Srinagar, July 31 : More than 30 percent Amarnath Yatris have visited cave shrine this year amid tightened security measures by government forces including Army.

In first 30 days, more than 3.30 lakh Yatris visited the Holy Cave. news agency ground reporter found a well-oiled machinery taking care of the pilgrims from end to end. Along the route, the central security forces along with the J&K Police provide security to the camps, routes and ‘langars’ which have been serving to the needs of the ‘Yatris’. Telecom companies are providing local SIMs and cellular services. The mood seemed very energetic and full of religious fervour. Locals are participating with equal fervour to support the ‘Yatra’, providing many services like horse rides, ‘Palkis’, stalls, etc.

As the ‘Yatra’ has entered in the last fortnight, the government forces on their part have increased the domination activities and vigil.

At many places Army patrols can be seen on the hills surrounding the ‘Yatra’ route. Even today a lot of such activity astride both the ‘Yatra’ routes could be seen.

It gives a sense of security even to us who having served for long tenures in these places now as pilgrims, a Yatri said, adding for others it is even more reassuring. We pray that these determined efforts find good results till the ‘Yatra’ is finally over by the 15 of August.

Most of the pilgrims while talking about the arrangements expressed their satisfaction and hoped that the pilgrimage concludes with peace and harmony in the state. “Hospitality of Kashmiris has no match anywhere in the world and we express our gratitude to them for being great hosts”.

Local administration also deserves accolades for putting together all arrangements in magnificent manner, a Yatri Shubum Kumar from Gujarat said. (GNS)

Kashmir Despatch News

Sopore, July 31 : One person was injured after his car rammed into a divider in north Kashmir’s Sopore town this evening.

Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said the accident took place outside sub district hospital Sopore when the car hit with a divider after its driver lost the control over the vehicle.

In the mishap one person identified as Abdul Majeed Dar son of Habbibullah Dar resident of Chankhan Sopore received head injury.

Meanwhile police took cognizence of this road accident.

Srinagar, July 31:  Authorities continue to be in a denial mode even as Hepatitis-B cases are witnessing an upward trend in villages of Diver and Lolab in north-Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Credible departmental sources have revealed to that over the time, cases for Hepatitis-B have surged in the twin villages with no proper vaccination and manpower available with the local health centres to tackle the exigency.

According to sources, the twin villages have around 100 cases registered for Hepatitis-B with less than a dozen cases for the rest of the district. The growing number of cases has sent the whole villages including the adjacent areas into frenzy.

Meanwhile, the locals have rued the overall patient care in the remote area of the district. “We have to travel either to Sogam or Kupwara even for small issues,” they said.

Accusing the doctors of taking them on a ride, the locals said the doctors deputed to the Public Health Centres (PHCs) in the area are “serving elsewhere” while drawing salary from these health centres.

The concerned Block Medical Officer (BMO) declined to comment over the issue despite attempts to reach him through telephone calls and in person as well.

Meanwhile, SDM Sogam visited the spot to assess the situation during which he assured the locals that the issues will be taken up with higher-ups for early redressal. (GNS)

Srinagar, July 31 : The sterilisation of dogs under the aegis of Animal Birth Control Programme will go up from 10 to 100 dogs per day within two months in Srinagar city. 

Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep and Fisheries department Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon during a visit to the Tengpora facility directed starting the program at massive level within two months.

Dr Samoon said that the sterilization programme will lead to a progressive decline in the stray dog population so eventually it will lead to decrease in dog bite cases.

He also instructed Director Health Services Kashmir to keep post bite Anti Rabies Vaccine available at all dispensaries so that immediate necessary measures are taken in case of dog bites.

He was accompanied by Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir Purnima Mittal, Joint Commissioner works SMC, Health Officer SMC, Mobile Veterinary Officer SMC and other officers.

Dr Samoon also visited Modern Abattoir being executed through JKPCC at a cost of Rs 24.52 crore.

While seeking completion of abattoir in three months, Dr Samoon stressed on the officers to submit timely utilization certificates (UCs) to the concerned authorities for smooth release of funds.

Highlighting the importance of modern slaughtering facility in Srinagar, Dr Samoon said that its absence poses a serious health risk besides the waste produced after slaughtering of sheep, goat and poultry gives stray dogs a field day and increases their population.

He also directed the officers to speed up the establishment of livestock check posts at Nowgam bypass & Panthachowk to ensure entry of disease free and healthy livestock for public consumption. 

Suhail Khan

Uri, July 31 : India and Pakistan armies on Wednesday exchange fresh shelling along LoC in Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

An army officer said that Pakistani troops opened unprovoked fire from across the border in Hajipeer area of Border town Uri this evening.

He said that the soldiers manning the fence also responded the fire strongly.

However, there was no immediate report of any casualty.

Meanwhile, the exchange of fire between the two sides is going on.

A police officer also confirmed the exchange of shelling in Uri and said that police Control room has been alerted in case of any eventuality.

Pertinently, India and Pakistan armies on Tuesday also trade shelling along Line of Control (LoC) in Mohra sector of Uri, Tanghdar, Keran, Jumgund and Gurez.

Srinagar: In view of inclement weather conditions, shooting stones and landslides particularly in the state, particularly in Jammu region, the Amarnath Yatra will remain suspended till 4th August 2019.

India Meteorology Department has predicted heavy rainfall for next few days all over Jammu and Kashmir, which may cause landslides and shooting stones on the highway between Jammu and Srinagar, particularly in the stretch between Ramban and Banihal, which is highly vulnerable to landslides and shooting a stone.

The track from Baltal and Pahalgam has become slippery and slashy due to heavy rainfall and the situation is likely to aggravate in the next couple of days in view of weather advisory issued by IMD.