Two SPOs reported missing from J&K's Kishtwar, search operation launched
Jammu, Nov 11: Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) were reported missing from the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Wednesday, officials said. The SPOs -- Rashpal Kumar and Babi Chand -- are posted with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of local police. They were reported missing from the remote Dachhan-Marwah belt of the hill district, they said. According to the officials, a massive search operation has been launched in the area to trace the missing SPOs.
India Reduces Visa Categories From 13 To 9, Cuts Fields In Application Forms By 65-70%: MHA
The revised framework consolidates visa sub-categories from 49 to 23 and simplifies applications for foreign nationals visiting India.
USFDA classifies Aurobindo Pharma's US facility as 'official action indicated'
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J-K LG condemns Kulgam terror attack, says security forces given free hand to hunt down terrorists
Srinagar, Nov 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday reviewed security situation following Kulgam terror attack and said security forces have been given a free hand to crack down on terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. The LG Sinha visited Armys 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar and enquired about the health of CRPF head constable Sonbir Singh who sustained serious injuries in the attack. In a post on X, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said: Visited Base Hospital, Srinagar, to enquire about the health of CRPF Head Constable Sonbir Singh, who sustained serious injuries in the heinous terror attack in Kulgam and is currently undergoing treatment. Praying for his swift and complete recovery. Two other injured CRPF personnel, Constable Rakesh Das and Constable Santanu Chandra, are in stable condition and recovering at 46 Bn CRPF Unit Hospital, Kulgam. I strongly condemn this cowardly act of terror and assure the people that those responsible will be hunted down and brought to justice, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed the security situation with senior official in Lok Bhavan, Srinagar and said that security forces have been given a free hand to crack down on terrorists.
In Kashmir, singer Kumar Sanu praises Bigg Boss contestant Qazi Tauqeer, calls him a nice gentleman
Singer Kumar Sanu says people have been misinformed about Kashmir, urges celebrities to visit
Kashmiri Waza Association Sets 10 PM Deadline for Wedding Feasts
Security checks intensified across Srinagar after Kulgam firing
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Security tightened in Tangmarg, Gulmarg; massive search operations launched
Blyths reed warbler, a small brown bird has bred in the UK for the first time
Pulwama, Nov 11: Police have arrested the main accused in the murder of a 70-year-old woman in Parigam village of Pulwama district, after a meticulous investigation. Officials told GNS that the accused has been identified as Imran Bashir Mir, son of Bashir Ahmad Mir, resident of Parigam. He has been arrested in connection with FIR No. 211/26 under Section 103(3) BNS registered at Police Station Pulwama. The case relates to the murder of Jana Begum, 70, wife of late Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, who was found dead with her throat slit inside her home in Parigam on the morning of October 19, 2026. As per details, unidentified assailants had entered the house around 5:00 AM while her son was away at a nearby mosque offering Fajr prayers. On returning home, the son found her lying in a pool of blood. Police said further investigation is underway.
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Kulgam, Nov 11: Kulgam Police on Wednesday dismissed social media reports claiming that an Avengers motorcycle bearing registration number JK18A-5431 was allegedly used by terrorists involved in the firing incident targeting a CRPF party in the district, describing the viral claims as false and contrary to verified facts. According to a police statement, verification established that the motorcycle, registered in the name of Yasir Yousuf, son of Muhammad Yousuf, a resident of Qaimoh, was being used by his brother, Shaukat Yousuf. Police further clarified that Shaukat Yousuf was engaged in work at a nursery located on their family-owned land in the vicinity of the incident site. The police said the claims circulating on social media linking the motorcycle to the attackers were misleading and had no factual basis, urging people not to circulate unverified information. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, terrorists opened fire on a CRPF party in Kulgam, leaving three personnel injured. While two injured personnel were reported to be stable, the third was shifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar for further treatment. Police have urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading rumours or misleading content on social media. (KNC)
Israeli strike kills 1 in Gaza City, local health officials say
Gaza City, Nov 11: An Israeli strike on Wednesday morning killed one person in Gaza City, according to Shifa Hospital, where the body was taken. The Israeli military said it targeted a militant, without providing additional details. Large-scale fighting has slowed since Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire deal in October 2025. However, Israel continues to launch near-daily strikes on the enclave. Israel has killed more than 1,600 Palestinians in Gaza since the deal was reached, according to the territory's Health Ministry. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, maintains detailed records and is seen as generally reliable by UN agencies and independent experts. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants. (AP)
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Defence ministry inks contract worth Rs 498 crore for refit of INS Betwa
New Delhi, Nov 11: The defence ministry on Wednesday sealed a Rs 498-crore contract with state-run Cochin Shipyard Ltd for efit and re-powering of Indian Navy's guided-missile frigate INS Betwa. Under the contract, INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class frigate, will undergo a transformation of its propulsion system involving the replacement of its existing steam-based propulsion with a diesel engine-based propulsion system, according to the ministry. The refit will also include the upgrading of its combat capabilities through the installation of a modern weapon suite that is aimed at enhancing the ship's operational effectiveness. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth Rs 498.58 crore with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the normal refit and re-powering of Indian Naval Ship, Betwa, an official statement said. The ministry said the project will further strengthen indigenous capabilities in the ship repair and maintenance ecosystem, particularly in undertaking complex propulsion system transformation and modernisation of naval platforms. The project is expected to involve more than 50 MSMEs and generate significant employment opportunities across the Indian shipbuilding & ancillary industries, it said. This project will provide a major impetus to the government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make-in-India', while reinforcing the country's indigenous naval ship repair and maintenance capabilities, it added.
What Does The Kapoor Family Eat On Diwali? Neetu Kapoor Gives A Peek Into Their Feast
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Cabinet nod to development of Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at North and South Block complex
New Delhi, Nov 11: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum through adaptive reuse of the North and South Block complex in Delhi, at an estimated total project cost of Rs 3,230 crore. It is envisaged as a landmark museum showcasing the continuity, diversity and richness of India's rich civilisational heritage through an integrated narrative of its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, according to officials. The museum will be developed through the adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Block complex, preserving their architectural character and heritage significance while transforming them into a public cultural institution, the government said. Spread over a proposed built-up area of approximately 1,78,509 sq metres, the museum will integrate contemporary museum practices, immersive technologies and visitor-centric interpretation. Benchmarked against major international museums, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum is billed to be the museum with the largest display area in the world. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today has approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum (YYBM) at the North and South Block Complex, New Delhi, at an estimated total project cost of Rs 3,230 crore, as appraised by the Public Investment Board (PIB), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) said. The ambitious museum project was announced by the prime minister on May 18, 2023.
Cabinet approves Rs 62,370 cr subsidy for P&K fertilisers in rabi season
New Delhi, Nov 11: The government on Wednesday approved a Rs 62,370 crore subsidy on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the rabi season 2026-27. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Department of Fertilizers' proposal to fix the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi season 2026-27 (from October 2026 to March 31, 2027) on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers. The Cabinet has approved Rs 62,370 crore as subsidy for P&K fertilisers, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. He said the fertiliser prices have shot up immensely due to the West Asia crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war. However, the minister said the government has protected farmers' interests by providing adequate fertiliser subsidy. The Modi government has provided a shield to farmers from geopolitical turmoil, he added. Vaishnaw said the DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) rate would remain the same at Rs 1,350 per bag of 50 kg each. The subsidy on P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash, Sulphur) grades, will be provided based on approved rates for Rabi 2026-27 to ensure smooth availability of these soil nutrients to the farmers at affordable prices.
NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar condemns attack on CRPF personnel in Kulgam
Union cabinet extends Stand-Up India Scheme till March 31, 2031
New Delhi, Nov 11: The government on Wednesday approved the continuation of Stand-Up India Scheme for next 5 years to promote entrepreneurship among Women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of Stand-Up India Scheme up to March 31, 2031. The scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship among Women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and provide financial assistance to additional 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs in a span of five years, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while briefing on the decisions taken by the government at the Cabinet meeting. Since its launch in April 2016, the scheme has facilitated loans to more than 2.75 lakh Women/SC/ST entrepreneurs. The objective of the Stand-Up India Scheme was to provide loans ranging between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore from Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch to set up a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services or trading sector and also for activities allied to agriculture. The scheme provided loans of value between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore at the lowest applicable rate of the bank for that category (rating), not exceeding base rate MCLR+3%+ Tenor premium, with a repayment period of 7 years and a maximum moratorium of up to 18 months. Eligible sectors for such loans include manufacturing, services, trading and agri allied activities, and credit guarantee covers 85 per cent of the loan amount with standard guarantee fee of 0.50 per cent. The government would ensure credit access for women, SC and ST entrepreneurs, enabling enterprise creation and strengthening entrepreneurship across underserved communities, thereby supporting inclusive economic growth, he said.
GLP-1 drugs have been talk of the town lately for the weight loss benefits they offer, however, their downsides also need to be highlighted. One of the recently identified side-effect of these weight loss drugs is stroke of the optic nerve.
CM reviews development works, winter preparedness in Udhampur
Beyond Business: The Leadership Philosophy of T. Kishan Singh
T. Kishan Singh highlights the influence of his father's dedication on his professional journey in the paper industry. He stresses the role of sustainable practices and customer relationships for long-term business success. Health and fitness are prioritized as essential elements for effective leadership and overall well-being. Singh shares that consistency and resilience are vital in navigating challenges, both personally and professionally.
Kashmir's 'wazas' set 10 pm deadline for wedding feast, say tired of long hours
Srinagar, Nov 11: Tired of endless wait for the groom's arrival, Kashmir's traditional chefs, known as 'waza', have set a 10 pm deadline on serving wazwan at weddings. At a conference at a marriage hall in Rajouri Kadal area of the city, wazas discussed the inhuman conditions they are made to work under while serving the multi-dish 'wazwan' to guests at weddings and other functions. The chefs unanimously decided they will not serve food after 10 pm. Kashmir Waza Association president Ghulam Nabi Waza said his community has suffered in silence for too long. It takes several hours to prepare the dishes, and usually we work late into the night. Then we are expected to start serving lunch from around 1 pm till 6 pm, which is followed by dinner, which starts well into the night, Waza said. And if the chefs are cooking at the bride's home, they must wait for the groom and his entourage to arrive, which usually happens past midnight, he complained. There have been incidents where the maulvi left without solemnising the nikah because the groom did not turn up till 1 am. We are also humans. So we now set the 10 pm deadline, Waza said. He said going late to wedding feasts has become fashionable and appealed to the people to get rid of this bad habit. There are so many people attached with the wazwan, and they too have the right to dignified working hours, he added. Several chefs complained of maltreatment by their clients. For example, we are not provided a proper place to sleep. We work long hours and need some time to rest before we prepare ourselves for the next day's gruelling routine. The hosts should take care of that aspect, said one of the chefs.
DC Anantnag visits GMC, meets injured CRPF personnel
Srinagar, Nov 11: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din, today visited GMC Anantnag to meet the CRPF personnel injured in the terror attack at Nowpora Akhran in Kulgam. As per GNS, he enquired about their health and well-being and interacted with them during the visit. Three CRPF personnel of 46 Battalion were injured in the attack at Nowpora Akhran in Kulgam district on Wednesday afternoon. The injured, who were brought to GMC Anantnag, have been identified as CT/GD Rakesh Dass, son of Arun Dass, resident of Assam, CT/GD Santosh Chandru, son of Mahavir, resident of West Bengal; and HC/GD Somveer Singh, son of Mahaveer, resident of Madhya Pradesh.
Srinagar, Nov 11: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated 4 key infrastructure facilities at SKUAST-Kashmir and emphasised the crucial role of agricultural universities in delivering practical solutions to challenges related to food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said that agricultural universities are unique institutions where concerns and aspirations linked to a nations food security can be transformed into concrete solutions. He noted that the four facilities inaugurated today collectively reflect a comprehensive vision of smart agriculture and rural advancement. The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT)-based irrigation and fertigation system, designed to provide crops with water and nutrients in the right quantity and at the right time. He observed that the technology has significant potential to benefit small and marginal farmers by reducing labour-intensive irrigation practices and dependence on conventional energy sources. The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Prototype Design and Development Centre, which will help translate innovative concepts into practical agricultural tools and technologies. He expressed confidence that the facility would promote mechanisation and bridge the gap between laboratory research and field-level application. Highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship, the Lieutenant Governor described the newly established Directorate of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a transformative initiative. He encouraged students to become job creators by establishing enterprises in areas such as seed testing, cold-chain management and soil health services. He asked the university to develop the directorate into a platform that provides mentoring, guidance and assistance in accessing capital for young entrepreneurs across Jammu Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Health and Wellness Centre, describing it as an important addition to the universitys infrastructure for the well-being of students and faculty members. Calling for sustained action, the Lieutenant Governor asked SKUAST-Kashmir to take the new irrigation technology to villages within the coming year and actively involve farmers in its improvement. He stressed the need to convert data collected through sensors into simple agricultural advisories in local languages and deliver them to farmers through digital platforms. The Lieutenant Governor further encouraged the university to facilitate the establishment of at least 100 student-led startups, strengthen linkages among laboratories, cooperative societies, farmer-producer organisations and farmers, and place youth and women farmers at the centre of future programmes. We must make data and technology partners of the farmer. Our goal should be to establish at least 100 student-led enterprises and startups from the SKUAST-Kashmir campus within the coming year. The University must become a strong bridge between laboratories and cooperative societies, between farmer-producer organisations, and between researchers and small and marginal farmers. I want youth and women farmers to be at the centre of every programme, he said. Emphasising the growing challenges posed by climate change, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the university to make sustainable development and environmental stewardship central to its identity. He underlined that the true measure of progress lies in improving farmers incomes, strengthening their economic security and expanding opportunities in rural areas. The identity of Jammu Kashmir lies in its hardworking farmers, artisans, and its rich traditions of agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts. HADP's projects and farmer-centric policies in the past 6 years have played an important role in strengthening Jammu Kashmirs rural economy and creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship among youth. The real success of any modern technology or modern tools will come only when their benefits reach the small farmers in villages and bring about a real increase in their incomes.I believe that the greatest test of any change is how much positive difference it makes in a farmers life. The true measure of our progress should be the rising income of farmers, their economic security, a better future for their families, and the new opportunities emerging in rural areas, he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released a coffee table book highlighting the achievements and institutional journey of SKUAST-Kashmir. A Multi-Tier Data Management and Accreditation Workflow System, aimed at strengthening institutional data management and accreditation-related processes was also launched. Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining and Cooperatives; Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir; Prof Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Prof Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar SKUAST-K, HoDs, senior officials, faculty members and students attended the inaugural ceremony.
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Two CRPF personnel injured in terrorist attack in south Kashmir's Kulgam
Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured after unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on security personnel deployed at a naka in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir this afternoon. Officials said incident took place at around 2.15 pm when the assailants fired at the CRPF personnel before fleeing the spot. The injured personnel were shifted to a hospital in Anantnag district for treatment. News wire PTI quoting officials reported that three CRPF personnel were injured in a terror attack on a CRPF camp in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The attack took place at the camp near Mir Bazar. The area has been cordoned off and a massive hunt is on for the attackers, it added.
Attack on CRPF in Kulgam; two personnel injured
Numerous posts circulating in social media are showing alarming AQI numbers. While the numbers may not be accurate, the situation is certainly disturbing. A recently study shows that 80% of the total air pollution load is due to Diwali firecrackers. For more details, read this article.
Terrorist attack on CRPF in Kulgam; facts being verified: Top Cop
Srinagar, Nov 11: Suspected terrorists on Wednesday opened fire on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) party in the Akhran area of Mirbazar in south Kashmirs Kulgam district, officials said. A senior police officer said that firing was reported on a CRPF party in the area, adding that the facts surrounding the incident are being ascertained. The officer said that details regarding the circumstances of the firing are still being verified. The status of any possible injuries among CRPF personnel was not immediately known.
11 students among 13 injured as school bus turns turtle in Pulwamas Rajpora
Pulwama, Nov 11: At least 13 people, including 11 students and two teachers, were injured after a school bus overturned in the Drabgam area of Rajpora in South Kashmirs Pulwama district on Wednesday. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that a school bus met with an accident in Drabgam, leaving 13 people injured, including 11 students and two teachers. He said all the injured were initially shifted to CHC Rajpora, from where some were referred to District Hospital Pulwama for further treatment. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, KK Sidha, said all the injured were stable. He added that two students were referred to SMHS Hospital, while one each was shifted to SKIMS Soura and Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital, Srinagar. Police have taken cognizance of the incident.
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Provisional registration framework proposed for allied healthcare professionals
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'Become job creators, not just job seekers': Lieutenant Governor to Agriculture students
J&K govt working on plan to revive saffron mission: Javed Dar
Swara Bheda Nidanam 13th Chapter Of Madhav Nidanam Introduction Swarabheda is a defining condition mentioned in Ayurveda that is ... Read more The post Swara Bheda Nidanam 13th Chapter Of Madhav Nidanam appeared first on Planet Ayurveda .
Himalayas agenda left off COP31 formal list as major blocs withhold support: Nepal FM
Antalya (Turkiye), Nov 11: An agenda item on the Himalayas proposed by Nepal, Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan has not been included in the formal list of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) after failing to secure the backing of the developed nations. The COP 31 commenced on Monday in Antalya, Turkiye. Agenda items refer to the list of topics that are formally taken up for discussion at the conference every year. Speaking to PTI at COP31, Shisir Khanal, Nepal's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on Tuesday that the three countries would continue to face challenges in getting the issue formally recognised without the support of major countries. He said some nations explicitly backed the proposal raised on Monday, while others remained reluctant. This is part of a big negotiation. Different major blocs did not support it, and that made it difficult for the agenda to go through. From our side, we pushed as hard as we could. There were different voices in the room. Some explicitly supported our agenda, while others were quite reluctant, he said. A source with direct knowledge of the discussions said developed nations did not show interest when the three countries formally pushed the proposal. The agenda focused on the Himalayas was clearly diluted, and it was the European Union which did not show any interest in this agenda. Even though the issue is not completely off the charts, a high-level dialogue is expected on it soon, the source told PTI on condition of anonymity. The source added that developing nations did not object to or block the proposal when it was raised. Asked which countries supported the proposal, Khanal said several Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and mountain nations were positive, while developed countries were reluctant to take up a new agenda. According to the Nepal government, a research dialogue is expected during the upcoming sessions at COP31, and the presidency has assured that a final text addressing mountain-related issues will be included in the conference's outcome document. Compared to the past, we feel there is positive momentum, with the world community increasingly seeing the mountain issue as one of the core issues. That recognition is building. It may take some time to get where we really want to be, but we feel we are on a positive track, Khanal said. Asked why Nepal was emphasising the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature overshoot in its proposal, Khanal said there was an urgent need to understand the consequences as global temperatures approach that threshold. He said early signs linked the recent mountain collapse on Nepal's side of the border to warming of around 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past few months. On November 4, a joint report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) cited the devastating August 2026 glacial lake outburst floods along the Nepal-China border as a warning of what could lie ahead for other glacier-dependent regions globally. The report warned that overshoot-driven impacts on the cryosphere in Nepal were already exceeding the limits of local adaptation and causing irreversible loss and damage. Khanal said the Nepali delegation was seeking two primary forms of support at COP31 -- research assistance to better understand the changes unfolding in mountain regions and financial support for adaptation, mitigation and post-disaster reconstruction. Technology transfer is a part of it. We see it as part of our early warning systems and adaptation. Where we need technology, we need satellites to monitor mountains and glaciers. So, we treat it as part of our research and adaptation needs, he said. In October 2026, the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) provisionally allocated USD 21.6 million for Nepals recovery. Highlighting the issue as a matter of climate justice, Rajendra Prasad Mithra, Secretary of Nepal's Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment and co-leader of the country's delegation, said Nepal contributes a negligible share of global emissions, yet the Himalayas, which sustain lives and livelihoods, are melting at reakneck speed. I come here from a nation still in grief. In August 2026, Mountain collapse unleashed what we have called the Himalayan tsunami. More than 6500 people lost their lives. Critical infrastructure was swept away in minutes. Rebuilding will cost about one tenth of our global economy. Between August and October alone, Nepal experienced three major climate disasters, Mithra said. Yet Nepal acts with conviction, about half of our land is conserved forest, our energy runs on hydropower and over 70 per cent of new consumer vehicles are EVs, he added. He emphasised that climate justice must not remain an aspiration on paper, but become a reality for those on the front lines. Host Turkiye's Environment and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum is serving as COP31 President alongside Australia's Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen as President of Negotiations. The COP 31 is slated to conclude on November 20.
J&K govt working on plan to revive saffron mission: Minister Javid Dar
Srinagar, Nov 11: Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Wednesday acknowledged shortcomings in the implementation of the saffron development mission, saying the government was working on a revival plan under the Jammu and Kashmir Saffron and Integrated Production Programme (JK-SIPP). Admitting that the earlier mission had not been implemented as envisaged, Dar said the government was identifying areas for intervention and consulting senior scientists from the Agriculture Department and the concerned university to improve saffron cultivation. It is true that the mission was not carried out as it should have been. There are several problems, and I would not like to go into the details, minsiter Dar told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS). He said limited landholdings among farmers and difficulties in managing agricultural activities had posed challenges to the implementation of the mission. The minister said the government was planning to take up the matter with the concerned MLA before formulating a comprehensive policy to address the issues affecting saffron growers. We are trying to rejuvenate it under JK-SIPP. We have identified some areas under the programme and are making efforts to improve the situation, he said. Minister Dar said consultations were also being held with senior scientists and experts to ensure that the revival efforts were based on scientific inputs and modern technology. On agricultural research and innovation, the minister said the government was providing adequate financial support to the Agriculture Department and the university to promote research and introduce modern technologies for farmers. He said special camps were being organised to familiarise farmers with new agricultural innovations and ensure that research conducted by institutions translated into benefits at the grassroots level. Highlighting the university's achievements, minister Dar said its patents had received international recognition and its research performance and ranking had improved considerably over the past four to five years. He said the achievements of the institution deserved appreciation, adding that the government was committed to strengthening agricultural research. Regarding the demand for farm mechanisation, Dar said the government had received considerable applications from farmers and was working to meet the demand through available schemes. He said a five-year scheme was being implemented to achieve the targets in the sector. On reports of differences within the National Conference, Dar dismissed speculation about an internal crisis, asserting that the party remained strong. He said senior party leaders, including Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had held discussions with legislators, adding that political differences should not be interpreted as signs of a party crisis. Dar said the government, legislators and the public needed to work together to address the issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)
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Pakistan's jailed former PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for eye treatment
Islamabad, Nov 11: Pakistans incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan was taken to a government hospital for treatment of his eye condition, a media report said on Wednesday. The 74-year-old founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been incarcerated since 2023 and faces more than 100 cases, including corruption and charges related to inciting violence. He is lodged at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Khan has been undergoing treatment for his right eye since January this year after he complained of vision loss. Khan was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for tests and follow-up treatment for his eye condition, Dawn reported, quoting a hospital official. Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi was brought from Adiala jail in Rawalpindi to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad during the night between November 10 and 11, 2026, for a medical check-up and follow-up eye treatment on the advice of his treating ophthalmologist, a PIMS official said. The hospital official added that, prior to the procedure, the former premier underwent a medical examination, including an ocular assessment. His vital parameters were found to be normal. He was clinically stable, and his general physical examination was unremarkable. After obtaining informed consent and following standard monitoring procedures, precautionary measures and clinical protocols, the ophthalmology team administered an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, the official said. He remained clinically stable before, during and after the procedure. He was discharged at around 2:30 am with the necessary instructions for further care and follow-up, he said. Khan's party PTI and his family insisted that he should be shifted to a private hospital for treatment, the government official insisted that his eyesight improved after treatment at the government facility. The Supreme Court had ordered on August 18 to shift Khan to a private hospital for treatment, but he was instead taken to PIMS and returned to jail after various medical tests at the hospital. Khan became prime minister in 2018 but lost the top job after a no-confidence vote in 2022.
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Shopian, Nov 11: Shopian Police arrested seven accused persons in an apple theft case and recovered 83 stolen apple boxes besides seizing three vehicles used in the crime. In a handout to GNS, the police said Police Station Heerpora received a call during evening hours regarding theft of apple boxes from the orchard/shed of Mohd Yousuf Wagay, son of Ab Karim Wagay, resident of Amshipora. Acting swiftly, a police team from Police Station Heerpora swung into action and with the assistance of local residents intercepted three Tata Mobile vehicles at a short distance from the spot. The accused had already stolen the apple boxes and loaded them into the vehicles before leaving the spot. All seven accused were apprehended while fleeing with the stolen property. The arrested accused have been identified as Gulzar Ahmad Mallah son of Gh Rasool Mallah resident of Gatipora, Keller; Reyaz Ahmad Lone (Driver, Tata Mobile No. JK04G-5507) son of Mohd Ashraf Lone resident of Gatipora, Keller; Muzamil Ahmad Wani son of Ali Mohd Wani resident of Therina, Keller; Ashiq Hussain Lone (Driver, Tata Mobile No. JK13H-8514) son of Bashir Ahmad Lone resident of Zrakan, Keller; Umar Hussain Wani son of Mohd Ashraf Wani resident of Therina, Keller; Tehzeel Ahmad Lone son of Bashir Ahmad Lone resident of Zrakan, Keller and Umar Hussain Wani son of Mohd Ashraf Wani resident of Therina, Keller. In this regard, FIR No. 126/2026 under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Police Station Heerpora and investigation has been set into motion. Shopian Police reiterated its commitment to protecting the property of citizens and taking prompt action against criminal activities.
Lieutenant Governor orders probe into Jammus Nehru Market fire mishap
Jammu, Nov 11: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has formed an inquiry committee, comprising the Inspector General, Jammu, Tejinder Singh, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Vikas Kundal, to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the fire incident at the Warehouse, Nehru Market on 08.11.2026. The committee is directed to probe any lapses or negligence, fix responsibility, and submit its report within 15 days.
Car overturns on Bishnah ring road after hitting buffaloes; two critically injured
Jammu, Nov 11: Two persons were critically injured after a car hit a herd of buffaloes and overturned on Bishnah Ring Road near Chak Murar village. Officials told GNS that the vehicle was on its way when it collided with the buffaloes crossing the road, causing it to flip over in the middle of the highway. The buffaloes died on the spot due to the impact. All five passengers travelling in the vehicle sustained injuries. Two of the occupants, who are in critical condition, were rushed to GMC Jammu for emergency treatment. NHAI officials reached the spot soon after the accident, removed the overturned vehicle and restored traffic movement on the road.
Fresh snowfall blankets Kashmir's higher reaches, temperature drops across valley
Srinagar, Nov 11: Fresh snowfall was reported from higher reaches of Kashmir on Tuesday, including Sadna Top, Ferkin Top, Machil, Sonamarg, Zojila, Minimarg and Tulail Valley in Gurez, Bandipora. Officials told GNS that the upper reaches received fresh snowfall following the change in weather, while plains received light rain. MeT Srinagar had already issued a detailed weather report in this regard. District administrations in snow-bound areas have also issued advisories as per the prediction issued by MeT. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to higher reaches and to follow advisories issued by the administration and traffic authorities.
Bear captured alive in Ganderbal village by wildlife rescue team
Ganderbal, Nov 11: Panic among local residents came to an end on Wednesday as wildlife authorities successfully captured a wild bear alive in Gutlibagh area of Ganderbal district in central Kashmir. The operation, which involved hours of careful tracking and coordination, brought relief to villagers in Gutlibagh and adjacent areas who had reported multiple sightings over the preceding days. According to officials from the Wildlife Department, distress calls began pouring in early in the week after the animal was spotted roaming close to residential clusters and local orchards. The wild animal's sudden appearance near human habitation restricted local movement, forcing farmers and residents to stay indoors during early morning and evening hours. Acting promptly on the alerts, a specialized rescue team from the Wildlife Control Room Ganderbal was rushed to the site. The bear was successfully tranquilized and captured alive following hectic efforts by our field teams, said a senior wildlife official involved in the operation. Our primary objective was to ensure zero harm coming to either the public or the animal. Authorities confirmed that the captured animal has been moved away from human settlement and is slated for release into the higher reaches of the districts natural forest reserves, far from local habitations.
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Mughal road closed as precautionary measure after light rain and snowfall at Pir Ki Gali
Poonch, Nov 11: Mughal Road has been temporarily closed for vehicular movement following light rain and light snowfall at Pir Ki Gali area on Wednesday morning. Officials told GNS that the road has been closed as a precautionary measure in view of slippery conditions. DySP Traffic Rajouri-Poonch Range, Ajaz Ahmed Choudhury confirmed to GNS that the road is closed as of now as a precautionary measure. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid travelling on the road till further clearance and to stay in touch with traffic control rooms for updates.
Oxford University returns remains of 39 Naga people taken during British rule
New Delhi, Nov 10:The University of Oxford has returned the remains of 39 people belonging to the Naga community in north-eastern India, taken during British colonial rule more than a century ago. According to the BBC, a delegation of around 30 people from Nagaland attended a handover ceremony at Oxford Universitys Pitt Rivers Museum on Monday. The remains, mostly skulls, will be brought back to India and buried under a joint memorial in a park in Nagaland. Museum director Laura Van Broekhoven described the handover as a historic moment that will be part of stories told to next generations. The remains had been displayed at the museum for decades before being removed from public view in 2020 as part of its decolonisation process. The Pitt Rivers Museum holds more than 6,000 objects associated with Naga culture, believed to be the worlds largest such collection. Most were acquired during British colonial rule in India and Myanmar. Its website acknowledges that objects collected during that period were frequently confiscated during punitive military expeditions, rather than freely given. The museum has previously returned human remains to indigenous communities in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Save Nilnag Front calls on Speaker, highights conservation, development of Nilnag
Srinagar, Nov 10: The Save Nilnag Front today called on Speaker JKLA Abdul Rahim Rather and expressed appreciation for the developmental initiatives undertaken in the constituency over the years, particularly in strengthening road connectivity, infrastructure, educational and healthcare facilities, electricity distribution and other essential public amenities. In a memorandum submitted to the Speaker, the Front acknowledged the efforts made towards addressing public concerns and improving the socio-economic conditions of the area. It, however, drew attention to the need for focused intervention for the conservation, restoration and sustainable development of Nilnag, a historically and ecologically significant water body nestled in the PirPanjal forests. Highlighting the historical and tourism significance of Nilnag, the Front stated that the picturesque lake finds mention in historical accounts, including Rajtarangini. It has also been documented by the British historian Sir Walter Lawrence in his celebrated work The Valley of Kashmir. The lake has attracted the attention of several prominent personalities over the decades, reflecting its historical, cultural and natural importance. The representation emphasised that Nilnag possesses immense potential as an eco-tourism destination, provided its development is undertaken in a planned and environmentally sustainable manner while preserving its pristine natural character and ecological balance. Among its key suggestions, the Front has proposed the constitution of a dedicated Nilnag Development Authority, with a clearly defined mandate for conservation and planned development of the area. It has also called for the preparation of a comprehensive five-year master plan based on proper field assessments and expert consultation. The Front suggested the constitution of a high-level committee involving all relevant departments, including Tourism, Forest and Ecology, Flood Control and Irrigation, Revenue, Gardens and Parks, Roads and Buildings, Floriculture, Fisheries, Jal Shakti and Soil Conservation, to ensure coordinated planning and execution of development initiatives. The Save Nilnag Front urged the Speaker to accord focused attention to the matter and put in place a time-bound mechanism for conservation, restoration and sustainable development of Nilnag. This will help in preserving this historically significant natural destination for future generations while creating new opportunities for tourism and livelihood generation in the area. The Speaker heard the representatives of the Save Nilnag Front and appreciated their concerns and constructive proposals for the conservation and development of Nilnag.
GCC appeals to LG for review of upper age limit in J&K Bank recruitment
Srinagar, Nov 10:The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) J&K has pitched for a raise in the upper age limit for appointment to entry-level positions in Jammu & Kashmir Bank, in line with the state/UT rules. In a memorandum submitted to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Group has sought that the age eligibility be capped at 40 years instead of 32 years for Banking Associate and 30 years for Probationary Officer, as notified by J&K Bank for recruitment to 1356 vacancies in these two categories. The Group has pointed out that in the previous recruitment cycle (2020), the upper age limit (in Open Merit) was 32 years for Banking Associate and 30 years for Probationary Officer. Prior to that, in 2018, it was initially set at 30 years for Probationary Officer and 32 years for Banking Associate, and subsequently raised to 35 years following candidate representations. The 40-year cap in state/UT rules has a genesis in the endemic educated unemployment in J&K in view of minimal presence of industrial and business enterprise in the state/UT. The Central Government also took this important factor into account in providing for J&K-specific relaxed age norms, over the years, in appointment to All India Services, the Group said. Another ground invoked by the GCC is that the scheme of job reservation in J&K Bank aligns with that obtaining in the state/UT rules. As a natural corollary, the age limit for entry-level posts in the Bank ought to be the same as in the state/UT rules. The Group has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor for review and revision of the age criterion by the J&K Bank management, also keeping in view the concerns of teeming thousands of job aspirants, civil society at large and public representatives across the political spectrum.
Tempo Traveller skids near Gund, Ganderbal, tourists injured
Ganderbal, Nov 10: Several tourists sustained injuries after a Tempo Traveller bearing registration number DL1VC 5231, carrying a group of visitors, skidded off the Srinagar-Sonamarg national highway near the Sumbal area of Gund in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Tuesday evening. According to officials, the vehicle was en route to Srinagar from the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg when the driver lost control near a sharp bend near Gund. The vehicle veered off the road and came to a halt along the adjacent embankment. Upon receiving news of the mishap, local residents, police and ambulances immediately rushed to the scene to assist in the initial rescue efforts. Teams from the local police station and emergency medical services arrived shortly after to extract the passengers from the vehicle. All injured individuals were evacuated to the nearby PHC Gund, from where the seriously injured were referred to Srinagar hospitals for further emergency medical attention. List of Injured Persons: Sharda Bi, W/o Ramesh Bhai, Age: 58 years, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat-Head Trauma. Contact: 992526799 Ramesh Bhai, S/o Bovin Bi, Age: 59 years, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat-Head Trauma. Daysha, S/o Subash Chandra, Age: 42 years, R/o Surat, Gujarat-Head Trauma. Shobha, W/o Rajesh Kumar, Age: 50 years, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat-Head Trauma. Rajesh Kumar, S/o DerubiPatil, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat -Head Trauma. Swarnadyyti Ghosh, W/o Surat Ghosh, Age: 24 years, Female, R/o West Bengal-Trauma to Hip. Mala Ghosh, W/o Surjeet Ghosh, Age: 48 years, Female, R/o Murshidabad, West Bengal. Surjeet Ghosh, S/o Late Krishna Dulal Ghosh, Age: 61 years, R/o West Bengal-Trauma to Left Side of Chest. Contact: 9474925815 Mukesh Bhai, S/o Lakshman Bhai, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Kala Ben, W/o Mukesh Bhai, R/o Gujarat. Jagdesh, S/o Amreet Singh, R/o Gurdaspur, Punjab-Driver. Rohan Bhai, S/o Mukesh Bhai, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Sakina Itoo inaugurates Rs 1.88 Cr NTPHC at Chukar, inspects PHC Sariwarpora
Baramulla, Nov 10: Emphasising the importance of accessible and quality healthcare facilities at the grassroots level, Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakina Itoo today inaugurated the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Chukar, Tangmarg, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.88 crore. MLA Gulmarg Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah was present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Minister underscored the importance of primary healthcare institutions in strengthening the public healthcare delivery system, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, by ensuring access to essential medical services. She said the newly inaugurated NTPHC would significantly improve healthcare access for the residents of Chukar and adjoining areas, reducing the need to travel long distances for basic medical treatment and other essential health services. Sakina Itoo also highlighted the achievements and key initiatives of the Omar Abdullah-led government, reiterating its commitment to public welfare, equitable development and strengthening essential services across Jammu and Kashmir. She said the government is adopting a people-centric approach to address public concerns, upgrade infrastructure and improve service delivery across various sectors, with particular emphasis on healthcare. She stated that strengthening the healthcare sector remains a key priority, with focused efforts towards upgrading health infrastructure, improving medical facilities and ensuring the availability of quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. The Minister urged the concerned health authorities and medical staff to ensure effective functioning of the newly inaugurated facility, adequate availability of essential medical services and dedicated patient care. She stressed that healthcare institutions must serve the public with commitment, compassion and professionalism. MLA Gulmarg also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the constituency. He appreciated the ongoing efforts to improve public facilities and emphasised the need for continued development of essential services for the people. Director Health Services Kashmir Dr. Nighat Yasmeen, Chief Medical Officer Baramulla Dr. A.G. Raina and Block Medical Officer Pattan Dr. RuminaMajeed, besides other concerned officers, healthcare professionals and local residents, were present on the occasion. The Minister also inspected the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sariwarpora, Pattan, and took stock of the healthcare facilities and services available there. She reviewed the functioning of the institution and emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate medical facilities, proper patient care and efficient delivery of healthcare services. She directed the concerned officials to maintain high standards of healthcare delivery and address any shortcomings to ensure better services for the local population. Later, Sakina Itoo, accompanied by MLA SoporeIrshadRasoolKar, MLA Pattan Javaid Riyaz and Gulmarg MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah, visited the residence of the medical student at Dangerpora, Sopore, who tragically lost his life in Bangladesh. The Minister expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, conveyed deepest sympathies and assured them of the governments support and assistance during this difficult time.
Javid Dar exhorts officers to intensify field visits, redress farmers concerns
Jammu, Nov 10: Minister for Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining and Cooperative Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today convened a review meeting with senior officers of the Horticulture Department to assess the progress of ongoing projects and evaluate implementation of development schemes aimed at strengthening the horticulture sector in J&K. The meeting was attended by Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Syed, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand, Managing Director JKHPMC Mohammad Farooq and others concerned officials. During the meeting, the Minister called for a focused, outcome-oriented and farmer-centric approach to ensure that the benefits of government initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly small and marginal farmers. He stressed that effective implementation of welfare schemes must remain a key priority of the department, with due emphasis on transparency, accountability and timely delivery of benefits. Underscoring the importance of strengthening the departments field-level outreach, Javid Dar directed the officers and field functionaries to undertake regular visits to horticulture areas to assess the ground realities, interact directly with the farmers and understand the challenges confronting them. He emphasised that field visits should serve as an effective mechanism for identifying the farmers concerns, addressing the bottlenecks and ensuring prompt resolution of grievances. The Minister also called for intensified awareness and extension activities to educate the farmers about various government schemes, financial assistance, technological interventions and support facilities available under different departmental programmes. He emphasised that no eligible farmer should be deprived of the benefits of government initiatives due to lack of awareness or procedural difficulties. Stressing the need for a district-specific development strategy, the Minister directed the officers to identify the horticultural potential, production patterns and specific requirements of each district and accordingly formulate and implement need-based, crop-specific interventions. Javid Dar emphasised the need to strengthen the entire horticulture value chain, including production, productivity, post-harvest management, processing and marketing, so that the farmers receive better returns for their produce. He called for coordinated efforts among the Horticulture Department, Jammu and Kashmir Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (JKHPMC) and other allied agencies to ensure effective implementation of programmes and optimum utilisation of available resources. During the meeting, the concerned officers gave a detailed presentation on the physical and financial progress of various ongoing schemes and projects being implemented by the Horticulture Department, JKHPMC and other allied sectors.
KPDCL launches Digital Handbook on Winter Preparedness 202627
Srinagar, Nov 10:In view of the prevailing weather advisory and ahead of the winter season, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today launched its Digital Handbook on Winter Preparedness 202627, placing its comprehensive winter action plan for Kashmir Division in the public domain. The initiative, undertaken under the directions of the Minister for Power, J&K, aims to promote transparency, strengthen accountability and facilitate informed public participation in ensuring reliable and safe power supply during the winter months. The Handbook, themed Readiness, Restoration and Consumer Safety, serves as a comprehensive reference document outlining KPDCLs winter preparedness measures, buffer stocks, restoration mechanisms, grievance redressal channels and essential safety advisories for its 13.53 lakh consumers. Among the key highlights of the Handbook is a detailed overview of the Corporations power distribution network, comprising 353 Receiving Stations with a capacity of 5,021.65 MVA, 135 33 kV feeders, 1,334 11 kV feeders and 49,935 Distribution Transformers. It also outlines the pre-winter preparedness measures undertaken by KPDCL, including clearance of power corridors through regular shutdowns, augmentation of overloaded distribution transformers, renovation and modernisation of receiving stations, and rectification of identified fault-prone hotspots to minimise power disruptions. To ensure prompt replacement of damaged equipment and minimise restoration time, the Handbook provides division-wise details of buffer stocks, including 1,096 and 824 distribution transformers, along with buffer stocks of 33/11 kV power transformers and essential materials such as conductors, electric poles, transformer oil and AB cables. These materials have been positioned across divisions, including in areas vulnerable to floods and landslides. The Corporation has also put in place Swift Restoration Teams (SRTs) at district and divisional levels, supported by dedicated teams and control rooms to ensure timely response to power outages and other emergencies. For the convenience of consumers, the Handbook provides the names and contact numbers of Assistant Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers and Junior Engineers of every Electric Division and Sub-Division, enabling the public to directly approach the concerned officials for assistance. Emphasising consumer convenience, the Handbook also details the available 247 grievance redressal mechanisms. Consumers can register their complaints through the helpline 1912, toll-free number 18001807666, JK Samadhan 2.0, CPGRAMS, and KPDCLs official website and social media platforms. The document further explains the statutory grievance escalation mechanism through the Internal Grievance Redressal Forum (IGRF), Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) and Electricity Ombudsman. A dedicated section on public safety provides important winter-related Dos and Donts, advising consumers to immediately report snapped conductors, maintain a safe distance from damaged electrical installations and refrain from touching fallen wires, climbing electric poles or attempting repairs on their own. The Digital Handbook is available on KPDCLs official website at https://kpdcl.jk.gov.in and is also being disseminated through the Corporations official social media handles on X (@kpdcloffice), Facebook and Instagram. KPDCL has reiterated its commitment to ensuring reliable, uninterrupted and safe power supply during Winter 202627 and urged the general public to extend cooperation by promptly reporting power faults, damaged installations and other unsafe conditions to the concerned authorities.
Man posing as CID officer booked for duping people with fake job, transfer promises
Srinagar, Nov 10:The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against a man accused of impersonating a CID officer and cheating people on the pretext of arranging government jobs and transfers. The chargesheet has been filed against Ghulam Hassan Dar, son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, resident of Dhobi Ghat, Hazratbal, before the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar, in connection with FIR No. 24/2023 registered under Sections 420 and 468 of the IPC. According to the EOW, the case was registered following a written complaint alleging that the accused had falsely projected himself as a CID officer posted in Delhi and fraudulently induced people by promising government favours. The accused allegedly assured the transfer of an employee of the Railway Department from Uttarakhand to Srinagar. He also promised to secure an appointment as a Nursing Orderly in the Health Department and allegedly provided fake appointment orders and a forged deputation letter to the victim. In the process, the accused allegedly cheated the victims of lakhs of rupees. The EOW said the allegations were substantiated during the investigation, following which the case was concluded as proved and a chargesheet was filed before the competent court. As the accused is absconding, the chargesheet has been submitted in absentia under Section 512 CrPC for judicial determination. Meanwhile, SSP EOW Kashmir has advised the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming official connections and refrain from paying money to anyone promising government jobs or transfers through unauthorised channels. The public has also been urged to report such fraudulent activities to the Economic Offences Wing Kashmir.
FCIK, KSSIA mourn demise of prominent industrialist Ghulam Mohammed Khan
Srinagar, Nov 10:The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Kashmir Small Scale Industrial Association (KSSIA) and several other industrial associations have expressed profound grief over the demise of prominent industrialist Ghulam Mohammed Khan, one of the promoters of Khan Wood Industry at Industrial Estate Baghi Ali Mardan Khan, Srinagar. Khan breathed his last on Monday. His funeral prayers were offered at the historic Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta, where a large gathering of entrepreneurs, relatives, associates and well-wishers joined in bidding him a final farewell. He was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard near Islamia College. FCIK Advisory Committee Head Shahid Kamili described Khans passing as a significant loss to Kashmirs industrial fraternity. Remembering him as a respected and longstanding member of the industrial community, Kamili conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family. Meanwhile, KSSIA convened a condolence meeting at its association office under the chairmanship of President Syed Fazal Illahi. Members paid rich tributes to the deceased, recalling his decades-long association with the estate and his contributions to its entrepreneurial community. They remembered him as a familiar and respected figure whose absence would be deeply felt by fellow industrialists. A KSSIA delegation led by its President also participated in the funeral procession and prayers. FCIK, KSSIA and other industrial associations collectively prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength and patience for the bereaved family particularly his brothers Farooq Ahmad Khan, Manzoor Ahmad Khan along his children. Entrepreneurs from across Kashmir have joined in mourning Khans passing, with a large number visiting the bereaved family to offer their sympathies.
KCCI welcomes J&K Banks RAHAT OTS, seeks SBI-pattern scheme for larger business accounts
Srinagar, Nov 10:The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has welcomed J&K Banks RAHAT Special One-Time Settlement Scheme (SOTS-2026), calling it a positive, much-needed initiative to relieve financially distressed borrowers. At the same time, the Chamber has renewed its demand for a comprehensive Special OTS on the lines of the State Bank of Indias settlement scheme to address the accumulated legacy debt of businesses across Jammu and Kashmir. KCCI said that while RAHAT offers eligible borrowers with principal NPA outstanding of up to Rs 5 crore an opportunity, a substantial section of the business community with liabilities beyond this limit remains outside its ambit. These businesses, many of which have suffered prolonged financial distress due to years of economic disruptions, also deserve an opportunity to settle their accounts and revive their operations. The Chamber said that businesses in Jammu and Kashmir have faced exceptional circumstances over the years. The accumulated impact of these disruptions has pushed several otherwise viable business establishments into a cycle of mounting liabilities, NPAs and recovery proceedings. KCCI has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up the matter on priority and facilitate a dedicated SBI-pattern Special OTS for business borrowers through J&K Bank. The Chamber emphasised that the J&K Government, being the majority shareholder in J&K Bank, has an important responsibility and an effective institutional channel to take up this long-standing demand with the Banks Board and management. It urged the government to use its position as the majority shareholder to facilitate the formulation and announcement of a wider settlement scheme, subject to the Banks regulatory and governance requirements. KCCI said the proposed OTS should cover eligible stressed business accounts beyond the existing Rs 5 crore ceiling and provide realistic settlement terms to traders, industrialists, MSMEs, hospitality establishments and other entrepreneurs carrying legacy debt. The Chamber clarified that the demand is not for a blanket waiver of loans but for a fair, transparent and formula-based settlement mechanism that allows genuinely distressed borrowers to discharge their outstanding liabilities, close long-pending accounts and make a fresh beginning. KCCI said that resolving legacy debt would not only provide relief to individual borrowers but also help revive economic activity, protect employment, safeguard livelihoods and restore confidence in the business environment of J&K. While appreciating J&K Banks initiative under RAHAT, the Chamber reiterated that a separate and broader Special OTS is essential to ensure that businesses with larger outstanding liabilities are not left without a viable settlement opportunity. KCCI expressed hope that the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and J&K Bank management would respond positively to the demand and initiate the necessary consultations without further delay.
From Bangladesh to a final farewell: Adnan laid to rest in Sopore
Baramulla, Nov 10: After days of anxious waiting and uncertainty, the mortal remains of 26-year-old MBBS student Adnan Altaf Rather reached his native Dangerpora village in Sopore on Tuesday, where he was laid to rest amid an outpouring of grief. A pall of gloom descended on the village as family members, relatives, friends and residents gathered to bid a final farewell to the young medical student, who died under mysterious circumstances in Bangladesh. The Nimaz-e-Janaza was offered at 11:30 am, with thousands of people from Dangerpora and adjoining villages participating in the funeral prayers. His mortal remains were subsequently laid to rest at the familys ancestral graveyard. Adnan was pursuing an MBBS degree at Eastern Medical College in Cumilla, Bangladesh. He had reportedly gone missing on the night of November 2 after leaving the college premises. His body was recovered from a pond in Monipur village of CumillasBurichangupazila on November 4. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with authorities in Bangladesh continuing their investigation. His death had sent shockwaves through Dangerpora and neighbouring areas, while also triggering concern among the Kashmiri community, particularly students pursuing medical education in Bangladesh. The tragedy had left the family devastated, with relatives and residents awaiting the return of his mortal remains for his final rites. Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Masood Itoo visited the bereaved family at their residence in Dangerpora to offer condolences and express solidarity. She was accompanied by the MLA Tangmarg and MLA Pattan. The Minister expressed deep sorrow over Adnans demise and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul, while wishing strength and courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. The repatriation of Adnans mortal remains followed sustained efforts by political representatives and student organisations, who had approached the concerned authorities for facilitating their early return. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, while Sakeena Itoo had approached Union Health Minister J P Nadda, seeking his intervention. Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had also pursued the matter with the authorities. The repatriation process involved coordination between Indian diplomatic officials and authorities in Bangladesh, eventually bringing the young students mortal remains home for his final journey.
Kashmirs winter economy: When the cold sets in, business heats up
Srinagar, Nov 10:As temperatures begin to dip across Kashmir, a different kind of economic activity starts gathering momentum in the Valleys markets. Kangris are stacked outside shops, pherans return to display windows, electric heaters occupy prominent shelves, and dry-fruit traders prepare for the seasonal rush. For some businesses, winter means a slowdown. For others, it is the most important trading season of the year. Kashmirs winter economy is a combination of traditional occupations and modern retail businesses, with consumer spending shifting towards heating, clothing, food and household requirements. At the centre of this seasonal market is the kangri, the traditional earthen firepot encased in wicker, which continues to retain its place in Kashmiri households despite the growing availability of modern heating appliances. For kangri makers and wicker artisans, the weeks preceding winter are particularly important. People still prefer kangris because they are part of our everyday winter life. The demand starts picking up before the cold becomes severe. We have to prepare stocks in advance because most of our sales happen during these months, said Ghulam Muhammad in Srinagar. The business supports a chain of livelihoods, from potters who prepare the earthen containers to artisans who weave the wicker covering and retailers who sell the finished products. The pheran market follows a similar pattern. Traditional woollen pherans, alongside contemporary designs, find buyers as households prepare for the winter. Winter is our main season. People come looking for traditional pherans as well as modern designs. There is demand for different price ranges, but customers are increasingly conscious about quality and affordability, said a garment trader in Srinagars old city. The seasonal demand also supports local tailors, embroidery workers, fabric dealers and small garment manufacturers. However, competition from readymade and imported winter wear has changed the market, forcing traditional retailers to adapt their designs and pricing. Another important segment is the dry-fruit trade. Almonds, walnuts, dried apricots and other nuts witness increased household demand during the colder months. A dry-fruit dealer, Ajaz Ahmad said winter traditionally brings more customers looking for locally sourced products. People associate dry fruits with winter, and many households purchase them for regular consumption. But prices matter. Customers compare rates and increasingly purchase according to their budgets, he said. Heating appliances have emerged as another major component of the winter retail economy. Electric heaters, blowers, geysers and other heating equipment become prominent in markets as households prepare for falling temperatures. An electrical appliances dealer, Javid Ahmad Wani said sales generally improve as temperatures decline, although customers increasingly consider electricity consumption before purchasing heating equipment. Customers are not only asking about the price of heaters but also how much electricity they consume. People want appliances that provide adequate heating without significantly increasing their electricity bills, he said. The seasonal food economy also gains momentum. Harissa, traditionally consumed during winter, brings business to specialised food outlets, while bakeries and other traditional food establishments witness changing consumption patterns. For harissa makers, winter is particularly important because the preparation of this traditional delicacy involves long hours of cooking and considerable advance arrangements. Harissa has a special demand during winter. Customers come early in the morning, and for many families it is a seasonal tradition. The business depends on maintaining quality and serving customers fresh food, said Nisar Ahmad at Aali Kadal. However, the winter economy does not benefit all sectors equally. Construction activity, transport, outdoor tourism and certain retail businesses face operational challenges as temperatures fall and weather conditions become unpredictable. Reduced mobility in some areas can affect customer footfall, while heating and electricity costs add to business expenses. Tourism-related enterprises also experience a shift in demand, with destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg depending increasingly on winter tourism and snowfall conditions. For small traders, the season presents both an opportunity and a risk. Stocking winter merchandise requires advance investment, and an unusually mild winter or prolonged weather disruptions can leave retailers with unsold inventory. The changing nature of consumer preferences is also reshaping the market. Traditional products continue to retain cultural significance, but younger consumers increasingly combine conventional winter clothing and heating practices with modern retail choices.
Face authentication hurdles leave remote Kupwara families struggling to access ration
Kupwara, Nov 10:A newly introduced face authentication system for ration distribution has triggered difficulties for consumers in several remote areas of Kupwara district, with poor mobile network connectivity and the requirement of physical verification leaving many households struggling to access their monthly foodgrain quota. The problem is particularly acute in villages such as Nagranar, Hamla and Munwan, besides other far-flung areas where mobile network connectivity is either unavailable or extremely weak. Residents said they were often forced to travel outside their villages to areas with better network coverage merely to complete the face authentication process and receive their entitled ration. The difficulties are compounded for families whose male heads of households migrate to different parts of the country during winter in search of livelihood. Raising the issue, noted activist and social worker Aijaz Ahmad Mir said the requirement was creating particular hardships for families in upper Rajwar, where many breadwinners migrate seasonally for work. Despite other family members being present at home, ration dealers are asking them to bring the head of the household to the ration depot for face authentication. How can families bring back their breadwinners from different states, sometimes thousands of kilometres away, merely for face identification to receive their ration? Mir said. He said the requirement was placing vulnerable households in a difficult situation and could deprive eligible beneficiaries of essential food supplies under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Mir urged the authorities to introduce practical alternatives so that families could access their entitled foodgrains without being subjected to unnecessary hardship. Meanwhile, Assistant Director Food Kupwara, Syed Irfan, said the face authentication facility had been introduced to improve transparency in ration distribution, alongside the existing thumb impression and OTP-based verification methods. In rural areas, many people are engaged in farming activities, due to which their thumb impressions often fail to match on biometric machines, creating difficulties for consumers. Keeping this in view, and primarily to ensure greater transparency, the face identification system has been introduced, he told Greater Kashmir . He said the department had alternative verification options for areas where ground staff faced difficulties because of poor mobile network connectivity. Wherever our ground staff face difficulties due to weak network connectivity, they can opt for OTP or biometric authentication, he said.
Srinagar, Nov 10:Amid the reports that the government has made face authentication mandatory for ration distribution at Fair Price Shops (FPS) across Jammu and Kashmir, Commissioner Secretary Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) department Tuesday said the consumers can avail ration through any of the four Aadhaar-based authentication methods, with facial recognition being only one of the available options. In an exclusive conversation with Greater Kashmir , Commissioner Secretary FCSCA Saurabh Bhagat said that consumers can authenticate their identity through Aadhaar-based OTP, biometric fingerprint, iris scan or facial recognition. There is no compulsion to use only face authentication for collecting ration from the government ration store or any fair price shop, he told Greater Kashmir . He further said that ration collection was not restricted to the head of the family, saying any adult member of a registered household can complete the authentication process and collect the entitled ration. If there are six or seven members in a family, any member can go and authenticate themselves. It is not necessary that only the head of the family should do it, Bhagat said. Speaking about the authentication mechanisms he said Aadhaar-based OTP is generated on the mobile number registered with the Aadhaar Authority, while consumers can also authenticate themselves through fingerprint scanning, iris recognition or facial authentication at Fair Price Shops. He said the multiple options were introduced to address difficulties faced by certain sections of consumers, particularly manual labourers and artisans, whose fingerprints may become worn out due to the nature of their work. Earlier, there was only one option of thumb impression. Now we have provided multiple choices so that people who face difficulties with fingerprint authentication can access their ration through other methods, he said. Bhagat said all four authentication mechanisms were being used simultaneously and were part of the governments broader Smart Public Distribution System (Smart PDS) initiative aimed at preventing diversion and ensuring that food grains reach the intended beneficiaries. He said the authentication was required for ration distribution and the failure of one authentication method or technical difficulties at a Fair Price Shop should not deprive an eligible consumer of foodgrain. We have to ensure that we harness technology and deliver ration to the people. If someones thumb is not working or there is a problem with the machine, that cannot become a reason for denying ration, he said. Commissioner Secretary FCSCA said the department had achieved 100 percent Aadhaar coverage under Smart PDS, with nearly 99 percent Aadhaar data available in J&K and around 98 percent of transactions being carried out through Aadhaar authentication. The system is intended to ensure accountability at every stage of the public distribution chain and prevent dealers from diverting ration meant for beneficiaries, he added. He said that under the new system, a Fair Price Shop dealer cannot complete a ration transaction without the beneficiarys authentication, which helps ensure that the quantity allocated to a household is actually delivered to it. The technology-driven monitoring mechanism extends beyond Fair Price Shops to the procurement and transportation chain, including biometric authentication during the lifting of foodgrain from Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots and barcoding to track supplies, he added. He said the exercise was being implemented at the national level and was not specific to Jammu and Kashmir. The ultimate objective is to ensure that if a person is entitled to five kilograms of ration, he gets the full five kilograms. Not even one kilogram should be diverted, he added.
NC has survived political conspiracies, bond with people remains unshaken: MLA Tanvir Sadiq
Srinagar, Nov 10:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Leader of Opposition, saying that he was living in a fools paradise if he believed that political theatrics and rhetoric could weaken the National Conference. Perhaps the leader of the opposition needs a history lesson. The National Conference is not a political outfit that came into existence yesterday. It is an institution built on decades of struggle, immense sacrifices and the blood and sweat of generations who stood up for the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Those who have little understanding of this history should refrain from making such fanciful claims, he said. As per a party statement issued, he further said that the NC has survived political conspiracies, difficult periods and numerous attempts to undermine it, yet its bond with the people remains unshaken. Let me make this absolutely clear: even if the Leader of Opposition were to mobilise his entire party against the National Conference, he would not be able to make even a small dent in our organisation. The NC draws its strength from the people, its history and its sacrifices. Political adventurism and wishful thinking cannot erase a legacy that has been built over generations, Tanvir Sadiq asserted. He said that while some leaders remain preoccupied with political theatrics and predictions about the NCs future, the party remains focused on governance, fulfilling its commitments and addressing the everyday concerns of the people. Earlier Tanvir Sadiq reviewed Development Works in Zadibal, Announces Rs 1 Lakh Assistance to Widow Earlier, Tanvir Sadiq undertook an extensive tour of various areas of Zadibal constituency, including New Colony Lal Bazar and the interior areas of Nowshera, to review ongoing development works and take stock of public grievances. During the visit, he issued directions for the repair and restoration of Nowshera Ghat, which has become rodent-infested, causing inconvenience to the local population.
J&K spends Rs 3,367 Cr against Rs 5,166 Cr SASCI allocation in 2025-26
Jammu, Nov 10:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of works and projects taken up under the Schemefor Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), taking stock of financial and physical performance, funds utilisation and plans for the coming financial years. The review covered the physical and financial progress of projects undertaken during FY 2025-26, availability of funds and expenditure targets for FY 2026-27, besides steps taken for effective implementation of projects during FY 2027-28. The Chief Minister reviewed progress across key sectors, including Public Works, Jal Shakti, Youth Services and Sports, Power Development, and Housing & Urban Development. The Chief Minister called for special focus to be given to the Disaster Management component, aimed at strengthening disaster mitigation and resilience, besides restoring infrastructure damaged in natural disasters. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar, Javed Rana, Javid Dar, Mir Saifullah and ShamimFirdous; Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, senior officers of the Finance Department and other concerned officers. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed expediting SASCI Part-I works and ensuring full utilisation of approved funds by March 2027 to qualify for the second instalment. He stressed strict adherence to revised deadlines for completion of works under the SASCI 2025-26 Disaster management Component and directed departments to achieve the prescribed financial targets within the stipulated period. Emphasising financial discipline and transparency, the Chief Minister directed strict compliance with Public Financial Management System (PFMS) uploads and timely submission of action plans on BEAMS. He also called for the closure of all Single Nodal Agency (SNA) bank accounts relating to Centrally Sponsored Schemes. In view of the forthcoming visit of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to assess damages, departments were asked to finalise comprehensive, sector-wise damage assessment reports to facilitate the assessment process. The Chief Minister further directed all departments to identify and prepare a robust shelf of encumbrance-free projects by March 2027 to facilitate timely tendering and smooth execution during FY 2027-28. He stressed advance planning and close inter-departmental coordination to ensure that the next years SASCI plan is finalised well in time. Reviewing the performance for FY 2025-26, the meeting was informed that against an overall allocation of Rs 5,166.46 crore, comprising untied funds, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) shares, incentive-based allocations and disaster management components, an expenditure of Rs 3,367.64 crore had been incurred. The meeting was also informed that the State Executive Committee (SEC) has approved Rs 1,416 crore for the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) across social, infrastructure, productive and cross-cutting sectors, against the NDMA ceiling of Rs 1,534.58 crore. An amount of Rs 424.79 crore has been proposed for immediate release. For FY 2026-27, Rs 811 crore is available under SASCI Part-I Untied Funds, including Rs 541 crore in current-year receipts and Rs 270 crore carried forward as unutilised funds from the previous financial year. Departments have been assigned an expenditure target of Rs 608 crore to qualify for the second instalment. Under Part-II, relating to Centrally Sponsored Schemes, J&K has received 116 crore, constituting 66 per cent of the 176 crore SASCI loan assistance sought for 10 major schemes linked to J&K. The meeting also reviewed the J&K Administrations efforts to leverage the incentive-based funding pool of 2,890.51 crore available for FY 2026-27, linked to governance reforms, improved financial management and sector-specific performance benchmarks. Significant progress was reported under the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture initiative (AgriStack), with 7.59 lakh Farmer IDs generated, representing 59 per cent of the target. The Digital Crop Survey (DCS) has been completed in 5,714 villages, covering 83.3 per cent of the target and more than 30.27 lakh land parcels. The meeting was informed that the pilot distribution of AgriStack-enabled fertilisers through Farmer IDs commenced on November 5, 2026, in Jammu and Srinagar districts, marking another step towards strengthening technology-driven agricultural service delivery. Progress was also reviewed under other incentive-linked reform areas, including Mining Reforms, with a target of 350 crore; Livestock Sector Reforms (150 crore); Efficiency in Financial Management (400 crore); implementation of Right of Way (RoW) Rules (50 crore); and achievement of Capital Expenditure targets (218 crore). Proposals in these areas have either been submitted or are at various stages of verification. The Ministers also shared their inputs and suggestions during the meeting, highlighting key priorities and issues concerning their respective departments. They emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to accelerate the implementation of SASCI-funded projects and ensure optimal utilisation of available resources. The Chief Minister emphasised that SASCI should be leveraged not merely as a special funding window but also as a strategic instrument for accelerating capital investment, strengthening public infrastructure and improving governance outcomes across Jammu and Kashmir. He underscored the importance of timely execution, efficient financial management and sustained coordination among departments to maximise the benefits available under the scheme.
Jamadi-us-Sani from November 12: Grand Mufti
Srinagar, Nov 10:Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, on Tuesday announced that the first day of Jamadi-us-Sani , 1448 Hijri, will be observed on November 12, 2026. According to a statement issued by the office of the Grand Mufti, no credible evidence of the sighting of the moon for Jamadi-us-Sani was received on November 10, corresponding to 29 Jamadi-ul-Awwal, 1448 Hijri. Consequently, the month of Jamadi-ul-Awwal will complete 30 days, and Jamadi-us-Sani will commence from Thursday, November 12, the statement said. The announcement was made by Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam after consultations with the members of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. On the occasion, the Grand Mufti appealed to the Muslim Ummah, particularly the people of Jammu and Kashmir, to make the most of the blessings of the sacred month through prayers, piety and righteous deeds. He also prayed that Allah Almighty showers His mercy and blessings upon humanity and grants peace and prosperity to all.
SMVD Katra-Sabarmati Express temporarily augmented with extra coaches
Jammu, Nov 10:Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway, in view of the increasing rush of passengers and long waiting list during the festival season, has decided to temporarily augment the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Sabarmati Express, from today, November 10, 2026. Under this augmentation plan, additional coaches of third AC and sleeper class have been temporarily attached to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra - Sabarmati Express (train number 19224) from November 10 to 14, 2026. This will provide better facilities to passengers travelling to Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat, said Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector (PRI), Jammu Railway Division. He said that with the augmentation through these additional coaches, more berths and seats would be available to passengers, making their journey more convenient and comfortable. Passengers have been asked to use Railway Reservation Centres, the official website of IRCTC or the mobile app for ticket booking in these additional coaches.
Maj Gen Mukesh Sharma assumes charge as ADG NCC Directorate J&K, Ladakh
Jammu, Nov 10:Major General Mukesh Sharma on Tuesday assumed charge as Additional Director General (ADG) NCC Directorate Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. While speaking to the media after assuming charge, Maj Gen Sharma asserted that it was his privilege and honour to lead the NCC Directorate, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, as its Additional Director General. He said that he was looking forward to building upon the achievements of his predecessors and contributing to the continued growth and strengthening of the NCC, with renewed focus, fresh ideas and a shared sense of purpose. Our guiding principles remain unity and discipline. Through NCC, we aim to develop confident, disciplined and responsible young citizens with strong leadership qualities and a spirit of service, he said. Maj Gen Sharma asserted that his focus would be on three broad priorities. First is expanding our outreach. We will endeavour to take NCC to more schools and colleges, particularly in remote, rural and border areas, ensuring that geographical challenges do not limit opportunities for our youth. Second priority will be empowering our youth, particularly girl cadets. The achievement of our 20 girl cadets who successfully crossed the 5,578-metre-high Parang La Pass during the Aparajita Expedition is a shining example of their courage, determination and leadership. We will continue to create more such opportunities, he shared. He spelt out his third priority as modernising and strengthening NCC. We will work towards making training more contemporary, relevant and engaging, while strengthening teamwork and partnerships with educational institutions, civil administration and all other stakeholders, he stated. He exhorted the young cadets to envision and evolve. Dream big, embrace challenges, remain physically fit, stay away from drugs and continuously develop your skills. Remember, NCC is not merely about uniforms, drills and parades; it is about building character, leadership and responsible citizens, Maj Gen Sharma stated. He deeply appreciated the invaluable contribution and dedicated efforts of NCC officers and staff at the grassroots level in shaping young cadets into disciplined and responsible citizens. Their commitment and guidance play a vital role in preparing the youth to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. I also look forward to the continued support of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the UT administration of Ladakh, educational institutions, parents and particularly the media, he maintained. Asserting that the media had an important role in bringing the inspiring achievements and contributions of NCC cadets to the people, he said that he looked forward to partnership with the media in that endeavour. Our aim is simple - reach more youth, create more opportunities and build a stronger NCC for a stronger nation. Together, let us envision new possibilities, evolve with changing times and empower our youth to shape a stronger and brighter future for the nation, he said.
Bab and the Anvil of Sacrifice
An Instagram notification from my cousin Waheed featuring a soot-stained forge and a barefoot old man mid-hammer-swing inspired this tribute to Habibullah Ahanger, known to us as Bab Raje. In Kashmiri, Bab means elder or patriarch, but in the Ahanger family of Kathpora, Bandipora, the word carries a weight far beyond language. He is not just a man; he is a personality, an aura, sharp, witty, resilient, a fighter who has withstood every storm. At seventy, Bab still stands before his flame-filled furnace. To the outside world, he is a traditional blacksmith, but to us, he is the enduring heart and living soul of our dynasty. The Weight of the Anvil Babs story is rooted in profound loss after he learned the trade directly from his father, Ghulam Mohammad Ahanger. When Bab was thirty-two, his father passed away, leaving a gaping void. With only Bab and one sister married, and several younger siblings still dependent, the burden of the household fell squarely on his shoulders. He did not flinch, beg, or despair, but instead walked into the family forge, lit the coal, and picked up the hammer. For the next four decades, that hammer never stopped falling. He had no formal education, but he had an anvil. He had no salary, but he had scrap iron. With those meagre tools, he fed his siblings, clothed them, and kept the household afloat. He did not raise them as a brother; he raised them as a father. He held their hands through childhood, guided them into adulthood, and married them off with a dignity that honoured Ahangers name. Today, his siblings are settled in their own lives. Their children, our generation, are educated, thriving professionals living in cities far removed from the coal dust of Kathpora. Every single one of us owes our existence, education, and opportunities to the sharp, resilient man who stood barefoot at the forge while the world moved on. Our fathers did not call him by his given name. They called him Bab, the elder, the guide, the one who balanced the hammers weight with the promise of the classroom, standing steadfast between them and the abyss of the world. In the narrow lanes of Kathpora, his name became synonymous with sacrifice. Craftsman of the Old World In an age of mass production, Bab remains a master craftsman of the antique world. His hands are a roadmap of calluses and burn scars, moving with a precision no machine can replicate. When watching him work, he feeds a scrap of iron into the belly of his furnace and pumps the bellows until the metal glows from black to red, shifting into a blinding, liquid gold. Then, with surgical accuracy and four decades of muscle memory, his hammer falls: Clang. Clang. Clang! Without electricity or modern conveniences, he transforms rusted ingots into sharp knives, axes, sickles, shovels, and hinges for local farmers. He keeps the tradition alive out of a deep, abiding love for the craft. Warmth and Wisdom To know Bab is also to know his heart, a heart as warm as the forge itself. When we were children, we would run to him with outstretched hands, asking for money for sweets. He never scolded us or turned us away. Instead, he would reach into his pocket and pull out handfuls of walnuts harvested from the large tree in his lawn, pressing them into our small palms with a gentle smile. We did not understand it then, but as we grew older, we realised the walnuts were his way of giving without spoiling, a quiet lesson that generosity is measured in warmth, not currency. He was always accessible, listening to our school troubles and childish dreams without ever making us feel small. Then there was his wit. Bab had a sharp, rich lexicon of Kashmiri one-liners delivered with a dry, crooked smile. As children, we laughed at the humour, missing the profound lessons buried beneath. Only decades later, under the weight of adult responsibilities, did we understand what he was teaching us. His most famous refrain, repeated over family meals and quiet afternoons, is: Wuchov, Kate wathe te kate behay. What will happen, will happen. We will see. To the uninitiated, it sounds like resignation. But to those who know Bab, it is a philosophy of profound peace, forged by a man who withstood every storm. It was his way of teaching us that we cannot control every storm, so we must stop exhausting ourselves trying to hold back the tide. Keep your head up, keep your hands working, and keep your heart light. Moreover, he would often say, Temperatures change, but human nature does not, equating the cooling of red-hot metal in water to the human condition. Keeper of History and Stillness Bab is also the living memory of our lineage. His keen recollection reveals that our ancestors migrated through several settlements before making a permanent home here: originally residents of Lar in Ganderbal, they moved to Naidkhai in Sonawari, and finally settled in Kathpora. Their roots also tie closely to Hajin Sonawari. We learned this history not from textbooks, but from Bab. Sitting in the Kathpora courtyard, his voice gravelly from coal smoke, he narrated these harrowing tales with absolute calm. Unshaken, he tugged the dread straight out of our hearts, teaching us that our family does not cower. It stands, like the anvil, unyielding under the hammer of history. He has a quiet stillness adorned. Walk past his workshop during the peak of summer, and you will find the furnace cold and the hammer silent. Bab will be lying on a simple cloth under the shade of the large tree, his white cap pulled over his eyes, his bare feet crossed at the ankles, simply resting and taking in the breeze. A Legacy Beyond Blood A quiet truth to Bab's life sits gently in our hearts. He married at eighteen, dreaming of building a family and passing his hammer to a son, but fate had a different design. His marriage grew estranged over the years until they stood on opposite shores of an uncrossable river. Habibullah Ahanger begot no children. He has no son to carry his name, nor a daughter to care for him in his twilight years. In a traditional dynasty built on lineage, Bab is a patriarch without an heir. Yet he does not mourn or complain. He simply lights the furnace, pumps the bellows, and keeps forging. When the heat becomes unbearable, he rests under the tree and says, Wuchov, kate wathe te kate behay. Bab is now seventy years old. The forge in Kathpora is still lit, and the hammer still falls. He needs no plaque or monument, finding all he needs in the tree for shade, the furnace for warmth, and the family that calls him Bab. His legacy is written in the educated children of his siblings, the courage he instilled in dark times, and his timeless words that wash over our anxieties. Habibullah Ahanger. Bab. The patriarch without offspring, the historian without a degree, the craftsman without a factory. He is the keeper of the forge and the dynasty, an aura that has withstood every storm. Long live Bab, and long live the fire that never stops burning. Author is pursuing masters from Jamia Millia Islamia.
MP Mian Altaf braves rugged paths to reach remote 'Hill Kaka' on horseback
Srinagar, Nov 10:Nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Pir Panjal range, the remote hamlet of Hill Kaka has long felt forgotten by time and modern infrastructure. Positioned at high altitudes where asphalt roads give way to treacherous, boulder-strewn tracks, reaching these isolated pastures requires hours of sheer endurance. But for the mountain-dwelling pastoral communities living here, isolation broke briefly when their Member of Parliament, Mian Altaf Ahmad, traded official conveyances for a saddle to reach their doorsteps. Refusing to rely on distant administrative reports, the MP undertook a daunting journey across some of the region's most rugged terrain. Escorted by local guides, Mian Altaf navigated narrow cliffside paths, steep gradients, streams, and rocky passes on horsebacka rare sight in an era of high-speed political convoys. For the residents of Hill Kaka, the sight of a representative riding into their settlement on horseback carried deep symbolic and practical weight. Hill Kaka lacks basic vehicular accessibility. Reaching the high-altitude pastures requires navigating trails that test even seasoned mountain riders. Villagers gathered along the ridgelines to greet the MP, voicing urgent grievances ranging from the lack of basic healthcare to the long-pending demand for power connectivity, seasonal infrastructure, road connectivity and the telecommunication network. Known for his deep ties with the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, Mian Altafs trek reflected a familiar hands-on approach, reinforcing a personal promise that no corner of his constituency was too remote to be heard. Most leaders see our mountains from afar or hear about our troubles through paperwork, said an elderly resident of the hamlet, watching the horseback procession arrive. Seeing someone take the same dangerous paths our families walk every day changes everything. It gives us hope that our troubles will finally be addressed. During his visit, Mian Altaf spent hours interacting directly with the villagers, reviewing local hardships, and taking immediate note of civic deficiencies, most notably the urgent need to expedite power infrastructure and basic public amenities for the high-altitude settlement. Interacting with the locals, Mian Altaf reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring equitable development across every corner of his constituency, regardless of geographical barriers. Addressing the community's top prioritythe electrification of Hill Kaka villagethe MP assured the gathering that he had directly taken up the matter with the senior administration and the Power Development Department (PDD). It is unacceptable that the residents of Hill Kaka continue to live in darkness despite administrative approvals. I have strongly urged the Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department to expedite grid connectivity and operationalise the infrastructure without further delay. I will monitor this progress on the ground until every household is powered, Mian Altaf stated during his interaction with the villagers. As the sun dipped behind the peak, the MP's journey back down the mountain trails served as a stark reminder of the vast geographical and socio-economic divides that remain in the region. Yet, for the residents of Hill Kaka, the image of their representative braving the rugged wilderness on horseback stands as a powerful testament to grounded leadership and public service. The visit drew widespread appreciation from the residents of Surankote and Hill Kaka, who praised the MP's willingness to cross harsh terrain to listen to their hardships firsthand rather than relying on secondary reports. In the last 18 years we have seen the first leader who has reached us to listen to our grievances and hear us, said Abdul Gafoor, a resident.
Warehouse traders call off market bandh after CS orders investigation in fire incident
Jammu, Nov 10:Warehouse-Nehru Market traders late Tuesday night called off market shutdown after the Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar directed the Divisional Commissioner Jammu to order an investigation into the fire incident on Diwali night on November 8 and the allegations of lapses on account of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. This was announced by the Warehouse-Nehru Market Traders Federation president Deepak Gupta, joined by other office bearers of Federation and Jammu Chamber president Arun Gupta during a late night press conference on Tuesday. We sought investigation into the fire incident, action against the negligent officials of the Fire and Emergency Services department and the immediate compensation and rehabilitation of affected traders of Shiv Market and Ware House, Gupta said, while thanking the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, all political parties and the people of Jammu for supporting the cause of traders. Earlier, the Chief Secretary, Financial Commissioner Home along with senior Police officers visited the site ravaged in the fire incident and assessed damages to business establishments. They listened to the concerns and demands of the traders related to compensation, rehabilitation of affected shopkeepers and insurance related impediments. CS assured the affected traders of all possible government assistance to them. He also issued necessary directions to Divisional Commissioner Jammu on this account to address traders concerns.
LoP holds meeting of MLA committee constituted for fire affected traders
Jammu, Nov 10:Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Tuesday held a meeting with the committee constituted for the fire incident victims of Shiv Market and Warehouse. BJP Member Parliament (MP) from Jammu, Jugal Kishore Sharma too was present on the occasion. The committee comprises MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Dr Narinder Singh, Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta. During the meeting, the participants discussed measures for early relief and rehabilitation of the affected traders and assured that all possible support would be extended to them. The information was shared by the LoP on his social media handles. On Monday, November 9, 2026, Sunil Sharma during his visit to the Warehouse complex near Nehru Market, Jammu, where a massive fire broke out on Sunday evening, completely damaging around ten shops, had announced the constitution of the committee. The business community of Warehouse has always stood with the people across J&K in every time of need. Today, when they are facing this huge loss, BJP stands firmly with them and assures them of every possible support during this difficult time, Sunil Sharma had said. He announced that the BJP would constitute a team of MLAs which would expedite the process to provide relief to the affected traders of Warehouse Market and Shiv Market from the CDF of BJP MLAs. The committee, according to LoP, will assess the losses suffered by traders at both Nehru Market and Shiv Market and prepare a comprehensive list of affected traders. It will subsequently take up the matter with the government to ensure time-bound relief and rehabilitation. The committee will also pursue the demand for allowing MLAs to utilise their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to extend assistance to the affected traders. He said that all 29 BJP MLAs would support the shopkeepers affected by the devastating fire at Warehouse, Jammu, through their Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The MLAs will demand from the government and the administration to relax the development fund and give provision so that traders can be helped to stand on their feet again. We 29 MLAs consider ourselves a part of this family, and all 29 MLAs want to contribute from their development fund here. For that, we will have to demand from the J&K government or the Centre, we will have to talk to the government, we will do everything, Sharma said. He said apart from this, all the MLAs would also involve society so that the traders could once again stand on their own feet. A day after this announcement, the BJP delegation met the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday to seek immediate help for fire affected traders and raise their other demands.
There is a particular indignity in being asked to perform the work of an academic while being treated as though one merely occupies a temporary space in an institution. In Jammu and Kashmirs government colleges, lecturers engaged in Academic Arrangement teach, prepare students, evaluate their work and sustain the intellectual life of the institution. Yet the terms of engagement communicate another message: their labour is necessary, but their professional existence is provisional. This is not an administrative inconvenience. It is a structural feature of a system that has normalised the use of academic labour without accepting the obligations that should accompany it. I write not as a distant observer, but as someone working as a lecturer on Academic Arrangement. Inside the classroom, one is expected to command a subject, exercise judgement, guide students and carry the authority of a teacher. Outside it, one is reminded that this authority rests on an engagement that may end with the academic session, that continuity is uncertain and that the institution can require ones labour without offering the security ordinarily associated with a professional appointment. The lecturer is thus made academically present and institutionally absent: visible when work must be done, precarious when rights and recognition are discussed. The official language is revealing. Government Order No. 137-JK(HE) of 2024 provides for need-based engagement, limits appointments to a maximum of one academic session and confers no right to continuation in a subsequent session. The arrangement responds to teaching requirements arising from staff shortages, new subjects and changing enrolment. The official portal continues to advertise engagements for 2026-27 under this framework. But this distinction cannot become a moral alibi for indefinite dependence on insecure labour. A temporary mechanism may be defensible as an exceptional measure. When it becomes a recurring instrument for organising essential teaching, its temporariness begins to look less like an exception and more like a governing principle. The problem, therefore, is not simply that the engagement is contractual. Contractualisation has become a way of separating responsibility from necessity. The institution needs the lecturer sufficiently to entrust them with students and syllabi, but not sufficiently to guarantee a stable professional life. The work is continuous in its consequences, even when the contract is discontinuous in its terms. The institution, however, treats the person performing this work as replaceable at the end of an engagement period. The contradiction between educational continuity and employment discontinuity is borne by teachers and students. The financial terms sharpen this contradiction. Academic Arrangement faculty in government degree colleges have been reported as receiving Rs 28,000 per month, while seeking improved remuneration and year-round financial security. This figure is not merely arithmetic; it is a statement about how academic labour is valued. Many of these teachers possess PhDs and qualifications such as NET, SET or JRF. They have spent years acquiring specialised knowledge, conducting research and meeting the formal requirements through which academic competence is certified. Their advanced academic qualifications make it difficult to defend a remuneration structure that treats such preparation as though it carries little institutional value. A college cannot invoke merit when selecting its teachers and then behave as though the merit it has selected is worth only a subsistence honorarium. I sometimes use a deliberately uncomfortable comparison to describe this condition. We are treated, I say sarcastically, no better than labourers who migrate from Bihar in search of work and are paid wages for the labour they perform. The only difference, in my formulation, is that they may be offered Navla and Kuber by those who employ them, while lecturers on Academic Arrangement are not even extended that elementary gesture by college authorities. The comparison exposes a hierarchy in which academic prestige conceals an increasingly ordinary extraction of labour: work is demanded, the worker is replaceable, and dignity is incidental. It is a bitter joke because it describes a condition that should have no place in an institution devoted to education. The deeper issue is the distinction between professional function and institutional status. A lecturer may be entrusted with classroom responsibilities similar to those of a regular colleague, yet remain outside the security, benefits and recognition attached to regular service. This produces a second-class academic existence. Precarity becomes especially humiliating when accompanied by demands for complete professional commitment. The teacher is asked to behave as a permanent member of the academic community while being reminded that the institution assumes no comparable permanence towards them. There is a philosophical question here that cannot be reduced to higher wages: what does an institution owe to those whose labour makes its stated purpose possible? It is a public institution entrusted with the formation of judgement, the transmission of knowledge and the preparation of citizens. Its ethical character is revealed not only in what it teaches students, but also in how it treats those who teach them. An institution that speaks of dignity, equality and opportunity while organising its workforce through chronic insecurity creates a contradiction between its educational message and its employment practices. It teaches equality as an idea while practising hierarchy as an arrangement. The defence that Academic Arrangement is need-based must also be examined. Need is not accidental when the same institutions repeatedly require teachers to conduct classes. If a subject needs a lecturer year after year, the requirement is no longer adequately described as a passing contingency. The state must explain why recurring academic requirements are met through annually renewed insecurity rather than timely recruitment and a credible staffing policy. Otherwise, need becomes a convenient device: permanent enough to justify extracting labour, but temporary whenever responsibility is raised. This is not an argument for bypassing the Public Service Commission, weakening merit or demanding automatic regularisation. Public recruitment must remain fair, transparent and constitutionally defensible. Yet the integrity of regular recruitment does not require the degradation of those engaged temporarily. Between automatic regularisation and indefinite precarity lie principled measures: predictable engagement periods, fair and periodically revised remuneration, payment for the full period of work required, social security protections, transparent renewal criteria and a time-bound recruitment calendar. Temporary employment must not become a permanent substitute for institutional planning. The government has acknowledged that remuneration enhancement is under consideration, including examination of parity with similarly situated faculty elsewhere, although the matter has encountered financial scrutiny. Acknowledgement, however, is not reform. Administrative consideration is meaningful only when it produces a decision, a timeline and an assessable outcome. The language of examination, concurrence and financial implications cannot become an indefinite postponement of a question concerning livelihood and professional dignity. College administrations, too, must recognise that contractual status does not cancel professional personhood. Academic Arrangement lecturers should not be treated as peripheral hands summoned to fill a timetable and forgotten once the immediate requirement is met. Respect cannot depend solely on the courtesy of an individual principal; it must be embedded in institutional practice. Nor should teachers remain silent about unequal treatment out of fear that speaking may jeopardise future engagement. A system that makes professional speech risky undermines the intellectual independence higher education is supposed to cultivate. There is also a cost to students that rarely enters the calculation. A teacher preoccupied with whether an appointment will continue, how long the next income gap will last or whether a family can be sustained on the available remuneration carries an avoidable burden alongside the demands of teaching. Many continue to teach with seriousness and dedication. But dedication should not become an institutional resource used to compensate for the absence of decent employment conditions. The moral worth of a teachers commitment cannot be measured by how much insecurity that teacher is willing to endure. Jammu and Kashmirs higher education system cannot credibly speak of quality, innovation and educational transformation while leaving a substantial part of its teaching workforce in permanent uncertainty. The question is not whether every academic engagement must be permanent. It is whether a public institution can repeatedly depend on skilled teachers while refusing to treat their livelihood and professional standing as institutional concerns. Academic labour is not an expendable input; it is the human foundation of education. To reduce those who perform it to a category of second-class academics is to diminish the institution itself. The demand, then, is not for privilege. It is for coherence between the public purpose of higher education and the conditions under which that purpose is realised. A lecturer who teaches, evaluates and guides students is doing academic work, irrespective of the label attached to the appointment. The state may distinguish between modes of recruitment; it cannot use that distinction to deny the value of labour it has chosen to employ. If Academic Arrangement is genuinely temporary, it must remain temporary in duration and exceptional in use. If it has become indispensable to the ordinary functioning of colleges, the state must confront that reality through a just and credible policy. The measure of a higher education system is not only the knowledge it claims to produce, but the dignity it affords those entrusted with producing it. Dr Zahid Sultan, Independent researcher based in Srinagar, India.
BJP delegation meets CM Omar, demandsRs 15 lakh relief for each Jammu fire-hit shop
Jammu, Nov 10:A delegation of BJP legislators, led by Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, met the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and sought immediate financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh per affected shop or godown ravaged by recent devastating fire incidents in Ware House, Shiv Market and Pahadian Mohalla in Jammu. The delegation also sought a one-time relaxation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) norms, enabling willing MLAs from Jammu to sanction appropriate amounts from their respective allocations for immediate relief to traders besides it emphasised time-bound rehabilitation of Jammu markets. During its meeting with the Chief Minister, the delegation took up the plight of traders devastated by recent fire incidents in Jammu, demanding immediate financial assistance, fair compensation and concrete measures to restore their shattered businesses. The BJP delegation submitted a four-point memorandum, seeking urgent government intervention and a time-bound rehabilitation plan for the affected trading community. The delegation comprised party MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Dr Narinder Singh Raina, Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the BJP leaders pointed out that the recent fires had gutted 27 shops at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, eight shops and godowns at Warehouse Market and one shop at Pahadian Mohalla, leaving several families facing severe financial hardship. Later speaking to media persons, the delegation shared that it demanded immediate financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh per affected shop or godown from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, stressing that traders who lost their shops, stocks and essential equipment could not be left struggling for survival while awaiting lengthy administrative procedures. The leaders urged the government to ensure prompt verification of losses and speedy disbursement of relief so that affected businesses could restart without further delay. It was shared that the memorandum also sought a one-time relaxation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) norms, enabling willing MLAs from Jammu to sanction appropriate amounts from their respective allocations for immediate relief through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The delegation demanded a clear administrative mechanism for the sanction, transfer and utilisation of these funds. Taking up the long-pending concerns of Warehouse Market traders, we further demanded identification and allotment of suitable land for godowns, along with government sanction for their construction within a specified timeframe. We have emphasised that the proposed site must have adequate access for goods vehicles and fire tenders, proper loading and unloading facilities and essential fire safety infrastructure, BJP leaders stated. The delegation also called for a time-bound fire safety audit of commercial establishments across Jammu, particularly densely populated markets and storage areas. It demanded installation of fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants and other preventive facilities, besides inspections of electrical safety and emergency access arrangements to prevent such tragedies in the future. We asserted that the suffering of Jammu's trading community cannot be addressed through assurances alone; it demands immediate financial relief, administrative accountability and decisive government action. We urged the Chief Minister to accord top priority to the demands and communicate definite timelines for compensation, CDF relaxation and land allotment, the BJP leaders maintained. Reaffirming BJP's commitment to stand firmly with the affected traders, they said that protecting livelihoods and restoring economic activity in Jammu's markets was a matter of urgency and responsibility. The party would continue to pursue the issue until the affected traders receive meaningful relief and are able to rebuild their businesses, they added. Meanwhile, the official spokesperson said that the Member of Parliament from Jammu Jugal Kishore Sharma and several legislators from Jammu district called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat here on Tuesday and discussed the recent fire incidents in Jammu city and the situation of the affected traders. The public representatives apprised the Chief Minister of the damage caused by the fires at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, Warehouse near Nehru Market and Pahadian Mohalla. They highlighted the difficulties being faced by the affected traders and shopkeepers and discussed the need for adequate assistance to help them overcome the losses, the spokesperson said. The Chief Minister, according to the spokesperson, reiterated that relief was being provided to those affected by the fire incidents. He assured the visiting representatives that all possible assistance would be extended to the affected traders. It is pertinent to mention that the Chief Minister had taken prompt cognisance of the fire incidents. He had personally visited Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station to assess the damage and interact with the affected shopkeepers. He had also deputed the Deputy Chief Minister and a cabinet minister to visit the Warehouse near Nehru Market to take stock of the situation and assess the losses suffered by the traders, the spokesperson said.
Auto-rickshaws to have transparent covering in Srinagar
Srinagar, Nov 10:This winter, auto-rickshaws in Srinagar are set to get a transparent makeover, with the Traffic Police directing operators to replace black coverings with see-through sheets to ensure better visibility and passenger safety. The move comes amid concerns that covered autos with dark sheets prevent authorities from monitoring activities inside the vehicles and also make it difficult to detect issues such as overloading. SSP Traffic Srinagar Bisma Qazi said the use of black coverings creates visibility issues from a security and safety perspective. We dont know what is happening inside, SSP said, adding that such coverings also make it difficult to ascertain whether an auto is carrying more passengers than its capacity. She said the department has directed auto-rickshaw operators to install transparent sheets instead of black covers. Addressing concerns raised by operators about cold, she said transparent coverings would still provide protection from chilly weather while maintaining visibility. Srinagar has witnessed a rapid expansion of its local transport network, with a large number of traditional auto-rickshaws as well as battery-operated e-rickshaws now operating across the city. The network includes single-seater autos and small double-seater e-rickshaws that have become a common mode of short-distance travel for students, office-goers, women and elderly passengers. A few days ago, SSP Traffic Srinagar along with other senior officials also carried out an extensive awareness drive in different areas of the city, educating auto and e-rickshaw operators about traffic rules, safety measures and the need for better regulation. The latest direction has received largely a positive response from commuters, with many passengers terming it a welcome step if implemented properly. It is a good decision if the purpose is safety and better monitoring. Passengers should feel secure while travelling, and visibility inside these vehicles can help in preventing problems, said a commuter. Another passenger said that while transparency inside autos is important, the same approach should also be followed regarding fares. Transparency should not only be about coverings. Auto fares should also be transparent and properly regulated. At present, passengers often have to negotiate fares, and there is no clear system, the passenger said. Traffic officials believe that the step will help improve passenger safety and make monitoring of the growing local transport network more effective, especially during the winter months when covered autos become more common due to weather conditions. With Srinagars public transport system increasingly relying on smaller vehicles for last-mile connectivity, authorities are now focusing on balancing passenger comfort with safety and regulation.
