Opinion

FES paper leak scam: ACBs massive crackdown nabs 12 more, probe points to deep-rooted conspiracy

Srinagar, July 27: In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services (FES) recruitment paper leak, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested 12 more individuals, officials said on Monday. The fresh detentions mark a major escalation in the probe, signaling what authorities describe as a well-orchestrated conspiracy to compromise the integrity of the selection process. With this latest wave of arrests, the total number of accused held in connection with the high-profile recruitment scandal has risen sharply, underlining the agencys determined efforts to dismantle the network operating across the Union Territory. Official sources confirmed that the arrests were made in connection with FIR No. 01/2025, registered over the leakage of the examination paper and the larger criminal conspiracy that undermined the sanctity of the recruitment drive. The arrested individuals have been identified as Abdul Majid Ganie of Chadoora (Budgam), Bilal Ahmad Halwai of Bijbehara (Anantnag), Irshad-ul-Hamid Hakeem of Hajin (Bandipora), Shahnawaz Ahmad Khan of Sumbal (Bandipora), Ali Mohammad Bhat of Chadoora (Budgam), Shabir Ahmad Malik of Soibugh (Budgam), Mohammad Akram Bhat of Dharmunna (Budgam), Mushtaq Ahmad Rathi of Tangmarg, Sameer Ullah Rather of Chadoora (Budgam), Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat of Kakapora (Pulwama), Zaker Hussain of Phagsoo (Doda), and Sanjay Datta of Jammu. Notably, the arrests span multiple districts including Budgam, Bandipora, Pulwama, Anantnag, Doda, and Jammu, pointing to a well-coordinated racket with tentacles spread across the Union Territory. Investigators have gathered incriminating evidence and carried out sustained interrogations leading to the detentions, sources added. Meanwhile a senior official said the ACB is currently probing multiple angles to unravel the entire conspiracy, with a sharp focus on identifying all beneficiaries and establishing the precise role of each accused in subverting the recruitment process. He said the investigating agency has made it clear that the crackdown is far from over, and further arrests, searches, and legal actions are imminent as scrutiny of evidence and financial trails continues. (KNS)

3,823 pilgrims leave Jammu for Baltal in 20th batch of Amarnath Yatra

Banihal, Jul 27: The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra continued smoothly on Monday as 3,823 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp in Kashmir under tight security arrangements. According to the Joint Police Control Room, Bhagwati Nagar, the 20th batch departed at 2:47 am in a convoy of 140 vehicles, including 82 buses, 20 medium motor vehicles (MMVs) and 38 light motor vehicles (LMVs). The batch comprised 2,882 male pilgrims, 838 female pilgrims, two children, 84 sadhus and 17 sadhvis. No pilgrims were scheduled to travel via the Pahalgam axis on Monday. The convoy travelled along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway under multi-tier security provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and other security agencies. Traffic officials facilitated the movement of the convoy through vulnerable stretches of the highway to ensure the safe passage of pilgrims. Officials said that with the departure of Monday's batch, the cumulative number of pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage from Bagwati Nagar base camp Jammu has reached 1,27,326. The annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine in the Himalayas has been progressing under elaborate security and logistical arrangements, with authorities closely monitoring weather conditions and highway status to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Meanwhile, A total of 4,331 pilgrims returned to Jammu from the Baltal base camp on Monday as the 19th down convoy of the Shri Amarnath Yatra left at 6:00 am under tight security. According to officials, the convoy comprised 129 vehicles, including 96 HMVs, eight MMVs, 15 LMVs and 10 motorcycles. The returning pilgrims included 3,440 men, 838 women, four children, 42 sadhus and seven sadhvis.

NH-44 blocked again at Dewal hours after reopening; restoration underway

Banihal, Jul 28: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was blocked again shortly after midnight on Monday following a fresh landslide at Dewal in Udhampur district, barely hours after the strategic highway was reopened on Sunday evening after remaining closed for nearly 12 hours due to heavy rain, mudslides and shooting stones. Traffic officials said men and machinery of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) were immediately pressed into service to clear the debris and restore traffic. Commuters have been advised to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared safe, as the possibility of fresh landslides and shooting stones continues in vulnerable stretches. Despite the fresh disruption, the 20th batch of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, comprising 3,823 pilgrims, crossed the affected Dewal stretch safely through one tube of highway, which had been opened exclusively for the Yatra convoy. The Baltal-bound convoy later entered Ramban district without any interruption under a multi-tier security cover. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), National Highway, Raja Adil Hameed, said the Traffic Police and NHAI teams were working round the clock to restore the highway at the earliest. He appealed to commuters not to pay heed to rumours and to verify the latest road status through official Traffic Police advisories and Traffic Control Units before undertaking their journey. Meanwhile, hundreds of vehicles were left stranded at various locations between Qazigund and Udhampur following the fresh landslide, with authorities awaiting improvement in road conditions before resuming traffic.

Pulwama villagers demand road upgrade, allege land taken without compensation

Residents of Nownagri village in south Kashmir's Pulwama district have demanded the construction of a proper road connecting the village with Shitparpora, alleging that the government acquired hundreds of kanals of their land years ago but neither built the promised infrastructure nor paid compensation. A group of residents said the road linking Nownagri and Shitparpora has remained in poor condition for years, making commuting difficult for students, patients and commuters. They alleged that the government had acquired nearly 400 kanals of land from villagers for development purposes, assuring them that the area would benefit from improved infrastructure, including roads. The government took around 400 kanals of land from the village with the assurance that it would undertake various developmental works. However, neither was a proper road constructed nor were the affected landowners compensated, the residents said. They said the damaged road becomes particularly difficult to use during the rainy season, with potholes and an uneven surface slowing traffic and increasing the risk of accidents. Abdul Rehman Mir, a resident, said repeated representations to the authorities had failed to yield any results. We have approached the concerned departments several times, but nothing has changed. Our local MLA never visited the area despite approaching him many times, Mir said. Residents said the poor road was affecting their daily lives, making it difficult sometimes for ambulances or school buses and other vehicles to travel through the area. They added that dust during the summer and slush during the rainy season had become a persistent problem. The villagers urged the district administration and the local MLA to take up the matter on priority. We appeal to them to construct the road without further delay so that they could get relief from the recurring inconveniences caused to them, they added.

J&K Pensioners Welfare Federation, senior citizens, civil society organise 1-Day conference

A one-day conference was organised by pensioners Welfare Federation senior citizens civil society at Sumbal Sonawari District Bandipora. The event brought together esteemed leaders and dedicated members to address the welfare concerns of pensioners and senior citizens across the Union territory of J&K. The conference graced by the esteemed presence of Gh Mohiuddin Bhat, General Secretary of J&K pensioners welfare federation senior citizens civil society. The other Trade Union leaders from Srinagar Gh Nabi Bhat Khanyari and From District Budgam Gh Hassan Khag Beerwah addressed the gathering of pensioners of Sumbal Sonawari at Dak bunglow Sumbal Sonawari. In the welcome by the senior Trade Union leaders Haji Ghulam Rasool of Sumbal and Habib ullah and Assadullah Sumbal Sonawari extended greetings to the guests. The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of adjoining areas of Sonawari. Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat highlighted the demands of Pensioners urging the government to redress the grievances of pensioners are being paid Rs 300 as Monthly Medical allowance, whereas the pensioners ofUT of Ladakh are drawing Rs 1000, and demands parity in this regard. Other demands raised included issuance of senior citizens cards duly signed by District Magistrate backed by a circular from J&K Govt. GAD for its implementation in letter and spirit. Provisions of Waqat House (Senior citizens Welfare Centre) for pensioners at all district levels in the UT of J&K.; Enhancement of pension from the age of65 yrs instead of 80 years; Release of pending dues leave salary, gratuity etc without further delay. The State President was in Jammu and could not attend the conference in person due to closure of National Highway but addressed the gathering through video conference.

Chinar Corps pays tribute to Kargil heroes on 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas

Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Balbir Singh on Sunday paid glowing tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, marking the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas with solemn ceremonies across Kashmir. The Chinar Corps Commander laid a wreath at the Chinar War Memorial and paid homage to the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chinar Corps Commander laid wreath at the Chinar War Memorial and paid homage to the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the Nation. Chinar Corps salutes the indomitable spirit of our Bravehearts on the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas. Chinar Corps said in a post on X. The wreath-laying ceremony was attended by senior Army officers and personnel, who observed a moment of silence in memory of the fallen soldiers. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate Indias victory in the Kargil War of 1999, when the Indian Armed Forces successfully evicted Pakistani troops and Pakistan-backed intruders who had occupied strategic heights along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kargil sector of Ladakh. The conflict began after infiltrators crossed the LoC during the winter months and occupied several mountain peaks overlooking National Highway-1A, the vital road linking Srinagar with Leh. The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, supported by the Indian Air Forces Operation Safed Sagar, to recapture the occupied positions. Fought under some of the worlds most challenging high-altitude conditions, with soldiers battling at elevations exceeding 16,000 feet, the conflict lasted nearly three months. On July 26, 1999, India declared the successful completion of military operations after all major infiltrated positions had been recaptured. The war claimed the lives of more than 500 Indian soldiers, whose courage and sacrifice remain a defining chapter in the nations military history. Among the most celebrated heroes of the conflict were Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, who were awarded the Param Vir Chakra for displaying exceptional gallantry. Every year, Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed across the country with commemorative events, particularly at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, where families of the fallen, veterans, serving personnel and senior government officials gather to honour the martyrs and reaffirm the nations commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Batamaloo vendors seek basic facilities in designated market

The street vendors at Batamaloo's designated vendor market have sought basic amenities for convenience of traders and customers. The market, which remained partially affected following recent rains in Srinagar, has resumed normal activity. However vendors said waterlogging and accumulation of mud are severely affecting their business. It is difficult to leave the market amid so much dirt. When Smart City works have been carried out in other parts of the city, similar attention should also have been given to this market, one shopper said. A shopper said that the market plays an important role in the daily lives of ordinary people as vegetables and other essential items remain easily available there. This is a place where people come to buy vegetables and other daily use items. If such a market remains closed or is not properly maintained, it has a direct impact on the common people. Since these things are easily available here, authorities should give special attention to maintaining the marketshe said. A student who had come to purchase stationery raised concerns over absence of dustbins and the lack of proper sanitation in the market. I do not understand why there are still no dustbins here despite hundreds of people visiting the market every day. Proper arrangements for waste disposal and regular removal of garbage are very important, he said. An elderly shopper said that stray dogs also frequently enter the market and stressed the need for proper fencing and better cleanliness. Since the authorities have already created a dedicated space for vendors, it should have been properly maintained as well. Proper fencing would keep dogs out, help protect the vendors goods and make the market look more organised he said. A vendor said that authorities had assured them that the remaining portion of the market would be macadamised and urged that the process be expedited.

NLCO seeks immediate action on cycle track misuse at Nishat pedestrian walkway

The Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) has expressed serious concern over the apparent misuse of the dedicated cycle track and pedestrian pathway near Nishat water pump station. NLCO Chairman Manzoor Wangnoo said that the inner stretch near Nishat water pump station, developed for cyclists and pedestrians, appears to have gradually turned into a regular motorable road, with vehicles moving and parking on the track, defeating the very purpose for which the infrastructure was created. More seriously, NLCO drew attention to observations of suspicious activity along vulnerable lakeside stretches during late-night hours, including suspected filling of portions of the Dal Lake bed, allegedly to facilitate unauthorised construction, Wangnoo said. Elaborating he said, these observations need immediate verification by the concerned authorities. If any illegal filling or construction is taking place within the waterbody, it must be stopped firmly before irreversible damage is caused, Wangnoo said. It is particularly disturbing that such concerns were emerging from one of Kashmirs most iconic tourism landscapes, celebrated globally for the breathtaking beauty of Dal Lake and its surroundings, he said. NLCO appealed to Srinagar Smart City, J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other concerned authorities to restore the cycle track at Nishat Pipeline Bund to its intended purpose, prevent regular vehicular movement and parking, strengthen night-time vigilance along vulnerable lakeside stretches, and investigate any suspected filling or illegal construction within the lake. This is an apolitical and constructive appeal. Dal Lake is our natural heritage and a lifeline of Kashmirs environment and tourism. Protecting it is a collective responsibility, Wangnoo said. Let the cycle track remain a cycle track. Let Dal breathe.Let us save what is still left to save, he added.

Sunshine brings relief after week-long wet spell

After more than a week of intermittent rainfall, Srinagar witnessed a sunny Sunday bringing much-needed relief to residents. Water levels in river Jhelum, Tailbal Nallah and other water bodies receded. Markets witnessed improved footfall, restaurants and public spaces saw visitors returning, while tourists were seen thronging Boulevard Road, Dalgate and Mughal Gardens as the weather turned pleasant. The receding water levels also eased anxiety among residents living along the banks of the Jhelum and Tailbal Nallah, who had remained on edge over the past week following continuous rainfall. For the first time in several days we feel relaxed. We were constantly monitoring the river level, especially during the night. Seeing the water recede has brought relief, but we hope the authorities remain vigilant, said Faizan Ahmad, a resident living in Rajbagh. Officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department said water levels in the Jhelum, Tailbal Nallah and other streams had declined and remained well below the flood declaration mark. The weather has improved and water levels have receded. However, our teams continue to monitor all vulnerable locations round the clock and remain prepared for any change in weather conditions, an official said. While the improving weather brought relief, residents said the week-long wet spell had exposed serious shortcomings in Srinagar's civic infrastructure that now require immediate attention.

Authorities sit on repairs of dilapidated roads in Srinagar

Failure of authorities to undertake repairs of dilapidated roads across Srinagar is taking a heavy toll on commuters. Several commuters said damaged roads and incomplete restoration works across Downtown and Uptown areas continue to affect daily movement despite the rain stopping. Road stretches from Gojwara to Hawal via Alamgari Bazar, Dr Ali Jan Road from Aali Masjid towards the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), besides several roads in Khanyar, Shehr-e-Khaas and Hazratbal outskirts, remained riddled with potholes, uneven patches and damaged manholes left exposed after repeated rainfall. The rain has stopped, but the problems remain. These roads have become dangerous because the potholes have widened and the surfaces have deteriorated further. Authorities should immediately begin restoration work before the next spell of rain, said Asif Ahmad, a commuter from Khanyar. Several two-wheeler riders said the past week had been particularly difficult. Every day we had to navigate waterlogged potholes without knowing how deep they were. Even today, the damaged roads continue to slow traffic and pose risks to riders, he said. E-rickshaw drivers also urged the administration to expedite repairs. Our vehicles suffered because of uneven roads and water-filled craters. With the weather improving, authorities should restore these roads on priority so that commuters do not continue to suffer, said Shahid Ahmad, an e-rickshaw driver operating in downtown Srinagar. Sunday also brought relief to roadside vendors, many of whom resumed business after spending several days protecting their goods from rain under tarpaulin sheets. For nearly a week we struggled because of continuous rain. Today customers returned, and business finally picked up. We only hope the weather remains stable, said a vendor near Lal Chowk. With schools scheduled to reopen on Monday after the prolonged wet spell, many parents expressed hope that damaged roads and waterlogged stretches would be attended to immediately to ensure safer travel for students. Residents said the eight-day spell had exposed two pressing civic concerns: the vulnerability of Srinagar's drainage network and the deteriorating condition of its roads. The emergency response helped during the rains, but now the focus must shift to permanent solutions. Strengthening drainage infrastructure and restoring damaged roads should become the administration's top priority, a resident said.

Hajj 2027: J&K receives just 4,691 applications

Jammu and Kashmir has received 4,691 applications for Hajj 2027, significantly lower than the Union Territorys expected quota of 7,981 pilgrims, indicating that the entire allocation may not be utilised if the present trend continues. According to a senior official of the J&K Hajj Committee, the applications comprise 2,566 male and 2,125 female pilgrims. Among the applicants, 24 women have registered under the Ladies Without Mahram (LWM) category, while 620 are senior citizens aged above 65 years. The number of applications is around 3,290 short of the expected quota, suggesting a lower response from intending pilgrims this year. However, the final quota for Jammu and Kashmir will be determined by the Hajj Committee of India in accordance with the Hajj Policy. District-wise, Srinagar recorded the highest number of applications at 1,152, followed by Baramulla with 595, Anantnag 420, Budgam 404, Pulwama 361, Kupwara 323 and Kulgam 265. In the Jammu division, Rajouri received the highest number of applications at 174, followed by Jammu 106, Poonch 101, Doda 85, Ramban 54, Udhampur 50, Samba 46, Reasi 38, Kathua 36 and Kishtwar 35. The senior official said the Hajj Committee of India will scrutinise all applications before initiating the subsequent stages of the Hajj 2027 selection process in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. At the national level, the Hajj Committee of India received 2,01,725 applications after the close of the registration window. Among the states, Gujarat recorded the highest number of applications at 31,755, followed by Maharashtra (28,372), Kerala (24,500), Uttar Pradesh (22,623), Karnataka (17,939), Tamil Nadu (14,124), Telangana (12,021) and Madhya Pradesh (10,141). Officials said the quota for Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) has not yet been announced. The allocation under the HGO category will be notified separately by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.

Price rise adds to peoples woes in Kashmir

Prices of essential food items have witnessed a sharp increase across Kashmir over the past few weeks, putting additional financial strain on consumers already grappling with rising living costs. Poultry, eggs and vegetables have all become costlier, with traders attributing the spike to disruptions in the supply chain following the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The price of chicken has increased to Rs 200 per kilogram, while a tray of eggs is now retailing at around Rs 220- Rs 240. The prices of several vegetables, particularly those transported from outside the Valley, have also risen significantly in wholesale as well as retail markets. The increase comes at a time when the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway due to landslides and adverse weather has affected the movement of trucks carrying essential commodities into the Valley. Traders said the disruption has reduced the arrival of fresh supplies, creating shortages and pushing up prices. Wholesale dealers at Parimpora Mandi, Kashmirs largest fruit and vegetable market, said the number of trucks arriving with vegetables, poultry and other perishables has declined considerably over the past few days. Fresh supplies have been affected because the highway remains closed. Whatever stock is available in the market is limited, and wholesale prices have gone up. Naturally, the increase is being reflected at the retail level, said a trader. Poultry dealers said chicken prices have reached Rs 200 per kilogram primarily because of reduced arrivals from outside Jammu and Kashmir. The Valley depends heavily on outside supplies of poultry. With transport disrupted, fewer consignments are reaching the markets. Demand has remained almost unchanged, but limited availability has pushed prices higher, a poultry wholesaler said. Egg dealers also reported a sharp increase in wholesale prices. The procurement cost has increased due to supply constraints, forcing retailers to sell eggs at around Rs 220 per tray. If fresh consignments continue to be delayed, prices could rise further, a dealer said. Vegetable vendors said the impact has been visible across a range of vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, cauliflower, cabbage and leafy greens. Every day we receive fewer supplies than usual. Transportation delays have increased procurement costs, and retailers have little option but to pass on the additional burden to consumers, said a vendor at a city market. Consumers said the sudden rise in prices has put additional pressure on household budgets. The prices of almost everything have increased within a few days. Chicken, eggs and vegetables are all costlier now. For middle-class and low-income families, it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage daily household expenses, said Ajaz Ahmad, a Srinagar resident. Market observers said the Valleys dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for the supply of essential commodities makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by weather-related road closures. Any prolonged interruption in traffic movement often leads to shortages of perishable goods and a corresponding increase in prices. Traders warned that if normal traffic on the highway is not restored soon, prices of essential commodities are likely to increase further as existing stocks get exhausted.

Kargil bravehearts protected nations sovereignty, scripted golden history: Army chief

Kargil Vijay Diwas is an eternal symbol of the Indian Armys indomitable courage, commitment, and supreme sacrifice, Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth said on Sunday. The nation on Sunday marked the 27th year of Indias victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the army chief and other military leaders and civil dignitaries laid wreaths at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras in homage to the fallen heroes. The Indian Army on X shared its top officers message. Kargil Vijay Diwas is an eternal symbol of the Indian Armys indomitable courage, commitment and supreme sacrifice. On this occasion, I offer my humble tribute to the bravehearts of Kargil, whose valour and unbreakable resolve, while protecting the sovereignty of the nation, scripted a golden history of victory, the army chief said. These sacrifices are a source of limitless inspiration for every soldier of the Indian Army, he said. In his message, the army chief asserted that the Indian Army is eternally dedicated to guarding the nation and contributing to the growth of the country. Seth, an officer with the rare distinction of heading two operational army commands along the western front, took charge as the new Chief of the Army Staff on June 30. He assumed the reins of the 1.3 million-strong force at a time when it is forging a path to become self-reliant and future-ready while meeting challenges on the borders. After the main anniversary event Shradhanjali Samaroh at the Kargil War Memorial here, Seth delivered brief remarks to the press. On the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I feel that my presence here injects a new energy and pride in me. I offer my humble tribute to our bravehearts and also affectionately greet their family members, he said. Seth in his remarks, delivered in Hindi, said an Indian soldier is much ahead of personnel in other forces of the world, and cannot be competed with. I want to assure the nation that the Indian Army is with the people in the growth story of the country, and in future, and will make the flag of the country fly higher, he said. Operation Vijay was the name given to Indias limited war against Pakistan after the neighbouring countrys infiltration in 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999.

Speaker interacts with residents of Arampora

The J&K Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, today visited Arampora and Nambalhar areas of the Charar-e-Sharief Assembly Constituency, where he held an extensive public interaction with the local residents to listen to their grievances, developmental aspirations and suggestions for overall progress of the area. During his visit, the Speaker paid obeisance at the revered shrine of the renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Abdul Samad Mir (RA) at Nambalhar, where the annual Urs Mubarak is being observed. He offered prayers and paid rich tributes to the saint, praying for lasting peace, communal harmony and prosperity across Jammu and Kashmir. The Speaker addressed a huge gathering and interacted with the local residents at Arampora. During the interaction, the residents apprised the Speaker of several long-pending developmental issues requiring immediate attention. Prominent among their demands was construction of a bridge over Nallah Shaliganga to connect Tehsil Khansahib with Tehsil Chadoora. The people also highlighted the need for improved road connectivity, augmentation of drinking water supply, strengthening of power infrastructure and upgradation of other essential public amenities. The Speaker gave a patient hearing to every representation and assured the people that all their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action. He said that developmental priorities would be pursued in a phased and planned manner, ensuring that projects of public importance receive due attention and are implemented without unnecessary delay. The Speaker emphasized that the bridge over Shaliganga would serve as a vital link, significantly improving the inter-tehsil connectivity, facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce to markets, reducing travel time and creating new economic opportunities for the farmers and traders. He said that the bridge would immensely benefit thousands of residents living on both sides of the nallah. The Speaker said that the present government is committed to ensure equitable and balanced development across Jammu and Kashmir, with special emphasis on strengthening infrastructure and improving the quality of life in rural and far-flung areas. He said that sustained efforts are being made to expand road connectivity, improve healthcare and educational facilities, augment drinking water supply, strengthen power infrastructure, and create durable public assets that directly benefit the people. He further said that development is the cornerstone of progress and can only be achieved through close coordination between the government and the people. He stressed that every developmental initiative is aimed at improving the public welfare, generating employment opportunities, boosting economic activity and creating better prospects for future generations. The Speaker urged the people not to pay any heed to rumours or misinformation, saying that such elements only obstruct the pace of development and create unnecessary confusion among the public. He appealed to the residents to remain united and extend their wholehearted cooperation in implementation of developmental programmes for the larger interest of the region. The Speaker said that public outreach and direct interaction with the people remain essential for understanding grassroots issues and ensuring that development is driven by the genuine needs and aspirations of the people. He assured the gathering that every sincere effort would be made to resolve their concerns in a transparent and time-bound manner.

Bear attack injures man in Boniyar, shifted to GMC Baramulla

A man was injured in a bear attack in the Behak-Natiyan area of Boniyar on Sunday, officials said. The injured has been identified as Mohd Shareef Sheikh, a resident of Tirkanjan Kangdyal. He sustained injuries after being attacked by a bear in the Behak-Natiyan area. According to news portal GNS , local Army personnel promptly reached the spot, provided first aid to the injured, and assisted in evacuating him to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Boniyar for medical treatment. After receiving initial treatment at PHC Boniyar, doctors referred him to the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for specialised treatment. The incident has once again highlighted the increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict in the area, prompting calls for greater vigilance among residents living near forested regions.

Awareness session on obstructive sleep apnea, obesity & fitness by AANITS

The NIT Srinagar Alumni Association (AANITS) successfully organised an awareness and expert interaction session on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) & the ObesityFitness Connection on Sunday under its flagship Stay Fit, Stay Healthy Campaign. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from alumni, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public, highlighting the growing interest in preventive healthcare and healthy living. The session focused on creating awareness about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common yet frequently undiagnosed sleep disorder closely associated with obesity, poor sleep quality and several chronic health conditions. Experts emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, weight management, regular physical activity and lifestyle modifications in preventing and managing the condition. Renowned pulmonologist Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar, delivered an insightful talk on the health implications of OSA, explaining how poor sleep affects cardiovascular health, metabolism, productivity and overall well-being. Dr. Jameel Manzoor, Senior Consultant (ENT), BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, shared the ENT perspective on sleep apnea, discussing its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and available treatment options while highlighting the vital role of weight reduction and fitness in improving patient outcomes. The programme was convened by Dr. Mir Ishfaq Hussain, Musculoskeletal & Sports Functional Medicine/Injury Specialist (BPT, MPT, PhD-ACSM), who stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced nutrition and preventive healthcare. Aijaz Ahmad Bhat (IPS), SSP Traffic Srinagar, graced the occasion as the Eminent Guest and appreciated the initiative taken by AANITS. He underscored the importance of discipline, healthy living and community awareness in building a healthier society. The event was coordinated by Aaqib Nisar Khan, Power Engineer and NIT Srinagar Alumnus, who played a key role in organising the programme. The interactive session covered several important topics, including understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the link between obesity and sleep disorders, the impact of poor sleep on physical and mental health, lifestyle interventions, fitness strategies and practical measures for improving sleep quality. Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary of AANITS, Er Farhan Shah and torch bearer of Stay fit stay healthy campaign reaffirmed the associations commitment to promoting health awareness beyond academics by bringing together leading experts to educate society on lifestyle diseases and preventive healthcare. They emphasized that the Stay Fit, Stay Healthy Campaign aims to inspire people to adopt healthier habits, as even small lifestyle changes can lead to significant long-term health benefits. The programme concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, where participants interacted with the experts and received practical guidance on improving sleep, managing weight and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Health centerNichama, Handwarain 2 rented rooms

The health centre at Nichama in north Kashmirs Handwara sub-district continues to operate from two rented rooms of a residential house despite repeated demands from residents for the construction of a separate concrete building to ensure better healthcare facilities in the area. The residents have expressed strong resentment against health department for failing to come up with a building for the health centre resulting severe hardships to the locals. The residents said that the health centre was upgraded to health and wellness centre few years back but nothing has been done with regard to construction of the building. The health centre has been functioning in a residential house since 1986 and since then we have time and again brought this issue into the notice of concerned officials but to no avail, Majid Ahmad, a local told Greater Kashmir . He said that even locals have offered free land to the department but still health department was reluctant to construct building for the health centre. The residents said that the health centre was also without an ambulance due to which they were suffering. Since our village happens to be a heavy snowbound area and during winters we suffer a lot at a time when any medical emergency arises. We are forced to shoulder patients to a specific spot from where we board vehicle and carry them to hospital for treatment, they added. The residents have appealed authorities to construct a building for Nichama health centre and provide an ambulance to them.

SDH Kupwara sans ENT, dermatologist specialists

Patients visiting Sub District Hospital Kupwara have been suffering due to unavailability of ENT and dermatologists there. The residents said that either they have to visit GMC Handwara or take private consultation for treatment. The residents said that they were happy over DNB accreditation to SDH Kupwara and were hopeful that authorities would depute specialist doctors here but almost two years have passed since the hospital was upgraded still it is functioning without specialist doctors. Sub District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara caters to thousands of people who have been left at the mercy of private practicing doctors. Even SDH Kupwara remains first choice for patients from border areas including Karnah, Machil, Keran, Budnamal, Jumgand, Kumkadi and others but due to lack of ENT and dermatologist doctors here, they suffer a lot, Shahid Peer, a local told Greater Kashmir . Earlier ENT doctor was performing duties here but after his attachment was cancelled a year ago, his replacement has not been made, he added.. MLA Kupwara Mir Fayaz told Greater Kashmir that he has taken up the issue with higher ups several times but nothing has been done so far in this regard. He appealed to Health Minister Sakina Itoo to post ENT and dermatologist doctors at SDH Kupwara without further delay.

No maternity hospital for 10 lakh people in Kupwara district

Kashmirs farthest district, Kupwara, spread over 2400 square kilometers approximately, has no maternity hospital. Its 10 lakh residents face poor health facilities for mother and child, often requiring referrals and involving risks in the difficult terrain. The population has appealed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to establish a maternity and child care hospital in Kupwara town. The residents said that establishment of maternity and child care hospital at District Headquarters Kupwara is need of the hour. People from snowbound areas like Machil, Keran, Tanghdar, Jumagund, Budnamal, Kumkadi and several other areas are the most affected people and by establishing a special maternity and child care hospital at Kupwara, it will bring much needed relief to the people, Abdul Ahad, a local told Greater Kashmir . It will be a relief for the high risk pregnancies that are referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara or LD Srinagar. Even people from plain areas suffer due to lack of better pregnancy care at District Headquarters Kupwara, he added. A doctor posted in Medical Block Kupwara said that the move will be a relief for patients and will help to decrease the referral rate. The travel from Kupwara to Srinagar is tiresome for pregnant women as ambulances remain stuck in traffic jams for hours. Most of the patients who turn to government hospitals can't bear the travel expenses so establishment of this facility is need of the hour, he added. The residents said that they have been raising this issue for the last several decades but according to them every dispensation has failed to deliver with regard to establishing the hospital. They have now appealed J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and MLA Kupwara Mir Fayaz to take a call on this pressing issue. Meanwhile MLA Kupwara Mir Fayaz while reacting on this issue, said that he has raised this issue in Assembly consistently over the past three sessions but nothing has been done so far in this regard. I even led a delegation of Kupwara civil society to meet CM Omar Abdullah in this regard but the CM's promise did not yield anything yet, he added. I remember CM Omar Abdullah saying in Kupwara before government formation that if his party comes into power, Kupwara will get a super-specialty hospital but even that promise has turned out to be a hoax, Mir added.

Road connecting Rangpath, Dogripora dilapidated, risky

The residents of Rengpath and Dogripora have expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the road connecting the two areas. They said that the damaged stretch of the road has become a major source of inconvenience for the public. The road is riddled with potholes and has an uneven surface making travel difficult and unsafe. Commuters, schoolchildren, patients and transport operators are among those worst affected, as the poor condition of the road has disrupted daily travel and routine activities, a local told Greater Kashmir . The road has become hazardous, particularly during rainy weather with the result water gets accumulated in the damaged portions which increase the risk of accidents manifold, he added. A driver who operates his sumo on the said road said that the deteriorating road was taking a toll on vehicles and affecting public transport. Poor road connectivity has disrupted our daily lives and cause frequent damage to vehicles. We want the authorities to prioritise the reconstruction of this road, he said. The residents said that despite repeated appeals, the condition of the road has remained unchanged. We urge the concerned authorities to take immediate notice of the issue and undertake the repair and upgradation of the road at the earliest to ensure safe and smooth connectivity between the two areas, they added. MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed while reacting on the issue said that he has taken the issue with the concerned department and hopefully the said road will be repaired soon.

J&K Medical Colleges grapple with flouted mandatory attendance rules

Government Medical Colleges (GMC) in J&K are facing challenges with widespread violation of mandatory attendance norms for MBBS students. This has prompted action in form of seeking explanation notices to defaulters, while the administrations of these colleges mull decisive deterrents, amidst National Medical Commission (NMC) highlighting lax enforcement. Amid the expanding medical seats in the J&K and in other states and UTs of India, the NMC has tapped the medical colleges over the lax enforcement of attendance directive. In this context, GMC Srinagar recently issued notice to several Phase-I MBBS students of the 2025 batch and demanded written explanations for their poor attendance records. Similar concerns have been received from other colleges where the mandatory thresholds are reportedly being routinely flouted. The NMC mandates that MBBS students must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance in theory classes and 80% in practical and clinical sessions to be eligible for university examinations. Students would be barred from appearing in exams, including supplementary ones for failing to meet this threshold. The growing menace of absenteeism has pushed the medical faculty members to raise alarm over the chronic low attendance. They argue that it is undermining the quality of medical training, particularly in hands-on clinical skills under the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum. Many of them expressed anguish over the trend and said that real patient interaction, ward rounds, and practical sessions cannot be substituted by self-study or online resources alone. A senior professor at GMC Srinagar said, Attendance rules exist for a reason. Medicine is a practical profession. When students skip classes and postings regularly, it affects their competence and ultimately patient care. The NMC has recently reiterated strict standards for both students and faculty. Some students said they are hassled by long travel distances, inadequate hostel facilities, overlapping schedules. In addition, many said they were preparing for NEET UG again in order to land in a better college. Some students, in senior years, said they were preparing for NEET-PG. One first-year MBBS student from GMC Srinagar said, The system needs to address genuine issues of students. We dont have a place to live here, he said. The new medical colleges located in the far-off areas, and inadequate infrastructure settings are also facing difficulties with attendance of students. Many students, admitted in colleges out of the cities and large towns have been facing difficulties with accommodation, according to students. Medical colleges, as per officials, are intensifying monitoring, with regular attendance audits and digital/biometric tracking.

Sooryavanshi, Mayank Yadav script India's 35-run win, sweep Zimbabwe 3-0

Harare, Jul 26:Vaibhav Sooryavanshis remarkably adaptive 81 and an equally solid effort from bowlers led by pacer Mayank Yadav ensured Indias smooth 35-run win over Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I here on Sunday. Along with the victory, India also completed a 3-0 sweep, a fine step-up after surrendering the previous two series to England (0-4) and Ireland (0-2). Zimbabwe had to bat out of their skin to chase down 193 on a rather sluggish pitch. But they did not have enough patience or nous for it, ending up at 157 for seven despite Ryan Burl making a fine unbeaten 54. Just like in the previous matches, Zimbabwe lost one too many wickets early as they could not properly use the Power Play segment. Pacer Yash Thakur (2/45) got rid of Dion Myers and skipper Sikandar Raza off successive balls in the fourth over as the hosts slipped to 34 for three. Earlier Mayank (3/29), who bowled with heaps of pace and accuracy, had ousted Brian Bennett in the first ball of the innings as Zimbabwe struggled for an early move-on. It became a trend as the innings progressed despite Indians grassing as many as four catches and conceding couple of boundaries in another sloppy fielding effort. Burl played a nice innings of assurance and formed a good 60-run alliance with Wesley Madhevere (28) for the fifth wicket. The Zimbabweans played some forceful shots around the park, but the early damage was too big to mitigate. India too suffered an early jolt, losing a struggling Abhishek Sharma for 2 after opting to bat. But Sooryavanshi showcased another side of his batting during the 49-ball innings on a slightly tacky pitch at the Harare Sports Club, and The 15-year-old started in a relatively subdued fashion first 10 balls produced a mere 11 runs, the next 10 saw the arrival of 15 runs, and eventually his second T20I fifty came in 31 balls. There were a few stunning shots as one would expect in a Sooryavanshi innings. A straight punch for a four off Brad Evans yorker and then a 102-metre six off off-spinner Sikandar Raza showed his age-defying power and skills. There was a moment of innovation too when he reverse swept spinner Madhevere for a boundary. But overall, it was an innings of restraint on the day from the Bihar boy. But on the other hand, his opening partner Abhishek got out for his sixth below par score in succession, edging pacer Blessing Muzarabani to stumper Tadi Marumani. Now, Abhisheks last six innings read: 10, 16, 3, 1, 8, 2, dating back to the third T20I at Nottingham against England last month. But Sooryavanshi showed enough maturity to stitch a 75-run partnership with Ishan Kishan (29) for the second wicket and followed it up with a 50-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (27) for the next wicket. However, the left-hander fell close to a well-deserved hundred with Evans taking a stunning catch at long-off off Madhevere. Once Sooryavanshi and Shreyas departed, the middle order batters struggled to impart the desired momentum to the innings. It reflected in the 47 runs they scored off in the last five overs, and Rinku Singh's cameo (25, 14b) was needed for India to move closer to 200.

Mirabai strikes gold again, Rishikanta takes silver, swimmers reach relay final

Glasgow, Jul 26:Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu underlined her status as India's greatest weightlifter of her generation with a record-shattering third successive Commonwealth Games gold, while Rishikanta Singh battled injury to claim a historic silver as the country enjoyed a productive day at the Games here Sunday. Mirabai was in a league of her own in the women's 48kg competition, rewriting the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games record books en route to lifting 190kg (85kg snatch and 105kg clean and jerk). It was India's first gold in this edition of the Games and third medal overall so far. Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar had opened India's medal account with a bronze in the men's heavyweight event on Friday. The 31-year-old Manipuri overcame a missed opening attempt in both the snatch and clean and jerk before recovering in trademark fashion to finish a massive 22kg ahead of Nigeria's Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who settled for silver with 168kg. Having already secured the title and with the Asian Games less than two months away, Mirabai opted to skip her final clean and jerk attempt after breaking the Commonwealth Games records in clean and jerk and total lift. Before Mirabai's gold-winning show, Rishikanta Singh settled for a silver in the men's 60kg category after an injury denied him a realistic shot at gold. The Manipuri lifter matched the Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a 121kg effort and entered the clean and jerk in the lead. However, he could manage only 143kg after failing his final two attempts, finishing with a total of 264kg. Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq Kasdan seized the opportunity by producing a Games record 152kg clean and jerk for a winning total of 273kg, while Kenya's Joshua Amunga Mboya claimed bronze with 260kg. Rishikanta later revealed that a knee injury suffered a week before the competition resurfaced during the clean and jerk phase, robbing him of the power needed to complete his heavier lifts. I came here for gold. After the snatch, I was in the leading position, but my knee created a problem. I was able to clean the weight but could not push because one thigh was not working properly. I tried my best, he told PTI. The 28-year-old nevertheless scripted history by becoming the first male weightlifter from Manipur to win a Commonwealth Games medal and the first from the state to compete in the sport at the Games. Swimmers stay in medal hunt In swimming, India's men's 4x200m freestyle relay team kept medal hopes alive by qualifying for the final after finishing third in their heat. The quartet of Dhakshan Shashikumar, Aneesh Sunil Kumar Gowda, Aryan Nehra and Srihari Nataraj clocked 7:39.48 to finish behind Australia and England in their heat and qualified fifth overall across the two heats. The Indians produced a strong finish to edge past Jersey and secure their place in the eight-team final. Disappointment from Lawn Bowls Arena There was disappointment in lawn bowls, where Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh saw their three-match winning streak end with a narrow defeat to Namibia in the women's pairs sectional event. After losing the opening set 5-7, the Indians bounced back to dominate the second 10-1 before going down 0-3 in the tie-break to Amanda Steenkamp and Diana Viljoen. The Indian pair will now face England in their final sectional match, with a semifinal berth at stake.

FM Sitharaman directs Income Tax Deptt to work for benefit of common people

Mumbai, Jul 26:Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday urged the Income Tax department to work for the benefit of common people without making them run from pillar to post. She also went public with her disappointment at the laidback nature of government departments, which leads to illegal occupation or encroachments on government lands and underlined the need for integrity in conduct from all officials. Citing the challenges faced by the department in getting permissions to construct a building in the Nariman Point business district, which she inaugurated on Sunday, Sitharaman said these experiences, despite serving in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), would have given them an idea of what the common man goes through. An IRS officer has the name of the Income Tax department behind him, a powerful force to frighten people, Sitharaman reminded, adding that despite this, the officials had to run from pillar to post to get clearances from authorities to proceed with work on the 13-floor building. Can this (experience) incentivise you to understand the position of a common citizen when he approaches you? Don't make them run from pillar to post where your authority is required; do the work for them, the FM said. The minister was quick to say that she is not asking the officials to break the rules or do something out of the way for the common citizens but rued that it takes a lot of effort in this country for people to get their rightful claims. The land parcel on which Aaykar Sindhu, the 1.13 lakh sq ft building, is built, had been with the I-T department since 1973, Sitharaman said, adding that despite this, illegal occupations had sprouted up on the land. The fact that you led it to have occupations, illegal occupation, shows somewhere in our governance, we are too laid back. It is somebody's job to take care of our assets, and when it is encroached, we say, oh, we have the land, but we can't build it, she said. Sitharaman also promised to look into the issue of many of the I-T officials not staying in official accommodations in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai areas, hinting that half of them do not enjoy such a facility and also travel for long to get to workplaces. Stating that she would prefer government-to-government transfer of lands for the purpose, Sitharaman assured that she will facilitate the quick transfer of lands and other aspects like getting the permissions, building, dealing with CPWD (Central Public Works Department), assigning contracts and tenders will be the job I-T officials will have to perform. Get it all done at the earliest so that we do not get into the second half of the 21st century with scattered office spaces, rental accommodation in a city, which is fast growing and expect to pay rents or lease rental at phenomenal rates, she said. She particularly mentioned state-run BSNL, asking officials to get the telco's land and promised to speak with her counterpart minister. Meanwhile, she also used the opportunity to underline the importance of integrity in the discharge of a critical work like tax collection for the country. Integrity is the one and only principle I will advocate to each one of you, she said.

How J&K seeks to protect genuine handicrafts from counterfeits

Srinagar, Jul 2:As Jammu and Kashmir seeks to revive its handicrafts sector and expand its footprint in domestic and international markets, the Handicrafts Quality Control Council has emerged as a key institutional mechanism for safeguarding the authenticity and quality of the Union Territory's traditional crafts. Constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts (Quality Control) Act, 1978, the Council is responsible for enforcing quality standards, advising the government on quality control measures and ensuring that genuine handcrafted products from Jammu and Kashmir maintain their identity in increasingly competitive markets. The present Council was constituted by the Industries and Commerce Department through a notification issued in April this year and will remain in office for three years. The handicrafts sector is one of the oldest traditional industries in Jammu and Kashmir, providing direct and indirect employment to lakhs of artisans. Products such as hand-knotted carpets, pashmina shawls, kani shawls, papier-mch, walnut wood carving, crewel embroidery and chain stitch enjoy recognition in global markets. However, the sector has been facing mounting challenges over the years due to counterfeit products, machine-made imitations, inconsistent quality standards and changing consumer preferences. Officials believe that a robust quality control framework is essential to preserve the reputation of Kashmiri handicrafts, particularly as consumers increasingly seek certified and authentic handmade products. The Council brings together senior officials from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department along with representatives of important institutions connected with the sector. Under the notification, the senior of the two Directors of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir and Jammu, serves as the Chairman, while the other Director is a member. Other official members include the Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation, the Director of the Craft Development Institute, the Director of the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and the Deputy Director, Handicrafts Quality Control, who functions as the Member Secretary. The government has also ensured industry participation by including representatives of leading trade and artisan bodies. The non-official members include the President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the President of the Confederation of Chamber of Industry, Jammu, the President of Tahafuz Society, and representatives of Meeras Carpet Weavers Industrial Cooperative Ltd., Warasat Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Ltd., Basohli Vishwasthali Art and Painting Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Ltd., and KYASC Basohli Pashmina Artisans Producer Company Ltd. The composition of the Council reflects an effort to bring policymakers, technical experts, industry representatives and artisan organisations onto a common platform for addressing issues related to product quality, certification and market acceptance. The Council plays a significant role in framing quality standards for handicraft products, recommending testing and certification procedures, monitoring compliance with prescribed norms and advising the government on policy interventions needed to improve quality assurance. It also helps prevent the misuse of the Kashmir brand by discouraging the sale of imitation products falsely marketed as authentic handicrafts from the region. The quality certification mechanism has gained added importance following the Geographical Indication (GI) registration of several Kashmiri handicraft products, including Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet, Kani Shawl, Sozni Embroidery, Papier-Mch and Walnut Wood Carving. Maintaining strict quality standards is considered essential for protecting these GI-tagged products from counterfeit goods and preserving consumer confidence. Industry experts have often pointed out that while Jammu and Kashmir's handicrafts enjoy international recognition, inconsistent quality and the proliferation of machine-made products sold under the Kashmir label have affected the sector's competitiveness. They argue that stronger quality control and certification can help improve exports, enhance buyer confidence and ensure better returns for artisans. Apart from protecting consumers, the Council is expected to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the handicrafts sector by promoting standardisation, encouraging innovation without compromising traditional craftsmanship and strengthening the credibility of handmade products in global markets. According to the government notification, the Chairman and members of the Handicrafts Quality Control Council will hold office for a period of three years in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts (Quality Control) Rules, 1998.

INDIA bloc set to raise alleged excesses against NEET protesters in Parliament

New Delhi, Jul 26:INDIA bloc parties are set to press for an urgent discussion in Parliament on the alleged use of excessive force against students protesting over the NEET paper leak, with Rahul Gandhi writing to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking accountability and TMC's Sagarika Ghose moving a notice for the suspension of the day's business to take up the issue of grave national importance on Monday. While the Centre is scheduled to introduce a bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday to strengthen the anti-paper leak law and the Cockroach Janta Party(CJP) has called off its agitation following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as education minister and the acceptance of other demands by the government, Congress and other opposition parties are in no mood to relent. They are expected to demand answers from the government in both Houses over allegations of pellet gun use, the deployment of men in plain clothes during the July 20 protest and the injuries suffered by several students. In a letter to Shah, Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, demanded accountability for what he termed the arbaric assault on peacefully protesting students and questioned whether the home minister had approved the use of lethal force, including pellet guns, against the youth. The Congress leader alleged that hundreds of students had suffered injuries during the police action and claimed women protesters were assaulted by police personnel. Referring to 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, whom he met on Friday, Gandhi said the student was likely to lose vision in one eye after allegedly being hit by pellets during the July 20 protest. Gandhi also sought to know whether men in plainclothes seen beating students with lathis were police personnel or volunteers and who had authorised their deployment, saying he country is demanding answers. He asserted that peaceful protest was integral to democracy and that the government's responsibility was to protect protesters and address their grievances through dialogue. Separately, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha deputy leader Ghose submitted a notice under Rule 267 seeking suspension of the day's business in the Rajya Sabha on Monday to allow an immediate discussion on what she described as the use of excessive force on student protestors during NEET examination protests. Calling it a matter of grave national importance, Ghose said the right to peaceful protest was a constitutional right, but student protesters had allegedly been subjected to lethal and semi-lethal force by security agencies. Her notice referred to reports of pellet gun injuries, including the possible loss of vision of one student due to use of the pellet gun by the Rapid Action Force, and sought answers on who authorised the use of such weapons and what protocols were followed. It also referred to eyewitness accounts alleging that individuals in plain clothes used coercive and violent methods against students. A senior opposition leader said the resignation of Pradhan did not mark the end of the issue. Pradhan's resignation is not the full stop; it is only a semicolon. The Prime Minister should apologise to the students, while the Home Minister must explain where the pellets came from and who authorised their use. The role of the Home Minister has to be investigated. The youth have now handed the baton to Members of Parliament, the leader said.

India scaling new heights in defence production: PM Modi

New Delhi, Jul 26:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is continuously scaling new heights in defence production, military exports and also in the field of political cooperation with friendly nations. Addressing his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat', he also paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil war in 1999. The prime minister, however, did not refer to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests on the NEET paper leak issue which concluded on Saturday after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister and acceptance of the protesters' other demands by the government. Recording of the Mann Ki Baat is normally done two to three days ahead of the scheduled broadcast. Referring to the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', the prime minister said there are certain days in people's lives that do not require a calendar to be remembered. Today, the 26th of July, is one such date. Today is 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'. This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers. Towering peaks of Kargil, harsh weather, the challenge posed by the enemy - our soldiers faced every such circumstance, yet their spirit was greater than every challenge, he said. Modi said India of today not only remembers her heroes but also conveys their saga to the new generation and, with this very sentiment, a special 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' has been organised this year. The prime minister said alongside the courage of the soldiers, India is also continuously strengthening its technological capabilities. He said a few days ago, INS Mahendragiri was inducted into the Indian Navy and this modern warship has been designed and built in India itself. More than 75 per cent of the materials used in it are indigenous. It is a symbol of the growing strength of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', he said. Modi said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also successfully tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket this month and behind this success lies the collective perseverance of the scientists and engineers. Only two-three days ago, the DRDO also successfully tested the Kusha missile, he said. Whether it is defence production, defence exports, or political cooperation with friendly nations, India is continuously scaling new heights, he said. The prime minister said when he was in Indonesia early this month, a major agreement regarding BrahMos and Astra missiles was concluded, and this reflected that global confidence in India's defence equipment and technology is growing. Referring to India's first rocket developed by the private sector, he said every Indian is filled with pride following the successful launch of 'Vikram-1' last Sunday. All of us Indians were witnesses to this historic moment for India's space sector. Our young innovators achieved something that was once difficult to even imagine - they displayed remarkable skill, passion and patience, he said. Modi said for a long time the Indian space sector remained closed to the private sector, denying many interested young people the opportunity to showcase their talent. Keeping the interests of the youth in mind, we opened up the space sector to private enterprise, and today, the world is witnessing the results, he said. Talking about the campaign 'Catch The Rain' for the conservation of rainwater, he said the message is very simple: conserve the water right where and when the rain falls. That is why a special nationwide campaign has been underway since the 4th of July. Under this initiative, fresh momentum is being given to rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, the rejuvenation of old water bodies and tree plantation, he said. The prime minister also referred to badminton icon P V Sindhu becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open title, saying the entire nation is proud of this achievement of hers. He spoke about the Indian women's cricket team's first-ever Test match win at Lord's Stadium in London, and said this was a historic victory. Modi also highlighted a sports-related initiative in South Chittoor, Ernakulam, where a school has a Sanskrit club where a teacher, Abhilash, is popularising Sanskrit in a unique way. This project has been named 'Aksharakanduk'; it explains Sanskrit letters in a simple manner by linking them to terms used in football. This makes learning enjoyable while also fostering a deeper connection between people and sports, he said. The prime minister also spoke about the successes achieved by Indian students in Science Olympiads, a women's Self-Help Group in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor creating 'Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea' and lakhs of saplings being planted through the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. As the country will celebrate the 'National Handloom Day' on August 7, he urged everyone to honour the weavers by encouraging handloom crafts. Come, let us further strengthen the spirit of being 'Vocal for Local', he added.

Amarnath Yatra 2026: Convoy bus catches fire near Chamalwas Banihal on NH-44

Ramban, Jul 26:A Baltal -up convoy bus carrying Amarnath Yatris suffered a mechanical fault after its silencer suddenly caught fire at around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday near Chamalwas Main Point in Banihal area of Ramban district, official sources said. The vehicle, bearing registration number MP43-2C-2004 and driven by Rajesh Dhakkad, came to a halt after the fire broke out. The blaze was swiftly brought under control by the Station Officer (SO) and his team, who used a fire extinguisher and immediately switched off the vehicle, preventing the flames from spreading. All 65 pilgrims on board were safely evacuated without any injuries, averting what could have been a major mishap. Senior officials, including the Zonal Officer (ZO), Station House Officer (SHO) and the Quick Response Team (QRT), rushed to the spot and coordinated the rescue and relief operation. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban Arun Gupta said the stranded passengers were shifted to a spare bus and resumed their onward journey without further disruption. Officials said the prompt response of the police and rescue teams ensured the safety of all the yatris and prevented any loss of life or property. The incident caused only a brief interruption to the convoy before normal movement was restored.

MLA Sajad Shaheen seeks restoration of special KatraBanihal train

Ramban, Jul 26:With the GoolSangaldan Road remaining completely closed following severe land subsidence at Parnote, BanihalGool MLA Sajad Shaheen on Sunday urged the Northern Railway authorities to immediately restore the Special KatraBanihal Rail Service to provide much-needed relief to the affected population. The closure of the vital road link has disrupted normal life across the BanihalGool region, leaving thousands of passengers, students, government employees, patients, traders and families stranded while affecting access to essential services. Expressing serious concern over the situation, Shaheen said the special train service, which was discontinued a few months ago, should be resumed without delay to serve as an alternative mode of transport until road connectivity is restored. The restoration of the Special KatraBanihal Rail Service will provide a crucial lifeline for the people and significantly ease the hardships faced by commuters during the ongoing crisis, the MLA said. He added that the rail service would facilitate the movement of students, employees, patients and other travellers who are facing immense difficulties due to the road closure. Shaheen also called upon the concerned departments to undertake restoration work on the damaged GoolSangaldan Road on a war footing. He stressed the need for immediate intervention to reopen the road at the earliest to ensure the smooth movement of people, vehicles and essential supplies. Meanwhile, residents of the affected areas have also appealed to the administration to expedite restoration efforts and revive the special rail service, saying the twin measures are essential to minimise the impact of the disruption on public life until the road is made traffic-worthy again.

Fresh land subsidence shuts RambanGool road again

Ramban, Jul 26:Fresh land subsidence triggered by monsoon rains has once again forced the closure of the vital RambanGool Road at Parnote in Ramban district, cutting off Gool Subdivision and several adjoining areas from the district headquarters. Officials said the road was closed after the ground began sinking again, rendering the affected stretch unsafe for vehicular movement. As a precautionary measure, traffic has been suspended for all types of vehicles until the damaged section is assessed and declared safe. The closure has snapped the only road link connecting Gandhri Block and several parts of Gool Subdivision with Ramban town, causing major inconvenience to commuters, students, government employees, patients and traders. The same stretch had witnessed a major land subsidence on April 25, 2024, resulting in a prolonged closure of the road. Following extensive restoration work by the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), the route was reopened for light passenger vehicles on May 28, 2024. However, continuous monsoon rainfall has triggered fresh subsidence at the vulnerable site, forcing the authorities to halt traffic once again to prevent any untoward incident. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and full-scale restoration work will continue subject to favourable weather conditions and the stability of the affected slope. Meanwhile, a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officer said restoration work on the damaged road stretch was initiated on Sunday afternoon. Men and machinery have been deployed at the site to clear the affected portion and restore connectivity at the earliest, provided weather conditions remain favourable. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid the route until further notice and appealed to the public to cooperate with the restrictions in the interest of safety. Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan along with other officers also visited to affected area

LG Ladakh VK Saxena inaugurates first Special School for children in Kargil

Kargil, Jul 26: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Union Territory's first Special School for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) in Kargil, marking a historic milestone in the Administration's commitment to ensuring equitable, inclusive and quality education for every child. Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan were present during the inauguration. The Special School has been established to provide a dedicated learning environment equipped to address the educational, developmental and therapeutic needs of children with special needs, ensuring that every child receives opportunities to learn, grow and lead a life of dignity and independence. The school features barrier-free infrastructure with ramps, accessible classrooms and child-friendly facilities, along with assistive technologies to support diverse learning needs. It is equipped with dedicated resource rooms, therapy and rehabilitation support, and specialised learning aids to ensure holistic development. The school is backed by trained special educators and support staff. Addressing the gathering, LG Saxena said that the inauguration of the Special School is not merely the opening of a new educational institution but the beginning of a new chapter in Kargil's journey towards inclusive education. He observed that the school reflects the Administration's unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, irrespective of physical, intellectual, sensory or developmental challenges. Referring to the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Lieutenant Governor stated that every child deserves equal opportunities to learn and succeed. He said that the establishment of the Special School is a significant step towards making education inclusive, accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of every learner. He further reiterated the UT Administration's commitment to making every Government school inclusive so that Children with Special Needs can access quality education closer to their homes. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the success of inclusive education cannot be achieved by the Government alone and requires active participation from society. He appealed to parents, local communities, School Management Committees, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals and volunteers to work together in creating a compassionate environment where children with special needs are respected for their abilities, welcomed without discrimination and empowered to realise their fullest potential. Saxena stated that the Administration is continuously upgrading educational infrastructure in accordance with CBSE norms and national standards through investments in modern classrooms, science laboratories, ICT facilities, libraries, sports infrastructure and safe learning environments. Referring specifically to the needs of Children with Special Needs, he said that the Administration will continue to strengthen barrier-free infrastructure, assistive technologies, accessible classrooms, therapeutic support, resource rooms and trained special educators to ensure that every learner can participate in education with dignity and confidence. LG Saxena expressed confidence that the Special School would emerge as a centre of excellence for inclusive education and serve as a model institution for empowering Children with Special Needs in Ladakh. Calling for a collective commitment towards inclusive development, the Lieutenant Governor urged all stakeholders to work together to build a Ladakh where every child matters, every learner is valued and every dream is given the opportunity to flourish.

Flood-hit families say SDRF relief falls short

Rajouri, Jul 26:As hundreds of families across the flood-ravaged districts of Rajouri and Poonch struggle to rebuild their lives, growing concern has emerged over the existing compensation norms under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), with affected residents terming the relief grossly inadequate and demanding a complete revision of the compensation policy. Families whose houses have either collapsed or suffered extensive damage said the compensation provided under the prevailing SDRF guidelines is insufficient to rebuild their homes, leaving them anxious about their future. Many of the affected residents said they have been rendered homeless after their houses were either completely washed away or declared unsafe due to severe structural damage caused by the recent floods. With their lifelong savings lost and belongings destroyed, they are now looking towards the government for financial assistance. However, the existing compensation norms have come as a major disappointment. We are in a state of panic after learning that the compensation under the existing SDRF provisions is too little to help us rebuild our homes, said several affected families. Residents also referred to the compensation disbursed after Operation Sindoor, stating that owners of fully damaged pucca houses had received around Rs 1.20 lakh, while compensation for partially damaged houses amounted to only a few thousand rupees. They added that although the Government of India later announced a special assistance package, the relief remained inadequate, with 2 lakh provided for fully damaged houses and limited assistance for partially damaged structures. Can anyone rebuild a completely damaged pucca house with one or two lakh rupees? questioned several affected residents, urging the government to reassess the compensation framework. The families appealed to the government to amend the SDRF norms and ensure that compensation reflects the actual extent of losses suffered by disaster-affected households. Our entire life's savings have been washed away. We have nothing left. Compensation should be realistic so that families can rebuild their homes with dignity, they said. Supporting the demand, Rajouri MLA Iftkhar Ahmed said the present compensation structure is inadequate and fails to address the ground realities faced by disaster-hit families. He demanded Rs 20 lakh as compensation for every fully damaged pucca house, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for severely and partially damaged pucca houses respectively, Rs 8 lakh for fully damaged kacha houses, and Rs 34 lakh for partially damaged kacha houses. The MLA urged both the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Central Government to revise the existing SDRF compensation norms so that families devastated by natural disasters receive meaningful financial support to rebuild their lives.

The need for collaboration

The higher education sector in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant expansion over the last two decades, with the establishment of more universities, colleges, and other technical and management institutions across the region. While this expansion is aimed at to improve the access to higher education, it has also created new challenges for academic colleges and universities that require immediate attention. One of the most pressing concerns is the duplication of academic programmes across the colleges and universities, declining student enrolment, least student preferences for certain disciplines including Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, underutilisation of institutional capacity, and outdated/redundant curricula that do not adequately address the demands of the region as well as of the contemporary world. With the result on one hand, the continuing joblessness of graduates and other degree holders has put a question mark on the degree awarding process and on the other hand, admission decline has opened a debate on quality vs. numbers of institutions. A University in private sector has also been established now. This is expected to reduce the need for students to leave J&K for job oriented higher education besides creating jobs for local faculty, researchers, administrative staff, and support personnel. Many institutions in J&K provide similar undergraduate and postgraduate programmes without adequate consideration of collaboration to fulfil regional needs, employment opportunities, research potential, or emerging areas of knowledge. While academic diversity is important, excessive duplication across the HEIs often leads to unnecessary competition among institutions for a limited pool of local students rather than encouraging specialisation and excellence to make each institution unique for certain programmes and degrees. The fact of the matter is that number of aspiring candidates to take admissions in colleges and universities for various UG & IG programmes is actually less. Further, the universities which were supposed to emerge as research intensive universities have shifted to offer four year undergraduate and five year integrated academic programmes, which has created additional problem for degree colleges in terms of student preferences for university campuses. With the result, the number of degree colleges and university departments and centres offering UG & IPG programmes have actually more intake capacity than the admission aspirants. For example, this year, 59,435 students successfully qualified the 12th examination in Kashmir region; while as 35,299 students have qualified the examination from Jammu division. The question remains how many of them are really interested to take admission in J&K academic colleges because majority prefer professional colleges within the UT, or outside the UT and the country. The result is, leftover aspirants are not adequate for admission in degree colleges particularly in the newly established colleges devoid of proper space, infrastructure and human resource. Therefore, many colleges and universities struggle to fill their sanctioned seats every year. Therefore, instead of increasing the number of institutions and replicating the same programmes within them, there is a need to develop centres of excellence with specialised academic identities based on infrastructure, faculty expertise, geographical advantages, and research potential in individual institutions. Further, the institutions with overlapping programmes may need restructuring and collaboration to ensure effective utilisation of resources. Such an approach would reduce duplication, improve academic standards and encourage preferences for admission in local colleges rather than shifting to outside institutions. Therefore, Jammu and Kashmir needs a forward-looking higher education policy that aligns academic programmes with collaborations among colleges and universities to strengthen the regions knowledge economy. Rather than functioning as isolated institutions competing for the same students, institutions can achieve far greater academic, research, and societal impact by working together and sharing resources for multidisciplinary education capable of addressing complex challenges in research and innovation. Regional collaboration will enhance educational quality, promote innovation, optimize resources, and contribute to regional development and sustainable higher education ecosystem. Collaboration can be done in multiple ways, for example, between the colleges, between a college and a university and between universities for joint degree, integrated degree, double major degree and dual degree programmes. Many institutions possess specialized laboratories, libraries, research equipment, and expert faculty that remain underutilized due to loss of admissions. Through collaborative agreements, these facilities and expertise can be shared; reducing duplication of infrastructure, ensuring efficient use of public investment, complement one anothers strengths and offer shared academic programmes. Pooling expertise across institutions will increase the likelihood of securing research funding through NRF that will directly benefit the region to excel in research and innovation through efficient use of financial and human resources, thereby contribute to development of regional economy and knowledge creation. Newly established or developing institutions can benefit from the infrastructure, experience, mentorship, and best practices of more established colleges and universities, thereby effectively contributing to capacity building and regional knowledge creation and socioeconomic development. Joint internship programmes, skill development initiatives, entrepreneurship centres, and innovation hubs will create better employment opportunities for graduates. Student mobility and academic flexibility through credit transfer using Academic Bank of Credits will be another significant outcome of collaborating institutions. The author is Associate Professor of Zoology, Islamia College of Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Srinagar.

Who owns the voters mandate?

The most valuable asset in a democracy is neither a political party nor a charismatic leader. It is the trust of the voter. Every election is built upon a simple understanding: citizens cast their votes for a candidate, a party, an ideology, and a vision for governance. Yet, across India, this understanding is increasingly being tested by a political culture in which defections, splits, mergers, and realignments have become commonplace. The question that emerges is both simple and profound: who truly owns the voters mandate? Over the last decade, Indian politics has witnessed an unprecedented wave of political migration. Maharashtra saw a dramatic split within Shiv Sena, where a large section of legislators moved with the faction led by Eknath Shinde, fundamentally altering the states political landscape. In West Bengal, defections between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP became a defining feature of electoral competition, with leaders crossing party lines in pursuit of new political opportunities. Political commentators have increasingly described defections not as isolated incidents but as a recurring feature of contemporary politics. These developments raise uncomfortable questions for representative democracy. If voters elect a representative on one partys symbol and that representative later changes allegiance, does the mandate belong to the individual politician or to the political platform on which the election was won? While the Constitution provides legal mechanisms to deal with defections, the moral and democratic questions remain unresolved. This debate has particular relevance for Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory is undergoing a crucial phase in its democratic journey. After years of political uncertainty, elected institutions are once again expected to serve as the primary channel through which public aspirations are articulated. At such a moment, political stability and ideological coherence are not merely matters of party interest; they are essential to democratic confidence. The pressure on political parties in Jammu and Kashmir is therefore unlike that in many other regions. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, for instance, occupies a strategically important position in national politics. Its parliamentary representation has enhanced its relevance in negotiations concerning issues affecting the region. Yet greater political relevance also brings greater internal pressure. Expectations from party workers rise, regional interests become more assertive, and differences within leadership structures become more visible. Recent public statements by some party leaders and parliamentarians have occasionally revealed tensions between individual political positions and broader party messaging. Such developments are not unique to the National Conference; they are visible across Indias political spectrum. However, they highlight a challenge faced by all democratic parties: how to balance internal debate with organizational discipline. A party that cannot accommodate dissent risks becoming rigid, while a party unable to maintain coherence risks appearing divided. The challenge becomes even more significant when governance expectations remain high. Citizens are waiting for visible progress on employment, infrastructure, investment, and public services. Questions surrounding cabinet restructuring, administrative priorities, and policy implementation naturally generate debate within political circles. In such circumstances, any perception of internal instability can create uncertainty among party workers and voters alike. The larger concern, however, extends beyond any single party. The normalization of defections has gradually transformed Indian politics from a contest of ideas into a contest of political arithmetic. Numbers have begun to overshadow narratives. Legislative strength increasingly appears vulnerable to post-election realignments, creating a perception that electoral outcomes can be modified long after votes have been counted. Defenders of political realignment argue that elected representatives must retain the freedom to leave parties that no longer reflect their beliefs. Critics counter that most defections are driven less by ideology than by calculations of power and political survival. The truth may vary from case to case, but the cumulative effect is undeniable: public trust in representative politics is weakened whenever voters feel that their mandate can be transferred without their consent. For Jammu and Kashmir, this lesson is particularly important. The regions political future depends not merely on electoral participation but on sustained faith in democratic institutions. Political parties must therefore recognize that maintaining internal cohesion, respecting voter expectations, and providing stable governance are essential responsibilities. Democracy cannot thrive if electoral mandates become temporary arrangements subject to constant renegotiation. Ultimately, the question is not whether defections are legal. The more important question is whether they strengthen the bond between voters and their representatives. Democracy survives not because politicians change sides, but because citizens believe their vote continues to matter after the election is over. As India witnesses an era of unprecedented political mobility, Jammu and Kashmir must guard against a culture in which political loyalty becomes secondary to political opportunity. The future of democratic representation depends on preserving the integrity of the mandate entrusted by the people. For in the end, the voters mandate belongs neither to parties nor to politicians. It belongs to the people who cast it. Author is Assistant Professor at UILS, Chandigarh University. Views are personal.

The Journey of Ministerial Accountability

Every nation is remembered not only for its economic progress or military strength, but also for the values that guide its public life. After Independence, India adopted the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy and with it a noble tradition of ministerial accountability. The principle was simple: while civil servants ran the administration, the minister in charge accepted the ultimate responsibility for both its achievements and its failures. Public office was regarded not as a privilege to enjoy, but as a trust to honour. For the first few decades after Independence, this principle lent Indian democracy a distinct moral strength. The generation that had led the freedom movement believed that the credibility of institutions depended as much on ethical conduct as on constitutional authority. Even in Jammu & Kashmir, despite deep political differences with New Delhi, many people admired the personal integrity, simplicity and public conduct of several national leaders. Political disagreements existed, but respect for character often transcended them. That culture, however, did not remain unchanged. Looking back over nearly eight decades of independent India, one can clearly trace a gradual transformation in the understanding of ministerial accountability. The finest embodiment of that ideal was Lal Bahadur Shastri. In September 1956, while serving as Railway Minister, Shastri offered to resign after the Mahbubnagar railway accident. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined the offer, convinced that Shastri could not be held personally responsible for an operational failure. But just two months later, another devastating railway accident occurred at Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu, claiming more than 140 lives. Shastri once again tendered his resignation, this time insisting that it be accepted. There was no allegation of corruption against him. No commission had found him negligent. Yet Shastri believed that such a tragedy, occurring under his charge, imposed a moral obligation upon him to step down. Nehru accepted the resignation while making it abundantly clear that his faith in Shastris honesty and competence remained unshaken. That episode became one of the defining moments of Indian parliamentary democracy. Shastris resignation was not an admission of guilt; it was an affirmation of responsibility. It conveyed a powerful message that authority and accountability were inseparable. In those days, resignation was never considered a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it reinforced public confidence in democratic institutions. A minister who accepted responsibility enhanced the credibility of the government rather than diminished it. Shastris example influenced public life for many years. Finance Minister T. T. Krishnamachari resigned following the LIC-Mundhra controversy. Perhaps the last major example of this tradition before the turn of the century came in 1999, when Railway Minister Nitish Kumar resigned after the Gaisal railway disaster. His resignation was widely viewed as an extension of the standard set by Shastri more than four decades earlier. Even in 2000 and 2017, Railway Ministers Mamta Benerjee and Suresh Prabhu publicly offered to resign after a series of train accidents, acknowledging that a ministers could not remain indifferent to repeated failures in their department. These examples represented voluntary accountability. Some resignations were accepted, others were not. What mattered was that the ministers themselves felt answerable to the nation and were prepared to relinquish office if circumstances demanded. There was, however, another category of resignations. These came not from an immediate acceptance of moral responsibility but under the weight of political, parliamentary or judicial pressure. Among the prominent examples were the resignations of Defence Minister V. K. Krishna Menon after Indias defeat in the 1962 war with China, Home Minister Shivraj Patil following the Mumbai terror attacks, Telecom Minister A. Raja during the 2G spectrum controversy, and later Pawan Kumar Bansal and Ashwani Kumar in 2013. These resignations undoubtedly reflected accountability, but they differed from the Shastri model. Responsibility was eventually conceded when circumstances left little alternative. Around the beginning of this century, another significant shift became evident. Governments of different political persuasions gradually adopted the view that an administrative failure, by itself, should not compel the resignation of a minister. Unless there was evidence of personal misconduct, a judicial indictment or an overwhelming political necessity, ministers were expected to remain in office and oversee corrective measures. From an administrative perspective, this argument was not entirely without merit. A resignation does not by itself solve systemic failures. Yet the unintended consequence was that the moral bond between authority and accountability steadily weakened. The change became evident in a series of major controversies over the last two decades. Opposition parties demanded the resignation of L. K. Advani after the Gujarat violence of 2002. P. Chidambaram faced repeated demands over internal security issues and controversies surrounding the 2G spectrum affair. A K Antony was criticised over defence preparedness and procurement controversies. Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya were asked to resign after the Rohith Vemula episode. Narendra Singh Tomar faced sustained demands during the farmers agitation. Ajay Mishra Teni continued in office despite repeated calls for his removal after the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Following the Balasore railway tragedy of 2023, the Opposition invoked the examples of Shastri and Nitish Kumar while demanding the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. None of these ministers resigned or even offered to resign. Gradually, it came to be accepted that a government enjoying a comfortable parliamentary majority could simply ignore Opposition demands, however persistent they might be. Political accountability increasingly became dependent upon electoral arithmetic rather than constitutional convention. It is against this background that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assumes significance. Only a few days before his resignation, both the Minister and the Government had categorically ruled out any question of his stepping down. The Opposition demanded his resignation, but by itself it lacked the parliamentary strength to compel the Government to act. Similar demands against several ministers in recent years had failed to produce any result. What altered the political equation was the sustained mobilisation of students and young examination aspirants. Their movement, born out of deep frustration over repeated examination irregularities, gathered momentum instead of fading away. It steadily expanded beyond its immediate grievance and came to symbolise a broader demand for political accountability. Faced with a movement that showed little sign of losing public sympathy, the Government appears to have concluded that the Ministers continuation had become politically more costly than accepting his resignation. In doing so, it succeeded in easing an agitation that was growing day by day and whose future course had become increasingly uncertain. The emergence of this new youth mobilisation, the methods it adopted and the long-term implications it may have for Indian democracy deserve a separate and detailed discussion. Writers, constitutional scholars, political scientists and social thinkers will undoubtedly analyse its strengths, limitations and future trajectory in the times ahead. It would therefore be premature to draw sweeping conclusions about its lasting political significance. What can safely be said, however, is that this episode has reopened a conversation that had almost disappeared from Indian public lifethe conversation about the moral foundations of governance. Dharmendra Pradhans resignation cannot be placed in the same category as that of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shastri resigned because his conscience demanded it. Pradhan resigned after sustained public pressure made his continuation politically difficult. The circumstances were different, and so were the motivations. Yet history often advances not through identical events but through symbolic moments. After nearly three decades in which governments had successfully resisted almost every demand for ministerial accountability arising out of administrative failures, this resignation marks a significant departure. It reminds those in public office that parliamentary majorities, however large, do not place governments beyond the reach of public opinion. Democratic legitimacy ultimately rests not only upon numbers in the legislature but also upon the confidence of the people. Whether this episode marks the beginning of a revival of the Shastri tradition or remains an isolated exception is something only time will determine. But it has undeniably revived a debate that had almost disappeared from Indian public lifethat democratic legitimacy rests not only on electoral mandates and administrative efficiency, but also on the willingness of those entrusted with authority to accept responsibility for serious failures under their watch. If that debate ultimately strengthens the convention that authority and accountability must go hand in hand, this episode will be remembered not merely for the resignation of a Union Minister, but for reaffirming one of the finest traditions of Indian parliamentary democracy. Shakeel Qalander, prominent business leader and a civil society animator

This smart city needs a smarter drainage strategy

The few hours of intense rainfall that lashed Srinagar recently exposed an uncomfortable reality: despite years of investment under the Smart City Mission, the city remains highly vulnerable to urban flooding. Roads that had been recently upgraded and beautified disappeared beneath stagnant water, commercial establishments were inundated, traffic came to a standstill, and residents once again found themselves navigating through flooded streets after only a short spell of rain. The episode was not merely the result of an unusually intense storm. It was a reminder that Srinagars drainage infrastructure has not kept pace with the changing climate, rapid urbanization, and evolving land-use patterns. While the city has undoubtedly witnessed remarkable improvements in its urban aesthetics through modern streetscapes, public spaces, lighting, and pedestrian-friendly corridors, the recent flooding suggests that the less visiblebut far more criticaldrainage infrastructure has not received the same level of attention. Climate change is fundamentally altering rainfall characteristics across the Himalayan region. Scientific observations increasingly indicate that rainfall events are becoming shorter in duration but significantly more intense. Instead of prolonged moderate rainfall spread over several days, cities are now experiencing cloudburst-like episodes capable of overwhelming conventional drainage systems within minutes. Infrastructure designed decades ago using historical rainfall records is no longer adequate to handle these new extremes. Srinagar presents a particularly complex hydrological setting. The city lies within a flat alluvial basin intersected by the River Jhelum, numerous canals, flood spill channels, wetlands, and an intricate network of drains. Its naturally low gradients make gravity-driven drainage inherently slow. Any obstruction, reduction in channel capacity, backwater effect from the Jhelum, or blockage within secondary drains can quickly translate into extensive waterlogging. Rapid urban expansion has further compounded the problem. Over the past two decades, vast areas of agricultural land, wetlands, and open spaces have been converted into residential colonies, commercial establishments, roads, and parking areas. These impervious surfaces drastically reduce natural infiltration while simultaneously increasing surface runoff. Consequently, rainwater that once infiltrated into the soil now reaches drains almost instantaneously, generating peak flows many times greater than those anticipated during the original design of the drainage network. Encroachments along drainage channels, unauthorized construction over natural watercourses, inadequate maintenance, sediment deposition, and indiscriminate disposal of solid waste further diminish the hydraulic capacity of urban drains. Even a well-designed drainage system cannot perform efficiently if its carrying capacity is compromised by physical obstructions. The recent flooding therefore should not be viewed as an isolated incident but rather as an early warning of what lies ahead if urban planning continues to underestimate the implications of climate change. What Srinagar now requires is not piecemeal interventions or isolated drain widening projects. It needs a comprehensive scientific reassessment of its entire urban drainage system through advanced hydraulic and hydrological modelling. Many leading cities worldwide have adopted integrated urban flood models using internationally recognized software such as InfoWorks ICM, MIKE+, TUFLOW, and the US EPA Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). These tools simulate rainfall, surface runoff, underground drainage networks, canal systems, pumping stations, river interactions, and floodplain dynamics under thousands of rainfall scenarios. Such modelling enables engineers to identify precisely where water accumulates, determine which drains fail first, evaluate bottlenecks, estimate flood depths and durations, and test alternative mitigation strategies before any physical investment is made. It transforms infrastructure planning from reactive engineering into predictive engineering. Srinagar deserves a similar scientific exercise. A city-wide Urban Flood Risk Assessment should include high-resolution topographic surveys, mapping of every stormwater drain and culvert, hydraulic assessment of the complete drainage network, updated rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves reflecting climate change projections, and two-dimensional flood inundation modelling capable of simulating different rainfall return periods under present and future climate scenarios. The study must also examine the hydraulic interaction between urban drainage and the River Jhelum, particularly during periods when elevated river levels reduce the efficiency of stormwater outfalls. Without understanding this interaction, drainage improvements in isolation may deliver only limited benefits. Equally important is the preparation of a city-wide drainage master plan that integrates future urban expansion with projected climate risks over the next fifty years rather than relying solely on historical rainfall statistics. Given the complexity of Srinagars hydrology, this exercise should ideally be undertaken by internationally experienced hydraulic engineering consultants working in collaboration with local technical institutions and government agencies. International firms with demonstrated expertise in urban flood modelling have successfully delivered resilient drainage solutions in several flood-prone cities around the world using state-of-the-art numerical models and climate-resilient design approaches. Their experience, coupled with local knowledge, can help produce solutions that are scientifically robust and economically viable. Such a study should not simply recommend larger drains. Modern urban flood management emphasizes integrated solutions, including detention basins, retention ponds, restoration of wetlands, permeable pavements, rain gardens, green infrastructure, decentralized stormwater storage, real-time monitoring systems, and flood forecasting tools that together reduce runoff while improving urban resilience. Importantly, every proposed intervention should undergo cost-benefit analysis to prioritize investments capable of delivering maximum flood reduction within available financial resources. The Smart City Mission has undeniably transformed Srinagars visual landscape. However, truly smart cities are not defined solely by attractive boulevards or aesthetically pleasing public spaces. They are measured by the resilience of their invisible infrastructuredrainage systems, utilities, emergency response mechanisms, and climate adaptation strategies that continue functioning when nature tests their limits. The recent rainfall should therefore be viewed as an opportunity rather than merely an inconvenience. It offers policymakers a chance to rethink urban flood management before more intense storms become the norm. Engineering experience across the world consistently demonstrates one important lesson: infrastructure investments made without comprehensive scientific investigation often prove expensive to rectify later. Ad hoc measures may temporarily alleviate local flooding but frequently transfer the problem downstream or create new bottlenecks elsewhere within the drainage network. In urban flood management, there are no shortcuts. Every culvert, every drain, every road level, and every outfall functions as part of a connected hydraulic system. Unless this system is understood scientifically through rigorous modelling and evidence-based planning, individual interventions are unlikely to produce lasting resilience. The next storm should not once again expose familiar weaknesses. Srinagar possesses the technical expertise, institutional capacity, and opportunity to become a model Himalayan city for climate-resilient urban flood management. What is required now is the collective resolve to ensure that future investments are guided not merely by aesthetics, but by sound science, robust engineering, and long-term resilience. Dr. Yasir Altaf. Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change, IUST, Kashmir.

The Choice for Self-Extinction

The total fertility rate (TFR) in Jammu & Kashmir has plummeted to 1.4, according to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21). This is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, the threshold required for a population to sustain itself without growth. This decline is not an accident but the culmination of decades of population control slogans. From bus do ya teen bachay (only two or three children) to hum do hamaray do (we two, our two), and finally the lethal pehla baccha abhi nahain, eik kay baad kabhi nahain (first baby not yet, second never), these policies have effectively hammered the last nail in the coffin of population growth. Sold under the guise of social welfare and economic stability, these promises have remained a distant dream in J&K, which ranks near the bottom in state GDP and suffers from one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Historically, J&Ks TFR has fallen from 5.5-6 children per woman before 1970 to 1.4 today, with urban areas at 1.2 and rural at 1.5. This decline is attributed to delayed marriages, high unemployment, rapid urbanization, financial stress from dowry, and changing lifestyles. Health experts also point to an alarmingly high rate of cesarean sections, accounting for over 47% of deliveries in J&K compared to the national average of 22%. This is partly due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and, regrettably, a greed for quick profits among some healthcare personnel. However, beyond these factors lies a deeper issue: a tendency toward indolence and a sybaritic culture that prioritizes comfort over family. Among all species, Allah has endowed humans with the highest rate and longest span of fertility, regardless of seasonal limitations. It is a gift meant to shape a brighter future, yet we are using it to choose self-extinction through a cocooned existence. The fertility window is not shortening; we have actively shortened it. ibution, which are solvable. A declining population, however, poses a far graver problem: the shortage of human capitalthe very user and creator of all resources. The beautiful world we enjoy today, where no one wishes to die, is a product of a growing population. Without it, our landscapes would be barren. The dwindling fertility rate in J&K signals shrinking human resources, an ageing population, and a potential decrease in absolute numbers that endangers our demographic and species status. This decline threatens our identity. The choice to ensure our dignified survival lies squarely in the hands of the people, especially married reproductive couples. It is never too late to mend, provided we truly mean it. The author is a former Sr. Audit Officer and Consultant in the A.Gs Office Srinagar.

Narrow escape from floods!

It was a narrow escape from floods for people of Jammu and Kashmir following incessant rains for more than a week. While flood alert was sounded in Kashmir and rivers in Jammu were swollen and flowing ferociously keeping people on toes and gazing at water levels. It was flash floods triggered by heavy rains and cloudbursts which led to increase in water levels in Jhelum, Tawi, Chenab rivers. Rajouri and Poonch in the Pir Panjal region bore the brunt of flash floods consuming the lives of 22 people while seven are still missing. Why do a few days of rain send shivers down our spine? If rains continued for a few more days, floods were imminent in J&K. It is clear that successive regimes have not done much since devastating floods in September 2014 to increase carrying capacity of rivers, reclaim flood plains and implement flood mitigation measures. We are literally back to square one! When it rains and rivers swell, we can only rely on prayers. We have to understand how Kashmirs only water outlet river Jhelum has lost its floodplains making the Valley vulnerable to floods. Jhelum spans 175 sq kms from south to north Kashmir and settles in Wullar lake, before flowing into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir through the Uri area of Baramulla district. Jhelums flat topography makes Srinagar the most vulnerable area to flooding in J&K. Wetlands including Hokersar, Narakara, Batamaloo nambal, Rakh-e-arth, Anchar and Gilsar on the left and right of Jhelum which acted as reservoirs of floodwaters, have been degraded due to rapid encroachment and urbanisation. The total capacity of river Jhelum was 30800 cusecs and it is estimated that during floods in September 7, 2014, peak flow in the river reached to over 1 lakh cusecs. In the last 12 years, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has been able to increase carrying capacity by 10,000 cusecs taking the total capacity to 41000 cusecs. There is still a shortfall of nearly 60000 cusecs. It is ironic but true that no dredging has been carried out in Jhelum or its flood spill channels since March 2020! Imagine how much silt would have been deposited in the river in the last six years? What severely affects hydrological regimes of Jhelum is illegal sand mining and wanton illegal mining in its tributaries. Destruction rate of Jhelum exceeds its conservation measures. Despite ample central funding, flood mitigation measures are still considered unsatisfactory. Under the Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP), the Centre approved a Rs 12,083.90-crore flood mitigation programme for J&K. The Phase-I worth Rs 1,399.29 crore was for immediate flood mitigation interventions. Also the World Bank-funded Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project committed a $250 million loan to restore damaged infrastructure. The project also included components for strengthening of disaster resilience and modernisation of flood management systems. The Comprehensive Flood Management Plan (CFMP) is only 80% complete. Studies reveal that the built-up area within the floodplains of Jhelum has increased by 4 times from 55.47 km2 in 1972 to over 200.km2 . The inundation levels and patterns of Jhelum have been affected by the Railway line, Bypass and under-construction Srinagar Ring Road. It was a standard practice from Dogra era to breach the Kandizal area of Jhelum to save Srinagar from floods when excess waters used to spread till Nowgam area. However due to vote bank politics the practice has been abandoned and proved detrimental in flooding of Srinagar in 2014. In absence of regulation by authorities, Kandizal and its adjoining areas have witnessed massive filling of open lands and marshes, constructions and change of land use. On September 4 last year, following incessant rains, waters of Jhelum flowed through its erstwhile encroached floodplains from Shalina to Nowgam areas. The river reclaimed its lost and encroached flood plain! Jhelums lone flood channel from Rambagh to Tengpora is overwhelmed by silt, garbage and excessive growth of weeds. The channel looks like a forest. And summing up the state of flood mitigation is construction of a full fledged cricket pitch in the middle of flood spill channel at Tengpora area. Experts maintain that floods are mostly caused by filling up of Jhelums flood plains and backwater effects due to low outflows from Wullar Lake which has lost its carrying capacity by heavy accumulation of silt. We dont need technology to enhance Jhelum;s carrying capacity but just need to take a leaf from exemplary flood mitigation measures by British and Dogra engineers who raised river embankments and did sustained dredging from Sopore to Baramulla. In 1960, two mechanical dredges named Soya-1 and Budshah-were commissioned after being inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to dredge steep river reach from Sopore to Baramulla. The dredging continued till 1986 when the dredgers completed their designed lifetime. Thereafter no dredging was done for 26 years resulting in siltation of river regime as also of Wullar lake fed by Jhelum which resulted in the lake losing 30 percent of its volumetric. Wullar is important as it absorbs flood water during high flows and releases it in low flow time to act as a sponge. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has rightly emphasised the importance of adopting long-term flood mitigation measures, noting that recurring flood-like events necessitate sustained planning and resilient infrastructure. Who other than Omar, who was CM when devastating floods ravaged J&K in 2014, can effectively take a lead in implementing flood mitigation measures on priority to save us from other deluge and devastation. Kashmir valley is one of the most flood prone regions in the Himalayas and Government must take scientific measures to enhance the carrying capacity of Jhelum. We need to remember that we are always just a few cloudbursts or a few days of continuous rains away from floods! Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir

Chinese watermelons bloom in Kashmirs Pakhtoon heartland

Wantrag (Anantnag), Jul 26:Buyers gathered around Muhammad Aslam Khan's watermelon field in Cheki-Isherdas, Wantrag, as he sliced open a freshly harvested fruit. The reaction was immediate. The watermelon was yellow inside. The unusual variety is part of Khan's latest experiment; introducing Chinese hybrid watermelons in a village where his 18-year journey has transformed the local economy. Khan, 46, introduced two Chinese hybrid varieties on about two kanal this season.He was also the first farmer in this Pakhtoon village of south Kashmir's Anantnag district to start watermelon cultivation in 2008.We introduced two Chinese hybrid varieties on about two Kanals this season. Buyers are showing keen interest, especially in the yellow-fleshed fruit, Khan said. The seeds, sourced through a supplier in Bengaluru and originally developed in China, cost around Rs 40,000 per kg.One variety has a zebra-striped green rind with yellow flesh, while another has a yellow rind with the usual red flesh.Khan has also introduced the pumpkin-shaped Century Janat variety with a yellow exterior and red flesh, besides continuing with a black-rind, red-fleshed hybrid.His farm now grows five watermelon varieties.The yellow hybrids sell for around Rs 70 a kg.The Century Janat and Black-rind varieties fetch around Rs 50 percent kg, while the traditional red watermelon sells for about Rs 40 per kg. Khan planted his first crop on a few kanal in 2008.This season, his Pakhtoon Hi-Tech Green Nursery has expanded to nearly 70 kanal, employing around a dozen workers during the growing and harvesting season.Last year, he cultivated watermelon on 55 kanal and earned around Rs 30 lakh.This year, he expects production to reach nearly 1000 quintals.Around 250 quintals have already been harvested, while another 750 quintals are expected before August.The transformation has spread across Wantrag.Nearly 80 percent of households in the village now grow watermelons, earning it the moniker 'Water-melon village'. The area under the crop has expanded from around 500 kanal last year to more than 1000 kanal this season, according to local growers.Last year, the village earned over Rs 2 crore from watermelon sales. This year, the returns are expected to double, Khan said adding that the introduction of hybrid varieties will further boost farmers' profit.He said farmers spend around Rs 12,000 per kanal on cultivation, while returns can exceed Rs 50,000 per kanal.I also grow three varieties of muskmelon on a 10-kanal demonstration farm, Khan said.Cheki-Isherdas, Wantrag, is home to a Pakhtoon community whose ancestors migrated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan more than a century ago. The residents traditionally depended on apples, walnuts, small-scale farming, and government employment.Kashmir's horticulture sector remains the backbone of rural livelihoods, supporting around 35 lakh people and contributing nearly Rs 10,000 crore annually to the region's economy.Farmers in Wantrag say watermelon has emerged as an additional source of income.The villagers continue to practise organic farming, using vermicompost instead of chemical fertilisers.During harvesting, buyers from across Kashmir and the Chenab Valley come directly to the village. We don't depend on mandis or middlemen. The sales are all local, Khan said.He also supplies seedlings to farmers in other districts, helping spread the model beyond Wantrag.The success of the crop has drawn educated youth into farming.Graduate Umar Nazir, 26, and his brother Mohsin, 21, a mathematics student at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), expanded cultivation from eight to 30 kanal after earning around Rs 5 lakh last year.They have named their venture Bagh-e-Madina The Garden Hub, Wantrag.We expect a four-fold increase in both production and returns this year from our farm in Wantrag, Umar said.He said they have also expanded watermelon cultivation to Silgam village near Akad in Anantnag and to Pulwama.In Silgam, we have started cultivating watermelon on 20 Kanals and in Pulwama on 10 Kanals. We expect better production and returns there too, Umar said, adding that they supplied around 20 lakh watermelon seedlings from their farm to growers across Kashmir. The brothers own 20 kanal of land and have leased another 40 kanal exclusively for watermelon cultivation. We also experimented with the Chinese-origin yellow hybrid variety, Century Janat and zebra-striped watermelons on a couple of kanal this year, Mohsin said.He said they also cultivate four varieties of muskmelon, with the average fruit weighing between 2 kg and 3.5 kg, while some grow to 4.5 kg or even 5 kg.History postgraduate Tawseef Pathan, 28, increased the area under watermelon from five to six kanal this year after earning around Rs 3 lakh in profit last season. The returns convinced me that farming could provide a stable livelihood. Instead of waiting for a government job, I decided to expand and will increase it further next season, Pathan said. What sets Wantrag's watermelons apart, growers say, is their taste, colour, and size. They are sweeter, have deep red flesh and can even weigh up to 20 kg. So far, we have harvested fruits weighing around 14.5 kg, and we are confident some will grow even bigger before the season ends, a grower said. He said the average watermelon weighs between 6 kg and 9 kg and accounts for about 55 percent of the total yield. Around 20 percent of the harvest weighs between 10 kg and 12 kg. Nearly 10 percent falls in the 13 kg to 15 kg category, while the remaining 15 percent ranges between 3 kg and 5 kg, he said. Only a few fruits grow beyond 15 kilograms and reach 20 kg, but that remains rare. Farmers credit support under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the Per Drop More Crop irrigation scheme and the J&K Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKSIP) for improving irrigation and cultivation practices. Today, no one in the village is idle. Every educated youth here cultivates watermelon, vegetables and other crops. Everyone earns and lives with dignity, Khan said. He urged farmers to make use of their land throughout the year. Don't leave your land idle. You can grow something in every season, even during late autumn and winter, like we do here, he said. Watermelon is among the world's most widely cultivated fruits, with China, Turkey, India, Brazil, Algeria, and Iran among the leading producers. While China and Turkey dominate global production, Wantrag's organic melons have found buyers across Kashmir and created a new livelihood avenue for the Pakhtoon community. We proved that with determination, even the mountains of Kashmir can grow what was once considered possible only in the plains, Khan said. Harvesting will continue through August. Encouraged by the response to the Chinese hybrids, Khan and the Umar-Mohsin brothers plan to expand cultivation next season, while other growers in the village are closely watching the trial.

Srinagar-Jammu NH reopens partially

Ramban, Jul 26:The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway partially reopened on late Sunday afternoon to facilitate the movement of stranded vehicles after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) completed restoration work at the Dewal-Samroli stretch in Udhampur district and the landslide-hit Gangroo area of Ramsu in Ramban district. Officials said the highway was opened on a priority basis for stranded Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and heavy vehicles from both the Udhampur and Banihal sides after the scheduled AmarnathYatra convoy safely crossed the Udhampur-Banihal sector on Sunday morning. Following the convoy's passage, NHAI resumed intensive restoration work and later allowed stranded vehicles to move under regulated traffic arrangements. However, officials clarified that the highway has not yet been reopened for fresh vehicular traffic. Debris clearance operations are still underway at Gangroo, where a massive landslide on Saturday evening blocked both road tubes. Commuters are advised to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared fully safe and reopened for regular traffic, as there is an apprehension of fresh landslides and shooting stones due to unstable slopes, officials said. The Traffic Police also appealed to the people not to pay heed to rumours regarding the highway status and advised commuters to rely only on official traffic updates issued through the Traffic Police's X handle, Facebook page, and Traffic Control Units (TCUs). The fresh disruption occurred on Saturday evening when a renewed spell of rain triggered a major landslide at Gangroo in the Ramsu sector of Ramban district, bringing traffic to a complete halt barely a day after the strategic highway had been restored following a three-day closure caused by incessant monsoon rains. On Saturday, the scheduled AmarnathYatra convoy had crossed the highway safely under elaborate security arrangements, following which authorities permitted the regulated movement of scheduled LMVs and heavy vehicles. However, fresh rainfall during the afternoon triggered shooting stones at several vulnerable locations between Ramban and Banihal and caused waterlogging at the Dewal-Samroli stretch. The situation deteriorated further in the evening when the landslide at Gangroo blocked the highway completely. Immediately after the incident, NHAI deployed heavy earth-moving machinery and additional manpower to the affected site. Simultaneous restoration operations were also undertaken at other vulnerable stretches, including Dewal-Samroli, to clear debris, slush and boulders and restore road connectivity. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), National Highway, Raja Adil Hameed, supervised traffic regulation and monitored restoration operations at Dewal, Samroli, and other vulnerable locations to ensure coordinated efforts between the Traffic Police, NHAI, and other executing agencies for the safe movement of stranded vehicles. Officials said restoration teams and machinery had been strategically stationed at vulnerable locations along the Udhampur-Banihal corridor to respond swiftly to any fresh weather-related incidents. The prolonged disruption on the highway has been attributed to continuous monsoon activity that has triggered repeated landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, and waterlogging across Ramban, Udhampur, and adjoining districts over the past several days, severely affecting road connectivity and restoration efforts. With the India Meteorological Department forecasting further rainfall in the coming days, authorities have cautioned that fresh landslides and shooting stones cannot be ruled out. Commuters have been advised to undertake journeys on the highway only after confirming the latest traffic status through official advisories issued by the Traffic Police.

You cant ban a whisper: GitHub removes BitChat after government order, Section 79 powers come under scrutiny

The Indian government recently instructed Microsofts GitHub to take down the BitChat messaging platform, a decision taken during a period of heightened protests. With the apps perceived risk for misuse cited as justification, critics argue that this ban endangers essential privacy rights and free speech. As the courts now assess this directive, concerns grow over increased state control over communication.

Win polls, lose authority: The lesson of July isnt that GoI lost a minister, but that authority has to be earned between elections

A youth-led movement, born from exam scandals, forced a minister's resignation. This dissent highlights a growing gap between electoral strength and genuine authority. The government's usual tactics failed against this leaderless, self-mocking protest. Citizens now question the fairness of public systems and electoral processes. Authority must be earned through trusted institutions, not just ballot box victories.

PM Modi announces Nandan Nilekani-led task force on exam reforms

New Delhi, Jul 26: In yet another step to address students' concerns over paper leaks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-powered task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms to make the exam system leakproof. The government will implement the suggestions of the task force which will ensure the examination system is trustworthy and will bring transparency through maximum use of technology, he said in a video message posted on his Instagram handle. The prime minister's announcement comes a day after the 36-day agitation, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), ended with the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Education Minister. A multidisciplinary group of domain experts will be part of the task force on reforms to be carried out for the examinations conducted by the NTA. Besides Nilekani, other members of the task force are former chairman of ISRO S Somanath, former director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, director of IIT Chennai V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. Nilekani was the architect of Aadhaar, and the key person behind India's digital public infrastructure ecosystem. Modi said for the future of students, the government of India has been continuously taking different steps. He said those who played with the future of the students, have been put in jails and the government is going to bring a new bill on Monday in Parliament to have strong law against examination paper leaks. But we will have to think about the future. To make sure our examination system is trustworthy, transparent and the technology is used optimally, we have decided to constitute a high-powered committee headed by world renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani, he said. The prime minister said the task force has been set up keeping in all these aspects in mind. It will focus of examination reforms. As soon as we get the report, we will implement its suggestions to ensure future examination trustworthy, he said. The Centre is scheduled to introduce a bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday to strengthen the anti-paper leak law. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposes setting up fast-track courts in every state for paper leak cases and completion of investigations within two months. It also has provisions for enhanced punishment, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals involved in paper leaks. Organised crimes related to paper leaks could attract fines of up to Rs 10 crore. The CJP had led a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding resignation of Pradhan, accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE's on-screen marking process, besides seeking wider reforms in the conduct of public examinations. The agitation got support from thousands of students across the country, along with major opposition parties. The agitation gathered pace around a fortnight later after videos of activist Sonam Wangchuk's deteriorating condition during the fast went viral. On July 18, police forcibly shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital, triggering widespread anger among students and protesters. On July 20, a massive protest march to Parliament witnessed a strong police response involving lathicharge and the use of tear gas. After three rounds of talks, the CJP and the government had reached an agreement on Saturday under which the government accepted its demands. The CJP immediately called off its stir. Besides Pradhan's resignation, the government also agreed to providing honourable compensation to the families of students who allegedly committed suicide and withdrawal of FIRs in Delhi and other BJP-ruled states.

No restriction on Friday prayers, Azaan at Pakherpora mosque, clarify security forces

Budgam, July 26: Security forces have clarified that there was no restriction on the offering of Friday prayers or the Azaan at Pakherpora Mosque on 24 July, addressing reports circulating on social media that suggested otherwise. A senior district police official told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that on the basis of serious intelligence inputs, a cordon and search operation (CASO) was being conducted in the general area of Pakherpora for the past few days. During the operation, some devotees travelling from outside the locality may have experienced temporary inconvenience in reaching the mosque owing to the security measures in place. The official, however, emphasised that no restrictions were imposed on religious observances at the mosque. The Friday congregational prayers and the Azaan were conducted as scheduled on the said day. The security forces have urged members of the public to refrain from relying on or sharing unverified information and to refer to official sources for authentic updates, particularly on matters relating to security and public order.

PM Modi highlights Kashmir's traditional 'Vagu' mat in Mann Ki Baat

Why Mehbooba Mufti's 'banta hai' remark has triggered a political storm

Srinagar, July 26: The PDP President Mehbooba Mufti's remarks at Delhi's Jantar Mantar have reopened one of Kashmir's deepest political wounds: the legacy of the 2016 unrest and the use of force against civilians. While the PDP president intended to distinguish between law-and-order situations elsewhere and the security challenges posed by militancy in Kashmir, one phrase, anta hai, came to define the entire speech, eclipsing her broader message. Addressing students protesting over the NEET paper leak, Mehbooba contrasted police action in Delhi with the situation in Kashmir. In doing so, she suggested that security forces in Kashmir were confronting militancy, adding that there was militancy there and that it banta hai, a phrase many interpreted as justifying the use of force against Kashmiri protesters. Critics quickly isolated those words from the larger speech, transforming them into a potent political weapon. The backlash was immediate because the comment struck at a deeply sensitive memory. For many Kashmiris, 2016 remains synonymous with pellet injuries, civilian deaths and mass protests during the PDP-BJP coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti. Any suggestion, even if unintended, that those actions were justified was bound to provoke outrage. The National Conference sensed an opportunity. Party leaders demanded that Mehbooba apologise, arguing that no democratic leader should appear to legitimise excessive force against civilians. The controversy also enabled the NC to reinforce its long-standing narrative that the PDP cannot escape responsibility for decisions taken during its coalition with the BJP. NC leader and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq called on Mehbooba to apologise, arguing that her remarks appeared to equate routine public protests with militancy. Are those who protest against reservation militants? Are those who protest for basic amenities also militants? This is shameful coming from a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sadiq said, adding that Mehbooba owes an immediate apology to the people of J&K. NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar accused PDP president Mehbooba Mufti of justifying the use of force against Kashmiri protesters, including young people and children. I am appalled beyond words. @MehboobaMufti unabashedly and casually brands every Kashmiri protester a 'militant'. The kids, the little girls... just everyone was a militant, she says, Dar posted on X. Even shame must be ashamed today. Her hypocrisy is uglier than what I believed. Altaf Bukhari's Apni Party similarly criticised the remarks, saying that describing the suffering of Kashmiri protesters as something that anta hai amounted to lowering the political discourse and undermined the pain experienced by thousands of families. This is, after all, the same leader who justified the killing of Kashmiri children by asking, 'Kya woh doodh aur toffee lane gaye the?' (Had those children gone out to fetch milk and toffees?), Bukhari said. The Awami Ittehad Party was even more scathing, accusing Mehbooba of political hypocrisy for condemning police action against students in Delhi while, in its view, rationalising actions taken against Kashmiri youth during her own tenure. It argued that she owed an apology to young Kashmiris rather than attempting to recast her record. On social media, however, the debate was more nuanced than the political rhetoric suggested. Critics widely shared clipped videos containing only the anta hai phrase, arguing that Mehbooba had inadvertently admitted the legitimacy of the state's response during 2016. Supporters countered with longer videos, insisting that she had been explaining the distinction between counter-insurgency operations and ordinary policing rather than endorsing civilian casualties. The resulting information battle became less about what she said in full and more about which clip viewers encountered first. Politically, the controversy exposes the PDP's continuing dilemma. Since 2019, Mehbooba Mufti has positioned herself as one of the strongest critics of the Centre's Kashmir policy and a defender of civil liberties. Yet every attempt to reclaim that space is overshadowed by the legacy of her party's alliance with the BJP and the events of 2016. Her opponents understand this and have repeatedly sought to bring that period back into public debate. In the end, the storm over anta hai is about more than a single phrase. It illustrates how, in Kashmir's intensely polarised politics, a few words can outweigh an entire speech, and how unresolved memories of 2016 continue to shape the credibility of today's political leaders.

Hundreds stage tunnel protest on JammuRajouri-Poonch highway

Calm returns to Jantar Mantar after 36-day NEET protest ends; Dipke, Wangchuk recuperate

I want to thank each and every supporter... the people who supported us, showed their trust in us and loved us when everybody was doubting us; without you guys, we wouldn't have been able to achieve this, said Abhijeet Dipke

Schools across J&K to reopen tomorrow as weather improves: Officials

Srinagar, July 26: All government and recognised private schools across Jammu and Kashmir will reopen on Monday, July 27, as scheduled, with no further extension in the summer vacation, following a marked improvement in weather conditions, officials said on Sunday. A senior official in the School Education Department told news agency JKNS that the government has decided not to extend the summer vacation any further and that all schools across Jammu and Kashmir will reopen tomorrow. A government official in the office of Education Minister also confirmed to JKNS that schools across the Union Territory will resume functioning on Monday. Earlier, the government had announced summer vacations for all schools in the Kashmir Division and winter zones of Jammu Division from July 6 to July 19. On July 18, the government extended the vacation till July 22 in view of the prevailing heatwave conditions and the adverse weather forecast. Education Minister Sakina Itoo had then stated that the extension was made keeping the safety of students and staff in mind. Subsequently, following heavy rainfall, flash flood warnings and inclement weather, the government again extended the summer vacation till July 26 for schools in the Kashmir Division and winter zones of Jammu Division. Schools in the Jammu Division were also ordered to remain closed till July 26. The extension came after the Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall and warned of flash floods between July 20 and July 23, prompting the administration to take precautionary measures. While announcing the last extension, Education Minister Sakina Itoo had stated that schools would reopen on Monday, July 27, and officials have now confirmed that the decision remains unchanged as weather conditions have improved across the region. Officials said all educational institutions have been directed to resume normal academic activities from Monday.

NC seeks apology for Mehbooba's Jantar Mantar remark justifying violence against Kashmiri protesters

Srinagar, July 26: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has landed at the centre of a fresh political storm after drawing a parallel between Gen Z protesters at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar and agitators in Kashmir, asserting that force was justified in the Valley under the guise of fighting militancy. Her comments, made during her Jantar Mantar appearance earlier this week, in which she attempted to defend past crackdowns on local demonstrators, drew swift, sharp backlash from the rival political parties, who revived her infamous 2016 milk and toffee quote to accuse the former chief minister of blatant hypocrisy. At the Jantar Mantar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief appeared to defend past usage of pellet guns in the Valley, saying it was different in Kashmir as the security forces were fighting militancy, while simultaneously opposing police action against student protesters in the national capital. Reacting sharply to the statement, the National Conference (NC) posted on its official X handle: If you happen to be a Kashmiri who is protesting for his/her rights, aap pe force use karna to banta hai' (it is justified to use force against you). Wow. NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar accused the PDP chief of unabashedly defending the use of brutal force against local youth and children. I am appalled beyond words. @MehboobaMufti unabashedly and casually brands every Kashmiri protester a 'militant'. The kids, the little girls... just everyone was a militant, she says, Dar posted on X. Even shame must be ashamed today. Her hypocrisy is uglier than what I believed. Demand for an apology came from NC leader and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq, who questioned whether everyday civil demonstrations were now being labelled as armed resistance. Are those who protest against reservation militants? Are those who protest for basic amenities also militants? This is shameful coming from a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sadiq said, adding that Mehbooba owes an immediate apology to the people of J-K. Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said he was neither shocked nor surprised by the PDP chief's remarks, citing her controversial record during her tenure as chief minister during the 2016 summer unrest in the Valley. This is, after all, the same leader who justified the killing of Kashmiri children by asking, 'Kya woh doodh aur toffee lane gaye the?' (Had those children gone out to fetch milk and toffees?), Bukhari said. He added that the region has not forgotten the human toll of her administration's policies. It was under her government that pellet guns were used against protesting children. Hundreds of young boys and girls lost their eyesight or suffered permanent injuries because of those pellets. These are painful memories that no amount of political rhetoric can erase, he said. The PDP declined to give any comments about the controversial remarks, but unofficially, its leaders said that Mehboobas statement had been taken out of context.

Compassion for Jantar Mantar protesters, crackdown in Kashmir: Para slams govt's 'double standards'

Srinagar, Jul 26: PDP MLA Waheed Para on Sunday accused the Centre of adopting double standards amid crackdown in Kashmir after a policemans killing, saying that compassion showed to protesting students at Delhis Jantar Mantar was being denied to the Kashmiri youths. The young leader from Pulwama was referring to mass clampdown on suspected over ground workers of terrorists in the Valley, in which more than 3500 youths were detained for questioning after a policeman, who was on Amarnath Yatra security duty, was shot dead by terrorists in the Lal Chowk area of Anantnag in south Kashmir on Wednesday. It was the first terrorist attack in the Valley since the Pahalgam terror attack last year. Around 2,500 Kashmiri youth have reportedly been picked up in the last few days. As the country welcomes the Government of India's decision to withdraw cases against student protesters elsewhere, one question remains: why is the same compassion denied to Kashmir's youth? Para posted on his X handle. If reconciliation is the right path for young people in the rest of the country, why is it considered the wrong path for Kashmir? Para asked. He warned that applying different standards in Kashmir and rest of India risks further alienating the valley youth. Applying one standard to the rest of India and another to Kashmir sends a dangerous message and risks deepening alienation, Para added.

FSSAI suspends licence of Westend Agro Products for altering expiry dates, other violations

The food regulator FSSAI suspended Westend Agro Products' license due to serious violations. Inspection revealed altered manufacturing and expiry dates on many food products. Printing machinery and solvents were found allegedly used for label alteration. Misleading claims, including organic, were also discovered on packaging materials.

India reclaim top spot in ICC T20I rankings

The reigning T20 world champions regained the top spot from England, who had dethroned Shreyas Iyers side after their 4-0 series win recently

Treat J&K youth like protesters elsewhere in India, withdraw cases: Waheed Para

Real devotion manifests through service to humanity, mutual respect, and selfless love: LG Sinha at Harbah Festival

Srinagar, Jul 26: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today attended the sacred Harbah festival at Anantnag and paid obeisance to Mata Sidh Lakshmi. He also extended greetings to all the devotees who participated in the annual Hawan. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the Harbah festival is a profound moment of devotion, gratitude, and inner experience. He emphasized that Teerathraj Lok Bhawan at Anantnag, with its tranquil and divine surroundings, stands as a living symbol of Indias eternal spiritual tradition. Every stone, every stream, and every breath here conveys the immortal consciousness of our sanatan culture and spiritual heritage which has guided humanity for centuries along the path of truth, compassion, and dharma, he said. Highlighting the historical significance of the sacred temple, he recalled its ancient name Lokpunya as mentioned in Kalhanas Rajatarangini. The Lieutenant Governor noted that the annual Hawan and flag hoisting are rekindling the flame of devotion, service, sacrifice, patience and social harmony. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the challenges of modern life, observing that while science and technology have brought the world closer, they have also led to rising loneliness and division. He stressed that spiritual values must remain the foundation of society and underlined the importance of unity, compassion, and respect for all. The Harbah festival reminds us that true devotion manifests as service to humanity, mutual respect, and selfless love, the Lieutenant Governor said. He also laid out his vision for a peaceful and prosperous society and made three key appeals to the people. The Lieutenant Governor said spiritual values must guide individual and institutional conduct to build trust and prosperity. He said mental and spiritual health must be given equal importance alongside physical strength in todays fast-paced life and youth responsibility must be nurtured through selfless action and dedication to the nation. Calling upon the younger generation of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to remain connected not only with modern education but also with cultural and spiritual values. True knowledge is realized through humility, and its strength becomes sacred when used in the service of others, the Lieutenant Governor said. Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat; Swami Sriram Charana Aravinda Dasa, Director Projects, ISKCON; Shri Javid Iqbal Mattoo, DIG South Kashmir; Shri Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Anantnag; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; Shri Sanjay Koul, President, All Minority Employees Association Kashmir; senior officials of Police and Civil Administration, members of Teerathraj Sidh Lakshmi Peeth Trust, prominent citizens and devotees in large numbers were present.

Amarnath Yatra: 4,474 pilgrims leave Jammu for Baltal in 19th convoy

Banihal, Jul 26: The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra continued smoothly on Sunday with the 19th batch of 4,474 pilgrims leaving the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp in Kashmir under tight security arrangements. According to the Joint Police Control Room, Base Camp Bhagwati Nagar, the convoy departed at 2:42 a.m. and comprised 166 vehicles, including 93 buses, 26 mini-buses, and 47 light motor vehicles (LMVs). No convoy was dispatched for the Pahalgam axis. The batch included 3,531 men, 785 women, 96 sadhus, 51 sadhvis, 10 children and one transgender pilgrim. The Yatra had remained suspended for six days after incessant rains triggered landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at several vulnerable locations along NH-44, forcing the closure of the highway for three days. The road was reopened for traffic on Friday, paving the way for the resumption of the pilgrimage on Saturday. With the departure of the latest convoy, the cumulative number of pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage this year has reached 1,23,503. The convoy is being escorted by the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police under elaborate security arrangements to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims to the Baltal base camp.

Pradhans resignation shows youths future at heart of NDA government: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation was the reflection of the fact that safeguarding the future of the countrys students and youth is of paramount importance for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government. Pradhan stepped down as education minister on Saturday amid mounting pressure over the NEET paper leak controversy, with the Centre conceding the principal demand of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led agitation after weeks of protests that spread from the national capital to several parts of the country. He announced his decision in a statement, saying the developments of the past 10 days had saddened him deeply and that the issue was not a matter of personal prestige. Rajnath Singh said Pradhan resigned from his post taking into account the views and sentiments of the countrys youth and students, This resignation is a testimony of the fact that for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government, safeguarding the future of our students and youth is of paramount importance, the Defence minister said in a post on X. Singh said the government is addressing with utmost seriousness and sensitivity the concerns of the students regarding the NEET exam, paper leaks and necessary reforms in the education system. Our top priority remains to understand our students genuine concerns, address them promptly, and ensure that they know their voices are being heard, he said. I am confident that our youth and students will now focus on their studies, dreams, and aspirations with full confidence, making a significant contribution to building a strong, prosperous, and developed India, he added. Singh said Pradhans tenure as the Union minister has been marked by a steadfast commitment to transforming India into a developed nation.

CJI Surya Kant flags concerns over accuracy, ethical use of AI in arbitration

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday said that Artificial Intelligence has very quickly moved from the periphery of arbitration practice to its centre and flagged concerns over its accuracy, authenticity and ethical use. Giving a keynote address at SIAC Annual India Conference-2026 on the topic International Arbitration: Navigating New Realities and Stress-testing the Fundamentals, the CJI said, Stress-testing matters only when the fundamentals are worth preserving. I have no hesitation in admitting that in international arbitration, the foundations have remained sound. On the question of AI, he said it is set to play an increasingly significant role in international arbitration, but its promise is accompanied by genuine concerns, and the worry is not misplaced. AI has moved from the edges of arbitration practice to its centre, and it has done so very quickly, he said, adding, Questions of accuracy, authenticity, and the ethical use of AI are no longer theoretical; they are practical challenges confronting arbitrators, counsel, and institutions alike. The CJI pointed out that deepfake evidence, witness statements written by AI and submissions drafted entirely by a generative tool, without any disclosure, exist. These are not hypothetical risks anymore, and our tribunals need real tools to deal with them, he said, suggesting that there should be a disclosure whenever generative AI has been used in preparing a witness statement or an expert report. He said this is neither burdensome nor new because we already expect experts to disclose matters that bear upon the reliability and independence of their opinions. Disclosure of AI assistance is simply an extension of that principle, and it only promotes transparency without discouraging innovation, CJI Kant said, adding that institutions such as Singapore International Arbitration Centre are taking the lead in developing common protocols to verify the authenticity of digital evidence. CJI flagged that no arbitral tribunal should be left to devise its own approach to deepfakes or AI-generated material, and shared standards will only bring greater consistency, reduce uncertainty, and strengthen confidence in the arbitral process. He said that his third suggestion on AI may not please everybody as, we should actively embrace AI where it genuinely adds value. Tasks such as e-discovery, document management, translation, and preparing first drafts of procedural orders are well-suited to AI-assisted tools. Used responsibly, they can reduce costs and improve efficiency. Highlighting several other issues, he asserted that arbitration principles such as timely resolution of disputes, confidentiality, and consistency need to be preserved. Rules alone cannot fix problems of behaviour. Technology alone cannot fix problems of legitimacy. What arbitration needs today is not another generation of new procedures for their own sake. It needs the discipline to use the tools we already have, and enough judicial humility to let arbitration do the job the parties actually asked it to do, he said. Kant, in his closing remarks, said arbitration has never stood still, and as it began as a merchants shortcut around slow admiralty courts, it grew into the backbone of international trade after the Second World War. It took on investment disputes after decolonisation. And today, it is taking on artificial intelligence, climate disputes, and questions about digital evidence that its founders could never have imagined, he said. The CJI added that arbitrations greatest strength has always been its ability to change without losing what makes it what it is: neutrality, party autonomy, and an enforceable result. Our task, as judges, arbitrators and counsel, is simple. As we adapt, we must not forget why parties chose this path in the first place, he said.

No patient in SSH Jammu denied treatment under Ayushman Bharat Sehat scheme: MS

Jammu, July 26: Super Specialty Hospital, Government Medical College (SSH-GMC), Jammu, Medical Superintendent Dr Rehana Khurshid has asserted that no patient visiting the premier prestigious medical facility has been denied treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Sehat scheme. In a communique addressed to the Principal, Government Medical College, Jammu Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Dr Khurshid has stated that the patient care and emergency services across all departments continue to function seamlessly without interruption. She refuted the allegations that appeared in some news reports regarding the denial of the treatment to the patients visiting the Super Specialty Hospital, Jammu registered under Ayushman Bharat Scheme due to the non-payment of vendor dues and supply shortages with special mention to the Cardiology Department (of the SSH, Jammu). In this connection, SSH Jammu Medical Superintendent has also shared statistics about the medical procedures performed and the patient-cases handled under Ayushmann Bharat Scheme across all departments of the hospital (SSH Jammu) during the period between July 1 to 23, 2026 to set the record straight. According to the details provided by her, during this period, in all 655 patients were admitted and treated in 6 Super Specialty departments. Under Urology Department, 55 patients under Ayushman Bharat scheme were admitted and treated while in Neurosurgery department - nine patients; in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeries (CTVS) department - 43 patients; in Neurology department -39 patients; in Cardiology department - 335 patients and in Nephrology department, 145 dialysis sessions were performed 29 general medicines patients were admitted and treated. It is also not out of place to mention that the hospital administration remains fully committed to ensuring that all life-saving procedures, implants and treatments under Ayushman Bharat continue without any hindrance. Misleading reports causing undue panic among the general public are unwarranted, she maintained. GMC Principal Dr Ashutosh Gupta, while speaking to Greater Kashmir, said that in case of any complaint of denial of treatment, the matter should be brought to his notice or any other appropriate authority to authenticate the facts before going public. This is a crucial matter which directly relates to the publics trust, patients trust in the premier government medical facilities, he cautioned.

Searches in Samba, Kathua, operational preparedness reviewed in Kathua

Massive searches were conducted along the International Border (IB) in Samba and Kathua districts after detecting suspicious movement of aerial objects, presumably drones, emerging from Pakistan side in two separate incidents, on Saturday. Meanwhile Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Mohita Sharma conducted a joint security review meeting with other security agencies to assess operational readiness and arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, which resumed on Saturday, after a hiatus of six days, due to inclement weather conditions. In the first incident of suspicious drone activity, the army troops spotted a drone like object in Tarore village of Vijaypur in Samba district during the intervening night of July 24 and 25 while in the second incident, similar suspicious movement of an aerial object was noticed in Chak Nalua village of Hiranagar in Kathua district. In both the cases, the aerial objects flew back to Pakistan after briefly hovering over the Indian villages. Counter drone measures were put in place after spotting suspicious movement of aerial objects, followed by intensive search operations to find out if they dropped some payload of narcotics or arms, Police said. Meanwhile, to review security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma held a comprehensive joint security review meeting at Conference Hall DPL Kathua. The meeting was attended by Additional SP Kathua; SP Ops Border Kandi Kathua; CO IRP 19th Bn; CO CRPF 121 Bn; CO BSF 82/107/159 Bns; SDPO Border Kathua; DySP Hqrs Kathua; DySP DAR Kathua; DySP SOG Kathua; zonal officers and Assistant Commandants and in-charges of all CAPF companies deployed for SANJY 2026. SSP Kathua took stock of security arrangements, surveillance measures, convoy management, QRT deployment and emergency response plans for SANJY-2026. Addressing the officers, she stressed maximum alertness, strict adherence to security protocols and pilgrim-friendly conduct during Yatra. She further directed the supervisory officers to strengthen security arrangements through regular inspection of Langars, lodgement centres and other Yatra-related facilities, while maintaining close surveillance over suspicious movements and anti-national elements. Officers present at the meeting were also instructed to intensify intelligence generation, promptly share actionable inputs and maintain close coordination with intelligence agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a robust and proactive security grid. Thereafter, directions were issued to ensure security along the Border National Highway (NHW) and Railway Track with special focus on round-the-clock domination, naka points and area domination patrols. SSP Mohita Sharma also stressed seamless inter-agency coordination among Police, CAPFs, civil administration, Traffic Police, health services and other departments, with a focus on prompt information sharing, joint preparedness and effective response to any exigency. Officers were instructed to ensure effective management and security of Yatra mini-convoys and to enhance CCTV coverage at all important Yatra locations with dedicated 247 monitoring. SSP Kathua reiterated the need for high operational readiness and coordinated efforts to ensure the safe, smooth and successful conduct of SANJY-2026.

Rains continue to lash Jammu, Tawi, Chenab water level fluctuates

As rains continued to lash Jammu and adjoining areas intermittently, the water level in Tawi and Chenab demonstrated a fluctuating trend on Saturday. Meanwhile, with the improvement in weather, major pilgrimages to the Shri Amarnath shrine, Mata Vaishnodevi shrine and Shivkhori resumed after a hiatus of six days, though the wet spell did not end completely. Amarnath Yatra to the holy shrine in south Kashmir, Vaishnodevi Yatra and Shivkhori Yatra in Reasi were suspended on July 19 in the wake of inclement weather conditions. However, the commencement of the Machail Mata Yatra has been deferred for three days due to inclement weather, and it will recommence on July 28, subject to weather conditions. According to Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma, the shrine reopened on Saturday, July 25 with rituals marking the commencement of annual Yatra. The pilgrimage for devotees, however, will begin on July 28 after assessment of weather conditions, he said. On Saturday, Amarnath Yatra resumed with a fresh (18th) batch of 6269 pilgrims leaving Jammu-based Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar for Baltal base camp in south Kashmir. No convoy was dispatched for Pahalgam base camp. Vaishnodevi Yatra was, however, resumed partially as the pilgrims were allowed to undertake pilgrimage through the old track amid extensive safety measures while the new track remained closed. Battery car and chopper services too remained suspended. With decrease in rain intensity, the water level in all major rivers, including Tawi and Chenab and nullahs across Jammu district and adjoining districts had receded. However, a fresh spell of rainfall briefly led to a surge in water level of Tawi and Chenab. By evening, the water level was within normal range yet the fluctuating trends, amid forecasts of wet spell, kept authorities in alert-mode. Safety advisories for the citizens cautioning them against venturing in and around river banks remained in place. In Reasi district, a landslide near the Army area in Mahore put 3-4 residential houses at risk. However, all the affected families were shifted to a safer location in a rescue and evacuation operation, carried out jointly by the SDRF team, SDM Mahore, SHO Mahore, Army, local residents and other concerned agencies. The people were advised to stay away from the affected area and strictly follow the instructions of the district administration. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under Project Sampark, stated to have launched a swift and coordinated response to restore disrupted road connectivity and ensure uninterrupted movement of security forces and essential services. The heavy downpour during July 19 to 24, 2026 led to numerous landslides at several locations, blocking key roads and affecting normal movement in the region. Demonstrating exceptional commitment and operational readiness, BRO immediately mobilised its men, heavy machinery and equipment to undertake round-the-clock road clearance operations despite adverse weather conditions and challenging terrain, said PRO Defence Jammu Lt Col Suneel Bartwal. The heavy downpour resulted in landslides on important roads including Rajouri-Poonch NH 144 A. The teams immediately moved to site and cleared landslides to ensure movement of critical resources, essential services, army vehicles and local populace. The roads leading from Reasi to Mahore and Rajouri to Budhal and further to Mahore and Gul experienced many landslides. One diversion created at Badora nallah was also washed away in heavy flow of water. The monsoon preparedness ensured quick deployment of resources at already identified critical locations, Lt Col Bartwal said. Various arteries in forward locations, according to him, were also immediately restored to ensure timely movement of security forces. At Baodra nullah, based on past experience a 200 feet bailey bridge has already been launched allowing smooth movement of traffic thereby, avoiding cutting off the areas of Mahore from Rajouri and Budhal, Lt Col Bartwal said. The unrelenting rains caused heavy damage to road infrastructure and equipment deployed by the teams of contractors working on Rajouri-Thanamandi road and NH 144 site location in Poonch and other locations. Overcoming the issue, the teams stood resolved in ensuring road connectivity. Working tirelessly under hazardous conditions, BRO teams successfully removed debris, stabilised vulnerable stretches and restored traffic on the affected routes in the shortest possible time. Their prompt action ensured that critical road links remained operational, facilitating the movement of security forces, emergency responders and essential supplies to the affected areas, he said. While the essential connectivity on all roads has been restored, the teams remain deployed to repair the damages caused to road infrastructure and ensure seamless movement of traffic and provide maximum succour to the populace, Lt Col Bartwal said.

Fresh landslide closes NH-44 again in Ramban after brief reopening

Vehicular movement on the strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) was disrupted once again on Saturday evening after a fresh landslide struck the Gangroo area of Ramsu in Ramban district following renewed rainfall, bringing traffic to a halt barely a day after the highway was reopened following a three-day closure. According to officials, the landslide blocked both road tubes at Gangroo, forcing the suspension of traffic on the Kashmir Valley's only all-weather road link with the rest of the country. The disruption followed intermittent rainfall across the Udhampur-Banihal sector during the afternoon and evening, triggering fresh landslides and shooting stones at several vulnerable locations. Officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said heavy machinery and restoration teams were immediately deployed to clear the debris. They expressed hope that one of the road tubes would be reopened shortly to facilitate regulated traffic while restoration work continues. Earlier in the day, the scheduled Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra convoy crossed the Udhampur-Banihal stretch of NH-44 safely under tight security. Following the convoy's passage, authorities permitted the regulated movement of scheduled light, medium and heavy motor vehicles towards their respective destinations. However, fresh rain during the afternoon slowed traffic due to shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal and waterlogging at the Ladha-Samroli stretch. Traffic continued to move slowly until the fresh landslide at Gangroo brought vehicular movement to a complete standstill. The highway had resumed traffic only on Friday evening after remaining closed for three consecutive days due to incessant monsoon rains that triggered multiple landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and waterlogging between Udhampur and Banihal. With the restoration of the highway on Friday, authorities had also resumed the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra on Saturday after it remained suspended for three days because of adverse weather and the prolonged closure of NH-44. Officials said continuous rainfall over the past several days has repeatedly triggered fresh landslides, slush, waterlogging and shooting stones, severely hampering restoration efforts. NHAI personnel, assisted by heavy earth-moving machinery, worked round the clock despite repeated interruptions caused by fresh spells of rain. Taking advantage of improved weather conditions on Friday afternoon, NHAI intensified restoration operations by deploying additional manpower and machinery at multiple vulnerable locations. A breakthrough was achieved after the landslide-hit Ladha-Samroli stretch on the Udhampur-Chenani section was restored for two-way traffic. Officials said the affected stretch had initially been cleared within hours after a landslide late Thursday night, but another spell of heavy rain on Friday morning triggered a fresh slide, temporarily halting restoration work. Once the rain subsided, clearance operations resumed with additional manpower and machinery, restoring two-way traffic within a few hours. Following Friday's restoration, authorities allowed the regulated movement of stranded heavy vehicles carrying essential commodities towards Kashmir, while stranded light motor vehicles from Qazigund were permitted to proceed towards Jammu after the route was declared safe for controlled movement. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic), National Highway, Raja Adil Hameed, personally supervised traffic regulation and monitored restoration work at several vulnerable locations, including Dewal and Samroli, ensuring coordinated efforts for debris clearance and safe movement of stranded vehicles. Officials attributed the prolonged disruption to intense monsoon activity that has repeatedly affected road connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir over the past week. Heavy rainfall has triggered landslides, flash floods, mudslides and shooting stones in Ramban, Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further rainfall over the coming days, prompting authorities to warn that fresh landslides, mudslides and shooting stones cannot be ruled out. NHAI teams remained engaged in restoration work at Gangroo, while executing agencies were directed to expedite clearance operations without compromising workers' safety. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid non-essential travel during adverse weather and undertake journeys on NH-44 only after confirming the latest traffic status through official advisories. Motorists have also been urged to maintain lane discipline and strictly follow directions issued by the Traffic Police. Meanwhile, officials said rainfall had stopped across most parts of the Udhampur-Banihal sector by late Saturday evening, and intensive restoration work was continuing at Gangroo to reopen the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at the earliest.

Rains disrupt normal life in Srinagar

A spell of heavy rain lashed Srinagar on Saturday disrupting normal life as waterlogged roads, traffic congestion and poor civic infrastructure caused widespread inconvenience across the city. The showers led to waterlogging in several parts of Downtown and Uptown Srinagar, while traffic moved at a snail's pace on major roads as commuters rushed to return home amid the rain. Long traffic snarls were witnessed at Maulana Azad Road, Barzulla, Sanat Nagar, Natipora, Hyderpora, Nowpora and Hazratbal and several Downtown localities, with slow-moving traffic compounded by waterlogged road stretches and damaged surfaces. The deteriorated road stretches from Gojwara to Hawal and Dr Ali Jan Road from Aali Masjid towards the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) continued to test commuters' patience, as rainwater concealed deep potholes, uneven patches and protruding manholes left behind after drainage works. It has become impossible to judge whether we are riding over a puddle or a deep pothole. Every ride feels unsafe, especially during rain, said Atif Ahmad, a two-wheeler rider from Nowhatta. Another commuter said traffic congestion had become unavoidable whenever it rained. Vehicles slow down at every damaged stretch. The result is traffic jams stretching for hundreds of metres during peak hours. The condition of roads is making the situation much worse, he said. E-rickshaw drivers said the week-long wet spell had made operating their vehicles increasingly risky. Our vehicles lose balance easily on uneven, waterlogged roads. We have had several close calls over the past few days. Driving through these potholes has become a challenge, said Suhaib Ahmad, an e-rickshaw driver operating in Noorbagh area. Roadside vendors also struggled to continue business as repeated showers forced them to cover their merchandise with plastic sheets and tarpaulin. We spend more time protecting our goods than selling them. Customers avoid stopping during heavy rain, and our earnings have dropped considerably, said a roadside vendor near Lal Chowk. Although the Jhelum and Tailbal Nallah remained within safe limits, residents living near the riverbanks said they continued monitoring water levels throughout the day. We are relieved that the water level has not risen significantly today, but continuous rain keeps everyone anxious. We remain alert because the weather can change quickly, said a resident living along the Jhelum. Officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department said water levels in the Jhelum and other streams were being monitored continuously and remained below the flood declaration level. There is no cause for panic at present. Our teams are monitoring all vulnerable locations round the clock, and forecasts indicate intermittent rainfall over the coming days. We remain fully prepared to respond to any situation, an official said.

J&K Junior Hockey Team leaves for National Championship

The Jammu & Kashmir Junior Men Hockey Team on Saturday departed for Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, to participate in the prestigious 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026, scheduled to be held from 28th July to 8th August 2026. Representing the Union Territory on the national stage, the young hockey players carry the hopes and aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir. The team has undergone systematic coaching and intensive training, and is fully prepared to compete against the country's finest junior hockey teams. The office bearers of Hockey Jammu & Kashmir, as per a statement conveyed their heartfelt best wishes to the players, coaches, and support staff. They expressed confidence that the team will uphold the spirit of fair play, discipline, and excellence while striving to bring glory to Jammu & Kashmir through outstanding performances. The championship, organised by Hockey India, is one of the country's most prestigious junior hockey events and serves as a platform for identifying future national stars. The entire sporting fraternity of Jammu & Kashmir extends its unwavering support and wishes the team a successful campaign in Coimbatore.

Burn Hall School promotes Water Safety on World Drowning Prevention Day

Burn Hall School observed World Drowning Prevention Day with an awareness programme to educate students about water safety and the importance of preventing drowning incidents. The programme, as per a statement, highlighted the causes of drowning, precautionary measures to stay safe around water bodies, and the importance of learning basic life-saving skills. Students actively participated in awareness activities that emphasised responsible behaviour near rivers, lakes, swimming pools, and other water bodies. They were also encouraged to spread awareness about water safety within their families and communities. Speaking on the occasion Principal Burn Hall School Fr. Stalin Raja urged the students to actively participate in such awareness initiatives and develop a strong sense of responsibility towards society. He emphasised that informed and responsible citizens play a vital role in promoting safety and preventing avoidable tragedies. He encouraged students to adopt safe practices around water and inspire others to do the same. The programme concluded with a pledge by the students to observe water safety guidelines and contribute towards building a safer and more aware community. The observance reinforced the message that drowning is preventable through awareness, preparedness and collective responsibility.

Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 | Swift Strickers Rainawari FC becomes 2nd franchise to join league

The Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 powered by Athwas Retail & Athwas Hyundai is delighted to announce Swift Strickers Rainawari FC as the second official franchise for the upcoming season. The franchise is proudly backed by Swift Multi-Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a professionally managed FMCG sales and distribution company known for its strong market presence, operational excellence, and trusted partnerships with leading national and international brands. The franchise agreement, as per a statement was formally signed between Yasir Hayat, representing Swift Multi-Ventures Pvt. Ltd., and Mushtaq Bashir, Founder of the Kashmir Super League, marking the beginning of an exciting association between one of the regions fastest-growing business houses and Jammu & Kashmirs premier franchise-based football league. Speaking on the occasion, Yasir Hayat expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: At Swift Multi-Ventures, we believe in empowering communities and supporting initiatives that inspire the youth. The Kashmir Super League is an outstanding platform that promotes sporting excellence, teamwork, and talent. We are proud to introduce Swift Strickers Rainawari FC and look forward to contributing to the growth of football in the region. Established with the vision of becoming one of the most trusted and admired distribution companies, Swift Multi-Ventures Pvt. Ltd. has built a reputation for efficient supply chain management, reliable customer service, and a robust distribution network. The company partners with several renowned brands, including Dabur, Mother Dairy, Tynor Orthotics, Parle Agro, Wowper Diapers, MamyPoko Pants, Beurer Germany, MuscleBlaze, and MenMoms, reflecting its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth. Welcoming the new franchise, Mushtaq Bashir, Founder of the Kashmir Super League, said: We are delighted to welcome Swift Multi-Ventures Pvt. Ltd. to the Kashmir Super League family. Their philosophy of Empower Elevate Excel perfectly aligns with our vision of creating opportunities for local footballers and taking the sport to greater heights. We are confident that Swift Strickers Rainawari FC will bring immense value and excitement to the league. With the addition of Swift Strickers Rainawari FC, the league continues to attract leading corporate partners committed to promoting sports and youth development across Jammu & Kashmir. The upcoming edition of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 powered by Athwas Retail & Athwas Hyundai promises to deliver a highly competitive tournament while providing local footballers with a professional platform to showcase their talent before fans, scouts, and the broader football community.

Jio expands 5G footprint in Kupwara, connects Bangus Valley, Simari

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited has strengthened its digital footprint in north Kashmir by commissioning a permanent telecom site at Mooldhari in the strategically significant Bangus Valley of Kupwara district and extending high-speed 5G services to Simari, a remote border village in Karnah. At nearly 10,000 feet, the Mooldhari site in Bangus Valley overcomes significant geographical and logistical challenges to provide permanent telecom connectivity in one of the region's most inaccessible areas. In collaboration with the Indian Army, Jio has also commissioned high-speed 5G services in Simari, a remote border village in the Karnah Valley (Teetwal region) of Kupwara district. Popularly known as India's Polling Booth No. 1, Simari is situated around 170 kilometres from Srinagar. With the commissioning of these sites, both Bangus Valley and Simari have been connected to the country's digital network, marking a significant milestone in improving connectivity in remote and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The company said the difficult terrain and geographical isolation of the Bangus and Karnah valleys had long limited access to modern communication infrastructure. The deployment of Jio's next-generation 5G network is expected to improve digital access and communication services in these frontier regions. The new infrastructure will provide high-speed internet and reliable voice connectivity for residents, tourists, civil administration, and Indian Army personnel operating in the area. According to the company, enhanced connectivity will facilitate access to e-governance services, digital banking, online education, and seamless communication. It is also expected to support tourism and local businesses by enabling homestays and other enterprises to leverage digital platforms. Jio said the project was completed through the coordinated efforts of its engineering teams, the Indian Army, and local stakeholders, who worked together to overcome challenging operational and topographical conditions.

JKEDI organises interactive session for women entrepreneurs

Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), through its District Office Srinagar/CWE-K, today organized an interactive session for women entrepreneurs aimed at fostering innovation, strengthening entrepreneurial capabilities, and facilitating meaningful engagement with industry leaders. The session was presided over by Shradha Sharma, CEO and Founder of Your Story and Bharat Project. The event was attended by Shabir Hussain Shah, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI and other officials from JKEDI. The interaction also witnessed the participation of distinguished faculty members from the Central University of Kashmir and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, alongside aspiring and established women entrepreneurs from across the region. Addressing the gathering, Sharma underscored the pivotal role of mentorship, networking, and strategic guidance in enabling women-led startups to scale and succeed. She emphasized the need for nurturing entrepreneurial talent through sustained support mechanisms and highlighted the growing ecosystem of funding opportunities available to innovative startups. Encouraging women entrepreneurs to build scalable and impactful ventures, Sharma reiterated her commitment to supporting promising women-led enterprises with viable and market-ready products. The session provided participants with valuable insights into startup growth strategies, access to funding, and the importance of building resilient business models. It also offered an open platform for women entrepreneurs to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and seek expert guidance on strengthening their entrepreneurial journeys. JKEDI continues to organize such capacity-building initiatives to promote innovation, encourage entrepreneurship among women, and strengthen the startup ecosystem across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

SKUAST-K becomes Kashmir's 1st university to hold paperless PG examination

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has become the first university in the Kashmir Valley to conduct a completely paperless postgraduate semester examination, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of higher education in the region. On July 25, the University successfully conducted a tablet-based digital examination for 150 postgraduate students enrolled in the course Statistical Methods for Applied Sciences, replacing the conventional pen-and-paper examination system with a secure digital platform. The initiative was envisioned by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, as part of the University's broader mission to modernize academic administration through technology-driven, sustainable and student-centric practices. The transition reflects SKUAST-K's commitment to creating a future-ready academic ecosystem that aligns with global standards in digital education. The implementation was coordinated under the supervision of Prof. K. N. Qaisar, Controller of Examinations; Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Dean, Faculty of Horticulture; and Prof. Imran Khan, Head, Division of Agricultural Statistics, who ensured that the examination was conducted in accordance with prescribed academic standards and robust data security protocols. The examination was monitored on-site by Dr. Aziz Mujtaba Aezum, Dr. M. Iqbal Jeelani and Dr. Immad A. Shah, who managed real-time classroom operations, technical support and student facilitation to ensure a seamless examination experience. Prof. Ganai described the successful conduct of the examination as a landmark achievement in the University's digital transformation journey. He said the initiative demonstrates SKUAST-K's resolve to adopt innovative technologies that enhance academic quality while promoting sustainability and operational efficiency. This transition is not merely about replacing paper with digital devices. It is about preparing our students for a technology-driven future while making academic processes more transparent, efficient and environmentally responsible, he said. The University had earlier introduced the paperless examination system for undergraduate end-term examinations. Its successful expansion to the postgraduate level marks another major step towards fully digitising the University's evaluation system. The digital examination platform offers several advantages over conventional examinations. It significantly reduces paper consumption, printing requirements and physical storage, contributing to environmental sustainability. The system also streamlines examination logistics through secure digital distribution of question papers, encrypted submission of answer scripts and faster evaluation, enabling quicker declaration of results. To uphold examination integrity, the platform operates in a secure locked environment that prevents access to external resources during the examination. Digital audit trails, including automated timestamps and activity logs, further strengthen transparency and accountability throughout the assessment process. The initiative also familiarises students with computer-based assessments, helping them build digital confidence and preparing them for national competitive examinations such as ICAR-NET, GATE, CSIR-UGC NET and Civil Services, which are conducted through computer-based testing. The platform additionally supports accessibility through features such as adjustable font sizes and enhanced screen visibility. The successful conduct of the 150-candidate postgraduate examination establishes a scalable model for digital assessments in higher education. SKUAST-K plans to gradually extend the paperless examination system across all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, reinforcing its position as a leader in technology-enabled agricultural education and academic innovation.

Education must reach playgrounds, social spaces, become a way of life: LG Manoj Sinha

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of the National Education Policy. Addressing thousands of students from colleges and universities across the UT of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, highlighted the significance of the reading marathon as a symbol of collective learning and social responsibility. Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds, social spaces, and become a way of life. Todays Reading Marathon is a powerful example of that vision, he said. The reading marathon carried the message Run for a Green Future. The Lieutenant Governor described this motto as a life philosophy. He emphasised that both knowledge and environmental conservation require patience, discipline, and sustained collective effort. Reading enriches our thoughts, running strengthens our bodies, and caring for nature awakens our conscience. Together, they prepare society to face future challenges, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also urged young participants to take three important pledges. He asked the youth to make reading a daily habit, adopt environmental conservation in everyday life, and transform the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong commitment to bring positive change in the society. Let the spirit of doing something good for society become a lifelong commitment. I believe that merely reading books is not enough. True education is to put what you have read into practice. It is easy to read a book about climate change. But after reading those words, deciding that I myself will run five kilometres, spread the message of nature conservation, and bring changes into my life, is real transformation. Today you all have chosen the path of change, and that is the greatest success of Chinar Book Festival, the Lieutenant Governor said.

Nalin Prabhat interacts with IPS trainees on J&K Polices counter-terror role

Srinagar, Jul 25:Director General of Police ( DGP) Nalin Prabhat, along with senior officers of the Jammu & Kashmir Police, interacted with 21 IPS Officer Trainees of the 78th Regular Recruit (RR) batch at the Police Headquarters here on Saturday. The young officers were given a detailed briefing on the sacrifices made by the J&K Police while combating terrorism and the operational strategies being employed to eliminate this proxy war. During the interaction session, the trainees were informed about the immense contribution and the ultimate sacrifices of J&K Police personnel who have stood at the forefront of the fight against terrorism for decades. Senior officers highlighted the forces sustained efforts in maintaining peace, protecting citizens and upholding national security in one of the most challenging operational environments in the country. The briefing also covered modern operational strategies, intelligence-led policing, the multi-layered security grid, and the coordinated approach with other security agencies to dismantle residual terror networks and their support systems. DGP Nalin Prabhat motivated the trainee officers to face future challenges with professional competence, people-centric policing and unwavering commitment. He underlined the importance of leadership, integrity and a deep understanding of the unique security dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir. The interaction forms part of the orientation and exposure visits for the IPS probationers, aimed at giving them first-hand insight into the specialised role and operational experience of the J&K Police in counter-terrorism and conflict policing. Sh Nalin Prabhat, DGP, and senior officers of J&K Police, interacted with 21 IPS Officer Trainees, of 78 RR, at HQ J&K Police. The officers were briefed regarding the sacrifices of J&K Police, whilst combatting Pakistan sponsored terrorism and the operational strategies to stamp out this proxy scourge, J&K Police said in a post on X.

'I listened to my heart': Former actress Mateena Jeelani on joining Apni Party

Srinagar, Jul 25: Former actress, model and social media influencer Mateena Jeelani on Saturday joined the Apni Party along with her associates during a function held at the party headquarters here, saying she was entering politics to work for the people of Handwara and raise issues affecting the youth. Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and other senior leaders welcomed Jeelani into the party and extended their best wishes, expressing confidence that her induction would strengthen the party's organisational base and expand its outreach in north Kashmir. A native of Rajwar in Handwara, Jeelani is a known public figure with a background in acting, modelling and social media. Speaking to reporters after joining the party, Jeelani said she chose the Apni Party because she believes it provides a platform to work for people, especially the youth. I work a lot for my people and for the people of Kashmir. If I wanted to do something for my town, Handwara, I felt I needed this platform because it is a party that cares about the youth, she said. She said her priority would be to address basic civic issues affecting people in Handwara, including drinking water, electricity and road connectivity. Through this platform, I want to solve the small and big problems in Handwara, whether it is water, electricity, roads or any other issue concerning the people, she said. Asked whether her popularity on social media would help in her political journey, Jeelani said she intends to use her influence positively. As a social media influencer, I have many followers. Earlier, they followed what I did as an individual. Now I want to use that influence to spread positive messages and do something good for society, she said. Jeelani also encouraged greater participation of women in politics, saying there was ample scope for young women to enter public life. I think girls should definitely come into politics. There is a good future for them. Many women are already doing excellent work in politics, and I want more girls to come forward, make a name for themselves and serve the people. Whether you are a boy or a girl, if you work sincerely, people will support you, she said. Responding to a question on why she chose the Apni Party despite having family members associated with different political parties, Jeelani said the decision was personal. There are people from different political parties in my family, and it would not have been difficult for me to join any of them. But I believe one should listen to one's heart. This decision came from my heart, she said. Jeelani also expressed solidarity with students protesting over the alleged paper leak, saying their concerns deserved serious attention. Referring to the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, she said the controversy had deeply affected aspirants who had spent months preparing for examinations. Only the students know how hard they worked for an entire year. It is heartbreaking that such incidents happened after all their efforts. I pray they remain patient, and I appeal to the government to take steps that are in the best interest of these students. This should never have happened. It is very unfortunate, and I stand with them, she said. Welcoming the new entrants, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said Jeelani's inclusion would strengthen the party in her native area and help the organisation connect with more people, particularly the youth. Several senior party leaders and workers attended the joining programme.

Development deficit prevails in Srinagar as ruling party ignores public issues: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Jul 25:Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the ruling partys legislators from Srinagar, accusing them of securing votes in the 2024 Assembly elections through false promises and then abandoning the very people who had reposed faith in them. Claiming that a development deficit now prevails across Srinagar, Bukhari alleged that the ruling party, despite winning all eight Assembly constituencies in the city, has failed to address the problems confronting residents, particularly unemployment, poverty, housing shortages and civic issues. Bukhari made these remarks while addressing a gathering at the Apni Party headquarters here during a function organised to felicitate Zaffar Habib on his election as the partys District President for Srinagar. Referring to the ruling partys election campaign, Bukhari said the people were persuaded to vote on the basis of promises that have remained unfulfilled. During the elections, the ruling party leaders misled the people with false promises while seeking their votes. They promised free electricity, free LPG cylinders, an additional ration quota, and one lakh jobs soon after the formation of the government, the regularisation of daily-wagers, and several other such promises. Trusting these assurances, the people gave them a mandate. However, after coming to power, these leaders have chosen to ignore both the people and the issues they had pledged to address, he said. He alleged that instead of fulfilling their commitments, the elected representatives had distanced themselves from the people who elected them. These so-called representatives won votes by making false promises and raising unrealistic hopes among the people. However, after the ruling party secured victories in all eight Assembly constituencies of Srinagar, they have completely ignored the publics issues and grievances, leaving the people feeling betrayed and disregarded, he said. Questioning the elected legislators over what he described as their inaction, Bukhari asked, How do you sleep while the people who voted for you continue to suffer miseries and injustice? The Apni Party president said the partys grassroots presence enabled it to understand the worsening condition of the city and the hardships being faced by its residents. As Apni Party continues to strengthen its roots across Srinagar and remains closely connected with the people at the grassroots, we have first-hand knowledge of the citys worsening condition. The people, especially the youth, are struggling with poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, and several other pressing issues. Yet those whom they elected to power in the 2024 Assembly elections have shown little interest in addressing these issues. Instead of fulfilling the promises they made, these representatives have chosen to remain indifferent to the hardships and aspirations of the people, he said. Expressing concern over what he termed the pathetic condition of Srinagar, Bukhari said the city was facing a serious development deficit and that the concerns of ordinary citizens were not receiving the attention they deserved. He particularly highlighted the plight of young people, alleging that many continue to face harassment while employment opportunities remain scarce. We are deeply connected with the city and its people. It pains us to witness the misery and hardships they are enduring. Our youth, in particular, are facing immense challenges. Many are frequently summoned to police stations and subjected to unnecessary harassment. They lack adequate employment opportunities and are being deprived of the dignified life they deserve, he said. Bukhari said the Apni Party would continue to raise issues affecting the people of Srinagar at every available platform and would strive to secure both immediate relief and long-term solutions. I assure you that Apni Party will leave no stone unturned to raise their issues and grievances at every appropriate forum and work tirelessly to ensure they are addressed through both immediate relief measures and long-term, sustainable solutions, he added. Congratulating Zaffar Habib on his election as the partys District President for Srinagar, Bukhari expressed confidence that the new organisational responsibility would further strengthen the Apni Party in the district. I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to you. I hope that your appointment to this new position in the organisation will contribute to further strengthening the party in Srinagar and advancing its mission of serving the people, he said. Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir described Habibs election as a reflection of the partys internal democratic culture. I congratulate Zaffar Sahib on being elected as the District President of the party. He was elected through a democratic process, which reflects the values that Apni Party believes in. We have fostered a strong democratic culture within the party, and this election is a testament to that commitment, Mir said. He assured Habib of the party leaderships support in carrying out his responsibilities. I express my heartfelt happiness on the election of Zaffar Sahib. We will stand by him and extend our full support whenever he needs us. I wish him every success in carrying out his responsibilities and serving the people and the party, Mir added. Among those present at the function were Chairman of the Political Affairs Committee Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Provincial President Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Chief Spokesperson and State Secretary Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, Womens Wing President Dilshad Shaheen, District President Kupwara Raja Manzoor, State Organiser and Spokesperson Dr. Harbaksh Singh, Spokesperson Ishrat Bashir Bhat, Organiser Central Kashmir Mohammad Shafi Mir, Provincial Secretaries Abdul Rashid Bhat and Shiraza Malik, Provincial Joint Secretary Abdul Rehman Wani, District Vice President Budgam Mukhtar Ahmad Dar, Youth Joint Secretary Srinagar Mudasir Wali, Tehseen Farooq, Dr. Bilal, Afroza Khan, Sabiha Bhat and other party functionaries.

Kashmir leaders go to Delhi protests for media attention: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar, Jul 25:Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday questioned the participation of Jammu and Kashmir leaders in the student protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, saying they should have shown the same commitment to issues within the Union Territory, where, according to him, thousands of youths have been arrested but the matter has failed to attract national attention. Bukhari made the remarks while responding to a question from reporters after a party function at the Apni Party headquarters here. A journalist referred to the participation of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in the ongoing student protest over the paper leak issue in New Delhi and sought his reaction. Replying to the question, Bukhari said the concerns of the protesting students were genuine and deserved to be addressed. I think the students and the common people should be heard. The government should not make it an issue of prestige. Ultimately, the government is a representative of the people and of their hopes. If it appears that the hopes of the people have been hurt, then those issues should be addressed, he said. He, however, said he wished political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir had displayed the same resolve over issues affecting people in the Union Territory. I wish our leaders were outside our police stations. Where 3,500 children have been arrested, I wish they would have gone there, Bukhari said. He went on to suggest that leaders preferred to participate in protests in the national capital because they attracted wider media coverage and public attention. There is no news in Jammu and Kashmir. No international media covers it. No political leaders of India come here. No people from the film industry, from Bollywood, come here, he said. Bukhari said issues in Jammu and Kashmir often remain unnoticed outside the region, unlike protests held in New Delhi, which receive extensive national media coverage. During the interaction, Bukhari also said the growing support for the Apni Party reflected what he described as public disappointment with the ruling government and other mainstream political parties. We are trying to convey our message to the people, and I am happy that my colleagues are succeeding in taking the party's message to the masses. The failures of this government and its false promises have enabled people to see the truth clearly, he said. He alleged that voters had been misled during the 2024 Assembly elections. I feel the people were deceived by lies. It is not only the present government; the other political parties are also responsible. Today, people from all walks of lifecommon citizens, businessmen, artists and professionalsare joining this platform because it belongs to the people, not to any one family, he said. Responding to another question on the recent security situation in Kashmir, Bukhari termed the killing of a cop by terrorists as unfortunate and said civilians continued to bear the consequences of security lapses. It is very saddening. We have been saying for the past several days that this is wrong. There may be intelligence failures, but the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, our children and our elders, are the ones who suffer the consequences, he said. Bukhari also alleged that governance had taken a back seat in the Union Territory. There is no accountability. Those who have been elected are focused on their seats, while those in authority are focused on imprisoning the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. I do not see any other focus, he said. He further expressed concern over rising cancer cases, environmental degradation and civic problems, saying the government needed to pay greater attention to issues affecting the daily lives of people.

LG Manoj Sinha pays homage to Kargil War brave hearts

Srinagar, Jul 25:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid homage to the brave hearts of the Kargil War on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs who made supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty and honor of Maa Bharti during Operation Vijay. The extraordinary courage of our Armed Forces will forever inspire generations to come. I also bow in deep reverence to the families of our fallen heroes. Their selfless dedication remains an enduring symbol of our ultimate national pride.

Amarnath Yatra resumes after 6-day suspension; Pahalgam route shut for repairs

Baltal, Jul 25: The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for six consecutive days due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir, even as the administration temporarily closed the Pahalgam axis for repair and maintenance work, allowing the pilgrimage to continue only through the Baltal route. Officials said a fresh batch of more than 6,000 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the Baltal base camp in Kashmir Valley after the Yatra was resumed. The pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas had been suspended on July 19 as a precautionary measure following incessant rains that triggered landslides, shooting stones and unsafe conditions along the trekking routes. Officials said the decision to resume the pilgrimage was taken after a marked improvement in weather conditions and the completion of essential track restoration works. Pilgrims have been advised to strictly follow safety advisories issued by security agencies and the civil administration. The Yatra also resumed after the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway became trafficable following a three-day closure caused by landslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along the Udhampur-Ramban stretch. Officials said over 3.95 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine since the 57-day pilgrimage commenced on July 3. Around 20,000 pilgrims who had been stranded at various transit camps during the six-day suspension have also resumed their journey. A multi-layered security grid comprising the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army continues to remain deployed along the pilgrimage route to ensure the safety of devotees. The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Meanwhile, the administration has temporarily suspended the pilgrimage through the traditional Pahalgam route to facilitate urgent repair and restoration works necessitated by the recent spell of heavy rain. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said the recent weather had caused damage requiring immediate maintenance on the Pahalgam axis. Due to the recent rains, urgent repair and maintenance works are required to be carried out on the Pahalgam Axis of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. The Yatra shall continue through the Baltal Axis, for which adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, Garg said in a statement. He said comprehensive arrangements have been made along the Baltal route to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the Yatra and the safe movement of pilgrims. As of Saturday, more than 3.95 lakh pilgrims have undertaken darshan at the Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine during this years Yatra, reflecting the successful and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage, he added.

NC's Delhi protest reminder to Centre of statehood promise, not to build pressure: Farooq Shah

Srinagar, Jul 25:NC leader and MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah Saturday said the party's recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi was not aimed at building pressure on the Government of India (GoI) but to remind them of its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an Educational Conclave- 2026 organised by Infonet Technologies in collaboration with PSAJK and Education World, MLA Shah said the demand for restoration of statehood was based on assurances made by the country's top leadership before the Assembly elections. This is not about putting pressure on anyone. Before the elections, the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister had made it clear that delimitation would be followed by elections and then restoration of statehood. We are only reminding them of that commitment and hope it is fulfilled, he said. On the participation in the Jantar Mantar demonstration, Shah said the National Conference had invited people to join the protest but had not arranged transportation for participants. People came on their own. The National Conference did not provide transport for anyone, he said. Shah also said that education was the government's foremost priority. He also welcomed the approval of the Private Universities Act and said the legislation would pave the way for establishment of quality universities across J&K and strengthen the education sector. Making roads and buildings is important, long-term development depends on a strong education system, he said. About the role of private schools, Shah said private education sector was an integral part of the education ecosystem and acknowledged their contribution to educating thousands of students across J&K.

Karra congratulates youth of India for determined, democratic struggle

Jammu, Jul 25: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday congratulated the youth of the country for, what he said, their determined and democratic struggle leading to Union Education Ministers resignation. Todays developments are a victory of truth, persistence and the collective voice of lakhs of students and young aspirants, Karra said. JKPCC president, in a statement, also congratulated the Leader of Opposition in Parliament Rahul Gandhi, describing him as the torchbearer of democracy in an era where democratic institutions and dissent came under increasing pressure. Karra said Rahul Gandhi consistently stood with the youth, raised their concerns fearlessly and refused to allow their voices to be silenced. The resignation of the Union Education Minister is self-explanatory. It is nothing but an admission that the government failed despite every attempt to suppress the voice of lakhs of young Indians demanding accountability and justice. Truth has prevailed over arrogance, Karra said. He further remarked that this marked the second major surrender of the Narendra Modi government before the people of India. The first came when the government was forced to withdraw the three farm laws after the historic farmers movement. Today, it has once again been compelled to bow before the united voice of the nations youth. This is a clear reflection of the failure of a government that has repeatedly chosen confrontation over consultation, Karra said. He asserted that no government, however powerful, could silence the democratic aspirations of the people for long, adding that Indias youth demonstrated that peaceful and determined democratic resistance remained the strongest force in a democracy. Later in the evening, the District Congress Committee also organised a victory march and Satyagraha from Dogra Chowk to Ambedkar Chowk to express solidarity with the students on the NEET and CBSE issues and condemn rutal lathicharge on students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

NC 'shielded' those behind 2012 MBBS paper leak scam: LoP Sunil Sharma

Srinagar, Jul 25: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Saturday accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led National Conference government of manipulating sports quota appointments and shielding those behind the 2012 MBBS paper leak scam, while making it clear that he neither seeks nor needs any certificate from the royal family scion. As per KNS, BJP senior leader said, I don't want a certificate from Omar Abdullah. I don't want a personal fight with him. But he is from a royal family. He doesn't like me being an LoP from a poor family. It is not his level. If he were a child of a poor family, then he would have liked it, the senior BJP leader said. Alleging large-scale irregularities in government appointments, BJP leader claimed the administration scrapped existing policies to favour a select few. There is a constitutional provision for outstanding sportspersons. After a long period, 223 people were appointed. We have no complaints about who was appointed, but the complaint is that those deserving were ignored, he said. By scrapping the policy, a matric pass student is made a D.Y.S.P. or a gazetted officer. The policy was scrapped because blue-eyed boys were to be appointed there. This will be a big scam and scandal, and the BJP will fight to expose it, he said. The LoP also raked up the 2012 MBBS admission scam, directly pointing fingers at the Chief Minister. In 2012, the MBBS that was sold for lakhs of rupees was done under the nose of Omar Abdullah. The person who did the scam was promoted, reappointed, and rewarded. Omar Abdullah made him a consultant. He cannot run away from this. J.P. Nadda said it, but the date was wrong it was 2012, he said. He said this is not a fight between Jammu and Kashmir. This is a fight between two farms. The children of both farms have been ignored. The children of some influential people have been given jobs. The policy has been violated. We are against all this. I will not praise the CM. I will not sing a song for him. I will raise my voice against the party on which they are sitting, the BJP leader said, vowing an uncompromising opposition to the government.

BJP & its 'satellite parties' missing as J&K battles landslides, flashfloods: National Conference

Srinagar, Jul 25:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Kashmir, Showkat Ahmad Mir Saturday said that while the opposition parties remain engrossed in political gimmickry and manufactured controversies, the Omar Abdullah-led elected government is working relentlessly on multiple fronts to provide relief and respite to the people. In a statement issued here, Mir said that the A, B and C teams of the BJP: the PDP, Apni Party and People's Conference are sinking to new lows by raising issues that have little relevance to the aspirations and day-to-day concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their politics only serves to reinforce the BJP-RSS narrative, whereas the National Conference government is focused on governance, development and safeguarding the constitutional rights of the people, he said. Mir said that on the development front, the Omar Abdullah government has accelerated work on vital civic and public infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, while simultaneously pursuing the constitutional and democratic struggle for the restoration of the rights of the people, including the restoration of statehood. Our leader Omar Abdullah has taken this peaceful and constitutional battle to New Delhi with dignity, conviction and perseverance, he added. Referring to the recent spell of torrential rains, flash floods and landslides, Mir said the natural calamity has put the government to a severe test, but the elected administration has responded with resolve and compassion. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has led from the front. The entire cabinet is on the ground, personally monitoring rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. While the BJP and its political satellites remain conspicuously absent from the affected areas, our ministers have travelled to remote and vulnerable regions, often risking their own safety to reach distressed families. He noted that Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary themselves had a narrow escape while visiting flood-affected areas, underscoring the commitment of the government to stand with the people in their hour of need. The Chief Minister has been visiting affected areas continuously, ensuring that no region or community feels abandoned. The administration has been put on its toes and every possible effort is being made to provide timely relief and expedite restoration works, Mir said. He urged the opposition to rise above petty politics during this difficult period and contribute constructively to the welfare of the people instead of indulging in propaganda and misinformation.

Delhi based production company booked for illegal drone use during film shoot in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jul.25: Police have registered a case against a Delhi-based production company for allegedly operating a drone without permission during a film shoot in the upper reaches of the Nishat area on the outskirts of Srinagar. The company allegedly used the drone in violation of the orders issued by the District Magistrate, Srinagar, and without obtaining the requisite permission or clearance from the police. Sources said that the drone was being operated for film shooting purposes. During inspection, the Production Manager was found operating the drone in alleged violation of the prohibitory orders governing drone operations in the area. Following the incident, Police Station Nishat registered FIR No 60/2026 under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated an investigation into the matter.

Womens mushaira organised at Ahata Waqar

Srinagar, Jul 25:A vibrant womens Mushaira (poetic symposium) was organised today at Ahata Waqar, Chanapora, under the guidance of noted poet and former Director of Radio Kashmir, Rukhsana Jabeen. Seven distinguished women poets participated in the event and captivated the audience with the recitation of their poetry. Renowned historian, eminent poet and respected social figure Zareef Ahmad Zareef attended the programme as special invitee. The participating poets included Rakhsanda Rashid, Ruhi Jan, Rehana Shehjar, Rehana Kausar, Shagufta Zahid, Nilofer Naz Nahvi, and Rukhsana Jabeen. The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Javid Ahmad Beig, followed by Naat recitations by Khazir Mohammad and Qazi Abdul Rashid. The welcome address was delivered by Shabir Mujahid, Executive Member of Ahata Waqar and former Director of Doordarshan Srinagar. Speaking on the occasion, Zareef Ahmad Zareef urged poets and writers to use their literary works to promote respect, dignity and care for senior citizens. He said that society, particularly the younger generation, should value the expectations and wisdom of elders, who are a treasure of knowledge and life experience. He also recited a Kashmiri couplet, encouraging senior citizens to remain active and continue playing a constructive role in creating peace and harmony within their families. He said that a house becomes a true home only when it is filled with peace and mutual respect. Addressing the gathering, Rukhsana Jabeen reaffirmed her commitment to making the Womens Wing of Ahata Waqar more vibrant and active. She announced that similar women-centric literary and cultural programmes on different themes would continue to be organised in the future.

Unprecedented security measures in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 25:Security forces have put in place unprecedented additional measures across Srinagar and several other districts of Kashmir, with a sharp increase in checkpoints, intensive vehicle frisking and joint police-CRPF operations visible on major roads and junctions. In the summer capital, additional temporary and permanent checkpoints have been established at key locations. Security personnel are conducting thorough frisking of private vehicles, passenger transport, two-wheelers and pedestrians. Joint parties of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were manning these points, checking vehicle boots, identity documents and luggage. Similar heightened activity has been reported from Ganderbal, Kulgam, Bandipora, Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam and other districts central, south and north Kashmir. In these areas too, joint teams are carrying out coordinated frisking and area domination exercises. Movement of people and vehicles is being closely monitored, particularly on highways, entry points to towns and sensitive urban stretches. The intensified security grid comes in the wake of the recent terror attack in Anantnag in which a police head constable on Amarnath Yatra duty was killed. Security agencies have placed the entire Kashmir region on high alert. Security forces have intensified surveillance, strengthened checkpoints and launched search operations to maintain law and order. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces, a senior officer of the security establishment said here. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat on Friday reviewed the security situation at a high-level meeting in Srinagar. He directed officers to intensify area domination and night domination, particularly in vulnerable and urban areas, strengthen security around critical infrastructure, and enhance intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination. The DGP also called for intensified intelligence-led operations to identify and neutralise residual terror networks. Officials said the joint operations are being conducted uninterrupted despite intermittent rainfall. The multi-agency efforts aim to deter any attempt to disturb public order and ensure a robust security environment across the Valley.

Weather forces Rajnath Singh to halt in Srinagar, take road to Drass

Srinagar, July 25:Inclement weather halts Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to abandon his planned helicopter flight to Drass on Saturday, compelling him to land at Srinagar International Airport and travel by road to Darss for the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations. Singh was scheduled to fly directly to Drass to participate in the two-day commemorative events marking Indias victory in the 1999 Kargil conflict. However, poor weather conditions prevented the chopper from operating beyond Srinagar. The Defence Ministers aircraft touched down at the Srinagar International Airport on Saturday morning, where he was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and General Officer Commanding of 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh. After a brief halt in Srinagar, Singh proceeded by road to Drass, officials said. The change in itinerary did not disrupt the overall schedule of the visit. The two-day Kargil Vijay Diwas programme began in Drass on Saturday. On Saturday evening, the Army is hosting Shaurya Sandhya at the Kargil War Memorial, where the Defence Minister will be the chief guest. The event will pay tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Vijay. Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Northern Command GOC-in-C Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, and GOC of the Fire and Fury Corps are among the senior officers expected to attend. On Sunday, the armed forces will mark the formal 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas with the Shradhanjali Samaroh, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. Singh will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in the presence of the Army Chief, war veterans, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, next of kin of the fallen soldiers, and other dignitaries including Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. The ceremony will also feature Gaurav Gatha, recounting the extraordinary courage displayed by Indian troops on the icy heights of Kargil, followed by the inauguration of a Virtual Walkthrough Portal by the Defence Minister. The portal will offer visitors an immersive digital experience of the history of the Kargil War Memorial. Singh will later visit the Hut of Remembrance and address the gathering at the memorial helipad. The programme will conclude with the flag-in of the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a motorcycle expedition that began from the National War Memorial in New Delhi and culminates at Drass, symbolising the nations gratitude to the Kargil bravehearts. Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the successful culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999, when Indian forces recaptured the strategic peaks occupied by Pakistan.

2 dead, 5 injured in Doda accident

Ramban/ Rajouri, Jul 25: Two women died and five others, including a minor boy, sustained injuries after a passenger vehicle met with an accident at Jatheli Mohalla in Doda district of Chenab Valley on Saturday. Official said that the accident occurred at around 2:30 pm when a passenger vehicle (JK06B-8096) skidded off the road and fell into a gorge within the jurisdiction of Police Station Doda. Heavy rainfall was lashing the area at the time of the mishap. The injured were immediately shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment. According to the Medical Superintendent, Associated Hospital, GMC Doda, Asha Devi, 30, wife of Ajay Sharma and Minakshi Devi, 29, wife of Shiv Kumar, both residents of Jatheli, were brought dead to the hospital. The injured have been identified as Shavinesh, 3, son of Shiv Kumar; Ajay Sharma, 33, son of Bharat Bhushan; Trashan, 2, son of Ajay Sharma; Nasib Singh, 35, son of Rajinder Singh, and Shiv Kumar, 35, son of Bharat Bhushan. While Shavinesh, Ajay Sharma, Trashan, and Nasib Singh are undergoing treatment at GMC Doda, Shiv Kumar was referred to GMC Jammu for specialised treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries. Meanwhile, relentless rainfall continued to cripple normal life across the Rajouri and Poonch districts of Pir Panjal region on Saturday, claiming another life and leaving two other people injured. Officials said that a 45-year-old woman died while her husband and son were injured after a portion of their house collapsed in Bhatian village of Thanamandi sub-division in Rajouri district amid incessant rain. The incident occurred when the kitchen shed, cattle shed, and another portion of a pucca house caved in during heavy rainfall, burying the family members under the debris. Locals immediately launched a rescue operation and pulled out the trapped victims before shifting them to Government Medical College (GMC) and Associated Hospital, Rajouri. The deceased has been identified as Shahida Parveen, 45, wife of Abdul Rehman of Bhatian village. She succumbed to her injuries while being shifted to the hospital. Her husband, Abdul Rehman, 62, and son, Toufeeq Rehman, 25, sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment. Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq, said the injured are out of danger and are receiving the best possible medical care from doctors at GMC Rajouri. He confirmed that Shahida Parveen died on the way to the hospital. Meanwhile, continuous moderate to heavy rainfall throughout Saturday severely affected normal life across several parts of Pir Panjal region. Though the rainfall intensity remained moderate to heavy, it persisted for several hours, increasing the risk of landslides, shooting stones, flash floods, and land sinking in vulnerable areas. Rescue agencies also intensified the search for seven persons who were washed away in separate flood incidents on July 19. Of the missing, six belong to Poonch district while one is a government employee from Rajouri district. Officials said joint teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), J&K Police, civil administration, the Army, and local volunteers continued extensive search operations on Saturday. However, despite sustained efforts, no breakthrough was achieved till late evening. The search operation has been continuing for the past several days. On Thursday evening and Friday, the bodies of two missing women were recovered from flood-hit areas of Poonch district, while the search for the remaining missing persons remains underway.

Wet spell continues, but no flood threat

Srinagar, Jul 25:Widespread rain continued across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, but the Jhelum and its tributaries remained well below warning levels, with no immediate flood threat despite the ongoing wet spell. Fresh showers, which began in south Kashmir early in the morning, spread to central and north Kashmir during the day. The rain was triggered by an active monsoon phase coupled with western disturbances that have kept most parts of J&K under wet weather for the past eight days. According to the Meteorological Department, Ramban recorded the highest rainfall in Jammu division at 43.5 mm during the 12-hour period ending 5:30 pm, followed by Rajouri (39 mm), Katra (36.2 mm), Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan (34.5 mm), Reasi (32 mm), Jammu (22 mm), Poonch (17 mm), Batote (16.4 mm), Bhaderwah (9.6 mm), and Banihal (6.5 mm). In Kashmir, Baramulla received the highest rainfall at 20.5 mm, followed by Gulmarg (14.8 mm), Kokernag (13 mm), Qazigund (12.9 mm), Srinagar (10.8 mm), Pahalgam (9.6 mm), and Kupwara (2.3 mm). Kargil recorded 1 mm of rainfall, while Leh remained dry. The MeT said the current wet spell was likely to ease on July 26 and 27, with only intermittent rain expected, before another active phase sets in. One or two spells of rain or thundershowers are likely at many places on July 26 and 27, with brief intense showers at a few places in Jammu division, especially during the afternoon, evening and morning hours, the department said. It said widespread rainfall is likely to resume from July 28 and continue through July 31. There is a possibility of heavy rain and brief intense showers at a few districts of Jammu division during this period, it said. The department warned of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at vulnerable places during the next five days and advised the public, tourists, travellers and transporters to follow official advisories. Despite the continued rainfall, water levels in the Jhelum and its tributaries remained stable, with all flood-monitoring stations recording levels well below warning or flood-declaration marks. By 7 pm, the Jhelum was flowing at 14.83 feet at Sangam against the alert level of 21 feet and danger mark of 25 feet. At Pampore, the river stood at 4.42 meters, below the warning level of 4.5 meters and danger level of 5 meters. Ram Munshibagh recorded 17.54 feet, below the warning level of 18 feet, while Asham stood at 12.84 feet against the warning level of 14 feet. Wular Lake was at 1576.520 meters, below its alert level of 1578 meters. The major tributaries also remained within safe limits. Vaishaw Nallah at Khudwani, Rambiara at Wachi, Lidder at Batkoot, Doodhganga at Barzulla and Sind Nallah at Doderhama were all flowing below their respective warning and danger levels. The Flood Control and Irrigation Department said water levels at all Jhelum gauge stations across south, central and north Kashmir had dropped below warning levels, although moderate to heavy rainfall over the southern catchment could lead to a marginal overnight rise. In response to the rainfall, water levels in the southern catchment are expected to register a marginal rise and may temporarily slow the rate of recession downstream up to Wular Lake. However, the overall receding trend of water levels is expected to continue throughout the Jhelum Basin up to Wular Lake, the department said. Meanwhile, the prolonged wet spell kept daytime temperatures well below normal across Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 21.5 degrees Celsius, 8.4 degrees Celsius below normal. Qazigund recorded 20.4 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 20.5 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 21 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 18 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg 15 degrees Celsius. In Jammu division, Jammu district recorded 27.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Rajouri 24 degrees Celsius, Katra 23.8 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah 23.5 degrees Celsius, Poonch 23.4 degrees Celsius, Doda 23.3 degrees Celsius, Banihal 21 degrees Celsius, and Batote 20.6 degrees Celsius. Leh recorded 21.8 degrees Celsius, Kargil 23.2 degrees Celsius, and Nubra Valley 25.2 degrees Celsius. MET PREDICTS SUN SHINE ON MONDAY After nearly a week of heavy and widespread rains across Kashmir and parts of the Jammu division, the intensity of rainfall is likely to reduce from Saturday night, meteorologists forecasted. Although intermittent showers are expected to continue over the next two days, sunny days are in sight, they said. Director, J&K Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, said rainfall is expected to gradually weaken from Sunday afternoon. He said light rain or drizzle is likely to continue on Monday, however, both the intensity and geographical spread of precipitation will be much lower. Saturday witnessed continuous drizzle and renewed anxiety over rising water levels in water bodies. Ahmad said rainfall across Kashmir remained relatively light despite the persistent showers. Most places recorded less than 15 mm of rain during the day, while in Jammu some areas reacieved more than 25 mm, he said. Weather expert Sonam Lotus said rain was continuing at most places stretching from Udhampur-Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar to Kashmir. He said several parts of the Jammu region were also receiving showers till Saturday evening. Lotus said rainfall was likely to decrease over Kashmir from late Saturday evening or during the night. Another spell of moderate showers may affect many parts of the Jammu region after 6 pm, he said. Between July 26 and 28, Lotus said Kashmir will remain mostly cloudy and witness brief spells of rain at scattered places. A few spells could be heavy, particularly during the morning hours over parts of the Jammu division, he said. He, however, forecasted rainfall to be intermittent rather than continuous. The continuous rainfall has also brought a marked drop in temperatures across Kashmir. After an exceptionally hot first half of July, Srinagar recorded below-normal daytime temperatures since the wet spell began. The departure ranged from about 2 degrees Celsius to over 8 degrees Celsius below normal. On July 24, the maximum temperature settled at 21.6 degrees Celsius, a major 8.3 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average. This has marked one of the coolest July days this season. The sharp cooling is due to the dense cloud cover and continuous rainfall. Temperatures are expected to remain below normal as intermittent showers continue. However, forecasters have flagged the period between July 29 and 30 for closer monitoring. There is a 60-70 percent probability of heavy rainfall at most places across Jammu and Kashmir on these two days. The latest forecast of decrease in intensity and duration of rainfall could bring some relief to residents after persistent rain through Saturday. The incessant rains across Kashmir triggered anxiety with people closely monitored river and stream levels. No widespread flooding was reported, while the authorities have continued to advise caution in vulnerable areas.

Pradhan resigns, CJP calls off 36-day agitation

New Delhi, Jul 25:The Cockroach Janta Party on Saturday called off its 36-day agitation after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the government accepted its other demands, a momentous win for the unprecedented youth-led movement that galvanised lakhs of people over irregularities in exams and the NEET paper leak. Pradhan announced his resignation in a statement, saying the developments of the past 10 days had saddened him deeply and that the issue was ot a matter of personal prestige. Noting that he did not want anti-national forces to exploit the situation, Pradhan said he wanted to ensure that he unity of the nation remains intact, he future of even a single student should not become entangled in legal complications and that students devote their time to studies and building their careers. Keeping all these considerations in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Hon'ble Prime Minister, he said. Soon after Pradhan's announcement, the CJP declared that it was withdrawing its agitation after the government agreed to all its remaining demands, including compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak and withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. The announcement came after the third round of talks between the two sides at the Constitution Club of India here, where Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh met CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Addressing a joint press conference with the CJP leadership, Nadda said the government would provide honourable compensation within the rules to the families of students who committed suicide after the NEET examination controversy and ensure the withdrawal of all FIRs registered against protesters. As the government accepted all our demands, we call off our protests with immediate effect. We appeal everyone to go back home peacefully, Das said. Jubilant scenes erupted at Jantar Mantar and chants of Hum Jeet Gaye (We have won) rang out across the protest site after Pradhan resigned. As the celebrations continued, authorities began overseeing the winding down of the demonstration, urging protesters to disperse peacefully, while the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reopened all entry and exit gates at nearby stations to facilitate their movement. Pradhan's resignation marked a significant climbdown for the Narendra Modi government, which had initially dismissed the agitation before gradually opening channels of dialogue with the protesters. Pradhan is only the second Union minister during Modi's tenure as PM since 2014 to resign following sustained public controversy. The first was M J Akbar, who stepped down as minister of state for external affairs in 2018 after sexual harassment allegations surfaced against him during the #MeToo movement. Pradhan's resignation is among the few occasions since 2014 that the Modi government has yielded to sustained public or political pressure - the decision in 2015 to shelve the proposed amendments to the land acquisition law and the repeal of the three farm laws in 2021 being two major retreats. The protests were spearheaded by the CJP, a platform launched by former AAP functionary Abhijeet Dipke as a satirical online campaign in May before it evolved into a nationwide youth movement centred on demands for accountability over the NEET paper leak. The agitation began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 but acquired national momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined it on June 28 and undertook an indefinite fast with six AISA activists. Wangchuk ended his fast on Thursday night after the Centre's outreach to him. The government's first formal engagement with the CJP leadership came on July 20 at Nadda's residence, even as police cracked down on protesters marching towards Parliament, an action that became a turning point in the agitation and swelled support for the movement. A second round of discussions was held on Friday after the Centre accepted the CJP's demand that the venue be shifted from a minister's residence to a neutral venue. Wangchuk's forcible removal from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital by police on July 18 had also triggered widespread outrage and broadened support for the agitation. Reacting to Pradhan's resignation, Wangchuk described it as a victory of democracy, direct democracy... straight from the streets. It is a victory of peace, patience and perseverance, he said, congratulating the CJP, Gen Z and citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. At Jantar Mantar, protesters erupted in celebration as news of the resignation broke. They danced, waved the tricolour and embraced each other while songs such as Chak De India played in the background. Many held portraits of B R Ambedkar, calling the resignation a victory for the movement. Addressing the jubilant gathering, Dipke said, We have b***** done it. Pradhan's resignation is proof that if you don't get scared, you can win. They used to say that this government does not see resignations. We say the world bends if there is someone who can make it bend, he said. Dipke also thanked Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, whose cockroaches remark about unemployed youth had triggered the movement. If you had not called us 'cockroaches', I would not have returned to India. If you had not called us 'cockroaches', the youth of the country would not have come out on the streets. If you had not called us 'cockroaches', Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation would not have happened, he said. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who had led a dharna of Congress leaders outside the PM's residence on July 21 demanding Pradhan's resignation, said two demands still remained pending -- action against those responsible for alleged atrocities on protesting students and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to students. Daro mat (don't be afraid). Let's get rid of this regime that is attacking India, destroying our Constitution, capturing all our institutions, he said. Speaking to reporters outside 10 Janpath later in the day, Gandhi alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was directly responsible for the violence against students, accusing him of authorising the use of lethal weapons and pellet guns against protesters. We will not accept security forces shooting at students. This will be our major issue in Parliament, he said. The BJP, however, defended Pradhan, with party president Nitin Nabin saying his decision reflected he highest standards of integrity and selfless service. As Union education minister, he played a pivotal role in reforming India's education landscape and implementing the landmark National Education Policy. Prioritising larger interests, his decision to step down reflects the highest standards of integrity and selfless service in public life. The party stands firmly with Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, Nabin said in a post on X. Pradhan's resignation came a day after the Centre announced a series of measures to address concerns over examination irregularities, including a proposed law prescribing stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks and the setting up of fast-track courts for speedy trials.

J&K: Drifting Without Direction

Jammu and Kashmir today stands at a precipice. The widening chasm between its two regions is not the result of geographical or cultural inevitability, but of decades of political myopia and administrative neglect. What began as a manageable disparity has now morphed into a structural divide one that threatens to redraw the social and economic map of the state permanently. If current trends persist, the psychological and developmental rift between Jammu and Kashmir may become irreversible within a decade. This is not alarmism; it is the logical conclusion of years of mutual alienation, policy paralysis, and a failure to address the asymmetric needs of the two regions. A Growing Regional Disconnect The political leadership in Kashmir has long been accused of prioritizing Valley-centric policies, often at the expense of Jammus development. Conversely, the narrative from Jammu accuses Srinagar of monopolizing resources and attention. This mutual distrust has been exacerbated by the Centres approach, which, despite its intentions, has often been perceived in the Valley as heavy-handed and insensitive to local aspirations. The result is a vicious cycle: alienation in Kashmir fuels demands for greater autonomy, while Jammus sense of neglect feeds into a growing resentment towards the Valleys dominance in political discourse. It is crucial to recognize that the problem is not one-sided. Both regions are grappling with serious internal challenges that have been allowed to fester. The divide is not just political or economic; it is psychological, with each region feeling increasingly disconnected from the other. This growing alienation is not merely a matter of perception, it is reflected in the stark disparities in development, opportunity, and representation. The absence of a unified vision for the state has allowed these disparities to deepen, with little effort to bridge the gap between the two regions. Jammus Silent Decline Jammu, often portrayed as the more stable and prosperous of the two regions, is in reality a city and a division battling silent crises. Infrastructure deficits are glaring. In many residential areas, water supply is still dependent on tankers, a stark contrast to the image of a modern city. Electricity, a basic necessity, is a luxury in many parts, with supply rarely exceeding 12-15 hours a day. These are not mere inconveniences; they are symptoms of systemic neglect. Economically, Jammu is a paradox. It hosts prestigious institutions like IIT, IIM, and AIIMS, yet these islands of excellence exist in isolation, contributing little to the local economy. The private sector is virtually non-existent; there is not a single major corporate entity or listed company based in the region. Agriculture, once the backbone of the rural economy, has seen a steep decline, particularly in the Kandi belt, where productivity has plummeted due to lack of investment and modern farming techniques. Perhaps the most worrying trend is the demographic shift. The Dogra community, which has historically been the cultural and political bedrock of Jammu, is steadily migrating out. Educated youth, seeing little opportunity at home, are leaving for greener pastures. Those who stay often find themselves unskilled for the few available jobs, leading to a peculiar situation where Jammu is both a net exporter of human capital and a net importer of migrant labor. This dual dynamic is slowly but surely altering the socio-economic fabric of the region. Tourism, which could have been a game-changer, remains underdeveloped. Apart from the pilgrimage to Katra, which itself has seen reduced economic spin-offs due to improved rail connectivity shortening pilgrim stays, there is little to attract sustained tourist inflows. The potential of places like Patnitop, Sanasar, or the heritage sites of the Dogra era remains largely untapped. The claim that Jammu is an educational hub is more rhetorical than real. While institutions of national importance exist, their integration with the local economy is minimal. They neither significantly employ locals nor contribute to the regional economic ecosystem. Kashmir: Growth Without Stability Kashmir presents a different set of challenges, but ones that are no less daunting. The Valley is grappling with intense population pressure. Since the last census, the population has grown significantly, putting immense strain on land and resources. Urban expansion, driven by a cultural preference for large, independent homes, is devouring agricultural land at an alarming rate. Paddy fields, once the lifeblood of the Valleys economy, are being converted into residential colonies. Wetlands, critical for the regions ecology, have shrunk dramatically. Wular Lake, one of Asias largest freshwater lakes, has lost nearly 50% of its area over the past century due to encroachment and siltation. Horticulture, the backbone of Kashmirs economy, is under threat from climate change. Erratic weather patterns, untimely snowfall, and prolonged dry spells are beginning to affect yields, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of this sector. Meanwhile, the regions employment structure is a ticking time bomb. Decades of excessive government hiring have created an unsustainable model, where a large portion of the workforce is on the public payroll. With new government jobs becoming scarce, the coming decade could see a sharp rise in unemployment, particularly among the youth. The education sector, often cited as a success story, is riddled with inefficiencies. While the Valley boasts a large number of colleges, many of these institutions, particularly those outside the major towns, suffer from abysmally low enrolment. The system is churning out graduates by the thousands, but with little focus on skill development or employability. The result is a growing army of educated but unemployed youth, a recipe for social unrest. Kashmirs economy has long been retail-driven, but even this is under pressure from the rise of e-commerce. Traditional sectors like meat, bakery, and handicrafts continue to provide livelihoods, but they lack scale, modernization, and access to broader markets. The famed Kashmiri handicrafts, for instance, are struggling to compete with machine-made alternatives from other parts of the country and abroad. Tourism, though a significant contributor to the economy, remains vulnerable to political instability and security concerns. A Shared Crisis of Opportunity But perhaps the most alarming reality is the shared crisis that binds Jammu and Kashmir in a vicious cycle of underdevelopment. Neither region has managed to cultivate a robust private sector. There is not a single major corporate house or listed company that calls Jammu and Kashmir home. Economic activity remains fragmented, heavily dependent on government spending, and lacking in innovation or diversification. Unemployment is a scourge that afflicts both regions equally. In Kashmir, it is estimated that there are thousands of unemployed doctors, a staggering statistic that speaks volumes about the mismatch between education and employment opportunities. In Jammu, the situation is no better. The lack of industrial or service-sector growth means that even those with professional degrees often find themselves without viable career options. This brain drain is not just an economic loss; it is a demographic time bomb, with long-term implications for the regions stability and growth. The absence of a vibrant private sector has also stifled entrepreneurship and innovation. Young people with ideas and ambition find little support in terms of funding, mentorship, or market access. The result is a region that is increasingly dependent on external inputs, whether in the form of central government funds or remittances from those who have migrated out in search of livelihoods. The Way Forward Jammu and Kashmir today stands at a crossroads. The widening divide between its two regions is not just a matter of economic disparity or political representation; it is a crisis of identity and direction. Left unaddressed, this divide risks becoming permanent, with consequences that could reverberate far beyond the borders of the state. What is needed is a holistic and inclusive approach to development, one that recognizes the unique needs and aspirations of both Jammu and Kashmir. This requires more than just financial allocations; it demands a genuine commitment to building trust, fostering economic diversification, and creating opportunities that retain the regions human capital. The Centre must play a proactive role, not just as an administrator, but as a facilitator of dialogue and development. Policies must be designed to address the specific challenges of each region while also fostering greater integration and cooperation between them. Infrastructure development, for instance, should not be limited to roads and bridges but should also include digital connectivity, which can help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as between Jammu and Kashmir. Investment in education and skill development is critical. The regions educational institutions must be aligned with the needs of the job market, both within and outside Jammu and Kashmir. Vocational training and entrepreneurship development should be prioritized to create a workforce that can drive economic growth. Efforts must also be made to revive and modernize traditional industries. In Kashmir, this could mean providing support to horticulturists to adapt to climate change, or helping artisans market their products more effectively. In Jammu, it could involve promoting agro-based industries or developing tourism beyond the pilgrimage circuit. Most importantly, there must be a concerted effort to rebuild trust between the regions, between the people and their leaders, and between the state and the Centre. This will require transparency, accountability, and a willingness to listen to and address the concerns of all stakeholders. The clock is ticking. The next decade will be critical in determining whether Jammu and Kashmir can come together as a unified, prosperous entity or whether it will continue to drift apart, a house divided against itself. The choice is ours to make but time, as they say, is of the essence. Lt Gen R. S. Reen is a former DGQA

The Smartphone Revolution

The image lasted only a few seconds, but it captured an entire movement. A young woman stood alone on a busy Mumbai rainy street, confronting a police bus carrying detained student protesters. She neither shouted slogans nor carried a party flag. She simply stood her ground. Within moments, hundreds of smartphones were pointed towards her. The clip raced across Instagram, X and Facebook before journalists or television crews had even heard about it. By evening, millions had watched the scene. By night, it had become the latest symbol of Indias changing protest culture. Whether that particular moment becomes a historic image or disappears in the endless flow of viral videos is not the real issue. What matters is what it represents. The ongoing youth protests, led largely by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have shown that politics in India has entered a completely new age of communication. The movement has changed the very nature of street protests. What happens on the road and what appears on social media now happen at the same time. Earlier generations marched with banners and placards. Todays protesters march with smartphones, power banks and internet connections. For decades, governments knew how to deal with protests. They could put up barricades, arrest leaders, impose restrictions, control access to protest sites and shape the next days news through mainstream media. Those methods belonged to a time when information travelled slowly and newspapers and television channels decided what the nation would see. Generation Z has changed that completely. Every protester is now a reporter. Every smartphone has become a television channel. Every Instagram reel or X post can sometimes reach more people than a prime-time television debate. A walk through Jantar Mantar today feels like walking into a huge live newsroom. One student is recording police movements on a mobile phone. Another is sitting on the roadside editing videos. Someone else is uploading wide-angle shots from nearby buildings. Within minutes of a government statement, memes begin appearing on social media. Others are checking facts, coordinating volunteers through WhatsApp and other platforms, translating speeches into different languages or sharing legal advice. Every protester seems to be doing two jobs at the same time, protesting on the streets and reporting the movement online. The internet is no longer just reporting the protest. In many ways, it has become the protest itself. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this movement is its language. Earlier protests were dominated by speeches, slogans and political resolutions. The Cockroach movement speaks through memes, satire, humour and one-liners. Protesters laugh even while facing tear gas. Videos of lathi-charges are edited with popular music. Ministers and officers are mocked through memes. Cartoons often replace lengthy political statements. Many experienced and elderly people of our generation or parents of Gen Z think this makes the movement look less serious. But the opposite is true. For Gen Z, humour is a powerful political tool. It is the language they understand best. A meme can explain a complicated issue within seconds and reach millions of people. A sarcastic one-liner often questions authority more effectively than a long speech. Entertainment, theatre, acting, singing has become a new form of protest. That is why many young protesters proudly call themselves Ziddi. Their determination is visible not only in sit-ins and marches but also in their nonstop activity on social media. Every arrest leads to dozens of new videos. Every official denial is challenged with fresh footage recorded from different angles. Every attempt to suppress information only creates greater curiosity and brings even more attention to the movement online. Unlike previous student movements, this one operates without a conventional organisational structure. There is no elaborate hierarchy, district committees or cadre network. Beyond the public visibility of Abhijeet Dipke, and a couple of spokespersons, the CJP appears quite decentralised. Thousands of participants function independently while remaining connected through digital platforms. This presents both strength and vulnerability. Leaderless movements are difficult to crush because there is no single command centre to dismantle. At the same time, they can struggle to negotiate, define long-term goals or maintain discipline. The protests often resemble an open-source software project, millions contributing without central ownership. The administration, however, appears to have been preparing for yesterdays protests rather than todays. The familiar toolkit, detentions, barricades, internet restrictions, tear gas and lathi charges has yielded diminishing returns against an audience that documents everything instantly. A baton raised by a police officer is no longer witnessed by twenty people standing nearby. It is potentially viewed by twenty million people before sunset. Videos and photographs shared on social media have created a huge public record of the protests. Every small incident, every clash, every argument and every emotional moment is being captured from different angles by hundreds of mobile phones. As a result, the governments version of events is no longer the only one people see. It now has to compete with thousands of videos uploaded instantly by ordinary citizens from the ground zero. Mainstream television has struggled to keep pace. Whether because of editorial choices, logistical limitations or political caution, television channels increasingly find themselves reacting to content first produced on social media. The information hierarchy has inverted. Instead of social media amplifying television coverage, television often amplifies what ordinary citizens have already recorded. This represents perhaps the biggest communication shift in Indian politics since the arrival of satellite television. The ruling establishment itself played a pioneering role in recognising the political power of digital platforms over the past decade. Social media became an essential instrument of political messaging, electoral mobilisation and direct communication with voters. Today, those very platforms have become contested spaces where the younger generation is deploying the same technologies against established political authority. Technology is only the tool. The real story goes much deeper. The immediate trigger for the protests may have been the repeated examination paper leaks, but the anger among young people is much bigger than that. Across the country, many youngsters are frustrated over unemployment, lack of opportunities, uncertainty about the future and what they see as the failure of institutions to protect their interests. For years, competitive examinations represented hard work, merit and hope. But repeated paper leaks and controversies have shaken their faith in the system. That is why this movement is no longer only about examinations. It is about trust. Young people feel that the system has failed them. Another remarkable feature of the protests has surprised many people. Thousands of students have been sitting at protest sites for weeks. Who is feeding them? Who is arranging drinking water, medicines, providing toiletries, bedsheets and protection from rain? The answer again lies in technology. Thousands of people who have never visited the protest site are supporting the movement online. Through food delivery apps, many are anonymously sending meals and water to the protesters. Doctors are reaching the site after learning about injured students through social media. Lawyers are sharing legal helpline numbers. Ordinary citizens are making online donations. Volunteers are coordinating supplies through WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Often, more food reaches the protest site than is actually needed because complete strangers decide to help. In many ways, solidarity itself has gone digital. At the same time, this digital revolution also has its dangers. Social media gives everyone a voice, but it also spreads rumours and misinformation very quickly. A short viral clip may not show the full picture. Edited videos can create a false impression. With artificial intelligence becoming more powerful, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake videos. Deepfakes and manipulated content are becoming a serious challenge for democracy. The challenge before governments, media organisations and citizens is therefore much bigger than technology. The real challenge is how to protect truth and credibility in an age when millions of videos and messages are uploaded every day. The protest also sends a clear message to Indias political parties. Traditional politics still depends on speeches, rallies and election campaigns. But Generation Z lives online every day. Their political discussions continue on Instagram, X, WhatsApp, Reddit and other social media platforms. Their language, humour and style of communication are very different from those of earlier generations. Ignoring this change would be a mistake. Every generation has found its own way of participating in politics. Indias freedom movement used handwritten pamphlets and underground newspapers. Jayaprakash Narayans movement depended on student networks. Anna Hazares anti-corruption campaign used television and Facebook to mobilise people. Generation Z has taken the next step. It has combined smartphones, artificial intelligence, memes, live videos, digital payments and social media into a completely new style of public mobilisation. No one can say today how much political change this movement will finally bring. Leaderless movements often find it difficult to convert public anger into long-term political change. Governments also have enormous administrative power, and public attention can shift over time. Yet one thing has already changed forever. The language of protest has changed. Power no longer belongs only to those who control television channels, newspaper headlines or official press conferences. Increasingly, it belongs to the person who captures the most powerful image of the day and shares it with millions. That perhaps explains why the image of a young woman standing alone before a police bus became more powerful than many carefully prepared political speeches. It was not just an act of courage. It symbolised a new relationship between citizens and the State, between technology and democracy, and between authority and accountability. For Generation Z, the protest does not end when they leave the streets. In many ways, it begins the moment they press the Upload button. Surinder Singh Oberoi, National Editor Greater Kashmir

Post 2014 flood mitigation funds looted?

The few hour rainfall on July 20th 2026 flooded Srinagar city once again. It has been raining since last many days and lots of people have been killed and property worth crores damaged especially in Pir Panjal region of J&K. Poonch and Rajouri districts have been the worst hit. There was devastation in Budgam district as well after flash-flood in Sukhnag river destroyed a shopping complex in Beerwah town. The entire two storied complex was washed away in floods recently. Our link roads and residential colonies are already waterlogged in many areas as drains have been choked in the Srinagar Smart City. Prior to 2014 floods it would take about a week to see our roads and residential colonies getting flooded but now things are different. Most of the low lying areas and even wetlands have been choked; and imagine what would be the scene after 10 years in Srinagar ? Earth Filling post 2014 Floods Post 2014 floods a lot of earth filling has been done in low lying areas of Bemina, Hokersar Zainakote, Narbal, Soibugh, Hyderpora interiors, Rawalpora Pir Bagh and even in Dal Lake and downtown areas. The construction of NH 44 via Gallander Pampore and construction of the Srinagar Semi Ring Road project with large scale earth filling around Gallander- Khadernmoh- Khanda wetland / paddy land has led to choking of our flood buffer zones. This has choked the natural water channels, zamindar khols and irrigation canals as well and increased the threat of floods. This was the reason we saw massive water logging in Pampore to Nowgam area last year during rains. Has our Government thought about these changes that took place in the last 10 to 12 years around Srinagar ? Is our Government prepared to counter a possible flood threat in the coming days or months ? World Bank Assistance post 2014 Floods We still remember the devastating floods of 2014 when Srinagar city remained flooded for almost a month. As part of the restoration programme the Government of India requested assistance from the World Bank. An emergency project Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project was launched in J&K which was focussed on restoring critical infrastructure using international best practice on resilient infrastructure. As J&K is prone to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, the infrastructure under this project was supposed to be designed with upgraded resilient features and included contingency planning for future disaster events. The projects were also supposed to support the recovery and were supposed to increase disaster resilience in project areas. Additionally, they were to increase the capacity of the project implementing entities to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency. However, after almost 12 years of the devastating floods and funding having been allocated by the World Bank, it seems things are not moving in the right direction. With the recurrent flooding of our roads and blocking of drainage channels with rain water, it seems things are not moving in a good direction vis a vis implementing these twin projects in Srinagar and Jammu. Urban Flood Management Under its mitigation programme the World Bank provided around Rs 300 Crores (50 Million USD) to the J&K Govt through the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. To execute the works, an amount of Rs 103 Crores were provided to Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for the construction of 49 storm water pumping stations in Srinagar to prevent water-logging and flooding in low lying areas. Out of the 49 pumping stations, four pump stations were upgraded by the city drainage division of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) at Natipora, Barzulla, Bul Bul Bagh and Magray Pora. The work here has already been completed. But are these water pumping stations really pumping out storm water? No. These pump stations are flushing liquid waste including human excreta into Doodh Ganga. This is an open violation of the Water (prevention & control of pollution) Act 1974 and the same was brought into the notice of National Green Tribunal (NGT) a few years back by this author and the NGT imposed a hefty penalty on J&K Govt. Initially Rs 3 crores were imposed out of which SMC has paid Rs 1 crore penalty in 2022. After that Rs 32 crore penalty was imposed on Govt. By wrongfully using the World Bank money, the authorities at helm have not only caused environmental pollution but have also cheated and misled the World Bank and flood threat around Doodh Ganga continues to remain unaddressed. STP in Flood Prone area ? On NGTs intervention Rs 140 crore project was sanctioned by J&K Govt to set up sewerage treatment plants -STPs around Doodh Ganga stream in Chadoora downstream and Srinagar area. One STP is being set up at Kralpora Chadoora near Doodh Ganga banks and the work started a few months back. The other sewerage treatment plant -STP with 22 MGD capacity is being set up at Friends Colony Alouchi Bagh which is a low lying flood prone area with congested population from its northern end. This will be a disaster in the long run and authorities must take this very seriously and try to find some alternate place for setting this up. There are some technical and environmental angles involved which are being violated and I will soon come up with a detailed piece on this issue. The J&K Pollution Control Committee-JKPCC has already identified 13 drainage stations from Chanapora to Tengpora via Barzulla as the main sources of water pollution in Doodh Ganga, which on paper, showed that these stations were set up to mitigate the flood water in these areas. In June 2020, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation started implementing the World Bank funded scheme for the upgradation of 49 drainage stations located in Srinagar city. Out of these,13 pump stations are located on Doodh Ganga which have been upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crores each. More than 52 crore rupees have been spent on these so called water pumping stations but they actually pump filth and waste into the Doodh Ganga in violation of Water Act 1974. Even after spending so much of tax-payers money on Urban Flood Management programme the flood water continues to choke even the uptown areas of Srinagar for which these pump stations were set up. Conclusion Flood threat is looming over Jammu & Kashmir. There have been so many cloudbursts in the last 10 to 15 days. We have witnessed more than two dozen deaths in Poonch Rajouri alone and property worth crores was destroyed in Beerwah Budgam as well. Sukhnag and many rivers have been devastated in the last 6 years by the illegal mining mafia. NGT constituted team that visited Beerwah early this year said that 15 lakh tons of riverbed material has been excavated from Sukhnag in Sail and Kangripora villages alone ? Its embankments are loose and flood water is washing its banks. The boulders that were excavated from sukhang used to act as a barrier against gushing flood water. Funds provided to J&K post 2014 floods have been syphoned off and we see things getting more complicated now. Our urban drainage mechanism is absurd and we see water logging soon after a few hours of rainfall in Srinagar. Same is the situation in other districts of J&K. I request the Comptroller and Auditor General-CAG & Accountant General J&K to hold a special audit / green audit for the funds provided to J&K under flood mitigation post 2014 floods. Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat is Founder J&K RTI Movement and Chairman J&K Climate Action Group