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“Ensure Fire Safety Amid Heatwave; Follow Do’s & Don’ts Strictly”: F&ES Srinagar Issues Advisory

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, May 19 : Amid soaring temperatures and looming heat wave conditions across Jammu & Kashmir, the Fire & Emergency Services Command Srinagar has issued a comprehensive fire safety advisory to all unit incharges to prevent fire-related incidents during the summer months.

In an official order, the Deputy Director, Fire & Emergency Services, Command Srinagar, has instructed all officers to comply with the directions of the Director, F&ES J&K, Jammu/Srinagar, the advisory, a copy of which lies with JKNS, includes detailed “Do’s and Don’ts” to be followed and shared with the public across jurisdictions.

The order emphasizes the importance of removing flammable items like dry leaves, cardboard, and wood from areas exposed to direct sunlight. Electrical safety is also underlined, asking residents to avoid socket overloading and ensure devices get cooling intervals. Citizens are advised to switch off electricity before leaving homes and avoid placing electric cables near carpets or flammable objects.

Additional safety measures include keeping matches and lighters away from children, avoiding cooking during peak heat hours, and ensuring proper ventilation in kitchens. Smokers have been cautioned to extinguish cigarette butts safely and dispose of them in fireproof containers.

The advisory further instructs people to extinguish campfires properly, obey local rules on trash burning, avoid careless disposal of lit cigarettes from vehicles, and never burn trash or stubble in the open without supervision. Farmers have been directed to ensure complete burning of such material to avoid re-ignition.

The Fire & Emergency Services Department has urged all officers to communicate these guidelines effectively in their areas and to stay prepared for emergency situations as heatwave threats increase. (JKNS)

Key Diagnostic Machine Defunct at MCCH Anantnag for 3 Months, Patients Suffer

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Anantnag, May 19 :  Patients at the Maternity and Child Care Hospital (MCCH) in Anantnag continue to suffer as the hospital’s Biochemistry Analyzer, essential for conducting critical diagnostic tests like Liver Function Tests (LFT), Kidney Function Tests (KFT), and others, has been non-functional for over three months.

The absence of this vital diagnostic equipment has forced many patients, particularly pregnant women and children, to either approach private diagnostic centres at high costs or travel to the main GMC Anantnag, which adds both logistical and financial burden.

Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb, confirmed the development to KNT, saying that the analyzer is indeed defunct and a tendering process for a new machine is currently underway. “Yes, we are aware of the issue. A new Biochemistry Analyzer will be procured soon, but the process takes time,” she said.

However, for hundreds of patients visiting MCCH daily, the wait has meant disrupted treatment and added stress during already critical health conditions.

Locals and attendants have raised concerns about administrative delays, questioning why no interim arrangement has been made to ensure uninterrupted testing services. “This is not just a machine, it’s a lifeline for patients, especially expectant mothers who need regular monitoring,” said a local resident outside the hospital. [KNT]

50% electricity restored after gusty winds damage transmission lines, electric poles in Kashmir: Officials

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, May 19 : The Power Development Department (PDD) Monday said that it has restored over 50 percent electricity after gusty winds coupled with heavy rain damaged transmission lines and electric poles in several areas of the Kashmir Valley late last evening.
An official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that there was extensive damage to 33KV and 11KV transmission lines. “Electric poles have also suffered a huge damage due to the gusty winds.”
He said that a huge damage was caused in many areas of Kulgam, Pulwama, Srinagar, and parts of north Kashmir. “We are all out on the ground trying to restores electricity in the affected areas,” he said.
He added that as of now, they have restored over 50 percent electricity and are hopeful that 100 percent electricity will be restored by today evening—(KNO)

Crores Worth of Indian Mango Shipments Rejected by United States

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Mumbai: Indian mango shipments exported to the United States have been rejected due to documentation errors, leading to significant financial losses for exporters. Approximately 15 containers of mangoes were returned by American authorities citing flaws in the paperwork related to the mandatory irradiation process. Officials stated that errors were found in the PPQ 203 form, which documents the completion of irradiation. As the cost of bringing the goods back to India was high, the exporters were compelled to destroy the mangoes in the United States itself. The estimated loss is around $500,000 (approximately ₹4.15 crore).

Several consignments were halted at major American airports including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The irradiation process had been completed in Mumbai on May 8 and 9. However, an English-language publication reported that the U.S. authorities found discrepancies in the documentation, particularly in the PPQ 203 form. The issue arose not due to pest infestation in the fruits, but solely due to administrative lapses. Irradiation is a process used to eliminate pests from fruits and extend their shelf life.

One exporter stated, “The U.S. Customs and Border Protection informed us that the shipment was rejected because the PPQ 203 form was not issued correctly. They told us the goods must either be returned or destroyed, and that the U.S. government will not bear any associated costs,” he said.

The irradiation process is conducted at a center in Navi Mumbai under the supervision of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) representative. The same USDA official is responsible for certifying the required PPQ 203 form for mango exports to the U.S. “We are being penalized for errors committed at the irradiation center,” an exporter lamented.

Another exporter, whose shipment was halted and subsequently ordered to be destroyed at the Los Angeles airport between May 9 and 11, said, “They claimed that we failed to comply with the mandatory irradiation protocol, which is completely false. We were issued the PPQ 203 form only after the irradiation process was completed. Without that form, the mangoes wouldn’t even be allowed onto the flight at Mumbai airport,” he said.

Since the United States is a key export market for Indian mangoes, this incident could potentially affect trade relations. When asked about the scale of the affected mango shipments and the documentation errors, the office of the Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) responded, “This issue pertains to a USDA-approved center operated by the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) at Vashi, Mumbai. Hence, a clarification must be sought from them.” APEDA functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Despite requesting an explanation via email, no response has been received from the MSAMB.

Srinagar Records Season’s Hottest Day at 32.2°C; Weather Man predicts Thundershowers Ahead

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, May 18 : Srinagar experienced its hottest day of the season on Sunday with the mercury touching at 32.2°C.

As per the details shared by Kashmir weather to news agency JKNS stated that, Srinagar recorded the hottest day of the season at 32.2°C.

Other areas in the Kashmir Valley also recorded high temperatures, Qazigund at 33.0°C, Kokernag at 31.4°C, Kupwara at 29.9°C, Pahalgam at 27.2°C, and Gulmarg at 23.6°C.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a scorching 40.0°C, while Katra registered 37.4°C, Bhaderwah 31.6°C, Batote 30.9°C, and Banihal 30.8°C. In Ladakh, Leh recorded a relatively cooler temperature of 20.4°C.

It is important to note that Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing the hottest weather for the past one week.

However, Independent weather men running Kashmir Weather, Faizan Arif told JKNS that some temporary relief is expected, with thundershowers expected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir tonight and tomorrow. (JKNS)

42 Unexploded Shells Destroyed In Poonch Border Areas: Army

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Poonch, May 18 : At least 42 unexploded shells were destroyed by army’s bomb disposal squad in border areas of Poonch district on Sunday.

“Indian Army in close coordination with local police authorities, successfully conducted a controlled operation for the safe destruction of 42 unexploded shells in the border areas of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati and Salani of Poonch District,” army said in a statement to GNS.

These shells, remnants of recent cross-border shelling, posed a serious threat to the lives and safety of local residents, the army said. “The operation was carried out with utmost precision, adhering to all standard safety protocols to prevent any risk to civilian life or property,” it said, adding, “Trained Bomb Disposal Teams from Indian Army, in coordination with police, ensured the complete neutralization of all explosive remnants.” This proactive effort reflects the organization’s continued commitment to safeguarding civilian populations in conflict-affected zones and restoring a sense of normalcy in vulnerable border communities it added. (GNS)

Reports on Ind-Pak Ceasefire Expiry Baseless, No DGMO Level Talks Today: Officials

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi, May 18 : Amid rumours over Ceasefire between India and Pakistan coming to end today Army officials on Sunday clarified that there are no DGMO-level talks scheduled for today and dismissed media reports suggesting the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan is coming to an end.

Responding to queries and speculative reporting, Indian Army in a statement issued here to news agency JKNS said, “No DGMO talks are scheduled today.”

Regarding the ongoing ceasefire, the statement reads that the agreement reached during the DGMO interaction on May 12 has no expiry. “As far as the continuation of the break in hostilities is concerned, there is no expiry date to it,” it reads. (JKNS)

Hypertension a silent killer affecting one in four adults, say doctors

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, May 17: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, has become an escalating public health concern, silently impacting one in four adults. Often termed the “silent killer”, this condition frequently remains undiagnosed, yet its potential consequences can be severe, including heart attacks, strokes, and brain haemorrhages.

Despite its widespread prevalence, a large number of people with hypertension remain unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness hampers timely diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of serious complications.

Dr Mohammad Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Hypertension affects approximately one in four adults in our population. The majority of hypertensive patients are unaware of their condition, which can lead to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Among those diagnosed, many do not take their medications regularly.”

He added, “Sedentary lifestyles, consumption of fast food high in salt, sugar, and oil, avoidance of physical activity, use of addictive substances like cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs and stress are major contributing factors to hypertension.”

Dr Khan advised the public to adopt positive lifestyle changes, including avoiding junk food, reducing salt, sugar, and oil intake, managing weight, and increasing physical activity through walking, running, outdoor games, or swimming. He stressed the importance of stress management and resolving conflicts within families and workplaces.

Dr Salim recommended that people over 30 years old should have their blood pressure checked annually, even if they are asymptomatic. Recognising that hypertension and pre-hypertension are increasingly seen among children and adolescents, he suggested that school health programs should include annual blood pressure screenings.

Dr Murtaza from GMC Anantnag highlighted similar concerns, saying, “Every third or fourth adult in our area has hypertension, but almost half of them are unaware of their condition, as hypertension often shows no symptoms during its course, apart from vague complaints attributed to other illnesses.”

He added, “Unfortunately, four out of five hypertensive patients do not keep their blood pressure under control, which can lead to severe consequences like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.”

Dr Murtaza said that lifestyle and dietary habits have drastically changed, with increased sedentary behaviour, high intake of salt, sugar, and fats, smoking, and substance abuse contributing to rising hypertension rates, even among school-going children.

“While the recommended maximum salt intake is five grams per day, a Kashmiri typically consumes around 10-15 grams daily,” he said. “Younger individuals, including children and adolescents, are increasingly affected, putting them at risk of early-onset diseases.”

The doctor called for hypertension education programmes in schools, colleges and workplaces, focusing on behavioural and dietary modifications.

“Regular physical activity—such as daily walking—reducing salt, sugar, and fats, avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs, coupled with a healthy home and work environment, health counseling, routine blood pressure checkups, and strict adherence to medications, can significantly reduce the burden of hypertension and promote healthier living,” Dr Murtaza added—(KNO)

Massive Fire Engulfs Five Residential Houses in Lal Bazar, Srinagar; F&ES on Job

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A massive fire erupted in New Colony area of Lal Bazar, Srinagar, Saturday evening engulfing at least five residential houses in flames.

An official told news agency JKNS that the fire started in one structure and quickly spread to nearby houses due to the congested setting of the area.

Fire and Emergency Services teams reached the spot and launched an operation to douse the flames, the fire fighting operation is underway.

An official confirmed to JKNS that no loss of life has been reported so far. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. (JKNS)

23 Booked Under PSA in Srinagar for Terror Links, Public Disorder: Police

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar, May 17: In a major crackdown on anti-national and subversive elements, Srinagar Police has booked 23 individuals under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for their involvement in terrorist activities and repeated disruption of public order across the district.

Police spokesperson in a statement issued to the news agency JKNS, these individuals were either associates of proscribed terrorist outfits or known miscreants involved in criminal acts despite having multiple FIRs already registered against them.

The following individuals have been identified and booked under PSA:
Saqib Shafi Wani of Baghi Sunder Bala Chattabal; Waleed Aijaz Sheikh alias Waleed of Batmaloo; Hashim Farooq Mir of Ikhrajpora Rajbagh; Sayar Ahmad Sheikh alias Sahil of Batmaloo; Tawseef Ahmad Khan of Firdous Abad Batmaloo; Showkat Ahmad Dar of Nishat; Ali Mohammad Rather alias Ali Pakistani of Malfuk Hazratbal; Owais Farooq Lone of Tral (presently in Maisuma); Musaib Ahmad Khan of Hamdania Colony Bemina; Feroz Ahmad Najar of Chandipora Harwan; Shabir Ahmad Ghulam of Bagiyas; Sajid Shahnawaz Mir alias Patrole of Batmaloo; Numan Qayoom Ganie of Chanpora; Owais Altaf Bhat of Padshahibagh; Junaid Zahoor Bangroo of Malik Angan Fatehkadal; Muzaffar Farooq Mir alias Muzaffar of Kanpora Budgam; Uneeb Naseer Mir of Kanpora Budgam; Irfan Ahmad Seeru alias Irfan of Nawakadal; Fahad Bashir Sidique alias Umar Kochwa of Khanyar; Zubair Ahmad Lone of Saidapora Eidgah; Faizan Yaseen Sheikh of Jamalatta; Ibrahim Rashid Ganie alias Gopi alias Umar of Batmaloo; and Abdul Hamid Ganie of Harwan.

Formal detention orders were issued by the District Magistrate Srinagar on the basis of detailed dossiers prepared by the police. All 23 have since been shifted to District Jails in Poonch, Udhampur, and Kot Balwal, it reads.

Police said that despite facing multiple criminal cases in the past, these individuals continued their disruptive and anti-national conduct even after securing bail. Their repeated involvement in criminal and public disorder activities compelled the authorities to act under PSA.

J&K Police reiterated its commitment to uprooting anti-national networks and warned those engaging in unlawful acts that the law would catch up with them. “Every offender will face justice,” the spokesperson said. (JKNS)

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