| COVID-19 threat puts Omar, Mehbooba's release on hold | | Only essential services to remain functional across J&K till March 31 | | Early Times Report
jammu, Mar 22: The prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir due to the deadly virus (COVID-19) threat has put the release of two former J&K chief ministers, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti on a back burner.
NC president Farooq Abdullah, who was released from custody after seven months earlier this month was seen pitching seriously for the release of his son Omar and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. He had even termed the release of these leaders important for the political process to resume in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, due to the Coronavirus scare and government's attention completely dedicated towards preventing the spread of the disease, the issue pertaining to release of Mehbooba and Omar has been put on hold.
According to the reports, Central Government was contemplating to release Omar and Mehbooba soon. However, due to the COVID-19 threat no final decision has been taken yet. "It is in the best interests of everyone to stay calm and not to raise this issue at present when the entire country is on the tenterhooks and Jammu and Kashmir is reeling under the very dreadful crisis," said an official.
Meanwhile, amid the ongoing restrictions across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the government on Sunday said that only essentials services will function in J&K UT till March 31.
A list of essential services was issued by government of Jammu and Kashmir vide order number PS/Secy/FCSCA/01/2020. The order reads that, in view of the situation arising due to COVID-19, the following are declared as essential services: Supply of groceries (wholesalers and retailers), supply of fresh fruits and vegetables (mandis and retailers), dispensing of petrol/diesel at pumps, milk shops and dairies and related products, supply of cattle feed and fodder, medicines and other pharmaceuticals (retailers, wholesalers and manufacturing), Banks and ATMs, supply of LPG (domestic and commercial), health services ( including movement of staff thereof), manufacturing of health and medical equipment, telecom operators and their designated agencies
The other essentials mentioned include newspapers, post offices, loading and unloading of wheat and rice at FCI and State Food depots, Transportation of essential commodities through National and State Highways (petrol, diesel, kerosene, milk, Vegetables, fruits, groceries, FCI supplies etc." |
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