News
Video: Himachal’s Muslim IAS, IPS Officers, Doctors Appeal Jamaati’s to Come Out Without Any Fear
Shimla-The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Himachal Pradesh reached 27 by Tuesday evening, and 20 of them are related to the Tablighi Jamaat meet in Delhi directly or indirectly. To make things worse, others who have been either to the meet or came in contact with those who were part of the gathering are reluctant to disclose this information to the administration. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur and the Director-General of Police, SR Mardi had to send out a warning to persuade people related to Jamaat.
Several FIRs have been registered against several Jamaat members for concealing this information despite repeated appeals of the government. Along with their families, these persons have exposed the entire State and nation to a dreadful outcome – community spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, reputed and influential members of the community and even IAS and IPS officers and doctors have come ahead to convince all related to Jamaat meeting to disclose information about their travel history or contacts to the administration without any fear or doubt. These officials explained the meaning of being a true Muslim and a responsible citizen.
Some of these officials in Himachal include IAS Yunus Khan – a very reputed name in the State for his activeness and works. Khan and his wife, who is an IPS officer, have adopted the daughter of naib subedar Paramjit Singh, who had sacrificed his life in action in 2017 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch sector. He appealed that as responsible citizens, such persons need to come out and share their travel history and other information with the administration for the good of the society. He said that we all need to unite and fight the coronavirus pandemic. To do so, he added, all citizens must follow the guidelines and directions of the government issued for prevention from COVID-19 infection. He also urged people of the community to offer namaz in their houses and maintain social distancing.
Similarly, IPS Asif Jalal, who is a JNU alumnus, also made the same appeal to the people. He ensured that there is no reason to be afraid. He also said that people related to Jamaat, who are not coming out and disclosing their travel histories and contacts, are not only putting the entire society at a risk but also jeopardizing health and lives of their family members. As a Muslim, this unwanted behavior is sending wrong messaged about the community. He further added that the Quaran says that if a person saves the life of even single innocent man, it is considered equal to serving the entire humanity. Therefore, he urged the people of the community to care about the lives of other which are at stake due to the spread of COVID-19.
To support the same appeal, Saad Rizvi – a doctor serving at the Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Shimla-explained that Islam doesn’t preach putting lives of others at stake or bring harm to them. Quran and Hadees also preach that one should separate him/herself from a place afflicted with an epidemic and should refrain from visiting it, he said. Therefore, it is necessary that people who have returned from Markaz, should come out of hiding and help the government to contain the spread of the virus. Not only it is necessary for the sake of society but also for Islam as religion.
Our readers can view the full statements made by these officials in the video uploaded above.
Further, it’s the need of the time that the intellectuals and reputed government officials come out and convince the people of Muslim community and lead them.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
Home Decor Ideas 2020