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EYE on INDIA APRIL 02, 2021 | The Indian Eye 12

Kumbh Mela

Low footfall in Haridwar amid

COVID-19 scare

umbh Mela in Haridwar witnessed a low footfall of devo-
tees at Har Ki Pauri ghat on the first day amid the rising
Kcases of COVID-19.
On Thursday, devotees took holy dips at the ghat on the first
day of the Kumbh while adhering to the protocols put in place
amid the pandemic. Announcements regarding social distancing,
mask-wearing, etc are being made at the ghat and sanitizer sta-
tions have also been installed. The Uttarakhand government has
already released a set of guidelines that is to be followed, which
requires people to strictly adhere to COVID-19 norms. A neg-
ative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours before arrival
has been made mandatory for devotees gathering for the Kumbh.
The central government has already directed the Uttarakhand
government to follow all the “stringent measures” to control the
spread of the deadly virus during the Kumbh.
There will be three major bathing dates (shahi snan) on April
12, 14 and 27 during the Kumbh Mela this year.
Kumbh is held periodically at four different locations in India
(Nashik, Haridwar, Prayagraj, and Ujjain) every four years.
In normal circumstances, Kumbh is held for nearly four
months but this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dura-
tion of the congregation has been curtailed to one month only.

J-K students

Association seek security in

Uttarakhand

he Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association in Uttara-
khand on Thursday appealed to Director- General of Po- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Arulmigu Meenakshi Sund-
Tlice Uttrakhand Ashok Kumar to hold regular interaction areshwarar Temple in Madurai on Thursday. (ANI)
programs with Students of Jammu and Kashmir to create a sense
of security among them that they are safe in Uttarakhand. through which students can contact the police for early disposal
As per a statement, the J-K Students Association delegation, of cases.
led by National Spokesperson Nasir Khuehami, in Dehradun and
apprised him about various issues of Kashmiri Students in the
State. “Khuehami appealed to Kumar to stay vigilant and keep in Kulwant singh Grewal
touch with both Kashmiri students and the heads of the institu-
tions where they are studying. He informed him to hold regular in- Punjab CM mourns poet’s
teraction programs with the students to create a sense of security
among them that they are safe in Uttarakhand,” a statement said. demise
Khuehami also informed him about the impacts of the nega-
tive portrayal of Jammu and Kashmir by a section of the media. unjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thurs-
“The primary victims of the negative portrayal have been the day expressed grief over the demise of Professor Kulwant
students studying in various states of the country. Do assist in PSingh Grewal. He also condoled the bereaved family mem-
removing this stereotype created among the masses about the bers of him.
state,” Khuehami was quoted in the statement, her. “Saddened to hear of Prof. Kulwant Singh Grewal Ji’s demise.
The DGP gave patient hearing to their problems and assured He was a well-known Punjabi and Hindi poet and also authored
that all possible steps are being taken to ensure the safety and eight books. He also served as Director and Professor of Punjabi
security of the students. University, Patiala. My thoughts and prayers are with the family
“I am committed to ensuring that students are being provid- in this difficult time,” tweeted the Chief Minister. Kulwant Grew-
ed support in every regard. All possible steps are being taken al was breathed last today. The renowned poet was also awarded
to ensure the students’ safety,” he said, adding that a 24x7 Spe- the Shiromani Punjabi Poet Award in 2016 by the Punjab Lan-
cial grievance redressal helpline had already launched for them, guages Department.

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