanceevance ofof thethe UNUN DelhiDelhi decideddecided toto aboutabout Shah Shah Rukh, Rukh, they they should should know know THEY THEMSELVES TO BE Military Observer decideddecided toto deviatedeviate fromfrom deviate from its he is a movie star." orousSorousS and and challenging challenging enterprise enterprise of of kindling, kindling, illuminating illuminating and and en- en- THEY THEMSELVES TO BE Military Observer deviate from its he is a movie star." BLAMEDBLAMED FOR FOR EXPECTING EXPECTING GroupGroup itsits age-oldage-old policypolicy ofof age-oldage-old policypolicy ofof WhileWhile NewNew DelhiDelhi maymay bebe an-an- lighteninglightening tendertender youngyoung mindsminds hashas becomebecome aa lack-lustrelack-lustre andand (UNMOGIP) on ‘letting the sleep- noyed at Malik’s ‘request’, the THE IMPOSSIBLE? (UNMOGIP)Send onyour write‘letting‘letting ups thethe and sleepingsleeping feedback at ‘letting the sleep- noyed at Malik’s ‘request’, the uninspiringuninspiring activity activity devoid devoid of of its its sorely-needed sorely-needed spirit, spirit, mainly mainly be- be- THE IMPOSSIBLE? thethe LoC LoC in in Jammu Jammu inging dogsdogs lie’lie’ toto peoplepeople of of India India will will perhaps perhaps remain remain and Kashmir. dogsdogs lie’lie’ toto bringbring upup thethe bring up the ever grateful to the Pakistani Inte- causecause successive successive leaderships leadershipsWednesday (if (if they they deserve deserve| 17-06-that that name) name) have have2020 been been and Kashmir. [email protected] bring up the ever grateful to the Pakistani Inte- XPECTINGXPECTING THATTHAT thethe DeclaringDeclaring thatthat UNMOGIPUNMOGIP issueissue andand UNMOGIPUNMOGIPOpini issueissue riorrior MinisterMinister forfor enlighteningoenlighteningn themthem too occupied with other, more lucrative, concerns to bother about venom of hatred infused “UNMOGIP’s role and the timing it with the fact that Shahrukh Khan is too occupied with other, more lucrative, concerns to bother about venom of hatred infused “UNMOGIP’s role the timing it chose and the timing it with the fact that Shahrukh Khan is whatwhat is is the the corner-stone corner-stone of of the the well-being well-being of of a a people. people. This This has has had had intointo their their people people over over the the hashas beenbeen over-over- the timing it chose chosechose toto dodo so,so, “a“a movie movie star!” star!” kashmir yearsyears byby thethe leadersleaders onon takentaken byby thethe toto dodo so,so, defiesdefies defiesdefies compre-compre- CanCan bilateralbilateral tiesties betweenbetween IndiaIndia aa direct direct bearing bearing on on the the condition condition of of schools schools and and their their performance. performance. both sides could easily Shimla Agreement hension. So, and Pakistan improve if Pakistan both sides could easily Shimla Agreement comprehension. So, hension. So, and Pakistan improve if Pakistan ByBy an an ironic ironic twist twist of of circumstance, circumstance, the the teaching teaching profession profession has has andEandE quicklyquickly bebe remediedremedied merelymerely byby ofof 19721972 betweenbetween comprehension. So, whilewhile nothingnothing agreesagrees that that the the UNMOGIP UNMOGIP is is not not re- re- beenbeen for for long, long, the the last last resort resort of of the the capable capable and and the the destination destination of of thethe antidoteantidote ofof ‘Confidence‘Confidence Build-Build- IndiaIndia andand Paki-Paki- whilewhile nothingnothing camecame outout camecame outout ofof thisthis quiredquired any any longer longer in in J&K J&K and and India India inging Measures’Measures’The (CBMs)(CBMs) whilewhile Great theythey stan,stan, signedsigned byby Covid Disruptiondebate,debate, oldold reciprocatesreciprocates byby providingproviding ShahrukhShahrukh of this debate, old choicechoice for for those those who who are are unable unable to to fit fit in in anywhere anywhere else. else. When When the the themselvesthemselves continue continue to to foster foster an an en- en- thethe HeadsHeads ofof thethe of this debate, old woundswounds werewere re-re- KhanKhan ‘Z’ ‘Z’ category category security? security? screeningscreening Printedprocess process & for for Published entry entry into into by thisSajjad this field field Haider - - on on onwhich which behalf the the of entire theentire social social vironmentvironmentThe of of mutual mutualpandemic mistrust! mistrust! willtwotwo accelerate governmentsgovernments awoundswounds change werewere that reopenedreopened had alreadyopenedopened begun:andand ThoughThough a move the the recent recent away exchanges exchanges be- be- Kashmir Observer LLP TheThe reactionreaction ofof NewNew DelhiDelhi andand andand ratifiedratified byby andand normalisationnormalisation ofof normalisationnormalisation ofof tweentween New New Delhi Delhi and and Islamabad Islamabad may may edificeedifice rests rests - - should should have have been been highly highly stringent, stringent, it it had had largely largely be- be- IslamabadIslamabad to to the the recent recent incidents incidents on on theirtheir respectiverespective thethe bilateralbilateral tiesties bringbring a a whiff whiff of of humour humour into into our our lives, lives, comecome a a hit- hit-Published and-trial and-trial from: exercise exercise # 5- Boulevard, with with the the Srinagar-190001barest barest minimum minimum regard regard for for thethe LoCLoC servesserves asas from aa grimgrim reminder reminderUS-centricparliaments,”parliaments,” globalization thethe thethe bilateralbilateral to the tiesties one centeredbetweenbetween New Newaroundthethe dismal dismal China future future of of the the bilateral bilateral rela- rela- that the basic philosophy of ‘build- Indian representa- Delhi and tions, which the present ‘line of en- that the basic philosophy of ‘build- Indian representa-ovid-19 is a crisisbetweenbetween like New New Delhi Delhi Delhi and tions, which the present ‘line of en- talent,talent, skill skillPrinted and and temperament. temperament.at: KT Press Pvt. Ltd, Rangreth Ind Area, Srinagar. ing bridges’ through CBM initiatives tive suggested its Islamabad has gagement’ portends, is disquieting ing bridges’ through CBM initiatives tive suggestedno other, its and andthere Islamabad is has Islamabad has gagement’ portends, is disquieting HavingHavingRNI been been Registration active active partners partners No: 69503/98 in in ruining ruining the the state-run state-run school school sys- sys- byby increasing increasing ‘people ‘people to to people’ people’ con- con- termination.termination.substantial andambigu Islamabad- has takentaken yetyet anotheranother andand sendssends shiversshivers downdown thethe spine.spine. tem,tem, the the ruling ruling classes classes now now abdicate abdicate all all responsibility responsibility by by dumping dumping tacttact is is flawed. flawed. AsAs expected,expected,ity about its takentakenimpact yetyeton anotheranother bodybody bodybody blow.blow. ItIt is is high high time time that that leaders leaders of of both both Postal Registration No-L/159/KO/SK/2014-16 Flawed,Flawed, not not because because the the concept concept PakistanCPakistan stronglystrongly IslamabadIslamabad tootoo countriescountries stop stop behaving behaving like like school- school- people’s lives and livelihoods. A thethe educational educational sector sector into into the the private private lap. lap. This This is is seen seen in in the the lavish lavish in itself is wrong, but because the denounced New blow.blow. IslamabadIslamabad tootoo seems to be itch- children and remedy the serious Editor-in-Chief : Sajjad Haider in itself is wrong, but because the lotdenounced depends onNew the epidemiology seems to be itch- children and remedy the serious supportsupport to to fashionable fashionable and and prohibitively prohibitively expensive expensive private private schools schools leadersleaders themselves themselves don’t don’t seem seem to to be be Delhi’sofDelhi’s the virus,contention contention the effectivenessseemsseems to toof bebe itchingitching forfor inging forfor aa chancechance ‘foot-in-the-‘foot-in-the- mouth’mouth’ disease,disease, whichwhich andand the the mushrooming mushroomingLegal Counsel: of Tasaduqof lesser lesser Khwajacopycats copycats who who are are making making a a finan- finan- interestedinterested inin settingsetting anan exampleexample byby bycontainmentby sayingsaying thatthat measures, nono andaa chancechance the toto ‘take‘take toto ‘take‘take on’on’ NewNew seemsseems to to have have afflicted afflicted them. them. Till Till this this displayingdisplaying confidence confidence in in each each other. other. bilateraldevelopmentbilateral agree-agree- of therapeutics and Delhi.Delhi. JustJust aa dayday happens,happens, ‘Aman ‘Aman ki ki Asha’ Asha’ will will remain remain cialcial killingkillingSwitchboard: inin thethe absenceabsence (0194) of of2106304 aa dependabledependable andand affordableaffordable publicpublic Though,Though, bothboth countriescountries areare nownow mentvaccines,ment betweenbetween all of the thewhich are hardon’on’ NewtoNew Delhi.Delhi. afterafter thethe Jamaat-Jamaat- aa distantdistant dreamdream andand bilateralbilateral rela-rela- structure.structure. Editorial:It It is is nothing nothing (0194) short short 2502327 of of a a scandal scandal that that parents parents should should avoid avoid showingshowing somesomeAaniq sanitysanitya Qayoom inin theirtheir deal-deal- twopredicttwo nationsnations at this hadpointhad of time. In ad- ud-Dawaud-Dawa Chief,Chief, tionstions willwill becomebecome anotheranother ‘comedy‘comedy sending their wards to government schools on account of the latter’s ings,ings, thethe damagedamage donedone toto thethe pre-pre- “overtakendition,“overtaken many oror countries affected”affected” nowthethe role roleface or or HafizHafiz SaeedSaeed offeredoffered ‘asylum’‘asylum’ toto circus’!circus’! sending theirEmail wards editorial: to government [email protected] schools on account of the latter’s cariouscarious bilateral bilateral relationship relationship between between legalitymultiplelegality of of crises—a the the UNMOGIP. UNMOGIP. health crisis, BollywoodBollywood star star Sharukh Sharukh Khan, Khan, Paki- Paki- dismaldismal record,record, andand preferprefer seedyseedy andand crowdedcrowded privateprivate optionsoptions nono thethe twotwo byby irresponsibleirresponsible statementsstatements a financialNewNew DelhiDelhicrisis, andinitiatedinitiated a collapse thethe stanistani Interior Interior Minister Minister Rehman Rehman Malik Malik mattermatter how how mercenary mercenary they they are. are. likelike “there“there cancan bebe nono businessbusiness asas UNMOGIPinUNMOGIP commodity debate debate prices, under under which the the intergarb garb -of of tootoo joinedjoined inin byby sayingsaying thatthat thoughthough NILOOFARNILOOFAR QURESHI QURESHI is is based based in in New New Delhi Delhi and and usual”usual” andTheand “war“war economic mongering”mongering” hashas betteractbetter in complexspendingspending ways. ofof resourcesresources Policymak allo-allo-- SharukhSharukh Khan Khan “is “is a a born born Indian Indian and and cancan be be reached reached at: at: niloofar niloofar.qur.qureshi@[email protected] StudentsStudents clearedcleared byby thethe state-runstate-run schoolschool systemsystem inin KashmirKashmir ers are providing unprecedented often barely make the grade in rudimentary literacy, particularly in system we support to households, firms, often barelyLet make Economy the grade in rudimentary Function literacy, particularly in and financial markets, and, while ruralrural and and remote remote areas. areas.ith This This three is is sought sought more to Covid-19to be be cloaked cloaked patients by by the the dying perfor- perfor- on construct after this this is crucial for a strong recov- mancemance ofof aa handfulhandful ofofMonday, privateprivate the schools,schools, number withwith of nofatalitiesno thoughtthought due forfor to thethethe TiredTired ofof Thinking?Thinking?ery, there is considerable uncer ComeCome- toto aa ConclusionConclusion disease in J&K has risen to 63. One of the de- pandemic will have tainty about what the economic colossalcolossal amounts amounts spent spent on on running running a a vast vast network network of of under-per- under-per- landscapeIfIf he he were were will a a cricketer cricketer look like — — which whichwhen I I rather werather ofof marks, marks, remember.” remember.” ofof total total freedom freedom to to pursue pursue the the pathways pathways of of ceased was a teenager from Handwara, who KEVIN MARTIN forming institutions. Howsoever sound the system may appear on KtoEVIN be M ARTINless doubtemergedoubt since since from he he possessed possessed this lockdown. not not one one jot jot of of cricket cricket ThisThis generally generally got got the the ashen-faced ashen-faced ones ones one’sone’s own own mind, mind, frolic frolic in in the the fields fields of of an an idyl- idyl- forming institutions.Whad otherwise Howsoever died of injuries. sound the His system test later may on appear turned on paper,paper, onon thethe groundground itit isis asas ricketyrickety andand run-downrun-down asas thethe schoolschool shortsighted, more vocabularyvocabularyUnder in inthe his his speech assumptionspeech — — but but ifthat if he he were werethe a a movingmoving a a few few feet feet forward forward in in a a determined determined liclic nature nature and and dream dream of of writing writing lines lines that that out to be Covid-19 positive. On the other hand, the num- ‘IN‘IN CONCLUSION’CONCLUSION’ was was a a favourite favourite cricketerpandemiccricketer Mr Mr andP P would would required have have been containmentbeen categorised categorised efforteffort to to overcome overcome their their resisting resisting wills. wills. rhymedrhymed and and described described life life in in a a more more natural natural houses spreadber of all positive over rural cases Kashmir is witnessing chronically a starvedsteep rise of staffover and the peaks in the second quarter for most houses spread all over rural Kashmir chronically starved of staff and phrasephraseresilient, of of a a teacher teacher of of mineand mine — — morea a man man of of scien- scien- asas an an all all rounder. rounder. This This is is because because he he was was three three ChemistryChemistry periods periods were were about about tables tables wayway — — a a way way that that had had nothing nothing to to do do with with properproper equipment. equipment.past week Reports Reportstaking theof of under-manned under-mannedtoll upwards of schools, schools,5000. There’s particularly particularly no in- tifictific qualification; qualification; a a man man who who looked looked at at you you sciencecountriesscience teachers teachers in the rolled rolled world, into into andone. one. recedesHe He taught taught withwith cryptic cryptic symbols symbols and and water water that that changed changed science?science? dication that the curve will flatten anytime soon. and perceived atoms and molecules. Mr P, let’s Physics,in the second Chemistry half and of whenthis year, the frogs in the were colour magically with the introduction of dif- A young man dreaming is how I come to atat the the primary primary level, level, are are a a routine routine feature feature such such areas, areas, while while insti- insti- andsensitive perceived atoms toand molecules. the fact Mr P, let’s AprilPhysics, World Chemistry Economic and when Outlook the frogs glob were- colour magically with the introduction of dif- A young man dreaming is how I come to Meanwhile, Government has reluctantly decided to call him, for he very well may still be alive plentiful he was found in the ferent powders. I once remem- view my school reports of that day and age tutestutes inin thethe citycity appearappear toto burstingbursting atat thethe seamsseams withwith needlessneedless call him, for he very well may still be alive alplentiful growth he in was 2020 found is inprojected the to fall ferent powders. I once remem- view my school reports of that day and age open up in line with the rest of the country. And which is monitoringmonitoringthat the economicthe masses masses that that passed passed through through BiologytoBiology -3 percent. rooms rooms giving givingThis lessonsis lessons a downgrade of berber naively naively being being drawn drawn into into whenwhen I Iglance glance at at them them occasionally occasionally these these staff, Schools in far-flung areas function at the sweet discretion of LIFELIFE IN IN A A days yellowing in a plastic sleeve. Mr P obvi- staff, Schoolsgood. in Kashmir far-flung economy areas function has been at under the sweet a lockdown discretion for far of hishis globalizationhands. hands. has on6.3on dissection percentagedissection which which points non-bi- non-bi- from January takingtaking a a deep deep sniff sniff from from a a days yellowing in a plastic sleeve. Mr P obvi- theirtheir often oftentoo lone lone long teachers, teachers, to sustain and and its indefiniteinstances instances extension.of of just just one one As or or the two two over tutors tutors two ItIt was was the the Sixties, Sixties, of of course. course. The The Hippie Hippie ology-inclined2020,ology-inclined a major ones ones revision like like my- my- overCLASSROOMCLASSROOM a very The United OF OF Nationsbottlebottle of of(UN) chlorine chlorine predicted that that nearly nearly to ouslyouslyrestrict had had tradea a kind kind andheart heart capital too too for for flowshis his marks marks handling multiplemonth long classes lockdown and hundredshas made itof clear, students it hasn’t are provedcommon. an MovementMovementfar outpaced was was winking winking naughtily naughtily from from out- out- selfshortself found found period. hard hard Thisto to stomach, stomach, makes the THETHEGreat SIXTIES SIXTIESin April 2020 tookthattook my globalmy sinuses sinuses unemploy for for a a walk walk- findawardedawarded fertile to soilto me me in in inbad their their times. own own scientific scientific way way handlingantidote multiple to classes the spread and ofhundreds Coronavirus of students in the country. are common. sideside classroom classroom windows, windows, “Come “Come out out and and taste taste especiallyLockdownespecially the the drawingworstdrawing recession of of since ment will wiperightright out out out 6.7 of of my permy body. body.cent of reflectreflectDoubts a a kindness. kindness. about pre-corona virus TheThe standards standardsTrue, of of such such it may schools schools have and heldand the thethe education educationnumbers inthey they check, impart impart but canthecan thethe politicalfreedom!” freedom!” bloodtheblood Great or or the the Depression, severing severing of of flesh flesh and in in farorder order worse to to peer peer workingPhysicsPhysics hours was was globally about about equations, equations,in the second balance balance global IfIfsupply the the dissecting dissecting chains, of of a a thefrog frog taughtsafety taught me meof any- any- than the Global Financial Crisis. quarter of 2020—equivalent to 195 international travel, and, at the wellwell be be imagined. imagined.cost in terms of the crippling of our economy has been TheThe band band Uriah Uriah Heep Heep did did indeed indeed sing, sing, atat the the undercoating undercoating and and the the insides. insides. andand sticking sticking pins pins in in paper paper while while trying trying to to thingthing it it pointed pointed me me in in the the direction direction of of veg- veg- plaintively,globalization Free Me, which may well have “OneAssuming“One has has to to thehave have pandemic a a stomach stomach fades for for these thesein milliontracetrace angles anglesfull-time of of reflection workers.reflection Inand and western refraction refraction nationaletarianismetarianism level, and and aconcerns a kindness kindness to toabout all all animals animals self- great great The situationmassive. has More been so, allowed when the to Covid drift for lockdown far too longhas beenin the a plaintively, Free Me, which may well have the second half of 2020 and that pol- nations, unemployment is expected sufficiency in necessities and resil- The situation has been allowed to drift for far too long in the been the anthem of many a classroom bound things,” Mr P would instruct, directing his through a thick glass slab. and small. Science provided me with an in- double whammy for us. It has been imposed after the six been the anthem of many a classroom bound things,” Mr P would instruct, directing his to throughbe at around a thick glass 10%, slab. with more se- ienceand are small. all Sciencelikely providedto persist—even me with an in- hopehope that that with with time time the the growing, growing, engineered engineered preference preference for for pri- pri- icy actions taken around the world Most things in Mr P’s class started out as sight into laterality. That is, you could be month long security lockdown that followed the revoca- schoolboyschoolboy of of that that time. time. wordsarewords effective at at the the ones ones in who’d who’d preventing gone gone a a whiter whiter wide shade shade- verelyMost affected things innations Mr P’s class from started the out asaftersight the into pandemic laterality. is broughtThat is, you under could be It was also still the Years of Collusion — of pale and generally stood in the back rows premises before gradually working their way seated in the lap of science and be totally at vatevate schools schoolstion would would of Article phase phase 370 the the in government government August last system systemyear. 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The cumu- lapse of the price of oil triggered The pandemic will worsen four pre-existing conditions of the world OTHEROTHERsive and unnecessary OPINIONOPINION response to the crisis. More so, when lativeNO loss to globalHOLDS GDP over 2020 by BARREDthe 2020 Russia–Saudi Arabia ...... and...... NO 2021 from HOLDSthe pandemic crisis oil priceBARRED war, the collapse of tour- economy. They will remain revers- the Valley is a far smaller place than, say, the metropolises could be around 9 trillion dollars, ism, the hospitality industry, the ible through major surgery but turn like Mumbai and New Delhi with their large and dense greater than the economies of Japan energy industry and a significant chronic and damaging absent such population. A far better way to manage the crisis would and Germany, combined. downturn in consumer activity interventions. The first of these con- DiscriminationDiscriminationhave been to strictly enforce the social AgainstAgainst distancing while CricketersCricketers The extreme uncertainty in comparison to the previous de- ditions is secular stagnation—the HE PAKISTANthe women’s economy cricket team’swas largely visit This allowed discrimination to function. is undoubtedly A blend unfairof eters will be able to stay in Mumbai in the around the duration and intensity cade. Global stock markets crashed combination of low productivity HE PAKISTAN women’s cricket team’s visit This discrimination is undoubtedly unfair eters will be able to stay in Mumbai in the around 20 to 30% during late Febru- growth, a lack of private investment to India for thelegal World action Cup has against turned into the violatorsand puts our of team the atsocial a significant distancing disadvan- current climate if we reach the final. of the health crisis, we also explore TTto India for the World Cup has turned into and puts our team at a significant disadvan- current climate if we reach the final. alternative, more adverse scenarios. ary and March 2020, respectively. returns, and near-deflation. This will aa security security and and logistical logisticalnorms nightmare. nightmare. and an aggressive First, First, the the tage.awarenesstage. The The team team campaign has has been been conciliatory designedconciliatory aboutto about TheThe ICC ICC also also needs needs to to consider consider if if India India should should The pandemic may not recede in the During the crash, global stock mar- deepen as people stay risk-averse teamteam could could not not makego go to to Mumbai, peopleMumbai, responsible where where its its itsforits treatment treatment their own but but healththe the International International could have Cricket Cricket bebe allowed allowed to to hold hold multi-nation multi-nation tourna- tourna- second half of this year, leading to kets made unprecedented and vola- and save more following the pandem- matchesmatches were were originally originallydone wonders scheduled, scheduled, while after after the thetakingCouncilCouncil care (ICC) (ICC)of the should should economy. take take note note of of this. this. mentsments at at a a time time when when it it can’t can’t guarantee guarantee safety safety longer durations of containment, tile swings, mainly due to extreme ic, which will persistently weaken ShivShiv Sena Sena started started issuing issuingMore its itsthan usual usual a threatsfull-fledgedthreats InternationalInternational lockdown, teams teams fighting have have refused refusedCovid-19 to to visit visit ofof all all players. players. worsening financial conditions, and uncertainty in the markets. demand and innovation. againstagainst visiting visiting Pakistani neededPakistani teams. anteams. all out encouragementPakistanPakistan over over justified justified to a security securitypeople-led fears. fears. It It seems, efseems,- ItIt is is now now too too late late to to reschedule reschedule the the World World further breakdowns of global supply Approaching and understanding Second, the gap between rich Now,Now, hotels hotels at atfort the the toalternative alternative arrest itsvenue venue spread. of of however, however,But, on that that the if if we wecontrary, simply simply put put hammer international international CupCup and and our our pulling pulling out out of of the the tournament tournament chains. In such cases, global GDP the economic impact of Post-COV- countries (along with a few emerging would fall even further: an addition- ID-19 in any given context usually markets) and the rest of the world in CuttackCuttack andandwas neighbouring neighbouringbrought down city cityon theteamsteams economy. at at clubhouses clubhouses And in morein stadiums stadiums than and and two refuse refuse inin protest protest will will only only heighten heighten tensions. tensions. We We al 3 percent in 2020 if the pandemic begins with the measure of the final their resilience to crises is going to BhubaneshwarBhubaneshwar have monthshave refused refused on, lodging lodging here to towe our our are:toto thelet let them themeconomy go go anywhere anywhere is on else, else,death the the security bedsecurity shouldshould make make clear clear that that we we are are only only playing playing players out of fear. problem would apparently be solved. under duress and that such conditions are is more protracted this year, while, impact of epidemics on the economic broaden further. ... players out of fear.while on the Covid-19 front,problem the community would apparently transmission be solved. under duress and that such conditions are Finally, economic nationalism unacceptable if any of our sportspersons tour if the pandemic continues into 2021, performance such as the case of CO- OurOur cricketers cricketers now seemsnow have have to to to have play play this this already all-im- all-im- set Noin.No country, country, of of course, course, would would accept accept such such unacceptable if any of our sportspersons tour it may fall next year by an addition- VID-19 crisis, which provides the will increasingly lead governments portantportant tournament tournament under under virtual virtual house house ar- ar- conditionsconditions to to play play cricket cricket in in Pakistan. Pakistan. Yet, Yet, our our IndiaIndia again. again. Instead Instead of of appeasing appeasing the the anti- anti- al 8 percent compared to our base- most basic explanation about the to shut off their own economies from rest,rest, with with their their accommodation accommodation being being pro- pro- womenwomen cricketers cricketers are are expected expected to to put put up up with with PakistanPakistan extremists, extremists, the the Indian Indian government government line scenario. economic cost of COVID-19. the rest of the world. This will never videdvided at at the the clubhouse clubhouseother of of the the stadium stadium opinon in in thisthis in in India. India. Additionally, Additionally, the the final final of of the the mustmust ensure ensure the the safety safety and and comfort comfort of of our our The pandemic has led to more The economic system we con- produce complete autarky, or any- whichwhich all all their their matches matches will will be be played. played. Every Every tournamenttournament isis supposedsupposed toto bebe heldheld inin players.players. than a third of the world's popula- struct after this pandemic will have thing close to it, but it will reinforce otherother team team will will be be staying staying in in five-star five-star hotels. hotels. Mumbai.Mumbai. India India needs needs to to explain explain how how our our crick- crick- -EXPRESS-EXPRESS TRIBUNE TRIBUNE tion being placed on lockdown to to be less shortsighted, more resil- the first two trends and increase re- India, Nepal Ties stop the spread of COVID-19. It has ient, and more sensitive to the fact sentment of the third. caused severe repercussions for that economic globalization has far The COVID-19 pandemic will ac- fter months of brinkmanship, India and Nepal have AllAll letters letters intended intended for for publication publication must musteconomies include include the the across writer’s writer’s the name nameworld, and and follow address, address,- outpaced even even if if a a politicalpseudonym pseudonym globalization. is is used. used. Letters Letters So are arecelerate edite edited d aas as change clarity, clarity, thatspace space had already brought their relations to the edge of a precipice. andand accuracy accuracy of of expression expression require. require. Our Our publishing ingpublishing soon aftera a letter letter a doesglobal does not not economic mean mean we we agree agreelong with withas this everything everything is the case, or or even even countries anything anything in inbegun: it. it. -EDI -EDI aTOR TORmove away from U.S.-cen- The Oli government’sOBSERVEROBSERVER decision to pass the MAILMAILconsti- slowdown during 2019 that saw stag- will have to strive for a better bal- tric globalization to a more China- tutional amendment ratifying a change in its maps nation of stock markets and con- ance between taking advantage of centric globalization .In an evolving Athat include Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, territo- sumer activity worldwide. globalization and a necessary de- crisis, when no one is able to say for Kashmir’sKashmir’sries that India controls, FateFate marks a decidedly isis new JustJust phase in ties. Consequential! Consequential!The recession has seen unusu- greeHailHail of self-reliance. KiranKiran BedisureBedi when it will be contained and While the issue is an old one, it resurfaced in 2019 when New ally high and rapid increases in un- The corona virus pandemic is what its long-term impact could be, DEARDEAR EDITOR, EDITOR,Delhi published new politicalofof mistrust. mapsmistrust. to reflect Could Could youthe you changesalso also tell tell folus us -who who countries,countries, one one wanting wanting to to and and the the employmenttherethere is is something something in many that that countries, seems seems to to and theDEARDEAR first EDITOR, EDITOR,crisis since the 1930s to en- thekillings killingsstress willand and beheinous heinous placed crimes unequallycrimes I Iwould would like likelowing to to comment comment the decision on on the the on Augustbeheadedbeheaded 5 to reorganiseand and mutilated mutilated the the theState bodies bodies of of of otherother avoiding avoiding its its role role in in Kashmir. Kashmir. theinviteinvite inability and and incite incite in the thethe elements elementsUnited toStates to gulf bothAproposApropos advanced news, news, and ‘AFSPA ‘AFSPA developing Immu- Immu- oncommitted thecommitted individual by by and its its society,army army and andand such onsuch letter,letter, written written byJammu by one one Shoaib Shoaiband Kashmir, Bhat, Bhat, and Nepalthethe Indian Indian objected soldiers? soldiers? to the This This depiction should should not ofnot ItIt is is not not in in the the interest interest of of any any of of forKashmir.Kashmir. state-funded It It is is part part unemploymentof of the the history history of of inthe the- economies.nitynity For For Forces’ Forces’Their recessions Sex Sex Crimes Crimes may Must Must be theall allgovernment. other other agencies agencies And the that that structural too too with with KashmirKashmir Observer, Observer,disputed Jan Jan 22, 22, territory. titled, titled, "Who "Who In 2000 andhavehave 2014, happened happened India and in in Nepalany any case. case. agreed to twotwo countries countries India India and and Pakistan Pakistan to to surancesub-continent.sub-continent. computer systems and pro- deepEnd’,End’, and Kashmir Kashmir long. As Observer Observer in the 1930s,, ,January January sover- risk,thethe which help help of affectsof Indian Indian everyone, puppets puppets is of ofas hold talks about Kalapani and Susta, without much success. cesses to keep up with applications. eign defaults will likely spike. Calls economic as it is biological. isis Responsible Responsible MattersFor For LoC LoC snowballedKillings?" Killings?" I I when India’sUNUN Defence roles roles in in Minister Kashmir Kashmir inaugurat has has been been- indulgeindulge in in any any misadventure misadventure here here or or WeWe need need to to overcome overcome it it for for our our 28,28, I I want want to to say say that that we we the the KashmiriKashmiri origin. origin. mustmust say say to to Shoaib Shoaibed a surfacedthat, that, you you road seem seem over to to theminimised minimisedterritory; postwhen post 1971 1971Nepal for for protested, India. India. It It is is anywhere.anywhere. eternaleternal peace. peace. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, peoplepeople of of Kashmir Kashmir appreciate appreciate -M.-M. R. R. BABA BABA knowknow a a lot. lot. Indian Army Chief, Generaljust justNaravane, symbolic symbolic suggested now. now. it was at the NoNo one one should should man man Kargil Kargil or or other other Kashmir'sKashmir's fate fate is is just just consequential! consequential! whatwhat Dr.Kiran Dr.Kiran Bedi Bedi said said but but who who Via:Via: emailemail IfIf it it is is true, true,“behest” there there should should of China. be be At the base ofItIt seems theseems rift that thatis the the the lack United United of diploNations Nations- higherhigher reaches, reaches, the the rough rough terrain terrain and and Shoaib,Shoaib, keep keep writing writing and and stay stay safe. safe. hashas to to initiate initiate the the action. action. matic manoeuvring to allow a step back from the brink. While OBSERVER All letters intended for publication must include the writer’s name and X X X X MAIL YOUR LETTERS investigationinvestigation and Newand appropriate appropriate Delhi contends action action that it haswashas not willingnot played played to discuss any any role role matters in in this this “atsector sector allall this this is is in in the the extreme extreme frigid frigid cold cold KhudaKhudaaddress, Hafez! Hafez! even if a pseudonym is used. LettersItIt is is India India are who editedwho has has as to toclarity, take take the the MAIL YOUR LETTERS takentaken against against thosea those mutually who who provoked convenientprovoked date”,forfor Kathmandua a long long time. time. saysIn In my my the view, view, MEA it it is hasis more more andand hostile hostile environment. environment. The The military military spaceand accuracy of expression-VORSHAL-VORSHAL require.action,action, Our but but publishing this this country country a letter is is never never does P.O.P.O. Box Box # # 337, 337, GPO, GPO, Srinagar-190 Srinagar-190 001 001 peacepeace and and created createdrejected this this twoenvironment environment dates suggestedaa bypolitical political the Nepal point point MoFA, on on part part and of of has both both rou these these- onon both both sides sides should shouldMA be be minimised minimisedIL but but not mean we agree withVia:Via: everything emailemail readyorready even to to anything bother bother for forin it.innocent innocent -EDITOR email:email: edit [email protected]@[email protected] tinely dismissed requests from the Nepal Ambassador for a meet with the Foreign Secretary. That the MEA said Kalapani talks could wait until both countries had dealt with the coro- navirus pandemic first, further enraged the Oli government, Books transport us to new worlds which has pointed out India’s participation by videoconfer- ence in bilateral and multilateral meetings. Meanwhile, Mr. “A reader lives a thousand lives lar book. Also, there are many rea- in our lives. There are many such oc- with his way of thinking. Books con- Oli’s purposeful manner in pursuing the amendment at exact- before he dies… The man who sons why an individual reads a book. casions where we find the character nect us not only to the author but to ly the same time as the India-China border stand-off bolsters never reads lives only one.” Some read it as a mere hobby, some trapped in the problem similar to the other readers as well. the belief among some in New Delhi that he is speaking with read to gain some knowledge, others one we are encountering in our lives. More importantly, the more you confidence borne from Beijing’s backing. – George R.R. Martin read to improve their writing etc. When we read a book that deals get into the habit of reading, the more Regardless of the truth of those accusations, or who is Purposes can vary, yet the results are with the same emotions that one is you fall in love with it and a book pro- more responsible for the downslide in ties, the speed with ou need not be a student fruitful to all. undergoing, it makes the person feel vides you good company as well. which the constitutional amendment was passed has left or a teacher in order to be Even though it may seem bor- better as he can relate to it somehow. Reading books can also become little space for diplomacy now. That the vote was unanimous a reader. Reading has no ing and difficult in the beginning, es- This further reduces the feelings of a means to strengthen bonds within should also inform New Delhi of the futility of casting Mr. specific age or profession. pecially if one isn’t into the habit of alienation that a particular individual families. You may read out some chap- Oli alone as the ‘villain’ of the piece. It is necessary the two YHowever, not many of us are into the reading, this habit can be acquired might be experiencing. ters from a book to your elders or chil- nations resolve their issues through dialogue lest they face habit of reading, yet it is one of the with time. Firstly, it’s one of the best Apart from the above mentioned dren who don’t know how to read or more serious consequences. The Modi government has in the best hobby a person can inculcate. It ways to deal with boredom. There are benefits, reading also helps in improv- who are too small to read book. There- past not flinched from taking tough measures, including the not only makes us go through the lives times when we do not feel like doing ing emotional health. For example, fore, you can enjoy a good family time 2015 blockade that severely affected India’s land-locked neigh- and experiences of many people but it any other thing which would require Catherine Winter in her article ‘10 that’ll keep all of you engrossed in bour. The Oli government, which seeks to build its legacy by also becomes one of the best ways in some physical activity. We just yearn Benefits of Reading: Why You Should something useful. overturning what it calls “unequal” agreements made by the which we can spend our time produc- to spend some time in isolation and Read Every Day’ mentions various Thus, there are endless reasons monarchy, could also cause a security nightmare for India if it tively. We start looking at world from reading a good book is the best thing a benefits of reading such as it helps that can be stated in order to empha- opens up other parts of their long boundary, and reverses old various perspectives which probably person can do. It not only make a per- in stress reduction, vocabulary ex- sise the advantages of staying con- commitments on open and unsecured border posts. Both sides was fixed to a particular perspective son feel better but it also shapes ones pansion, memory improvement, im- nected with books. So, when are you moved quickly this week to manage the fallout of border firing earlier. New experiences enter our outlook. proved focus and concentration etc. buying yours! by Nepali police on a group of Indians that left one dead. The mind and we feel completely different Secondly, at times we are so much Therefore, it becomes very clear same alacrity is needed to manage the fallout of Saturday’s after reading a particular book which caught in our hectic lives and its prob- how beneficial is reading to a person. The writer is currently amendment vote, on the once celebrated “special” relation- touches us in different ways. lems that we seldom enjoy a moment of It also becomes a medium of com- pursuing her MA English at ship between the two countries. Hence, it depends on an individual peace. At such times a good book can munication with the author. Someone Mount Carmel College Bengaluru The Hindu and everyone has his own perspec- help one escape from the vicious cycle who’s lived or is living in some other Aimun Bilal tives from which they read a particu- of problems that we usually encounter part of the world, you get familiarized [email protected] Wednesday| 17-06-2020 Found Hanging: Secret Sorrows and Mental Resilience in Kashmir

Swati Joshi

HEN a girl with cold-pale face and bruised neck was rushed to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital on May 20, 2020, it looked like any other trauma case before some relative cleared the air: “The 15-year-old from Srinagar’s Bemina areaW was found hanging in her room.” Six days later, as the question—what drove her to such an extreme path—was still a matter of investigation, some masked villagers in Ap- ple Town Sopore started assembling in a neighbourhood after learning about a young man’s shocking demise. He was found hanging from the ceiling of his room. Sobbing and wringing their hands in pain, the villagers couldn’t know immediately what forced the 30-year-old to take his own life. Then, on June 11, 2020, a 35-year-old driver from Dooru village of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district took his life by hanging himself at his home. As a matter of practice, police registered a case under sec- tion 174 CrPc and began investigation. “In most of these suicide cases,” an investigative cop told Kashmir Observer, “people harbor distressed mindsets, forcing them to do the unthinkable.” The cop detailed the case of a student who was pressurized by his parents to top the exam some years ago. “When the boy couldn’t take the regular pestering, he hung him- self in his room one day,” the officer continued. “The boy took that extreme step after facing years of mental on- slaught. More than demanding parenting, he needed a supporting fam- ily structure where he could’ve expressed himself freely. But instead he ended up succumbing to his fear and worry.” Besides stress, there’s also a strong sense of stigma. Recalling his intern days, Dr. Arif Maghribi, a Srinagar-based mental specialist, says he once went to the Psychiatric Hospital in Sri- It’s not immediately clear what forced a father of two kids to commit nagar’s Badamwari area. After he couldn’t locate it, he asked many people about the hospital but no one knew about it. suicide in south Kashmir’s Pulwama on the day when a famous Bollywood After half-an-hour, he enquired from a guard about the hospital. actor hung himself, but a detailed look at such extreme cases in the trauma- The guard was confused and told him there is no hospital in this area, but there is a Pagalkhana—mental asylum—nearby. filled valley reveals a familiar pattern and response system. “It has been a stigma in the valley to talk about mental health for a long time,” Dr. Maghribi told Kashmir Observer. “It’s imbibed in our mind since childhood and it’ll take some time He along with his team of interns tried to analyze people who came 2015, “Nearly 1.8 million adults (45% of the adult population) in the val- to change that perspective.” for a regular checkup for any mental problems. ley are experiencing symptoms of mental distress with 41% exhibiting But at times, this sense of stigma escalates the mental trauma and Out of 60-70 people who came for a health checkup, 10-15 were suf- signs of probable depression, 26% probable anxiety, and 19% probable forces a person to commit suicide. fering from stress, says the psychiatrist. PTSD.” The subjects of the study reported that the gap between treat- “Since stigma doesn’t encourage people to consult a doctor when “We called up those patients and asked them to have counseling ment need and the provision in Kashmir is multifaceted and complex. in distress, it eventually forces them to take irreversible steps,” Dr. sessions but they were reluctant,” admits Dr. Maghribi. Every person has a different level of stress endurance limit, says Maghribi says. There’s also a myth among people that if they take psychiatric Ifra Amin, mental health counselor at Youth Development and Reha- “With the result, Kashmir has seen many suicide cases from peo- medicines, they will have to continue them for a lifetime. bilitation Centre, Srinagar. “Problem is, everyone is a doctor in Kashmir,” complains Dr. When the threshold of stress endurance level is crossed, people at- Maghribi, who has to deal with patients whose relatives tell them to tempt suicide, adds Amin. use home remedies instead of the medicines prescribed by the doctor. “A person dying by suicide is not coward,” says the counselor, But more than medicinal myths, mental specialists blame adding, “they take such steps because they fail in finding solutions to the uncertain situation in Kashmir as the reason behind the dis- their problems.” tressed mindset. People dealing with mental issues should be handled empatheti- “Last summer’s political lockdown created a lot of mental unease cally, emphasizes Amin. She believes that though the stigma to talk in Kashmir,” Dr. Maghribi continues. “Business was zero, colleges about mental health is reduced but still it is a taboo in many societies. were closed, people were not allowed to move freely. Due to which I Amin thinks that it is a myth that counselors can read a pa- received many patients who tried to do self-harm.” tient’s mind. She explains that for patients to open up and trust According to an editorial in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, the professionals they have to build a rapport with them and un- after the abrogation of Article 370 when physical access and commu- derstand their viewpoint. nication became difficult, a person had to walk to call an ambulance. Speaking about how to deal with people having suicidal thoughts, “Even if one had access to a vehicle, negotiating the numerous bar- Amin stresses that patients should have a strong support system. riers put up by the army and answering their questions at each barrier “Family and friends should listen empathetically without giving any meant delays in reaching a hospital,” adds the editorial. judgment,” adds the counselor. “A third of the population had entertained thoughts of ending their If the family has a negative approach towards a person going life. In such a situation, to have a prolonged communication blackout through mental problems, it will create a negative impact on his mind, and restrictions on movement, when people cannot meet or speak with explains Amin. friends and family except those in the immediate neighborhood must She says that every person has some sort of anxiety or stress but ple of various age groups and occupations.” only increase stress levels,” mentions the editorial. people who die by suicide have a different level of severity. According to the National Crime Bureau Records (NCRB) 2018 re- But despite so much of strife and stress, mental specialists say the “If I have an exam tomorrow, I will be anxious but it will be fine port, the number of suicides in Jammu & Kashmir was 330 in 2018, as suicide rate is low in the valley due to mental resilience in Kashmiris. once the exam is over,” says the counselor. compared to 287 in 2017. Seventy per cent of people die by suicide due to mental illness, says But if the anxiety is consistent then it is a problem, continues Amin. However, the number of suicides in the valley was far less as Hayat Kaiser, Counseling Psychologist at Childline Budgam. Talking about the condition in Kashmir, Amin has the same opin- compared to Maharashtra (17,972), Tamil Nadu (13,896), West Bengal “Although people die by suicide for reasons other than depres- ion as Kaiser. “There are many mental health issues in the valley but (13,255), Madhya Pradesh (11,775), and Karnataka (11,561). sion,” admits the psychologist, adding, “but estimates are that about people cope up very easily,” says the counselor, adding, “it may be in- “Psychiatrists in Kashmir generally receive two types of patients,” 50 per cent to 90 per cent of people who die by suicide, do so during a herent or god-gifted.” Dr. Maghribi continues. “The first category are those who have some depressive episode.” Irshad Ahmad, a clinical psychologist at Government District Hos- problems in their treatment, while the second category don’t open up People with mental illnesses should be accepted and prioritized pital, Kulgam believes that lots of programs organized at school and about depression.” and they should not be neglected because people with major depres- college level about suicide prevention has helped Kashmiris to main- Such patients, the mental specialist says, usually talk about weight sion are prone to die by suicide, emphasizes the psychologist. tain a low suicide rate in the valley. problems, joint pain and headache. Kaiser believes that Kashmiri people are psychologically resilient, “In Kashmir valley, district mental health programs are running “But when we diagnose them, we get to know that they are suffer- as they are simultaneously suffering from the external as well as inter- under which counseling sessions are held and psychology education is ing from depression,” he says. nal issues. But at the same time, they are suffering from stress, anxi- given at college and school level,” adds Ahmad. The mental specialist recalls an incident when he organized a med- ety, and depression, informs the psychologist. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 8,00,000 people die ical camp in Pulwama, where people were reluctant to come forward. According to a Kashmir Mental Health Survey (KMHS) conducted in by suicide every year which means one person dies in every 40 seconds. “There are indications that for each adult who died by suicide,” the WHO states, “there may have been more than 20 others attempt- ing suicide.” Suicide is a major public health concern and every year millions of people around the world attempt it, says Ahmad. “And there are many causes for it,” he says. “It can be any mental health issues, subject abuse, loss of loved ones, job issues, marital problems and hopelessness. Negative events and prolonged stressors are more vulnerable to attempt suicide,” stresses Ahmad. The biggest problem with people is that they hide mental health issues which lead to people taking irreversible steps, says a psychologist counselor at District Hospital Pulwama on the condi- tion of anonymity. Many people think that rich people don’t have any mental health problems but this is wrong, says the counselor. He believes that there is a lack of awareness about mental health amongst people. Explaining the main reason of people attempting suicide, the coun- selor says that people lack Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR). UPR is a psychological term defined as “the attitude of complete acceptance and love, whether for yourself or someone else.” When a person has UPR for someone, “nothing they can do could give you a reason to stop seeing them as inherently human and inher- ently lovable.” But despite all the lockdowns, communication blockades and rag- ing strife, the low suicide rate in the valley highlights the resilient life- style in the valley. “Kashmiris have been brought under a hardship since childhood,” the counselor says. “When they face any tough situation in adulthood, they know how to cope up with it. If there is a gunshot in America, people will panic. But Kashmiris have become so familiar with all these things that it doesn’t affect them much.” ... Editor’s Note: Pictures for this piece have been purely selected for their deserted life portrayal of Kashmir during lockdowns. They may not compliment the original storyline, but they depict the desolation distress — one of the reasons why the valley brave secret sorrows today. Life & Times Wednesday| 17-06-2020 6 Coronavirus pandemic Rise In Infections Shows Need For Vigilance As World Reopens

Agencies one-day high in hospitalizations of coronavirus patients thousands lined up for tests. Authorities confirmed 106 VID-19. Authorities said 25 of those came from the Seoul for the seventh time in eight days. Arizona’s hospitals cases since Friday in what looks to be the largest out- area, where health authorities are scrambling to trace European countries reopened borders Monday after a were at about 82% capacity. break since China largely stopped its spread at home infections linked to entertainment and leisure activities, three-month coronavirus shutdown, although interna- Meanwhile, Germany and France dropped border more than two months ago. church gatherings, warehouse workers and door-to-door tional visitors are still being kept away and there was checks nearly two weeks after Italy opened its frontiers. Tests were administered to workers at the Xinfadi salespeople. uncertainty over whether many Europeans will quickly Greece welcomed visitors Monday with passengers on market, anyone who had visited it in the past two weeks, In other countries still battling major outbreaks: embrace travel outside their home countries. flights from other European countries not having to un- or anyone who had come in contact with either group. — Even as Russian President Vladimir Putin said his Reopening continued in Mexico and Brazil despite dergo compulsory coronavirus tests. The market is Beijing’s largest wholesale food market, country was emerging from the health crisis, authorities cases climbing in the two largest nations in Latin Ameri- The European Union’s 27 nations and other Euro- prompting inspections of fresh meat and seafood in the reported 8,246 new cases in the last 24 hours, bringing ca, where authorities struggled to handle the pandemic’s pean states aren’t expected to start reopening to visitors city and elsewhere in China. its total to 537,210. Russia, which has recorded over 7,000 effect on already-weak medical systems. In the U.S., Vice from outside the continent until at least the beginning of Authorities also locked down the neighborhood deaths from the virus, is behind only the U.S. and Brazil President Mike Pence encouraged governors to highlight July and possibly later. around a second market, where three cases were con- in the number of infections. the “good news” around efforts to fight the virus despite Spain allowed thousands of Germans to fly to its firmed. In all, 90,000 people are affected in the two neigh- — India’s home minister offered 500 train carriages several states reporting a rise in infections, which could Balearic Islands without a 14-day quarantine in a pilot borhoods in the city of 20 million. for use as makeshift hospital wards as New Delhi strug- intensify as people return to work and venture out dur- program designed to help authorities gauge what’s need- China had relaxed most of its controls after the ruling gled to contain a spike in cases. The Health Ministry re- ing the summer. ed against possible virus flare-ups. Communist Party declared victory over the virus in March. ported a jump of more than 11,000 infections nationwide The need for constant vigilance came into sharp focus Martin Hofman was delighted to board a flight from “We must continue to take decisive measures to de- for a third straight day. as China, where COVID-19 first emerged in December, Dusseldorf to the island of Mallorca because he said his fend against outside cases and internal resurgences,” — Egypt reported its highest number of new CO- rushed to contain an outbreak in the capital of Beijing. vacation couldn’t be postponed. said Xu Hejian, director of the Beijing government infor- VID-19 cases and fatalities in one day, with 1,691 infec- The head of the World Health Organization said “To stay in Germany was not an option for us,” Hof- mation office. tions and 97 deaths. It has the highest death rate in the more than 100,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus have man said. “We are totally happy that we can get out.” Beijing suspended Monday’s planned restart of some Arab world, at 1,672, but the government has resisted a been reported globally each day in the last two weeks, In Mexico City, residents were free to drive without primary schools and reversed the relaxation of some so- full lockdown to keep the economy functioning. Even as and countries that have curbed transmissions “must restrictions, and subway and bus stations that had been cial isolation measures. caseloads multiply, authorities plan to reopen airports stay alert to the possibility of resurgence.” closed resumed service Monday as the city of 9 million Inspectors found 40 samples of the virus in the closed for tourism to less hard-hit destinations next month. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that it took continued its gradual return. market, including on a chopping board for imported — Ukraine resumed flights to some countries, relax- over two months to reach 100,000 reported cases, now a The reopening is based on hospital occupancy levels. salmon. That prompted some supermarket chains to take ing a ban in place since March 17. Authorities will still re- daily norm. Each day, nearly three-fourths of the new As of Saturday, the capital and the surrounding state had salmon off their shelves over the weekend and inspect quest those arriving from countries with high infection cases come from 10 countries — mostly in South Asia and 74% of their hospital beds occupied. markets, stores and restaurants. numbers to spend two weeks in quarantine. Ukraine’s the Americas, he said. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador encour- Experts were doubtful the virus was being spread caseload has spiked recently, to nearly 32,000, following Pence said in a private call with governors that ex- aged Mexicans to get out of the house and get the econo- through salmon or other food. a decision in May to resume public transportation and cept for a few places, the U.S. is seeing strong drops in vi- my moving again. “For my money, it is more likely to be a person who reopen malls and gyms. rus-related hospitalization and mortality rates. In audio “Health is the most important thing, but at the same came into the area with lots of people and the virus has In the U.S., where reopenings continued, New York of the call obtained by The Associated Press, Pence urged time, the economy, well-being, the return to coexistence, spread, as the virus does,” said Ian MacKay, who stud- Gov. Andrew Cuomo decried “rampant” violations of vi- governors to make it clear to residents that “there’s a lot harmony and freedom,” López Obrador said as he began ies viruses at the University of Queensland in Australia, rus restrictions and said restaurants and bars could lose of really, really good news.” his second weeklong road trip, this time from the Gulf adding there was no evidence to suggest a link between their liquor licenses if they don’t enforce masks and so- White House officials have played down the severity coast state of Veracruz. “We can’t let fear overwhelm us.” outbreaks and food. cial distancing. of the virus surge in places like Arizona and Texas. On In Beijing, where an outbreak was traced to a mar- South Korea is also among those countries seeking “People are violating everything,” Cuomo said Mon- Monday, the nation’s second-most-populated state set a ket that supplies much of the city’s meat and vegetables, to prevent a resurgence, reporting 37 new cases of CO- day, adding, “to local governments, I say do your job.”

espite risks involved, several raises some of the most fraught ethical, people across the world are scientific and philosophical issues in volunteering for the trial of the history of medicine. Quick high-intensity COVID-19 vaccine, allowing Volunteers put “If the disease gets to a very low theD researchers to inject potentially level, maybe challenge studies will deadly microbes inside their nose. have to be considered,” Pascal Soriot, workouts good for people Doctors first give the volunteers ex- their lives at risk for chief executive of AstraZeneca, said at perimental vaccine, thereafter they are a briefing with other pharmaceutical with spinal cord injuries exposed to the deadly pathogen. If the dose executives. works and prevents healthy volunteers Covid-19 vaccine Even Bill and Melinda Gates Foun- Agencies from getting ill, then the study can move dation, sponsors of influenza challenge forward, The Washington Post reported. trials, are worried that if the covid-19 esearchers have shed light on the practical advan- Similar methods were used to work challenge trials proceed and people die. tages of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) up malaria and cholera vaccines which “People we are really worried about or short bursts of all-out exercise for people who are now being used to produce the -- the elderly and with chronic diseases -- have experienced spinal cord injuries (SCI). coronavirus vaccine. Although similar would not be volunteering,” Collins said. RWhile many studies have proven the benefits of HIIT methods are being employed to produce “And can you really extrapolate for the able-bodied, much less is known about its impact, the COVID-19, there some doctors who from saying this 22-year-old recruit for better or worse, on the SCI population. don’t agree with the approach as it rais- from the military did fine, that 72-year- Published online in the journal Spinal Cord, research- es some ethical points. olds and people with [chronic obstruc- ers from the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster Question is being out on how right tive pulmonary disease] would do well University McMaster, the USA, and the UK have weighed is the process to inject a person with and be protected?” the evidence regarding the overall health benefits, poten- a virus that killed over 435,000 people “We’ve done them for malaria, influ- tial adverse effects, and feasibility of interval training for worldwide, with no cure available. enza, shigella. What makes me personal- people with SCI. Even in the past, trials were usually ly cautious about doing them for SARS- Researchers found HIIT and sprint interval training permitted only for an illness that isn’t CoV-2 is, at the moment, we don’t have (SIT) improve cardiorespiratory fitness in people with SCI fatal or that have treatments available. a rescue medication,” Kathleen Neuzil, to a degree that appears to match longer bouts of moderate- According to the US daily, large-scale director of the Center for Vaccine Devel- intensity exercise. trials of coronavirus vaccine candidates opment and Global Health at the Univer- Importantly, the population is generally able to are scheduled to start this summer and cine creation can take six months or more. US vaccine effort asked for an independent sity of Maryland School of Medicine. tolerate both HIIT and SIT, and there have been very few fall with more conventional methods. Charles Weijer, a professor at Can- panel of specialists in ethics, clinical trials If challenge trials were to proceed, reports of harm from this type of training, the researchers Lehua Gray, a 32-year-old product ada’s Western University, said corona- for ongoing vaccines experiments. she said, “this is going to take some have found. “This may be especially relevant in the in- manager in Austin, who wants to be a virus challenge trials present the hard- Johnson and Johnson chief scientist very careful thought and very careful patient rehabilitation environment, where newly injured volunteer said her interest in participat- est question he has faced in 24 years of Paul Stoffels has that the company was planning.” As things stand, people are people with SCI spend a number of weeks before being ing in a challenge trial, “it starts out be- practice as a bioethics. was focused on a traditional large-scale coming in great number to support the discharged to the community,” said Audrey Hicks, a pro- ing a conversation about FDA processes “Most ethicists agree there is an up- trial slated to begin in mid-September global effort at producing the COVID-19 fessor in the Department of Kinesiology and one of the lead and ends up being a conversation about per limit of risk,” said Seema Shah, an and not giving much consideration to vaccine at the earliest. authors of the study. “During this time, the patient’s days how I’m about to risk my life,” she said. ethics professor at Northwestern Uni- challenge trials. Combating COVID-19, sign-ups of are extremely full, with physiotherapy, occupational thera- Despite several risks, Gray is versity’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “We don’t think, at the moment, it ‘TheCovidChallenge.org’ has surged py, functional training, and exercise training, all with the among 28,000 other volunteers, who “It wouldn’t be kay to sacrifice one in- will help in the speed to results,” Stof- dramatically and has garnered more goal of optimizing transition to the community. The time have signed up for an online organiza- dividual for the benefit of many others.” fels said, noting that important scientif- than 28,000 volunteers so far. demands are enormous, so more efficient forms of exercise tion, 1Day Sooner, with the aim to com- In April, several of members of the ic work would have to be done to devel- The organization is collecting dona- can be particularly attractive,” she added. bat the virus by placing themselves in House of Representatives urged Health op a model for challenge experiments. tions, which will be used to pay for a USD Spinal cord injuries typically lead to reduced physical the path of the deadly contagion. and Human Services Secretary Alex According to the Post, if countries 50,000 research survey on volunteers. activity, which in turn leads to other health problems such Amid approaching Phase 3 trial, Azar and FDA Commissioner Stephen are successful at controlling their out- Additionally, many people with as a decline in fitness, muscle atrophy, increased body fat, which is the lengthiest, Food and Drug Hahn to consider implementing chal- breaks, it will pose an obstacle to vaccine backgrounds in various fields are sign- and increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Administration approval will be re- lenge trials. “If this went all wrong, and researchers who in traditional trials. ing up with the organization saying the Hicks and her team have shown in a previous study quired, and thousands of participants some healthy volunteer died as a result, The obstacles are formidable. In- trials “could provide a sense of purpose that a program of SIT three times a week for five weeks is will receive an inoculation, either an that would be impossible to forgive our- fecting healthy people with a poten- in a time of chaos and helplessness.” as effective in improving indices of cardiorespiratory fit- experimental vaccine or a placebo. selves,” Collins, the NIH director, said. tially lethal virus, with no treatment to .. ness as traditional moderate-intensity exercise and takes a Experts say that this final process in vac- In May, Collins and other experts from save them from severe illness or death, Agencies fraction of the time to complete. Business

news Wednesday| 17-06-2020 7 One year on: Hong Kong Saudi Faces Perilous Haj protesters change tactics Call As Virus Spikes Agencies lar announcements. Agencies Many other countries with “There’s no use in con- Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is expect- Muslim populations — from Dave Cheung, 25, used to be a fronting the police now. It’s ed to scale back or call off this Egypt and Morocco to Turkey, frequent protest-goer. He iden- obvious that they are so much year’s Haj pilgrimage for the Lebanon and Bulgaria — have tifies himself as a “radical” – a more equipped than we are, first time in its modern history, said they are still awaiting Ri- protester that is usually dressed and that they won’t bear the observers say, a perilous deci- yadh’s decision. in black, wears a gas mask, sets consequences for the things sion as coronavirus cases spike. In countries like France, up roadblocks and confronts po- they did,” Cheung told DW. Muslim nations are press- faith leaders have urged Mus- lice on the front lines. “We need to change our ing Riyadh to give its much-de- lims to “postpone” their pil- He was arrested when the approach. It’s obvious that the layed decision on whether the grimage plans until next year protests started in June of last government doesn’t care about annual ritual will go ahead as due to the prevailing risks. year, for being involved in how many people or how often scheduled in late July. The Haj, a must for able- clashes with police outside gov- we protest on the streets.” But as the kingdom negoti- bodied Muslims at least once ernment headquarters, follow- ates a call fraught with politi- in their lifetime, represents a ing a peaceful protest that same Harsh police crackdown cal and economic risks in a tin- major potential source of con- day. He was later released on Since June 2019, police derbox region, time is running tagion as it packs millions of bail, but the arrest didn’t stop have fired more than 16,000 out to organise logistics for pilgrims into congested reli- him from participating in more rounds of teargas, over 7,000 one of the world’s largest mass gious sites. demonstrations. rubber bullets and made near- gatherings. But any decision to limit or The street protests began ly 9,000 arrests – almost 40% of A full-scale Haj, which last cancel the event risks annoying in response to a now-vetoed which were of students. year drew about 2.5 million Muslim hardliners for whom re- bill that would allow suspects Police were accused of exces- pilgrims, appears increasingly ligion trumps health concerns. Dexamethasone — First Drug Proves unlikely after authorities ad- It could also trigger renewed vised Muslims in late March to scrutiny of the Saudi custodi- Able To Improve Survival From Covid-19 defer preparations due to the anship of Islam’s holiest sites fast-spreading disease. — the kingdom’s most powerful Agencies gen treatment, so dexametha- because they can slow the time sone should now become stan- until patients clear the virus. London : Researchers in Eng- dard of care in these patients. Researchers estimated that land say they have the first Dexamethasone is inexpen- the drug would prevent one evidence that a drug can im- sive, on the shelf, and can be death for every eight patients prove COVID-19 survival: A used immediately to save lives treated while on breathing cheap, widely available steroid worldwide.” machines and one for every 25 called dexamethasone reduced “Even though the drug patients on extra oxygen alone. deaths by up to one third in se- only helps in severe cases, This is the same study that verely ill hospitalised patients. “countless lives will be saved earlier this month showed the Results were announced globally,” said Nick Cammack malaria drug hydroxychloro- to be extradited to China for sive use of force and conducting Tuesday and researchers said of Wellcome, a British charity quine was not working against trials. However, even after the arbitrary arrests, which led to they would publish them soon. that supports science research. the coronavirus. The study bill was scrapped, protesters one of the five demands that pro- The study is a large, strict test “Dexamethasone must enrolled more than 11,000 pa- later raised other demands, in- testers touted – an independent that randomly assigned 2,104 now be rolled out and accessed tients in England, Scotland, cluding the resignation of Hong investigation into the police de- patients to get the drug and by thousands of critically ill Wales and Northern Ireland Kong Chief Executive Carrie partment’s use of force. Instead, compared them with 4,321 pa- patients around the world,” who were given either stan- Lam and universal suffrage. however, the government com- tients getting only usual care. said Cammack, who had no dard of care or that plus one The demonstrations were missioned a police watchdog to The drug was given either role in the study. “It is highly of several treatments: dexa- “It’s a toss-up between hold- source of political legitimacy. faced with heavy police crack- conduct an examination, which orally or through an IV. After affordable, easy to make, can methasone; the HIV combo ing a nominal Haj and scrap- A series of deadly disasters downs and mass arrests of protest- lawmakers and international 28 days, it had reduced deaths be scaled up quickly and only drug lopinavir-ritonavir, the ping it entirely,” a South Asian over the years, including a 2015 ers, particularly of the “radicals.” experts said was not truly inde- by 35% in patients who needed needs a small dosage.” antibiotic azithromycin; the official in contact with Saudi stampede that killed up to 2,300 However, Cheung believes pendent and had no investiga- treatment with breathing ma- Steroid drugs reduce in- anti-inflammatory drug tocili- Haj authorities told AFP. worshippers, has prompted that taking to the streets is no tive power. The resulting report chines and by 20% in those flammation, which sometimes zumab; or plasma from people A Saudi official told AFP: criticism of the kingdom’s longer an effective way to con- claimed that police “acted with- only needing supplemental ox- develops in COVID-19 patients who have recovered from CO- “The decision will soon be management of the Haj. tinue their fight. in the guidelines.” ygen. It did not appear to help as the immune system overre- VID-19 that contains antibod- made and announced.” “Saudi Arabia is caught be- less ill patients. acts to fight the infection. This ies to fight the virus. Indonesia, the world’s tween the devil and the deep blue “This is an extremely wel- overreaction can prove fatal, Research is continuing most populous Muslim nation, sea,” Umar Karim, a visiting fel- come result,” one study leader, so doctors have been testing on the other treatments. The withdrew from the pilgrimage low at the Royal United Services ‘Iran plans monthly gasoline Peter Horby of the University steroids and other anti-inflam- research is funded by govern- this month after pressing Ri- Institute in London, told AFP. of Oxford, said in a statement. matory drugs in such patients. ment health agencies in the yadh for clarity, with a minis- “The delay in announc- “The survival benefit is clear The World Health Organization United Kingdom and private ter calling it a “very bitter and ing its decision shows it un- shipments to Venezuela’ and large in those patients who advises against using steroids donors including the Bill and difficult decision”. derstands the political conse- are sick enough to require oxy- earlier in the course of illness Melinda Gates Foundation. Malaysia, Senegal and Sin- quences of cancelling the Haj Agencies gapore followed suit with simi- or reducing its scale.”

Tehran: Iran plans to follow its trailblazing shipment of fuel to sanctions-hit Venezuela with regular gasoline sales despite US Rise In Infections Shows Need For threats to punish any facilitation of the cargoes, a report says. Oscars 2021 Postponed By Last month, Iran sternly warned the US to stay clear of its Vigilance As World Reopens oil tankers as they set off for the Caribbean to deliver about 1.5 Two Months To April 25 Due million barrels of gasoline to Venezuela which is under a vir- Agencies tual American economic siege. To Pandemic On Saturday, an Iranian news agency said Iran’s naval forc- London: European countries re- es had prepared to target US commercial vessels in the Persian opened borders Monday after a Agencies uled for February 28, 2021. Gulf in case American forces interfered with Venezuela-bound three-month coronavirus shut- No decision has yet been Iranian oil tankers. down, although international Los Angeles, United States: taken on whether it will re- “According to reports received by Noor News, after increas- visitors are still being kept The 93rd Oscars have been main a live, star-studded cer- ing military threats against Iranian vessels headed for Venezu- away and there was uncertain- postponed by eight weeks to emony, or shift to a “virtual” ela, an order was issued to Iran’s armed forces to identify and ty over whether many Europe- April 25 after the coronavirus presentation. Most US movie track several US merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and the ans will quickly embrace travel pandemic shuttered movie theaters remain closed, with Gulf of Oman,” the agency said on its website. outside their home countries. theaters and desolate on Hol- fears of a second wave of CO- “Options for reciprocal action were immediately identified Reopening continued in lywood’s release calendar, the VID-19 cases growing. and monitored for possible operations,” Noor News added. Mexico and Brazil despite Academy said Monday. The Academy -- seen as cases climbing in the two larg- With many studio block- the top body of the Hollywood US climbdown est nations in Latin America, The head of the World a few places, the U.S. is seeing busters and indie arthouse film industry -- had already Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps where authorities struggled to Health Organization said more strong drops in virus-related movies forced to push back eased some eligibility rules in (IRGC)’s Aerospace Force Space Division has said the home- handle the pandemic’s effect on than 100,000 confirmed cases hospitalization and mortal- their release dates until the- April, allowing movies that grown Noor satellite that was launched into space last month already-weak medical systems. of coronavirus have been re- ity rates. In audio of the call aters reopen, the cut-off date skip the big screen and appear was used to track the oil tankers. In the U.S., Vice President ported globally each day in the obtained by The Associated for Oscar-eligible films has also on streaming platforms to con- “In the Atlantic Ocean, where access to ships is normally Mike Pence encouraged gov- last two weeks, and countries Press, Pence urged governors been extended from December tend for Oscars this year. more difficult, monitoring the position of the oil tankers and ernors to highlight the “good that have curbed transmissions to make it clear to residents 31, 2020 to February 28, 2021. Monday’s move was the situation in their surroundings was put on the agenda of the news” around efforts to fight “must stay alert to the possibil- that “there’s a lot of really, re- “Our hope, in extending prompted by concerns that a Noor satellite, and was accomplished,” Brigadier General Ali the virus despite several states ity of resurgence.” ally good news.” the eligibility period and our field consisting only of films Jafarabadi said. reporting a rise in infections, Tedros Adhanom Ghebr- White House officials have Awards date, is to provide the released in 2020 would not be On the diplomatic front, Iran complained to the United which could intensify as people eyesus noted that it took over played down the severity of the flexibility filmmakers need to as broad or competitive as in Nations and summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, return to work and venture out two months to reach 100,000 re- virus surge in places like Ari- finish and release their films previous years. The Academy who represents US interests in the Islamic Republic, over during the summer. ported cases, now a daily norm. zona and Texas. On Monday, without being penalized for Awards have been postponed possible measures Washington could take against the Ira- The need for constant vigi- Each day, nearly three-fourths the nation’s second-most-popu- something beyond anyone’s before -- after Los Angeles nian tankers. lance came into sharp focus as of the new cases come from 10 lated state set a one-day high in control,” said Academy presi- flooded in 1938, Martin Luther According to many observers, Iran’s determination forced China, where COVID-19 first countries — mostly in South hospitalizations of coronavirus dent David Rubin and CEO King Jr’s assassination in 1968 a climbdown in threatened “measures” by the US which had re- emerged in December, rushed Asia and the Americas, he said. patients for the seventh time in Dawn Hudson in a statement. and the shooting of President portedly dispatched warships and a patrol aircraft to the Atlan- to contain an outbreak in the Pence said in a private call eight days. Arizona’s hospitals The movie industry’s big- Ronald Reagan in 1981 -- but tic Ocean to possibly confront the Iranian vessels. capital of Beijing. with governors that except for were at about 82% capacity. gest night was originally sched- never by more than a week.

news makers Only US Agencies Couldn’t Grasp Russia hosts Zarif, promises to Pak IT minister tests Benefits Of Hydroxychloroquine: Trump stand by Iran on nuclear deal covid positive ashington: The revoked its emergency use Karachi: Pakistan’s Information Tech- US Food and authorization for hydroxy- ussia has promised to stand by its Abandoned commitments nology and Telecommunications Minis- Drug Admin- chloroquine to treat COV- ally, Iran, amid tensions over Teh- Iran committed under the deal to ter Syed Aminul Haq was tested positive istration on ID-19, the drug championed ran’s nuclear programme as For- curb its nuclear activities in exchange for the coronavirus on Tuesday, joining MondayW revoked its emer- by Donald Trump to stave off eign Minister Sergey Lavrov met his for sanctions relief and other benefits. a long list of politicians who have tested gency use authorization for the coronavirus. This report RIranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Moscow. But the Islamic Republic has slowly positive for the virus that has killed 2,839 hydroxychloroquine to treat produced by Jillian Kitchen Lavrov said on Tuesday Russia people in the country. COVID-19, but quickly came Hydroxychloroquine’s would do “everything” to preserve a 2015 Haq confirmed that he had been suf- under fire from US President anti-inflammatory and an- nuclear deal between Iran and world fering from persistent fever for the past Donald Trump, who said only medicine so far to show tiviral properties suggested powers that started to unravel two years one week which had turned into typhoid, only US agencies have failed a benefit against COVID-19 in it might help COVID-19 pa- ago when the US renounced it and reim- Geo News reported. to grasp its benefit in fighting formal clinical trials. tients, and the FDA autho- posed sanctions on Tehran. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement the coronavirus. The move comes after rized its emergency use in “We will be doing everything so that leader, who was appointed as Minister for Based on new evidence, several studies of the de- March at the height of a pan- no one can destroy these agreements,” IT and Telecommunications on April 6, the FDA said it was no longer cades-old malaria pills sug- demic for which there were Lavrov told reporters after face-to-face 2020, said that as soon as he became aware reasonable to believe that hy- gested they were not effective no approved treatments. talks with Zarif. “Washington has no that he was infected with the coronavirus, droxychloroquine and the re- either as a treatment for or to The early enthusiasm right to punish Iran.” he isolated himself. lated drug chloroquine may prevent COVID-19. was partly based on labora- He said Russia would firmly oppose abandoned its commitments after US The number of COVID-19 cases is in- be effective in treating the British scientists earlier tory experiments in which any “attempts to use this situation in or- President Donald Trump’s decision to creasing rapidly in the country and so illness caused by the novel this month halted a large the drug appeared to neutral- der to manipulate the (United Nations) withdraw from the deal. far, several lawmakers have been infected coronavirus. trial after deciding that hy- ize the virus. Chloroquine, Security Council and to promote an anti- Iran’s stockpile of enriched ura- with the virus. At least four lawmakers, The FDA also warned that droxychloroquine was “use- which is not approved for Iranian agenda”. nium is currently almost eight times including a provincial minister, have died the drugs have been shown in less” at treating COVID-19 any use in the United States On his part, Zarif described develop- the limit fixed in the accord, according due to coronavirus in Pakistan. lab studies to interfere with patients. and has more side effects, ments around the Iranian nuclear deal - to an assessment by the UN’s nuclear On Monday, Sindh’s Minister For Gilead Sciences Inc’s anti- The US Food and Drug has not fared any better in formally known as the Joint Comprehen- watchdog, the International Atomic En- Women Development Syeda Shehla Raza viral drug remdesivir - the Administration on Monday human clinical trials. sive Plan of Action - as “very dangerous”. ergy Agency (IAEA). was tested positive for the coronavirus. K K Y Y WEDNESDAY   Observers OUT POST

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