‘Spike in Covid cases in J&K due to intensified contact tracing, testing’
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has seen a spike in coronavirus cases recently with 106 positive cases. Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu, however, says this is because of an aggressive testing and tracing strategy. In an interview to Aurangzeb Naqshbandi, their contacts.
Videos are in circulation in social media showing police using force on residents, doctors, and even government officials to enforce a strict lockdown. Have you advised the police to refrain from such acts?
J&K police is directly assisting the administration. People are exhibiting restraint and discipline during the current situation. Police is strictly controlling the situation as well as providing all necessary help and co-ordination, including distribution of ration to the needy.
Given the pandemic, is there any plan to restore 4G internet services for better connectivity and information dissemination?
Currently, 3G facility by certain identified telecom providers with adequate precautions is available. The administration ensured that people did not suffer due to the internet blockade by making available internet facilities in the office of district magistrates.
There have also been demands to release prisoners on humanitarian grounds. Have you arrived at any decision in this regard?
A committee has been constituted headed by chairman, state legal authority, to consider the release of prisoners on parole or interim bail depending upon the nature of the offence. Jammu and Kashmir Temporary Suspension of Sentence, Rules, 2020, have been notified, and the Director General of Police, Prisons, has been empowered to grant parole or furlough to specific category of prisoners on the recommendations of jail superintendents.