Opinion

No terrorist killed so far in ongoing Shopian operation; searches continue in Chanapora: Officials

Srinagar , July 05: No terrorist body had been seen or retrieved so far in the ongoing cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Chanapora area of south Kashmirs Shopian district, even as security forces continue intensive searches in the locality, officials said on Sunday. Officials said that a joint team of the Police, Army and CRPF launched the operation in Chanapora following specific intelligence inputs about the possible presence of terrorists in the area. The area was cordoned off and a thorough search operation was initiated to trace the suspected terrorists. During the operation, security forces have been conducting systematic searches, with additional reinforcements maintaining a tight security grid to prevent any escape. Sources said that despite reports of suspicious movement during the operation, no terrorist body has been recovered so far. The operation remains in progress, and security personnel are continuing to comb the area. Officials added that the situation is being closely monitored and further information will be shared as the operation develops. The joint operation by Police, Army and CRPF was still underway when the last reports came in.

Fourth batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims leaves Jammu; 6,721 devotees depart for Kashmir

Banihal, July 05: The fourth batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 left Jammu in the early hours of Saturday under tight security, officials said. According to the Zonal Police Control Room (ZPCR), Jammu, a total of 6,721 pilgrims departed in a convoy of 291 vehicles towards the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam. Of the total, 2,590 pilgrims are heading to the Baltal axis, while 4,131 pilgrims are proceeding via the Pahalgam axis. The convoy for the Baltal route left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 3:15 am, followed by the Pahalgam convoy at 3:45 am. The batch comprises 4,576 male pilgrims, 1,310 female pilgrims, 572 sadhus, 154 sadhvis, 22 children, 38 foreign male pilgrims, and 49 foreign female pilgrims. The pilgrims are travelling in 134 buses, 37 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), and 120 light motor vehicles (LMVs). The annual pilgrimage is being conducted under elaborate security arrangements, with multi-layer security, escorted convoys, medical facilities, and traffic management measures in place to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims to the holy cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas.

Paras Health Srinagar to organise cancer screening camp today

Reinforcing its commitment to advancing accessible and quality cancer care in Jammu and Kashmir, PARAS Health Srinagar will organise a Free Cancer Screening Camp on Sunday, July 5, from 10 am to 3 pm at its hospital premises. The initiative aims to raise awareness about cancer, promote preventive healthcare, and encourage early diagnosis through expert medical consultation and screening. The camp is open to the general public and will provide free cancer screening along with consultations by experienced specialists. The initiative seeks to educate people about the importance of recognising early warning signs, adopting preventive health practices, and seeking timely medical intervention. With cancer cases witnessing a steady rise across the country, healthcare experts continue to stress that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. The screening camp is designed to help individuals identify potential health concerns at an early stage and receive appropriate medical guidance. Speaking about the initiative, Dr Murtuza Habib, Facility Director, PARAS Health Srinagar, said, Early detection can save lives. We urge people not to ignore symptoms or delay health check-ups. This free cancer screening camp is an opportunity for everyone to prioritise their health and seek expert medical advice. At PARAS Health Srinagar, we are committed to making quality oncology services more accessible and creating greater awareness about cancer prevention and early diagnosis. Dr Habib further highlighted that PARAS Health Srinagar has been steadily strengthening oncology services in Jammu and Kashmir by offering comprehensive cancer care under one roof. Equipped with advanced diagnostic facilities, multidisciplinary expertise, and patient-centric treatment protocols, the hospital is helping improve access to specialised cancer care for patients across the region while reducing the need to travel outside the Union Territory for treatment. The hospital has been consistently working towards building awareness through community outreach programmes, preventive health initiatives, and specialised screening camps, reflecting its broader commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in the region. Camp Details: Date: Sunday, July 5 ; Time: 10 am 3 pm ; Venue: PARAS Health Srinagar. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the free screening camp and take a proactive step towards protecting their health. Early diagnosis not only improves treatment outcomes but also offers patients the best chance for successful recovery.

DBA launches weekly lecture series on criminal justice

The District Bar Association (DBA) Anantnag on Saturday inaugurated a weekly lecture series aimed at strengthening professional legal skills and promoting academic engagement within the legal fraternity. The inaugural session, held at the District Bar Room, drew strong participation from lawyers and focused on the theme Criminal Justice System and the Art of Cross-Examination. The initiative has been conceptualized under the guidance of Principal District & Sessions Judge Anantnag, Tahir Khurshid Raina, and will be conducted every Saturday at 3 pm under his supervision. The program is intended as a continuing platform for capacity building and professional development of advocates practicing in the district. Participants from the Bar appreciated the initiative, describing it as a constructive step toward enhancing legal acumen and fostering closer academic interaction between the Bench and Bar. The keynote address was delivered by senior advocate M D Shawl, who shared insights from his extensive trial court experience. He highlighted that effective cross-examination depends on preparation, composure, and precision. Stressing courtroom discipline, he advised advocates to maintain calm while examining witnesses and to remain firmly grounded in the facts of the case. He also emphasized the importance of visiting the scene of occurrence to better understand case circumstances and strengthen cross-examination strategy. The session concluded with an interactive discussion in which young lawyers engaged the speaker with questions on trial practice and advocacy techniques. Speaking on behalf of the Bar Association, senior advocate Peer Shafiq expressed gratitude to the Principal District & Sessions Judge for initiating the lecture series and to senior advocate M D Shawl for sharing his experience. He said the weekly program would serve as a sustained learning platform for members of the Bar in the region.

DIPR organises seminar on Drug Abuse Awareness

As part of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan (NMJKA), the Cultural Unit Kashmir of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) today organised an awareness seminar on drug abuse at Government Boys' Higher Secondary School (GBHSS), Gulab Bagh, Srinagar. The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who shared their views on the harmful effects of drug abuse and highlighted the importance of making informed choices to build a healthy and addiction-free society. Speaking on the occasion, Cultural Officer Kashmir, Abdul Raqib Bhat and and AECO, Syed Shakeel Shan underscored the need for collective community action to combat the growing menace of drug abuse. They stressed that Kashmir, renowned for its rich Sufi heritage, has always stood for values of peace, spirituality, and moral integrity, leaving no room for social evils such as substance abuse. They urged students to become ambassadors of awareness within their families and communities. The Principal, Oscia Jabeen appreciated the initiative undertaken by DIPR and assured the institution's full cooperation in organising similar awareness programmes in the future to educate and empower the younger generation. Vice Principal, Mumtaz Hussain, who conducted the proceedings, expressed gratitude to the Department of Information and Public Relations for organising the seminar and for its sustained efforts in promoting social awareness through meaningful outreach programmes. At the conclusion of the seminar, participants were felicitated with awards in recognition of their active participation and valuable contributions to the programme.

Former Vice Chairman DDC Kupwara, ex-MLC Kupwara, religious delegation calls on LG

Former Vice Chairman District Development Council Kupwara, Haji Farooq Ahmed Mir called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today and projected various public important issues of the district including Degree college, Medical Block for North Lolab, Auditorium and fire station at Lolab. Meanwhile, Syed Mohd Rafiq Shah, former MLC and District President BJP Kupwara called LGSinha and projected various developmental issues of border areas. A delegation of Shri Shri Jagat Amba Sharika Chakreshwar Sanstha also called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and discussed various issues pertaining to conservation and development of the revered Sharika Temple in Srinagar.

CIC cant be directed to dispose of second appeals within 45 days: HC

The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has declined to direct the Central Information Commission (CIC) to dispose of second appeals within 45 days, even as it asked the Commission to take appropriate measures to improve its working. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad Yousuf Wani disagreed for a direction to the CIC, saying the Right to Information Act, 2005 does not lay down any timeline for deciding the second appeals and complaints under the Act. The court said this while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Junaid Javid of Uri in Baramulla. The PIL had sought courts intervention for a direction upon the CIC to decide all pending appeals, particularly those filed by residents of Jammu and Kashmir, within 45 days. Furthermore, it had called for a mechanism to ensure time-bound disposal of second appeals and the petitioner had placed suggestions on record for improving the Commission's functioning. In its response, the CIC indicated its difficulty in adhering to a particular timeline for deciding the appeals, keeping in view the infrastructure available and the number of second appeals and complaints received by it. We are of the considered opinion that, in view of the reply submitted by the CIC, nothing more can be said by this Court, the bench said. Observing that the RTI Act does not prescribe any timeline for deciding second appeals and complaints, the bench held that it could not, through a judicial direction, mandate a 45-day disposal period as sought by the petitioner. However, the Court underscored that the CIC could not be allowed to sit over the appeals for an unduly long period and keep them undecided for years together. The Commission needs to improve its working and establish a mechanism to reduce the backlog while effectively handling fresh appeals and complaints, it said. Disposing of the PIL, the Court directed the CIC to take appropriate measures to improve its functioning, subject to infrastructural constraints and the inflow of appeals. It also observed that the Commission may consider the petitioner's suggestions if they are found to be genuine and practical. In the PIL, the petitioner had alleged that several RTI applications and first appeals were pending before different public authorities and the CIC in Jammu and Kashmir for unduly long periods. He submitted that after being dissatisfied with the responses of the first appellate authorities, he filed second appeals before the CIC in respect of three RTI applications dated November 13, 2024, January 9, 2025, and November 27, 2025. For three months, the CIC had neither listed the appeals for hearing nor passed any order, he alleged. He had sought the court's intervention to ensure timely disposal of RTI applications and appeals in keeping with the RTI Act.

NC using statehood demand to divert attention from failures: MP Jugal Kishore Sharma

BJP MP from Jammu-Reasi, Jugal Kishore Sharma, on Saturday accused the National Conference (NC) of using the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as a political diversion to shift public attention from its alleged governance failures and internal differences. Reacting to the NC's protest at Jantar Mantar, Sharma said that if statehood could have been achieved through such demonstrations, the party should have launched the campaign much earlier. He termed the protest a political gimmick aimed at diverting attention from internal conflicts within the party and pacifying its disappointed workers. The MP asserted that instead of staging protests, the ruling party should concentrate on fulfilling the promises made to the people, ensuring development, addressing public grievances, and effectively running the government. Expressing confidence in the Union Government, Sharma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have already assured that Jammu and Kashmir's statehood will be restored at an appropriate time. He said the people have complete faith in the central leadership, which has taken several initiatives for the welfare and development of the Union Territory. Referring to the recent incident of alleged misappropriation of money at Ram Mandir, MP Sharma said a proper probe is already underway and reiterated that those found guilty should face strict legal action. He said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and that any remaining gaps in the investigation would be addressed through the ongoing probe.

NC not afraid of PC's threats, will give befitting reply: Chowdry Ramzan

Additional General Secretary National Conference and Rajya Sabha MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan Saturday said that his Party would not be intimidated by provocative remarks made by Peoples Conference leaders recently in Handwara. He said that his party would respond politically and democratically. Speaking to media in Kupwara, Chowdry said, National Conference is not afraid of the threats of Peoples Conference. Those who talk about beating us with sticks will receive a befitting response. He added: The people of Handwara deserve development, not threats and empty promises, he said, adding that the National Conference would continue to engage with the public and address their concerns. While reacting to the recent protest by Peoples Conference in Handwara against sidelining opposition MLAs, he said that all the opposition legislators visit Civil Secretariat and meet ministers for the development of their constituencies but PC chief Sajad Lone prefers to stay back which ultimately tell upon people. I stayed away from active politics after the Assembly election results almost for two years but then people approached me saying that I have secured almost equal number of votes to that of Sajad Lone, so I should come to the rescue of people which did not go well with Sajad Lone, he added. Chowdry said that he has devoted himself for the development of people and those creating unnecessary hurdles will get exposed before people.

Youth must explore livelihoods, Govt should handhold: Ghulam Hassan Mir

Former Cabinet Minister and Apni Partys Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir has urged the government to step forward and support unemployed youth by helping them create their own livelihood opportunities. He said that with the government's financial assistance, subsidies, and other facilities, it is possible for educated youth to establish self-employment and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for themselves. He also urged unemployed youth to come forward and explore livelihood opportunities for themselves. He made these remarks today after inaugurating the a dental clinic in Karan Nagar. Speaking on the occasion, Ghulam Hassan Mir said, I want to give a message to the youth that they must come forward and seek livelihood opportunities for themselves. Especially those who are educated and possess professional skills should not remain idle. Rather, they should find ways to use their talent and expertise to earn a respectable livelihood. He further said, The government also needs to step forward and provide guidance and support to these youngsters. It should encourage and facilitate them in creating livelihood opportunities for themselves. Most importantly, the government must provide financial assistance through banks to young people who are willing to develop their own projects or start businesses so that they can earn a respectable income and build a dignified life.

CWC Srinagar issues child safety guidelines for schools, mandates CCTV in buses, POCSO training

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Srinagar has issued fresh directions making it mandatory for all government and private schools in the district to adopt robust child protection, safeguarding and reporting mechanisms. The directions have been issued as a move to strengthen child safety and protection in educational institutions. The circular, issued under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, directs schools to ensure strict compliance with a series of measures aimed at creating a safe, secure and child-friendly environment for students. As part of the new directions, all teaching, non-teaching and support staff, including transport personnel, have been asked to undergo mandatory periodic training on child protection laws, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, positive discipline, mandatory reporting obligations, identification of children in need of care and protection, and institutional safeguarding practices. As per the fresh circular instructions, the CWC has also directed schools to ensure that no school bus or transport vehicle carries students beyond its approved seating capacity. CWC has also made the installation of functional CCTV cameras in every school bus and van mandatory, with the surveillance system required to remain operational throughout the journey. Schools have been also instructed to preserve CCTV footage for an appropriate period and make it available to competent authorities whenever required under law. CWC Srinagar has however expressed its concern over bullying and peer violence and has directed all the educational institutions to conduct regular awareness programmes on bullying, cyberbullying, ragging, emotional abuse, discrimination, conflict resolution and respectful behaviour. All the schools have also been directed to establish effective anti-bullying mechanisms and confidential reporting systems. As per the circular, CWC has called for age-appropriate awareness sessions for students on personal safety, body autonomy, safe and unsafe touch, personal boundaries, online safety and the importance of reporting abuse to trusted adults or designated authorities. The CWC has instructed schools to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, intimidation or any form of misconduct by students against female teachers and women staff members. Appropriate counselling, disciplinary interventions and corrective measures should be taken while ensuring the rights of children are protected, the circular reads. Moreover, every educational institution has been directed to constitute and operationalise a Child Protection Committee or School Safety Committee to oversee implementation of safeguarding measures, address complaints promptly and periodically review child protection practices. The committee has also stressed the need for regular engagement of counsellors or trained professionals to conduct awareness programmes and counselling sessions on child protection, mental health and emotional well-being. Schools must organise value-based education and co-curricular activities promoting empathy, compassion, mutual respect, discipline, responsible citizenship and gender sensitivity, CWC circular reads. The schools have been also instructed to prominently display the Child Helpline number 1098 at conspicuous locations, including the main entrance, notice boards, corridors, staff rooms, counselling rooms and on the rear panel of every school bus and school van. The CWC has also directed the schools that every case of suspected child abuse, neglect, exploitation or any offence against a child must be reported to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or police and other competent authorities in accordance with the POCSO Act, 2012, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. Failure to report such incidents could attract legal consequences under the applicable laws, the CWC circular reads.

Tarigami demands crackdown on substandard pesticides

CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to intensify its crackdown on the sale of substandard pesticides and strengthen checks at the Lower Munda (Qazigund) entry point for all pesticides, fertilisers and hybrid plants entering Kashmir from outside the Union Territory. Tarigami said incidents of premature fruit drop were reported last month in Sugu, Sugu Handhama and Kachdoora villages of Shopian, where apple growers alleged that fruits began falling within days of spraying a fungicide containing Mancozeb. He said the complaints later spread to adjoining areas, prompting the Enforcement Wing to approach the District Court, Shopian, seeking sanction to prosecute two dealers under the Insecticides Act, 1968. Describing the Shopian episode as part of a wider problem, Tarigami said enforcement drives against the sale of spurious pesticides and fertilisers have previously been carried out in Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Budgam and Srinagar districts. He also claimed that a 2025 sampling exercise found that the majority of non-standard samples originated from the Kashmir division rather than Jammu. Citing official enforcement data, Tarigami said 149 prosecutions have been registered in cases involving spurious pesticides and another 110 in connection with substandard fertiliser samples across Jammu and Kashmir. He added that fines amounting to Rs 1.31 lakh have been recovered, arguing that the figures indicate a widespread problem rather than one confined to a single district. The MLA said the Lower Munda check post at Qazigund was established to prevent the unauthorised movement of agricultural inputs into the Valley and stressed that all plant material brought from outside must undergo mandatory quarantine at Post Entry Quarantine facilities before being released. He called for strict enforcement of these safeguards, particularly during the peak spraying season when the demand for pesticides is high. Tarigami also urged the Agriculture and Horticulture departments to enhance district-level sampling and make full use of pesticide testing laboratories at Kulgam, Srinagar, Jammu and Baramulla, as well as fertiliser testing laboratories in Jammu and Srinagar. He said timely testing, accountability and compensation are essential to protect growers affected by substandard agricultural inputs.

Where did the teachers leave file stall?

A social media post by a Kashmiri doctor based in Bristol, England, alleging that bureaucratic delays prevented her government teacher mother from travelling to the United Kingdom during her pregnancy has triggered a fresh controversy over the functioning of the School Education Department (SED). The allegations, made by Dr. Salfiya on X (formerly Twitter), prompted the Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) to order a verification of the case, while the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) clarified that the file was never referred to it for mandatory vigilance clearance. In her post, Dr. Salfiya alleged that her mother had applied for station/country leave in December 2025 for the period from June to August 2026. Despite submitting the application nearly six months in advance, she claimed the file remained pending even after the leave period commenced. She further alleged that an earlier leave application submitted during her pregnancy had also lapsed because the department failed to process it in time. Because of this administrative apathy, my mother couldnt be with me during my pregnancy, my C-section or my postpartum recovery in the UK. This is not just a delayed file, it is a family that has suffered because of bureaucratic negligence, she wrote, tagging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Itoo and seeking their intervention. Speaking to Greater Kashmir , Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani said the department follows a prescribed procedure before granting station or country leave. I assumed office around eight months ago, but I have not come across such a case. Nobody approached my office to follow up the matter either, Wani said. He explained that such cases require mandatory vigilance clearance before approval is granted by the administrative department. I have read the post on X. I will verify the status of the file today and find out where the matter is pending, he said. Meanwhile, ACB Director Shakti Pathak rejected allegations that the vigilance clearance was delayed at the bureau. The matter never came to the ACB. Please enquire from the Education Department. We clear such files within a maximum of four days, Pathak told Greater Kashmir . With the ACB categorically stating that the file was never referred to it, the controversy has shifted focus to the School Education Department, which will now have to ascertain where the application remained pending and whether administrative lapses led to the delay alleged by the doctors family.

Rush of unregistered pilgrims emerging major challenge

An unprecedented influx of devotees arriving without prior registration has emerged as the first significant logistical challenge of this years Amarnath Yatra, putting pressure on Jammus registration infrastructure and testing the administrations preparedness in the initial days of the 57-day pilgrimage. Long queues have been observed at token distribution centres as hundreds of pilgrims reached Jammu seeking on-the-spot (Tatkal) registration before proceeding to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The surge has been particularly visible at the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu, where 10 token counters have been operational. In response, the administration has swiftly expanded registration facilities, deployed additional staff, and reinforced crowd-management measures. Besides the Tawi Riverfront, registration-related infrastructure has been established at Bhagwati Nagar, Geeta Bhawan, Purani Mandi (Ram Mandir), and Jammu Railway Station. Ten token counters have been established at the Tawi Riverfront. Registration, e-KYC verification and RFID issuance for token holders will begin the following day, a senior Government official from Jammu said. Authorities have not officially pinpointed the exact reasons for the surge, but officials attribute it to improved road and air connectivity, wider social media outreach, and heightened religious enthusiasm drawing more devotees to undertake the pilgrimage without advance registration. Many unregistered pilgrims are staying in budget hotels, Dharamshalas, and private accommodations while awaiting their turn. The heavy rush has led to uncertainty regarding token availability, reporting schedules, and waiting periods, with calls for improved real-time information dissemination and public announcements to assist devotees. Officials assured that elaborate arrangements have been made for the convenience of pilgrims, including enhanced registration facilities, accommodation, sanitation, security and traffic management. The administration has augmented drinking water, medical aid, sanitation, and security at registration centres, while additional barricading and regulated token distribution systems have been implemented to manage queues efficiently. The J&K administration has reiterated that registration remains mandatory and cannot be bypassed. Only registered pilgrims will be permitted to participate in the Yatra. Non-registered individuals will not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage, the administration said in a public advisory other day. Officials said the immediate priority is to reduce waiting times for token allotment as the pilgrimage gathers momentum under one of the countrys largest annual security and logistical operations. With sustained efforts to streamline processes, the administration aims to ensure that the spiritual journey proceeds smoothly for all devotees while maintaining safety and order. The 57-day Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, is expected to witness massive participation this year, with authorities urging pilgrims to complete advance registration wherever possible and cooperate with guidelines for a hassle-free experience.

Baltal base camp wears festive look, enthusiasm among pilgrims

With the beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, the Baltal the base camp of the pilgrimage in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir wore a festive look. The base camp at Baltal on the banks of the nallah Sindh remains active round the clock. Around midnight daily, the huge sprawling camp, guarded heavily by security forces, starts bustling. Pilgrims from various parts of the country board their buses and travel on the 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu national highway to Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in south Kashmir. Once you reach Baltal base camp after going through a couple of checking points you come across the festive fervour. Well-lit and decorated Langars with loudspeakers blaring bhajans greet you. The lost and found announcements also add to the festivities and are abuzz with Mahesh from Delhi looking for Ramesh. At base camp here is a full-fledged market run by Muslims and Non-Muslims both selling 'puja Samagri and other stuff. You pass through and they call out Bhole puja ka saman le lo, Nahane Ka Garam Pani free, Saaman Rakhna free. The scene here is a real show of communal harmony. The fearlessness and enthusiasm of the pilgrims can be seen during the arrival and stay at base camps with the whole area also reverberate with the chants of Bam Bam Bholey. The pilgrims are seen freely moving around the base camp busy clicking pictures buying different kind of things available in the market. The Langars (community kitchens) set up for the Yatris see a huge rush. The common sight at Baltal is of the Kashmiri Muslims who are the major local service providers to Amarnath pilgrims during the annual yatra. The local service providers mostly consist of those people who have installed their kiosks and tents for Yatris and are seen eagerly waiting to receive them. Mostly local Muslims are the major service providers in Baltal and Pahalgam. The Pony Wallas, tent owners, shopkeepers, labourers and others mostly local Muslims offer services to Amarnath pilgrims during yatra. We have always welcomed the Amarnath pilgrims who are our guests. The yatra is not only just business or earning livelihood for us, Bilal Ahmad Mir a local service provider said. We are very excited about the yatra. I am coming for the second time but my each visit to the shrine makes me more excited, said Suresh Sharma, a pilgrim from Delhi. The Yatris were very enthusiastic to see the arrangements in place. They were happy too as the locals are extending full support and coordination to the Yatris. With every passing year, the facilities and arrangements for the pilgrims have been improving the pilgrims said. They said that Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and J&K administration has made the pilgrimage more comfortable and smooth, a group of Yatris said. Meanwhile, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), UT administration has made all the arrangements for the annual yatra. Besides heightened security arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful yatra.

Amarnath yatra 2026 | Over 26,000 pilgrims offer obeisance in 2 days: Div Com Kashmir

More than 26,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine during the first two days of the annual 57-day Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 3, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said on Saturday. Addressing a joint press conference along with Inspector General of Police Kashmir VK Birdi, Garg said that the pilgrimage via the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal is progressing smoothly, backed by comprehensive multi-layered arrangements for the convenience and safety of devotees. Online registration for the pilgrimage began on April 15, and registered pilgrims are being facilitated after completing all mandatory formalities, Garg informed reporters. He emphasised that the administration is strictly adhering to the Supreme Court-mandated carrying capacity to ensure the yatra remains safe and sustainable. The Divisional Commissioner highlighted the extensive facilities put in place by the administration in coordination with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and other departments. These include adequate accommodation, healthcare services, drinking water, rest shelters (Pahalgam and Baltal axes), disaster management teams, and lighting along the yatra tracks. Garg acknowledged the challenge posed by several devotees arriving in Jammu and Kashmir without prior registration, which has caused some inconvenience. He urged such pilgrims to wait patiently for their turn, reiterating that only those holding valid registration for their allotted date will be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. The Tatkal quota is limited and is subject to vacancies created by registered pilgrims who do not report, he added. Garg also appealed to pilgrims who reached early to strictly follow their scheduled dates to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth management. He advised future participants to complete online registration well in advance. This comes amid an unprecedented early rush of unregistered pilgrims, which has strained token distribution centres in Jammu. The administration has responded by expanding facilities, adding staff, and improving crowd management at key points including Tawi Riverfront, Bhagwati Nagar, and others. Garg assured that every effort is being made for a safe, smooth, and hassle-free experience. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the convenience of pilgrims, including enhanced registration facilities, accommodation, sanitation, security and traffic management, he said. With the administration, security forces, Shrine Board, and stakeholders working in unison, the early momentum of the yatra reflects both the deep faith of devotees and the proactive governance ensuring its success in the challenging Himalayan terrain. Pilgrims have been advised to stay updated through official channels, follow health and weather advisories, and cooperate fully with authorities for the collective good of this sacred pilgrimage.

All India Inter Staff & Faculty Cricket Tournament 202627 | NIT Srinagar beat NIT Manipur by 10 wickets

The All India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament (Men) 2026 began on a positive and competitive note in Srinagar on Saturday, with the host institution NIT Srinagar setting a strong early benchmark in the five-day championship featuring 24 National Institutes of Technology from across the country. The opening day, as per a statement, featured several well-contested matches across multiple venues in the city, marked by dominant wins, individual performances, and one closely fought tie. The results reflected the balanced competitive spirit of the tournament while also highlighting the growing standard of faculty and staff cricket within the NIT system. Across the days fixtures, teams displayed encouraging performances with both bat and ball, setting the stage for an engaging league phase ahead. The mix of one-sided victories and tightly contested encounters underlined the camaraderie and sporting spirit that the tournament aims to promote among participating institutes. The hosts NIT Srinagar made an emphatic statement in their opening clash against NIT Manipur, registering a commanding 10-wicket victory. After opting to field, NIT Srinagars bowling unit produced a disciplined performance to restrict Manipur to 121/8 in 20 overs. Dr. Shakeel Waseem starred with an exceptional spell of 4/21, breaking the backbone of the opposition middle order, while Dr. Majid Hussain supported with 2/27. Chasing a modest target, NIT Srinagar delivered a batting masterclass as Aaqib Sheikh smashed a breathtaking unbeaten 103 off just 33 balls, decorated with 17 boundaries and five sixes, powering the hosts to 124/0 in just 6.4 overs. Captain Faisal Irshad remained unbeaten on 10 as the hosts sealed victory with 80 balls to spare. At another venue, NIT Jalandhar continued their strong start to the tournament, defeating NITK Surathkal by 23 runs. Batting first, Jalandhar posted 186/9 in 20 overs, powered by Amritpal Singhs explosive 72 off 44 balls, supported by Ravinders quick 40 off 27 deliveries. Surathkal responded with 163/7, with Shailendra scoring a fighting 47, but failed to maintain the required run rate despite a spirited effort.

J&K Bank MD interacts with trainees, coaching staff of banks Ladakh Football Academy

Reaffirming the Bank's commitment to nurturing sporting talent and creating opportunities for young athletes to excel, J&K Bank MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee interacted with the trainees and coaching staff of the Bank's Ladakh Football Academy in Leh. On the occasion, the MD & CEO, as per a statement, also unveiled the official uniform of the academy in the presence of Chief General Manager Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, Zonal Head Ladakh Tsewang Dorjai, Special Secretary to MD Tanveer Hussain, AGM (Sports/Culture) Bilal Ahmad kuchhay, Cluster Head Tsewang Dorjay and other senior Bank officials.

Monsoon session of Parliament from Jul 20 to Aug 13

New Delhi, Jul 4:The Monsoon session of Parliament will be held from July 20 to August 13, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren said on Saturday. The 25-day session with 19 sittings comes after the ruling BJPs victories in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry assembly polls. The aftermath of the rebellion in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (UBT) will also play out in the forthcoming session. A decision by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on the demands of 20 TMC and six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs seeking recognition as separate groups is awaited. In the Rajya Sabha, after newly elected and re-elected MPs took oath, the political numbers further tilted in favour of the ruling NDA. Three rebel TMC MPs from the Upper House have quit and bypolls will help the BJP gather more strength in the Rajya Sabha. In a post on X, Rijiju said on the recommendation of the government, President Draupadi Murmu has summoned both the Houses of Parliament for the Monsoon Session 2026. The Session will commence on 20 July, 2026 and continue till 13 August, 2026 for meaningful debate, discussion and decisions on issues of national importance, he said. The last session ended in disappointment for the BJP-led NDA government as a Constitution amendment bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha was defeated in the Lower House. The government is now redrafting the bill to possibly increase Lok Sabha seats of all states uniformly by 50 per cent. The population-linked increase in seats has been a major concern for southern parties.

PM Modi greets Trump, people of US on 250th anniversary of independence

New Delhi, Jul 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of Americas independence and said the two countries shared belief in democracy and the rule of law, and the limitless potential of their people make the friendship a force for global good. Modi asserted that India and the United States share more than a strategic partnership. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my warmest congratulations to President Trump and the people of the United States on the historic 250th anniversary of your Independence, the prime minster said in a post on X. He said the shared belief of India and the US in democracy and the rule of law, and the limitless potential of our people make our friendship a force for global good. May the next 250 years bring even greater prosperity, peace and progress for America and take the India-US partnership to new heights, he said. Trump ushered in the 250th anniversary of American independence on Friday. The signing of the Declaration of Independence, one of historys most-celebrated articulations of democratic ambitions, is being marked in myriad ways. Set to take a central role in the festivities, Trump plans to speak at the National Mall in Washington ahead of what is being billed as a historically-enormous fireworks show that will rain down over the US capital.

After Op Sindoor, trust in made-in-India defence platforms got enhanced: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Jul 4: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that after Operation Sindoor, the trust in made-in-India defence platforms has received a boost. In his address at an event here, he also reiterated that today, our defence production has reached over Rs 1.78 lakh crore, and about 8-9 years ago, it stood at approximately Rs 46,000 crore. The Union minister asserted that after Operation Sindoor, trust in made-in-India defence platforms has got enhanced. Operation Sindoor was Indias decisive military action conducted in May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Several defence platforms built in India had played a key role in it. Singh said, Defence exports too have reached a record over Rs 38,000 crore, and in 2013-14, it stood at just Rs 686 crore, and it has grown today 57 times. And, I have not sought the full report, but, currently it should be hovering around Rs 40,000 crore, is my estimate. In his address, he also spoke of Indias journey in various sectors in the last 12 years, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the importance of human sensitivity in the age of AI, including in the field of journalism. The event was hosted in Delhi to mark 80 years of the national Hindi daily Navbharat Times. Indias journey over the last 12 years has been a progression from shortages to self-reliance, from self-reliance to self-confidence, and from self-confidence towards building a Viksit Bharat, Singh said. He said India lays emphasis on both technological development and celebrating its traditions, and this confluence of tradition and technology is the biggest strength of the country in the 21st century. Underlining that AI has touched nearly all aspects of human existence today, he cautioned that while AI can read and analyse data, it cannot feel the pulse of the people, which is where the human sensitivity comes into picture. Singh pointed out that journalism too has been impacted by technological advancements such as AI, but they wont be able to surpass human creativity and intellect. The future success of journalism will depend on how well it establishes the balance and synergy between the capabilities of AI and human empathy. While AI will make journalism faster and more precise, emotional intelligence will ensure that it remains humane and credible, he said. The Union minister also emphasised maintaining credibility in journalism in the era of fake news and misinformation. Terming the medias role in the present era of, what he described as communicative abundance, as more crucial than ever, the defence minister said the challenge today is not lack of information, but its accuracy and reliability. Misinformation severely impacts society and the morale of defence forces, he said, adding that while being the first to report may be important in journalism, disseminating correct news is even more crucial. Especially when the subject concerns the defence forces, national security, or the honour of those who make the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, every word becomes a matter of national responsibility. The media must always uphold the values of accuracy, objectivity, and impartiality, Singh said.

Iran begins dayslong funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war

Tehran, Jul 4:Hundreds of thousands of mourners began a days-long funeral Saturday for Irans late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, beating their chests in sorrow before the glass case containing his flag-draped coffin in Tehran and calling for revenge against Israel and the United States. The funeral for Khamenei, who ruled Iran for decades before being killed at age 86 in a Feb. 28 airstrike in the opening moments of the Iran war, could provide a boost for the countrys theocracy and its new supreme leader, his son Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. That is particularly important as Iran tries to leverage its hold on the Strait of Hormuz in negotiations with the US over a permanent end to the war and as concern still lingers that Israel could attack yet again. During the ceremony, Irans top negotiator issued a warning to France and the United Kingdom over their comments about potentially launching joint patrols in the waterway, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas once passed in peacetime. Mourners wept at the sight of Khameneis coffin alongside those of his family members also killed in the airstrike, with some chanting: Our word is one! Revenge! Revenge! Some carried banners and flags, while billboards across the city bore Khameneis image. Crowds of men rhythmically beat their chests in mourning, a common practice at Shiite funerals. Imam Khamenei was our heart, our father, our everything, mourner Masoumeh Mohammadi said. I still cant believe they martyred him. We will not rest until we avenge his death. An outdoor stage set up at the Grand Mosalla resembled the stage where Khamenei once gave his speeches at a Husseiniyah at his compound in downtown Tehran. A chair like the one he once sat in while giving his sermons, complete with a microphone on a stand and a small table next to it. Just above it hung an image of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who died in 1989. Khomeinis funeral saw chaotic scenes as millions thronged his mourning ceremony and trip to the cemetery. Khameneis death, only the second time Iran has lost a supreme leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, came months earlier and gave authorities more time to prepare. On Saturday, volunteers sprayed cooling water on crowds in the summertime heat as stands outside offered food and drink. Men and women congregated separately inside the Grand Mosque after being checked by metal detectors and body searches. Police armed with assault rifles stood guard on surrounding streets. Many stayed outside in the street, lounging under the shade of trees, because the city had shut down. The caskets of his dead family members sat beneath Khameneis, which had his black turban atop it, identifying him as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The dead included the wife of Mojtaba Khamenei, whose possible appearance at the funeral remained unclear. He reportedly was wounded in the attack that killed his father. We attended the funeral to show that we are all committed to defending our country and religion, said Ali Kazemi, who came from the northwestern city of Tabriz, some 530 kilometres (330 miles) away from Tehran. Iran chose July 4, the 250th anniversary of the creation of the US, to begin the funeral. While authorities did not acknowledge the timing, crowds at the ceremony in Tehran chanted: Death to America! The refrain has been common in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the US Embassy takeover and hostage crisis. They also cried: Death to Israel! We knocked the hell out of Iran, US President Donald Trump said in a speech at the same time in South Dakota in front of Mount Rushmore. They want to settle so badly. We gave them a week off for a funeral. The American president was not forgotten in Tehran. In the crowd in the Grand Mosque, several mourners held a large flag that read: #KillTrump. As the ceremony went on, Irans chief negotiator Kazem Gharibabadi criticised a joint statement overnight from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, which suggested their militaries stood ready to patrol the Strait of Hormuz. Control of the strait has been a major point of leverage for Iran, which has suggested it wants to charge vessels passing through it, upending decades of the world considering it an international waterway. The security of Hormuz lies with the coastal states the crisis-makers will be held accountable for the consequences of their adventurism, Gharibabadi wrote on X. This is a serious warning. Khameneis body will be transported to cities in both Iran and neighbouring Iraq. Authorities have shut down streets, airspace and daily life for the mourning, which will end Thursday as hes buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Khameneis place of birth. Authorities offered no immediate attendance count for the event Saturday, which saw the crowds cycle in and out of the Grand Mosque and the surrounding streets. Other cities across Iran also held mourning ceremonies. On Sunday, a prayer for the dead is planned at the Grand Mosque. On Monday, his body and those of his family will be taken through the streets of Tehran, which likely will draw large crowds. I am here to say goodbye to my beloved leader Ali Khamenei, said a weeping Hananeh Mousavi, 27, who attended the funeral alongside her mother. I never expected to see such a day. I wish I had died before this tragedy.

Keeway launches Hypevolt-R Premium Electric Scooter

Srinagar, Jul 4:Keeway India on Saturday entered India's premium electric scooter segment with the launch of the all-new Hypevolt-R, a high-performance electric scooter featuring a claimed range of 180 km and a top speed of 115 km/h. Priced at an introductory 5,000 through Keeway India's official website. The company said the Hypevolt-R has been designed for riders seeking a blend of performance, technology and everyday practicality. It features a 5 kWh dual removable battery setup that offers an IDC-certified riding range of up to 180 km on a single charge. The battery packs can be charged either on or off the vehicle, while the in-built charging system can recharge the batteries from 0 to 80 per cent in around three hours, reducing downtime for users. Powering the scooter is a mid-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor that delivers a peak output of 12 kW. According to the company, the Hypevolt-R can accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in 2.3 seconds and attain a top speed of 115 km/h. It also offers a 30-degree climbing capability, making it suitable for varied road conditions. The scooter comes with three riding modesEco, Normal and Sportallowing riders to choose between efficiency and performance. Keeway said the centrally mounted motor and dual-battery architecture provide improved weight distribution, sharper handling and quicker throttle response, positioning the Hypevolt-R as a premium offering in India's fast-growing electric two-wheeler market.

JKRERA inspects various Illegal Colonies across multiple locations

Srinagar, Jul 4: The Jammu & Kashmir Real Estate Regulatory Authority (JK RERA) has issued a strong advisory to the general public, requesting citizens to refrain from investing in real estate projects that are not registered with the Authority. The advisory follows a series of stringent enforcement actions on the ground. Under the supervision of the Chairperson of JK RERA, Satish Chandra, a team of officers including Deputy Secretary JK RERA, Esha Chib, and Naib Tehsildar, Gias-u-din carried out extensive inspections of various illegal and unregistered colonies across multiple locations. The enforcement drive targeted unauthorized developments at 90 Feet Road, Nowgam, Zakoora, and Gulab Bagh in Srinagar, as well as several areas in Budgam district. To protect hard-earned money and avoid falling into legal or financial traps, JKRERA strongly advises prospective buyers to follow a strict verification process before making any financial commitments. Before investing or booking a property, citizens must first ensure that the real estate project is explicitly registered with the JKRERA. If a project lacks a valid RERA registration number, individuals should not invest in that project under any circumstances. Furthermore, buyers must ensure that the real estate agent facilitating the transaction is also registered with JK RERA. Under the Real Estate Act 2016, only a RERA-registered real estate agent is authorized to market, promote, or facilitate transactions for a RERA-registered real estate project. Dealing with unregistered individuals or entities leaves buyers exposed to significant risks. Investing in unregistered projects or dealing with unregistered agents strips buyers of their legal protections under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. Chairperson, JK RERA, Satish Chandra, reiterated the Authority's commitment to bringing transparency and accountability to the region's real estate sector. He warned developers and agents operating without valid registration to halt activities immediately or face strict legal and penal action. He further advised citizens to verify the registration status of both projects and agents by visiting the official JK RERA portal before finalizing any property deals.

118 Pampore IE lessees seek Govt intervention over land delay

Srinagar, Jul 4:A delegation representing 118 lessees of the Brick & Tile Factory Industrial Estate, Pampore, on Saturday met Industries and Commerce Minister Satish Sharma, seeking urgent Cabinet intervention to end a prolonged delay in the handover of industrial land allotted to entrepreneurs. The delegation, comprising President Khalid Subhan Wani, Vice President Khan Yasir, Secretary Publicity Ashfaq Ahmad and Advisor Sheikh Abid, urged the Minister to expedite the matter, which they said has remained unresolved for over three years. According to the delegation, the Minister assured them of his support and said he would strongly pursue the proposal in the Cabinet. They said Sharma also spoke to the Chief Secretary during the meeting and directed that the case be placed before the Cabinet. He further asked his Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to review the matter and submit a status report before the Cabinet meeting. The lessees said the land was allotted to them in March 2022 after payment of a premium of 5 lakh per kanal, along with three years' advance rent and maintenance charges. As per the lease terms, possession was to be handed over within 15 days, but they alleged that the land has still not been transferred. The delegation claimed the delay has stalled proposed investments worth nearly 400 crore and affected the creation of an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. The group demanded immediate transfer of land possession, Cabinet approval to operationalise the industrial estate, and accountability for the prolonged delay, saying the issue has hampered industrial growth and employment generation in the region.

SKUAST-Ks One Health Vision gains global recognition

Srinagar, Jul 4:Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has achieved another major milestone in its journey towards advancing the globally important One Health approach, with its student team securing the prestigious One Health Day Student Event Award 2025 organized by the internationally acclaimed One Health Commission. The award was conferred on the universitys student network, SKUAOHUN (SKUAST-K One Health University Network), for successfully organizing a month-long hybrid outreach and awareness initiative titled One Health Program- 2025. The team competed against entries from 94 countries and was recognized for taking the One Health message beyond academic institutions and actively engaging communities through innovative educational and outreach activities. The achievement marks a significant international endorsement of SKUAST-Ks efforts to institutionalize One Health an integrated framework that recognizes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health and addresses emerging challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and climate-related health risks. SKUAST-K is among the first institutions in India to establish a dedicated School of One Health and has, over the past two years, developed a comprehensive ecosystem for interdisciplinary education, research and policy engagement in the sector. The university has forged collaborations with leading medical and veterinary institutions and has recently developed several innovative technologies and initiatives under the One Health framework. As part of its growing leadership in this area, SKUAST-K has also created vibrant student-led One Health platforms and community engagement programs to translate science into societal impact. The international award includes an International Certificate of Excellence, a cash prize of USD 1,000, and complimentary registration for two student representatives to attend the 9th World One Health Congress, to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in September 2026. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated the student team, faculty members, and the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry for the achievement. He described the recognition as validation of SKUAST-Ks vision to become a globally relevant transdisciplinary institution that addresses emerging societal and scientific challenges through innovation and collaboration. With our philosophy of SKUAST-K for Quality of Life, we remain committed to creating solutions that improve the health of people, animals and ecosystems alike, Prof. Ganai said.

Pulwama's purple fields come alive as lavender harvest begins

Pulwama, Jul 4:The harvesting of lavender commenced on Saturday at the Bonera Field Station in Pulwama district, a research farm of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), marking another step in promoting commercial cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants across Jammu and Kashmir. The harvest is being carried out under CSIR-IIIM's Purple Project, which seeks to demonstrate the commercial viability of lavender cultivation and encourage farmers to diversify into high-value aromatic crops. Officials said the initiative provides end-to-end support to growers, including quality planting material, scientific cultivation techniques, processing, value addition, quality testing and market linkages, with the objective of enhancing farm incomes through aromatic crop cultivation. Speaking on the occasion, CSIR-IIIM Director Dr. Zabeer Ahmed said the institute has launched four flagship initiatives under the guidance of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to strengthen the medicinal and aromatic plants sector while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas. The initiatives include the Aroma Mission, Floriculture Mission, Phyto-Pharmaceutical Mission and Himalayan Bio-resource Prospection Mission. All these missions are directly or indirectly linked to medicinal and aromatic plants and are aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers, Ahmed said. He said Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a biodiversity hotspot with immense potential for cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants. He added that the Union Territory administration is formulating a dedicated Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Mission under the supervision of the Chief Secretary to further accelerate the sector's growth. Dr. Shahid Rasool, Scientist In-Charge of the CSIR-IIIM Bonera Field Station, described the facility as a living laboratory where advanced agricultural technologies are tested under real farming conditions before being transferred to farmers and other stakeholders. Every demonstration plot reflects years of scientific refinement aimed at maximizing productivity, essential oil quality and climate resilience, he said. Rasool said the station's activities extend beyond research, focusing on farmer capacity building, supporting agri-startups, facilitating technology commercialization and promoting sustainable rural enterprises. The purple fields of Bonera stand today as a testament to the successful convergence of scientific excellence, innovation and inclusive rural development, he added. Located around 40 kilometres from Srinagar, the 60-hectare Bonera Field Station serves as a major research and demonstration centre where farmers receive training in scientific cultivation practices. The facility also showcases post-harvest processing and value-addition technologies aimed at improving returns from aromatic crops. Lavender cultivation has expanded steadily in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir under CSIR-IIIM's Aroma Mission, with the crop emerging as a climate-suitable, high-value alternative that is helping farmers diversify their income sources.

Boy drowns in Jhelum at Lasjan

Srinagar, Jul 4:A 13-year-old boy is feared to have drowned in the River Jhelum at Lasjan on the outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday after entering the river for a bath, prompting police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to launch a large-scale search operation. The boy has been identified as Luqmaan Javaid, 13, who had reportedly gone to the river with friends to cool off amid the prevailing heatwave. Eyewitnesses said Luqmaan jumped into the river for a bath but failed to resurface. He entered the river for a bath but could not make it back to the surface. Within moments, he disappeared in the water, an eyewitness said. The incident triggered panic in the area as hundreds of people gathered along the riverbank while locals made frantic attempts to locate the teenager before informing the authorities. Residents said local boatmen were among the first to respond and immediately joined the rescue efforts. Police and SDRF teams rushed to the spot after receiving information and launched an extensive search operation. A search operation has been launched, and police have taken cognisance of the incident, officials said. The operation was continuing till the filing of this report, with rescue teams combing the river for the missing boy. Meanwhile, residents expressed concern over what they described as a delayed response by rescue teams, saying quicker deployment is crucial in drowning incidents where every minute can make a difference. Saturday's incident comes just a day after 17-year-old Basit Ali Akhoon drowned in the Dachigam stream near New Theed in Harwan. The Class 11 student was later declared dead at a hospital, triggering widespread calls for improved safety measures, including fencing, warning signboards and regular patrolling at vulnerable water bodies across Srinagar.

Rise in drowning incidents revive calls for safety measures in Srinagar's water bodies

Srinagar, Jul 4: A day after a 17-year-old boy drowned in the fast-flowing waters of the Dachigam stream near New Theed in Harwan, residents, parents and relatives have called for urgent safety measures at vulnerable water bodies, saying the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to prevent further loss of life. The victim, Basit Ali Akhoon, son of Bashir Ahmad Akhoon and a resident of Akhoon Mohalla, Mir Bahri, was a Class 11 student. According to his family, he had gone to the stream with a few friends to cool off amid the prevailing heatwave when he was swept under by the strong current. A relative of the deceased, Muhammad Rafiq, said the teenager's death has left the family devastated. Basit had gone for a bath with a few other boys. He got trapped under the gushing water. Two boys tried their best to rescue him, but even they sustained injuries during the attempt. Later, locals and police retrieved him and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead, Rafiq told Greater Kashmir. Describing Basit as a bright and hardworking student, Rafiq said the teenager also took up small jobs to support his family whenever possible. We have lost our child, and nothing can compensate for that loss. But we do not want another family to suffer the same pain. The authorities must act before another tragedy occurs. There should be permanent warning signboards, proper fencing at dangerous locations and regular patrolling to prevent people from entering risky spots, he said. Residents of Harwan said drowning incidents have repeatedly occurred in the area, particularly during the summer months when children and teenagers flock to rivers and streams to escape the heat. Mudassir Ahmad, a resident of New Theed, said several lives have been lost in the vicinity over the past decade. We have witnessed many such incidents here over the years. The stream looks calm in some places but has deep pockets and a very strong current, he said. With summer vacations commencing on Monday, locals fear that the number of children visiting rivers, streams and other water bodies will increase sharply, raising the risk of more such accidents. Mushtaq Ahmad, a parent from Harwan, said ensuring children's safety should be a shared responsibility. Parents will try their best to keep an eye on their children, but the authorities also have a responsibility. Police, officials from the irrigation department and other concerned agencies should maintain regular patrols at vulnerable spots, he said. Residents urged the administration to put in place a coordinated safety mechanism involving the police, irrigation and flood control authorities, and other departments. They demanded the installation of warning signboards, fencing of hazardous stretches, deployment of regular patrols and sustained public awareness campaigns, saying timely preventive measures could help avert further tragedies during the peak summer season.

The Silent Sentinels of India's Information Frontier

In the age of hybrid warfare, where narratives can influence national security as profoundly as military operations, information has emerged as a strategic asset. On India's sensitive northern frontiers, where every development is closely watched both within the country and beyond its borders, the responsibility of communicating the truth demands professionalism, credibility and unwavering commitment. For the past seventy-five years, the Public Relations Unit (PRU), Jammu has quietly fulfilled this responsibility. While soldiers have defended the nation's borders, PRU Jammu has safeguarded the information domain - ensuring that the stories of courage, sacrifice, humanitarian service and national commitment reach citizens accurately, responsibly and without compromising operational security. As the Unit celebrates its Platinum Jubilee on 1 July 2026, it stands not merely as a media organisation but as one of India's oldest and most respected institutions of strategic communication. Raised on 1st July 1950 under the leadership of Major D.C. Kapur (First Defence PRO of Jammu), the Unit came into existence at a defining moment in independent India's history. Barely three years after Independence and in the aftermath of the first conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government recognised the importance of establishing an authentic bridge between the Defence Forces, the media and the people. Since then, twenty-two Defence Public Relations Officers have led the Unit, each contributing to an enduring legacy built on credibility, professionalism and public service. Over the decades, PRU Jammu has evolved into the principal communication interface of the Ministry of Defence in the Jammu region. The Unit represents the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, Project Sampark of the Border Roads Organisation, the National Cadet Corps and several other Ministry of Defence establishments. It coordinates media engagement, manages strategic communication during military operations, facilitates national and international media, counters misinformation, projects nation-building initiatives and ensures that the voice of the Defence Forces reaches the public with clarity and authenticity. The Unit's journey mirrors India's own security history. It has supported communication during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, the Kargil conflict, decades of counter-insurgency operations, anti-terror campaigns, anti-infiltration operations, ceasefire violations and numerous security contingencies in Jammu and Kashmir. During every major operation, PRU Jammu has balanced two equally critical responsibilities - keeping the nation informed while protecting operational confidentiality. This balance has been central to preserving public confidence and ensuring that facts prevail over speculation. Equally significant has been the Unit's role in highlighting the humanitarian face of the Defence Forces. For decades, PRU Jammu has documented rescue operations during floods, earthquakes, avalanches and landslides, projecting soldiers not merely as defenders of territorial integrity but as first responders in times of human distress. During the devastating floods of 2014 and later natural disasters across the region, the Unit effectively communicated the scale of humanitarian assistance undertaken by the Defence Forces, bringing national attention to thousands of lives saved through extraordinary courage and selfless service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PRU Jammu once again played a vital role in showcasing the Defence Forces' contribution to national resilience. From establishing quarantine facilities and supporting vaccination drives to providing oxygen support, medical logistics and humanitarian assistance, the Unit ensured that citizens remained informed about the military's unwavering commitment to the nation during one of the most challenging public health emergencies in modern history. Beyond crisis communication, PRU Jammu has consistently highlighted the Defence Forces' enduring contribution to nation-building. Through extensive coverage of educational initiatives, medical camps, women empowerment programmes, youth engagement, sports competitions, environmental campaigns, skill development projects and civic action programmes, particularly under Operation Sadbhavana, the Unit has reinforced the image of the Indian soldier as a partner in development and a catalyst for social transformation. These stories have strengthened public trust and deepened the bond between the soldier and the citizen across the region. One of the Unit's unique strengths has been its ability to bring national recognition to organisations whose contributions often remain outside public attention. Through sustained media outreach, PRU Jammu has highlighted the remarkable achievements of Project Sampark of the Border Roads Organisation in constructing strategic roads, bridges and tunnels, restoring connectivity after disasters and enabling socio-economic development in remote border areas. It has similarly showcased the operational excellence of the Indian Air Force, humanitarian air operations, recruitment initiatives and the inspiring activities of the National Cadet Corps, encouraging generations of young Indians to embrace discipline, leadership and national service. Among the Unit's most significant yet lesser-known contributions has been the conduct of the Army Leg of Defence Correspondents Course, a pioneering professional familiarisation programme of Ministry of Defence for journalists from across the country. Conducted in close coordination with operational formations, the course provides media professionals with firsthand exposure to military life, border deployments, operational procedures, humanitarian assistance and the complexities of reporting from conflict-sensitive regions. By enabling journalists to interact directly with commanders and soldiers while witnessing the realities of military operations, the programme has nurtured informed, balanced and security-conscious defence reporting. At a time when misinformation can spread rapidly across digital platforms, the course continues to strengthen mutual trust between the Defence Forces and the media, producing generations of defence correspondents who appreciate both the public's right to know and the imperatives of national security. As communication technologies evolved from typewriters and telegrams to satellite television, digital media and social networking platforms, PRU Jammu transformed itself into a modern strategic communication organisation. Today, the Unit leverages multimedia content, digital storytelling and real-time dissemination of verified information to reach millions of citizens while swiftly countering misinformation and malicious propaganda. In an era increasingly defined by information warfare, this capability has become indispensable to national security. The importance of strategic communication was once again demonstrated during Operation SINDOOR, when PRU Jammu ensured timely dissemination of verified operational information while effectively projecting humanitarian assistance, civil preparedness and the coordinated efforts of multiple stakeholders. The experience reaffirmed a defining reality of modern conflict - that credibility remains one of a nation's strongest strategic assets. The story of PRU Jammu is, ultimately, a story of trust. It is the story of generations of Defence Public Relations Officers and dedicated staff who have worked quietly behind the scenes to ensure that acts of courage are remembered, sacrifices are honoured, humanitarian service is recognised and truth prevails over misinformation. It is the story of an institution that has stood at the intersection of national security, public communication and democratic accountability for three-quarters of a century. As India navigates an increasingly complex information environment, the role of credible, responsible and timely communication will only become more significant. The Public Relations Unit, Jammu, enters its seventy-sixth year with the same values that inspired its raising in 1950 - professionalism, integrity and service to the nation. Its remarkable journey reminds us that while soldiers safeguard India's borders, there must always be trusted voices to safeguard the truth. For seventy-five years, PRU Jammu has been that voice. Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, PRO & Spokesperson, Jammu Region.

Balancing tourism and local livelihoods

The growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has created substantial economic opportunities while also raising concerns about the equitable distribution of tourism benefits, particularly regarding the operation of commercial tourist vehicles registered outside the Union Territory. From an ethical and developmental perspective, tourism should primarily benefit the host communities that preserve the regions natural, cultural, and social assets. Local taxi operators are integral to the tourism ecosystem, providing employment to thousands of families while serving as ambassadors of Kashmirs culture and hospitality. Unrestricted operation of outside commercial tourist vehicles may result in economic leakage, reducing local employment opportunities and weakening the multiplier effect of tourism within the region. Principles of community-based and inclusive tourism therefore support policies that maximize local participation and ensure that tourism revenues are retained within the local economy. At the same time, any regulatory framework must conform to the constitutional and legal framework of India. While the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement and the right to carry on trade and business, it also permits reasonable restrictions in the interest of the general public. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, regulates interstate commercial transport through a permit system while allowing State and Union Territory Governments to implement lawful measures relating to transport management, public safety, environmental protection, and tourism administration. Judicial principles further recognise that reasonable, non-discriminatory regulations serving legitimate public interests are permissible. Accordingly, the objective should not be to impose a blanket prohibition on outside commercial tourist vehicles but to establish a balanced and legally sustainable regulatory framework. Such a framework should prioritize locally registered tourist taxis for intra-Union Territory sightseeing and tourism-related transport, while ensuring transparent fare structures, professional service standards, digital permit verification, effective enforcement against unauthorized commercial operations, and compliance with national transport laws. Tourism is one of the most significant contributors to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, providing direct and indirect employment to thousands of people. Among the many stakeholders dependent on tourism, local taxi operators constitute one of the largest service providers. Their livelihood is intrinsically linked to tourist arrivals, making road transport an essential pillar of the tourism ecosystem. However, with the increasing movement of outside commercial vehicles, unregulated transport operations, and changing tourism dynamics, local taxi operators face growing competition that threatens their economic security. At the same time, tourists expect reliable, safe, affordable, and seamless transport services. Therefore, there is a need for a balanced policy that safeguards the interests of local communities while ensuring that tourism continues to grow in an efficient and visitor-friendly manner. A well-designed transport policy should aim to create a win-win situation where local communities benefit economically from tourism while visitors receive quality transport services. By safeguarding the interests of local transport providers without compromising tourist convenience or constitutional principles, Jammu and Kashmir can promote sustainable tourism, strengthen local livelihoods, improve visitor satisfaction, and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism contribute directly to the long-term development of the Union Territory. Author is Faculty at JKIMPARD

Memory Beyond Recall

We spend much of our lives trying not to forget. We make lists. Set reminders. Fill calendars. Store passwords. Build entire technologies around memory. And when memory falters, we see it as failure. Perhaps we have misunderstood forgetting. Not every forgotten thing is a loss. Some memories deserve preservation. Others deserve release. The real challenge is not remembering everything; it is knowing what should remain and what should quietly disappear. Memory is often described as a library. Think of it somewhat as a garden that cannot flourish if every fallen leaf is preserved. Growth requires pruning and space must be created before something new can take root. Nature seems to understand this better than we do. Human memory was never designed to function as a flawless recording device. It was designed to be adaptive. The mind edits constantly. It weakens some memories, strengthens others and quietly discards countless details that no longer serve a purpose. Forgetting, in many ways, is one of the brains most sophisticated achievements. Almighty has made time to work with memory in remarkable ways. Experiences that once overwhelmed us gradually lose their purpose. The events remain, but their emotional sharpness dwindles. This is not a weakness. It is how human beings continue to function despite adversity. If every disappointment, every humiliation, and every failure retained its original force, moving forward would become almost impossible for humans. Yet forgetting is not always a virtue. History persistently shows the price societies pay when they forget their mistakes. Wars and clashes return when their lessons fade. Prejudice survives where memory becomes selective. Public health advances because epidemics are remembered. Science progresses because failed experiments are not erased but studied. Civilisation itself is, in many ways, organised memory. There is another kind of forgetfulness that deserves attention. We remember achievements but overlook the circumstances that made them possible. We remember criticism more vividly than encouragement. We remember what was denied to us while forgetting what we already possess. Human memory is rarely neutral; it reflects our habits of attention as much as our experiences. Technology has transformed memory in unexpected ways. Search engines remember facts. Navigation systems remember directions. Cloud storage and Artificial intelligence remember datasets. Increasingly, external devices perform the work once expected of the human mind. This convenience comes with an interesting question: When everything is stored elsewhere, what becomes of our own capacity to remember? Memory, like any other human faculty, strengthens through use and weakens through neglect. However, memory is not just the storage of information. It is the architecture of identity. An elderly person may forget recent events, yet sharply recall a poem learned in childhood. Another may struggle with names but retain the principles that guided an entire life. These are reminders that memory is not measured only by accuracy. It is measured by significance. This distinction becomes especially visible in neurodegenerative illnesses. Dementia does not erase memory in a single stroke; it changes its landscape. Facts may disappear while deeply learned habits, music, language or long-held values endure. The condition reminds us that memory exists in layers, and not all layers are equally fragile. Perhaps the most important question is not What do we remember? but What do we choose to forget? Some things deserve to be left behind: needless resentment, foolish comparisons, follies and failures that have already taught their lesson, opinions that dont matter. Forgetting these is not denial; it is discernment. There is, however, one form of forgetting that deserves our greatest concern. It is possible to remember dates, facts and information with extraordinary precision, yet gradually forget what it means to be human. We may become technically proficient while being callous and vacant. That is not a failure of memory; it is a failure of consciousness. Unlike the natural fading of experiences with time, this kind of forgetting is rarely accidental. It is often a choice that is made slowly, through indifference, convenience or repeated compromise. We do not simply lose our values; we stop practising them. Memory, therefore, is not measured by the quantity of what it retains, but by the quality of what it refuses to abandon. A healthy mind is not necessarily the one that remembers everything. It is the one that preserves sanity, lets go of unnecessary burdens, and never forgets the principles that define its humanity. For forgetting is part of being human, and forgetting our humanity is not.

The Ambush Within Kashmirs Politics

There are moments in politics when an event is smaller than the meaning it carries. Mehbooba Muftis visit to the under-construction AIIMS at Awantipora may outwardly appear to be a quarrel over protocol. It is a symptom of something far more serious: the approaching fragmentation of Kashmirs remaining regional political space. The controversy is not about a hospital alone. It is about power, access and legitimacy. In a normal state, a former chief minister visiting a public project might be dismissed as political theatre. In Jammu and Kashmir, now reduced to a Union Territory with a truncated elected government, such theatre acquires constitutional meaning. When a leader with no official executive authority appears to review a major public project, speaks to a Union minister, and projects herself as a parallel channel of delivery, the act cannot be treated as innocent activism. It becomes a political signal. That signal is simple: the elected Chief Minister may sit in office, but Delhi remains the source of real power; and those who can access Delhi can claim relevance even after electoral defeat. This is why the National Conference has reacted with anger. But anger is not strategy. Omar Abdullahs government is already boxed in by the Union Territory structure. Its authority is narrower than its electoral mandate. Police, public order, security, services and much of the operational architecture of power remain outside its full command. In such a situation, every public embarrassment becomes larger than itself. Every rival intervention becomes an attempt to show that the Chief Minister is ceremonial while others retain operational access. The PDP understands this very well. Since its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections, it has behaved not like a marginal party reconciled to opposition, but like a formation preparing for the next opening. It has activated cadres, expanded its public ceremonies, cultivated joinings from different walks of life, built digital amplification networks, and kept itself constantly visible. Its messaging is relentless: PDP is not finished; PDP is rebuilding; PDP has reach; PDP can still deliver. There is nothing illegal in political rebuilding. But the timing, method and symbolism matter. The PDP is not merely criticising the government from the opposition benches. It is attempting to occupy a parallel space between the people and Delhi. That is precisely the space New Delhi has always found useful in Kashmir: a regional actor weakened enough to be dependent, but visible enough to be useful. What should worry the NC most is not Mehbooba Muftis provocation alone, but the visible lethargy within its own ranks. Many of its legislators appear tired, faceless and absent from the Valleys everyday political anxieties. The PDP, despite its reduced Assembly strength, is acting with the energy of a party that has understood the vacuum. Its joinings, digital amplification, field visits and public theatre are steadily reclaiming ground that NC has surrendered through complacency, entitlement and invisibility. In politics, numbers matter; but presence matters more. At present, PDP is behaving like a defeated party preparing for recovery, while NC often looks like a victorious party already exhausted by power. Mehbooba Muftis political history makes the suspicion unavoidable. The PDP shared power with the BJP after the 2014 election. The alliance was sold as pragmatism, but it eventually became one of the great moral and strategic disasters of Kashmirs mainstream politics. It gave the BJP an unprecedented opening into J&Ks governing structure and helped normalise a political relationship that many in the Valley had voted precisely to prevent. The later collapse of that alliance did not erase the channels it had created. Nor did it erase the memory of the calculations that made it possible. This is where HaseebDrabus role becomes politically significant. As one of the central intellectual architects of that arrangement, he understood better than most the grammar of Delhi-facing Kashmir politics: speak one language to the Valley, another to the Centre, and present compromise as inevitability. Today, when he warns of mutual ruin, the diagnosis is partly correct. But it is incomplete unless one asks who benefits from that ruin. The answer is obvious. The BJP does. The BJP does not need to storm the Valley. It only needs to wait while NC and PDP hollow each other out. It has already built a formidable position in Jammu. It has expanded its organisational presence through booths, beneficiary networks, youth outreach, womens mobilisation, cultural events, seminars, student exchanges and the language of integration. Its strategy is patient. It is not merely contesting elections; it is re-educating aspiration. It is telling young Kashmiris that dynastic politics produced paralysis, while integration promises mobility. It is telling women that the old parties remembered them only as voters, mourners and beneficiaries, while the new system sees them as participants in a national project. It is telling the middle class that politics is obsolete; delivery is the future. This is not casual outreach. It is cadre construction. At the same time, the coercive atmosphere of national politics cannot be ignored. Across India, opposition parties have repeatedly alleged that central agencies are used as instruments of pressure. The message travels without being spoken: power can investigate, summon, freeze, frighten and fracture. In a small political ecosystem like Kashmir, where many legislators carry vulnerabilities, ambitions or grievances, the mere possibility of such pressure can become a political weapon. One does not need to arrest everyone. One only needs to make everyone believe that a file exists. This is why disgruntlement within NC matters. The Union Territory has fewer ministerial rewards. Many legislators who expected office, influence or patronage must now live with diminished spoils. Such frustration is politically combustible. If Delhi ever decides to engineer a shift, it will not necessarily need a dramatic 1984-style coup. It can proceed more quietly: cultivate defectors, encourage independents, pressure vulnerable MLAs, amplify PDPs attacks, promote development-minded local formations, and then present the resulting instability as proof that regional parties cannot govern. The irony is bitter. NC and PDP should have understood this danger better than anyone. Yet they are structurally incapable of acting together. Their hostility is not routine competition; it is dynastic enmity. The Abdullahs and Muftis do not merely disagree. They delegitimise each others right to speak for Kashmir. Each sees the other not as an adversary, but as an intruder into its inheritance. NC carries the greater historical burden. For decades it treated Kashmir as a family estate and rural Muslim sentiment as electoral raw material. It invoked identity when useful, negotiated compromise when convenient, and converted public anxiety into dynastic advantage. Its record is scarred by opportunism, arrogance and devastating miscalculations. The Rajiv-Farooq accord did not heal Kashmir; it deepened the cynicism that culminated in the disaster of 1987 and the insurgency that followed. PDP later emerged by exploiting that disillusionment, only to reproduce its own version of family control, emotional symbolism and opportunistic compromise. Now both are being outplayed by a national party that studies society more seriously than they do. The most likely outcome is not immediate collapse. It is staged erosion. First, PDP will continue to embarrass NC through hyper-visible interventions. Second, NC will overreact, appearing insecure and arrogant. Third, BJP will watch, occasionally nudge, and repeatedly argue that Kashmirs regional parties are self-serving, dynastic and incapable of stable governance. Fourth, sections of the public, exhausted by unemployment and political theatre, will drift towards whichever formation appears capable of delivery. Finally, by the next major electoral cycle, BJP may not need to win the Valley outright. It may only need enough allies, defectors, independents and fragmented regional actors to become the unavoidable pivot. That is the ambush. Kashmirs old parties are not being destroyed from outside alone. They are assisting in their own reduction. PDP may believe it is staging a comeback. NC may believe it is defending its mandate. But the larger result may be the same: the Valleys political voice will become divided, discredited and negotiable. The tragedy is not that NC and PDP are fighting. The tragedy is that they are fighting inside a cage whose keys are elsewhere. And while they scratch at each other, the hunter waits.

Srinagar Airports weekly closure plan rolled back

Srinagar, Jul 4:The proposed twice-a-week closure of passenger air traffic at the Srinagar Airport has been rolled back, bringing relief to air travellers and ending fears of airfares further skyrocketing in coming days. However, the curtailed hours of air traffic operations at the airport would continue till October 2026, restricting flight movement between 8 am to 5 pm. Last month, Greater Kashmir was the first to report about the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from the Indian Airforce to Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the concerned airlines, that beginning July, the Srinagar Airport will be shut for air traffic every Monday and Tuesday owing to runway repairs. The earlier NOTAM has now been withdrawn paving way for air traffic to be operational on all days of the week. Notably, the runway at the airport comes under direct control of the IAF, while the terminal operations and other ground operations are handled by Airports Authority of India (AAI). Passengers are advised that there will be no full airfield closure at Srinagar Airport this year. Airport operations will continue on all days with operational and watch hours from 8 am to 5 pm. Night closures for runway maintenance will continue until October 2026, Srinagar Airport spokesman said in a statement. The previously proposed NOTAM regarding full runway closure on Mondays and Tuesdays is being withdrawn. Airlines will continue to update their schedules in accordance with the prevailing operational timings, the statement said. Passengers are requested to check their flight status with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport and rely only on official channels for authentic updates. Responding to the airport closure withdrawal order, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. Grateful to the Defence Minister @rajnathsingh Sb & Civil Aviation Minister @RamMNK for acceding to our request and suspending the airport closure order. This closure had created a lot of difficulties for regular travellers & forced tour groups/tourists to cancel planned visits, CM Omar posted on 'X'. He thanked the Centre for its prompt and positive response to the concerns raised over the proposed runway closure at Srinagar Airport, stating that the decision to suspend the closure would ensure uninterrupted air connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir and provide much-needed relief to passengers and the tourism sector. The CM had taken up the matter with the Centre to safeguard the interests of passengers, the tourism industry, trade, and the people of J&K, who would have been adversely affected by the proposed closure. He said the decision to suspend the proposed runway closure would ensure uninterrupted air connectivity to the region, preventing disruption to travel, tourism, and economic activity. CM Omar reiterated that maintaining seamless air connectivity was vital for J&Ks economy, particularly during the peak tourist season, and thanked the Centre for responding promptly to the concerns raised by J&K government. President of Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Farooq Kuthoo said it was appreciable that the Centre har addressed the concern of Kashmirs tour and travel trade players by revoking the airport closure directive. We appreciate the Centre for positively addressing concerns raised by tourism stakeholders and the J&K government regarding the proposed runway closure. It is a significant relief, Kuthoo said. He said the tour trade players had submitted various representations with the government requesting that the airport shutdown must be avoided. Sarfaraz Pumposh, a frequent traveller, said it would have been a huge problem if the airport closure would have taken place. Often a traveller has to plan a journey at a short notice and the two-day closure of the airport would have caused huge inconvenience. It is a big relief that this proposed airport shutdown has been done away with as it would have badly hit the tourism sector, while also adversely affecting local flyers, he said.

NC inducing academic subversion: LoP Sunil Sharma

Jammu, Jul 4:Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s J&K unit on Saturday demanded immediate ban on the book Personalities and Legends of J&K, distributed by the School Education Department (SED) in the school libraries of the Union Territory. He blamed the National Conference government for, what he described as infusing academic subversion to initiate academic Jehad. Leader of the Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, while addressing a press conference here at party headquarters, sought a high-level probe into the matter and immediate withdrawal of the book from all government libraries and educational institutions. The head of J&K Government should immediately sack the Education Minister for allowing the distribution of a seditious book into the schools. It raises a question for the Chief Minister as well. The book glorifies those who waged war against the country, its constitution; it praises UN-designated terrorists and killers, LoP Sunil Sharma maintained. J&K BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi, BJP national secretary MLA Dr Narinder Singh Raina and spokesperson Zorawar Singh Jamwal accompanied LoP in the presser. There is no historical account in the book but the glorification of murderers, terrorists, stone-pelters and separatists the likes of Maqbool Butt, Hafiz Sayeed, Masrat Alam, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, as a part of well-planned separatist ideology to poison the minds of young students of J&K against the country, Indian Army, Sunil Sharma alleged. Accusing the National Conference government of promoting separatism and terrorism, he said, An order was issued to nominate educational experts and those experts approved this book under the logo of Jammu Kashmir Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and distributed in J&K school libraries for young students. This is an attempt to initiate an academic Jehad through this controversial book, which is a perfect example of academic subversion. This book is simply seditious in nature. BJP not just condemns it but views this move as a crime and the J&K Education Minister culpable. He recalled that 25 similar books were banned during the LG administration in the recent past and sought similar action in case of this book also. We want the constitutional agencies to immediately ban this highly objectionable book, order a probe and take action against all culprits, LoP reiterated. He alleged that the books inclusion in the government library system reflected the continued influence of what he termed an anti-India and separatist ecosystem. The book was an attempt to legitimise terrorism, separatism and anti-national ideology. It portrays individuals involved in terrorism and separatist activities as legends and freedom fighters, while depicting their actions against India and the Indian security forces in a sympathetic manner, Sunil Sharma maintained. While referring to the content of the book, he took serious exception to the use of expressions such as Indian Occupied Kashmir and the presentation of separatist narratives amounted to a direct challenge to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the most disturbing and serious aspect. At one place, the author even used the term Indian-Held Kashmir in the book, which has been printed using the money of Indian taxpayers and it is being distributed to school children for study, LoP objected. Referring to specific personalities featured in the publication, Sharma alleged that the book glorified Maqbool Bhat, despite acknowledging his conviction in murder cases and his execution in Tihar Jail in 1984. He also objected to the portrayal of Hashim Qureshi, claiming the book details his role in the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft while projecting him as a significant figure. Sharma further criticised the inclusion of Masarat Alam Bhat, alleging that the publication highlights his role in the 2010 stone-pelting incidents despite multiple criminal cases against him. He also objected to extensive references to separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, alleging that his anti-India statements had been prominently featured in the book. The Leader of Opposition also questioned the inclusion of separatist figures such as Abdul Ghani Lone and Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, alleging that the publication sought to mainstream separatist ideology under the guise of documenting personalities from Jammu and Kashmir. Sunil Sharma alleged that the book served as a manual of radicalisation and indoctrination aimed at influencing the minds of the youth by gradually promoting anti-India sentiments. He asserted that allowing such literature to remain in government-funded libraries was unacceptable and called for immediate corrective action. LoP demanded a comprehensive audit of all government and school libraries across the Union Territory to identify and remove any other publications allegedly promoting separatist narratives or undermining India's territorial integrity. Sunil Sethi described the efforts to promote terrorism and separatism by the National Conference government through the medium of education as a matter of serious concern.

Education Minister orders inquiry

Kulgam, Jul 4:Minister for Education, Health, and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Saturday ordered a time-bound inquiry into the controversy surrounding books published under Samagra Shiksha, asserting that those responsible for the objectionable content will not be spared. Describing the issue as intolerable and unacceptable, Itoo said she has already directed the Secretary, School Education Department, to initiate a probe into the matter. The issue is 'intolerable and unacceptable,' the minister said, adding that the government has ordered a ime-bound inquiry to establish responsibility for the controversial content. Itoo said that those found guilty would face strict action. The inquiry has been initiated, and the culprits will be dealt with as per law, Itoo said, reaffirming the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the education system. The minister reiterated that hose responsible for the controversial content in books published under Samagra Shiksha will not be spared, emphasising that accountability would be fixed once the inquiry is completed. The controversy over the content of the Samagra Shiksha books has triggered widespread criticism, prompting the government to order an official investigation into how the material found its way into educational publications.

MHA declares 23 Indian, Pakistani nationals as terrorists

New Delhi, Jul 4:The Ministry of Home Affairs, under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Saturday designated 23 individuals as 'terrorists'. The decision is a significant step under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's 'zero tolerance policy' against terrorism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the PM Modi-led government was committed to dismantling every terror module to ensure the safety of India and its people. In a post on X, Shah said, Pursuing PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji's vision of zero tolerance against terror: the MHA today declared 23 dreaded terror functionaries affiliated with banned organisations as terrorists under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The designated terrorists are involved in anti-India activities, carrying out terror attacks, inciting terror, trafficking arms, infiltrating through the border, facilitating terrorist organisations, raising funds and recruiting terrorists. Out of the 23 terrorists announced today, 17 are Pakistani nationals, and 6 are Indian nationals. However, all of them at present operate terrorist activities from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said that formally designating these individuals as terrorists would not only help dismantle the terror ecosystem by curbing their financial networks, movements, recruitment capabilities, and terror-linked activities, but also send a strong message of deterrence against anti-national and terrorist acts. The Union Home Minister said it would.enhance the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies to initiate coordinated legal, investigative, and preventive actions at both national and international levels. Following the amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) by the Central Government in 2019, a total of 57 individuals have so far been designated as terrorists under Section 35 of the said Act and listed in its Fourth Schedule. The Centre has now designated the 23 additional individuals as 'terrorists as well, listing them in the Fourth Schedule. They have been identified as Masood Ilyas Kashmiri alias Mufti Masood Ilyas, Masood Ilyas, Abu Mohammad, and Muhammad Masood Ilyas; Muhammad Musadiq alias Doctor, Abdul Mannan, Sajjad, Hamza, and Wahid Khan! Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan alias Abu Saad and Saad Jimmy; Hafiz Abdul Shakoor alias Qari Jarrar; Abdullah Jihadi alias Shahnawaz and Al-Hijama; Firdous Ahmed Bhat; Ghulam Farid alias Gulshan Kumar and Farid; Haroon Rashid Ganai alias Shunu; Bilal Ahmed Mir alias Ahmed Bhai; Abid Qayoom Lone; Nazir Ahmed Gujjar alias Abu Manazil; Abdul Rauf alias Hafiz Abdul Rauf and Hafiz Abdur Rauf; Ashfaq Ahmed alias Ishfaq Ahmed; Hafiz Khalid Walid alias Hafiz Khalid Naik and Khalid Walid; Maulana Imdad Ullah Makki alias Maulana Imdad, Imdad Bhai, and Maulana Imdadullah; Maulana Saifullah Khalid alias Waliul, Muhammad Salim, and Wajid; Muhammad Yaqoob alias Abu Sumama, Samama Ilyas, and Waris Ali; Maulana Yusuf Taibi alias Muhammad Yusuf; Owais Farooz alias Owais Ahmed Mir and Owais Farooz Mir; Qari Yaqub Sheikh alias Qari Muhammad Yaqub Sheikh, Yaqub Sheikh,.Qari Sheikh Muhammad Yaqub, and Muhammad Yaqub; Rana Iftikhar alias Rana Waleed Atif, Rana Iftikhar Haider, Rana Iftikhar Ahmed, and Haider Khan; Wasim Noor Jat alias Qari Wasim and Muhammad Shahid Faisal alias Ustad, Muhandis, and Zakir. According to the MHA, Masood Ilyas Kashmiri is a Pakistani national affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). He is a close confidant of Maulana Masood Azhar and the key coordinator for infiltration into Kashmir. He is actively involved in recruiting youth into terrorist groups via social media and raising funds for terrorism. He orchestrated the attack on a police checkpoint near the PDP office in Sunjwan, Jammu, in April 2022, the MHA said. It said that Muhammad Musaddiq is a Pakistani national affiliated with JeM. He serves as the launching commander for the Lasiyakot sector, facilitating infiltration across the border via tunnels. He has been involved in sending consignments of arms and ammunition to India using drones. Additionally, he was involved in conducting reconnaissance of strategic locations such as the RJB complex in Ayodhya, the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, and the IOCL refinery in Panipat, the MHA said. It said Mufti Muhammad Asghar Khan is a Pakistani national affiliated with JeM. He serves as the JeM 'Amir' (chief) and head of its military wing in PoK. He is one of the key conspirators behind the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Nagrota, Jammu. He runs camps in Muzaffarabad to provide jihadist and military training to terrorists, the MHA said. It said Hafiz Abdul Shakoor alias Qari Jarrar is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with JeM and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). He facilitated the infiltration of three Pakistani terrorists via the Samba-Kathua sector for the attack on the Nagrota Army camp. He participated in the Afghan war during 199596 and coordinates terrorist activities with the assistance of the ISI. He is a member of the JeM's governing council (Shura), the MHA said. It said Abdullah Jihadi is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with JeM. He is a co-conspirator of Mufti Asgar Khan and facilitates the infiltration of terrorists into the North Kashmir region. He has attempted to incite hatred and disaffection against the Government of India. He used to manage several launching camps located in the Kupwara and Baramulla districts, the MHA said. It said Firdous Ahmad Bhat is an Indian national, currently based in Pakistan, associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba. He serves as a 'launching commander' for the group, having crossed into Pakistan via the Wagah border in 2018 using valid travel documents. He facilitates safe passage for foreign terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC). Additionally, he is involved in supplying weapons to Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and radicalising the youth of South Kashmir to recruit them into terrorist activities, the MHA said. It said Ghulam Farid is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with JeM. He served in the Pakistan Army from 2001 to 2005. Subsequently, in September 2008, he entered India illegally via Bangladesh. He was arrested in Jammu in December 2008 and was later deported to Pakistan in July 2019, the MHA said. It said Haroon Rashid Ganai is an Indian national, currently residing in Pakistan, and is affiliated with LeT. He travelled to Pakistan with valid documents in March 2018 and joined LeT there. He incites youths from the Kashmir Valley to join terrorist ranks and supplies arms and ammunition to OGWs for carrying out terrorist activities, the MHA said. It said Bilal Ahmed Mir is an Indian national, currently residing in Muzaffarabad, PoK, and is affiliated with LeT and The Resistance Front (TRF). Operating from across the border in Pakistan and PoK, he conspires to incite and instigate local Kashmiri youth to engage in jihad. Furthermore, he is directly involved in managing the illicit supply chain of arms, ammunition, and logistics into Kashmir, the MHA said. It said Abid Qayoom Lone is an Indian national,.currently residing in PoK, and is affiliated with LeT. He travelled to Pakistan via the Attari check post in February 2020 and did not return. He is involved in planning attacks on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir and raising funds for LeT. He smuggles narcotics on a large scale from Pakistan into India through an organised syndicate operating along the LoC, with the proceeds used to finance terrorist activities, the MHA said. It said Nazir Ahmed Gujjar is an Indian national, currently residing in Islamabad, Pakistan, is affiliated with LeT. He crossed the LoC into PoK in 2006. He recruited local youths to revive terrorist activities in the Doda and Kishtwar regions. He has been a key operator in sending consignments of arms and ammunition into Indian territory via drones across the Samba and R S Pura sectors, the MHA said. It said Abdul Rauf is a Pakistani national associated with LeT, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), and Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF). He has been a senior leader of Lashkar since 1999 and operates under the direct command of the terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He works to mobilize funds and public support for Lashkar at an international level under the guise of charitable organisations such as the FIF and Al-Madina Welfare Trust. The United States has designated him a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' (SDGT), the MHA said. It said Ashfaq Ahmed is a Pakistani national associated with JeM. He joined JeM in 2000 and is in charge of 'Shuaba Hadith' and the Al-Rehmat Trust (JeM's charity wing) in Bahawalpur. He received jihadi training in PoK. He was identified as one of the subscribers of the Pakistani mobile numbers used during the January 2016 attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station, the MHA said. It said Hafiz Khalid Waleed is a Pakistani national associated with LeT and JuD. He is the son-in-law of LeT chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and has been a member of the organisation's Central Advisory Committee since 2003. He was the key mastermind behind the June 2016 Pampore attack, in which eight Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. He was designated as a global terrorist by the US Department of the Treasury in August 2012, the MHA said. It said Maulana Imdad Ullah Makki is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with JeM. He serves as the Ameer (chief) of Jaish's prisoners' wing Shoba-e-Aseeran and heads the organisation's legal affairs. He is a very close associate of Maulana Masood Azhar and his deputy, Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. He was involved in real-time coordination with the terrorists who attacked the Pathankot airbase in January 2016, the MHA said. It said Maulana Saifullah Khalid is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with LeT and the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML). He serves as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League and previously held the position of President of the Milli Muslim League (MML). He has headed several wings of Lashkar and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, such as the propaganda department and the control and reform wing. In April 2018, the United States designated him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), the MHA said. It said Muhammad Yaqoob is a Pakistani national affiliated with LeT. He currently operates as an LeT operational commander based in Islamabad (Chatta Bakhtawar). He coordinates financial and logistical support for other LeT cadres active in the Kashmir Valley to carry out terrorist activities in India. A case has been registered against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at the CI Kashmir Police Station in Srinagar, the MHA said. It said Maulana Yusuf Taibi is a Pakistani national associated with LeT and JuD. He is a key leader within LeT and JuD, currently affiliated with the organisation's control and reform, Dawat-o-Islah, wing. He previously headed the 'Jamia Al-Dirasat Al-Islamia Trust' (JADIAT), a Karachi-based entity linked to LeT and JuD. Currently, he is associated with the 'Al-Qadsia Islamic Center' in Lahore and delivers Friday religious sermons at the Sargodha Markaz in Punjab, the MHA said. It said Owais Farooz is an Indian national associated with LeT. He travelled to Pakistan via the Wagah border on a valid Indian passport in April 2018 and joined the terrorist ranks of the LeT. In January 2023, his brother, Farzan Feroz, was arrested by the Srinagar Police with 450 grams of heroin (valued at approximately Rs 9.95 lakh) and an LeT letterhead. The NIA Court, Pulwama, has issued a proclamation order against him under Section 82 of the CrPC, the MHA said. It said Qari Yaqub Sheikh is a Pakistani national and is affiliated with the PMML and JuD. He is a central leader of JuD and a member of its central 'Dawati team' (proselytisation team). He contested the 2018 Pakistani general election as a candidate for the Milli Muslim League (MML). He has played a prominent role in missions to raise funds for Lashkar and JuD in Saudi Arabia. In August 2012, the United States designated him as a global terrorist, the MHA said. It said Rana Iftikhar is a Pakistani national associated with LeT and JuD. He is a close associate of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed and serves as the key manager of finances for the organisation's Kashmir operations. He heads 'Shoba-e-Aseeran,' the wing responsible for the welfare of the families of terrorists who have been killed or are imprisoned in Indian jails. He was arrested in 1993 after being wounded during an encounter in the Mendhar sector of Jammu & Kashmir and remained incarcerated in an Indian prison until 2004, the MHA said. It said Wasim Noor Jat alias Qari Wasim is a Pakistani national associated JeM. He is a JeM 'launching commander' responsible for operations in the Kotli area. During 202122, he was involved in activities related to dropping weapons and ammunition into Indian territory via drones. He was previously arrested by security forces in October 2008 and was incarcerated at Kot Bhalwal Central Jail, Jammu, from 2012 to 2015; following his release, he was deported to Pakistan, the MHA said. It said Muhammad Shahid Faisal holds Pakistani nationality, who is originally Indian and is currently active in Rawalpindi) and is affiliated with LeT, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS. He is the key mastermind and handler behind the 2012 Bengaluru LeT conspiracy case and the 2013 Nanded LeT case, which involved plots for the targeted killings of right-wing politicians and journalists. He fled to Pakistan in 2013 with the assistance of terrorist Farhatullah Ghori. Investigations reveal his involvement as an online handler in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case (2024), the Mangaluru cooker blast, and the Al-Hind ISIS module case. He recruits youth through anti-national and jihadist videos shared on social media and YouTube and Telegram channels like 'Sawat-al-Haq,' the MHA said.

LG Sinha suspends 8 officials in separatist book row

Jammu, July 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday ordered the suspension of eight officials and supervisory staff of School Education Department (SED) for serious negligence, dereliction of duty, while recommending two books for Higher Secondary classes, containing highly inappropriate content related to separatism, having potential for creating law and order situation. He also instructed for disengaging a contractual Computer Assistant with immediate effect in this connection and ordered a probe by a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer into the matter. LG Sinhas action was preceded by the withdrawal of both the controversial books by the School Education Department, a day earlier, amid political uproar over their inclusion in the government school libraries under Samagra Shiksha. As per the order issued by SED Commissioner Secretary on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor, in view of the seriousness of the matter and misconduct of the suspended officials, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Power Development Department Ashwani Kumar has been appointed as Inquiry Officer to conduct an enquiry. He has been asked to submit his report to the competent authority within 30 days. Rohit Sharma, a senior Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer and Additional Secretary, General Administration Department has been appointed as the Presenting Officer in the case. Lieutenant Governor has also ordered for banning and blacklisting the authors and publishers of both the books viz., Personalities and Legends of J&K, authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena, published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu and Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir authored by Dr Sushant Giri, published by Anurag Prakashan, Delhi. The suspended officials also included a Principal and four lecturers. The order mentioned that Samagra Shiksha got the library grant for procurement of age-appropriate books for 18328 government schools and 394 PM SHRI School and accordingly Expression of Interest (EOI) was floated. 4 Sub Committees of experts and academicians from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions were constituted for selection of such (age appropriate) library books. These sub committees were for Primary Classes (Series 1); Upper Primary Classes (Series 2); Secondary Classes (Series 3) and Higher Secondary classes (Series 4). These four Sub Committees selected 463 books, submitted by 364 publishers. Out of these books, two books have been noticed on July 3, 2026 to have inappropriate content. Accordingly, these books were withdrawn vide Order No Edu/SPD/SMS/Quality/1338-43/2026-27 dated July 3, 2026 and Edu/SPD/Quality/1331-36-2026-27 dated July 3, 2026 respectively, the order specified. These two books were i.e., Personalities and Legends of J&K and Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir. 123 copies of Personalities and Legends of J&K books were supplied to Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts and 128 copies of Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir were supplied to Jammu and Baramulla districts. It has come to the notice of the department that these books have highly inappropriate content, it is quite evident that there was serious negligence, dereliction of duty and lack of proper due diligence was carried out by the members of the Sub Committee Series 4 and Supervisory Officers while recommending such books which contained content related to separatism which has potential for creating law and order situations, SED Commissioner Secretary Ram Niwas Sharma observed. He stated that keeping in view these facts and circumstances of the matter, the members of the Sub Committee Series 4 appeared to be responsible for such serious lapses and negligence - unbecoming of government servants. Therefore, these official(s) and supervisory staff of the School Education Department in terms of Rule -31(1 )(a) Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification. Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, are hereby placed under suspension, with immediate effect, he ordered. Those suspended included Fazil Imran Saddiqui, Coordinator Library, posted under Samagra Shiksha; Gurjeet Singh, Assistant Coordinator, also posted under Samagra Shiksha; Sanjeev Sharma, Principal GHSS, Kore Pannu, Kathua; Shazia Kouser, Academic Officer, SCERT, Jammu; Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, Lecturer, BHSS, Wathoora, Budgam; Niranjan Sharma, Lecturer GHSS, Badhat, Kishtwar; Renu Mengi, Lecturer DIET, Jammu and Rajmohini, Lecturer GGHSS, Poonch. During the period of suspension, they will remain attached with the Administrative Department (School Education Department). It is further ordered that Sheikh Suheel Ahmad, Computer Assistant (Contractual) assisting the Coordinator Library, Samagra Shiksha is hereby dis-engaged with immediate effect from his contractual engagement, SED Commissioner Secretary directed. Further, it has been ordered that the authors and publishers of both the books are hereby banned and blacklisted, henceforth, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, any printed material authored and/or published by them shall also be withdrawn from the Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the order read. The matter vis--vis two books came to the fore and soon turned into a big controversy after the Jammu Kashmir Peoples' Forum (JKPF)- a social and non-political organisation flagged it on July 3, 2026, expressing anguish and concern over the contents of Great Personalities and Legends of J&K (Series 4), purchased by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme during the 2025-26 academic session. It pointed out that the book was distributed to school libraries after being marked with the Samagra Shiksha logo. The book dedicates special chapter for terrorist and convicted person like Maqbool Bhat and separatists leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Masarat Alam, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Maulvi Farooq, as great personalities of Jammu and Kashmir and has glorified their characters although they have worked throughout their life against the erstwhile State of J&K, now UT of J&K and Government of India as secessionists elements and pleaded the cause for a separate nation of J&K, JKPF had argued in its press statement. It contended that the personalities highlighted in the book always challenged the sovereignty of Government of India over J&K State and advocated the accession of J&K with Pakistan. Giving a detailed account vis--vis content of the book, JKPF had appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of UT of J&K to look into the matter. The competent authority should take appropriate action including the criminal prosecution against the guilty persons particularly the officials of Samagra Shiksha Scheme and the expert Committee which cleared this book for purchase and circulation to the libraries of different government and government aided schools, it demanded, besides seeking a probe into the matter. The issue on July 4 was picked up by the J&K BJP and JKPCC, reiterating the demands echoed by JKPF. As the issue turned into a major controversy, the Lieutenant Governor, by evening, issued a detailed order, almost meeting all the demands of concerned stakeholders.

How apparent temperature' becoming the latest hot thing and where our feels like feelings take us

The article laments the modern trend of 'feels like' over actual measurements, using temperature as a prime example. It traces the origin of 'heat index' to biometeorologist Robert G Steadman and weatherman George Winterling. This divergence between stated facts and perceived reality, the author argues, permeates various aspects of life, from economic standing to personal relationships, creating a layer of confusion and faux sophistication.

Modi jacket or Nehru jacket? The history behind the iconic Indian waistcoat

The Modi jacket and the Nehru jacket are frequently mistaken for one another, yet a closer look at their historical origins reveals crucial differences. Jawaharlal Nehru brought the band-collar waistcoat into the limelight, whereas Narendra Modi has redefined it as a powerful political symbol through constant visual exposure. This evolution raises important questions about the relationship between visibility in fashion and the attribution of creative ownership in cultural expressions.

If you discovered Cape Verde this World Cup, let Cesaria Evora mesmerise you

Cape Verde's cultural heart beats in Mindelo, a city echoing the soulful 'morna' of Cesaria Evora. Her music, steeped in the islands' history of suffering and resilience, reflects a deep 'sodade' a melancholic longing born from colonial pasts and forced migrations. This spirit, intertwined with influences from Brazil and West Africa, permeates the islands' vibrant culture, from its food to its enduring diaspora.

Police refute reports claiming buses carrying Amarnath yatris attacked in Srinagar, warn of action against rumour mongers

Srinagar, July 4: Police on Saturday refuted claims circulating on social media alleging that buses carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were attacked and caught fire near Lal Chowk in Srinagar, terming the reports completely baseless. It has come to the notice of Srinagar Police that false and misleading information is being circulated on social media platforms claiming that buses carrying pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra were attacked and caught fire near Lal Chowk, Srinagar. This claim is entirely false and no such incident has taken place, Srinagar Police in a statement said. They said the viral video being circulated in connection with the Amarnath Yatra is unrelated and has been falsely linked to the pilgrimage. Police advised general public not to create, circulate, or share unverified or misleading content that may cause panic, disturb public order, or spread misinformation. The statement added that strict legal action shall be initiated against individuals found creating, sharing, or reposting false information in violation of applicable laws. Citizens are requested to rely only on information issued through official government and law enforcement channels and to verify facts before forwarding or sharing any content on social media, statement further added.

Gunshots heard during CASO in Shopian village; searches intensified

DGP calls for intensified security grid along yatra routes in UT-wide security review meeting

Srinagar, July 04: Director General of Police (DGP) J&K Nalin Prabhat on Saturday chaired a Union Territory-wide security review meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir to review the security and logistical arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. The meeting was joined by officers of J&K Police, Army, CAPFs, Traffic Police, Railway Police, intelligence wings and other agencies including GOC 15 Corps, Spl. DG Coordination J&K, ADGP CID J&K, ADG CRPF J&K, IGP Kashmir Zone, IGP Jammu Zone, IGP Security J&K, IGP Railways J&K, IGP Traffic J&K, IGP CID J&K, IG BSF Kashmir, IG CRPF KOS, IG NHF ITBP, IG CRPF Srinagar, IG CRPF Jamu, IG BSF Jammu, Commissioner SB Jammu, GOC CIF (K) Shariefabad Srinagar, GOC CIF (V) Awantipora, GOC CIF (R) Rajouri, GOC CIF (D) Batote, All range DIsG of J&K, DIG SSB Srinagar, DIG SSB Jammu, DIG CISF Jammu, DIG CRPF South Srinagar, DIG BSF Ftr Hqrs (K), DIG CRPF North Srinagar, DIG RPF Kashmir, DIG ITBP Srinagar, DIG ITBP Jammu, Addl. Commissioner SB Srinagar, SSP PCR Kashmir, all district SSsP of J&K, Col GS (IS) 15 Corps, Assistant Director SIB Srinagar, DD SIB Jammu and other officers. The participating officers presented a comprehensive review of the security arrangements, traffic management plan and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safe, secure and smooth conduct of the Yatra. Directing all agencies to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness, DGP Nalin Prabhat emphasised seamless inter-agency coordination and intensified area domination and night domination exercises, particularly along the National Highway, critical road corridors and Yatra routes. He also directed field formations to enhance surveillance and maintain a close watch on inimical elements across Jammu and Kashmir to prevent any attempt to disrupt peace. The DGP instructed officers to ensure strict verification of identity credentials and effective utilisation of the RFID-based tracking system for real-time monitoring of registered yatris. He further directed that issues relating to unregistered yatris be handled proactively and humanely in close coordination with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, while ensuring that only duly registered pilgrims are permitted to undertake the Yatra in accordance with the prescribed protocols. Reviewing disaster preparedness, the DGP directed all agencies to keep contingency plans and adequate resources in readiness to effectively respond to any weather-related disruptions by ensuring timely evacuation, shelter, medical assistance and other essential support. He also emphasised robust security and seamless assistance for both tourists and pilgrims across the Union Territory. Stressing the importance of professionalism and public service, DGP Nalin Prabhat directed all officers to remain accessible, responsive and people-friendly, ensuring prompt assistance to every pilgrim whenever required. Reiterating the commitment of the J&K Police and all sister agencies, the DGP expressed confidence that through coordinated efforts, unwavering vigilance and effective synergy among all stakeholders, the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 will continue to be conducted safely, peacefully and successfully.

Sakeena Itoo calls Samagra Shiksha book content 'intolerable and unacceptable'; orders inquiry

Kulgam, July 4: Minister for Education, Health and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Saturday ordered a time-bound inquiry into the controversy surrounding books published under Samagra Shiksha, asserting that those responsible for the objectionable content will not be spared. Describing the issue as intolerable and unacceptable, Itoo said she has already directed the Secretary, School Education Department, to initiate a probe into the matter. The issue is 'intolerable and unacceptable,' the minister said, adding that the government has ordered a ime-bound inquiry to establish responsibility for the controversial content. She assured that those found guilty would face strict action. The inquiry has been initiated, and the culprits will be dealt with as per law, Itoo said, reaffirming the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the education system. The minister reiterated that hose responsible for the controversial content in books published under Samagra Shiksha will not be spared, emphasizing that accountability would be fixed once the inquiry is completed. The controversy over the content of the Samagra Shiksha books has triggered widespread criticism, prompting the government to order an official investigation into how the material found its way into educational publications.

11-year-old girl drowns to death in J-Ks Poonch

Poonch, July 4: An 11-year-old girl lost her life after drowning in the Lohil Bela area of the Loran Block in the Mandi tehsil of Poonch district on Saturday. Reports said that a girl identified as Mehak Mumtaz, daughter of Mumtaz Ahmad, resident of Lohil Bela, Loran was washing clothes with her mother at the river near their home when she suddenly slipped into the river. They said the girl drowned due to the high water level in the river. Her body was subsequently retrieved from the river at Kalar Palera with the help of locals and police, and was taken to the Sub-District Hospital in Mandi, where doctors declared her dead. Following the legal formalities, the body was handed over to legal heirs for last rites. Meanwhile, the Poonch district administration has advised the general public across the district to avoid going near streams and water bodies during the rainy season to prevent untoward incidents.

Vicky aur Dicky ki Amar Kahani

A trust aiming to foster rags-to-riches stories faces a stark reality check. After a dismal success rate with entrepreneurs in Mirzapur, the founder grapples with a dilemma: finance a young businessman whose model relies on bribes, or insist on integrity in a system where it might lead nowhere.

J&K LG orders suspension of 8 SED officials over controversial library book; ACS PDD to probe lapses

Srinagar, Jul 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday suspended eight officials of the School Education Department (SED) over the approval and procurement of a controversial library book titled 'Personalities and Legends of J&K' series - 4, that allegedly contained content glorifying separatism. The order has been issued by the orders of the J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. As per the order, a high level probe has been ordered into the matter as well. The action comes hours after the SED withdrew the two books following widespread backlash from the BJP and other quarters over the inclusion of the book in government school libraries under the Samagra Shiksha programme. As per the government Order No. 257-JK(Edu) of 2026, the government observed that there was serious negligence, dereliction of duty and lack of proper due diligence on the part of members of the Series-4 Sub-Committee and supervisory officers who recommended the books despite their highly inappropriate content related to separatism, which had the potential to create law and order issues. The SED order reads that Samagra Shiksha had received a library grant for procurement of age-appropriate books for 18,328 government schools and 394 PM SHRI schools, following which an Expression of Interest (EOI) was floated. Four expert sub-committees comprising academicians from Jammu and Kashmir divisions were constituted to evaluate and recommend books for different school levels, it reads. It reads that the committees selected 463 books submitted by 364 publishers. However, two books were found to contain objectionable material and were withdrawn by the department on July 3, the order reads. The books are titled as Personalities and Legends of J&K, authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Oberoi Book Service, Jammu, and Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir authored by Dr. Sushant Giri and published by Anurag Prakashan, Delhi. As per the order, 123 copies of the first book were supplied to schools in Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts, while 128 copies of the second book were distributed in Jammu and Baramulla districts before they were withdrawn. In wake of this, the government placed eight officials under suspension with immediate effect under Rule 31(1)(a) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956. The officials suspended include Coordinator Library, Samagra Shiksha Fazil Imran Saddiqui, Assistant Coordinator Gurjeet Singh, Principal Sanjeev Sharma, Academic Officer Shazia Kouser, Lecturers Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, Niranjan Sharma, Renu Mengi and Rajmohini. During the suspension period, all of them will remain attached to the Administrative Department of the School Education Department, the order reads. The government also ordered the immediate disengagement of Sheikh Suheel Ahmad, a contractual Computer Assistant assisting the Coordinator Library in Samagra Shiksha. Also, the government appointed Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department Ashwani Kumar as the inquiry officer while the Additional Secretary in the General Administration Department, Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the Presenting Officer. The inquiry officer has been directed to submit his report to the competent authority within 30 days As per the order, the government also ordered that the authors and publishers of the two books be banned and blacklisted in J&K UT. Any printed material authored or published by them should be withdrawn from the UT, the order reads.

PoK youth repatriated to Pakistan at Kaman Post in Uri

Srinagar, July 4: A 22-year-old youth from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who had intruded into Indian territory in Uri was repatriated to Pakistan on Saturday. Officials told GNS that Zeshan Ahmad Mir, resident of Painkadi village in PoK, was detained by the Indian Army in the Hajipeer sector of Uri on May 30 evening. He was subsequently handed over to police for questioning. After necessary formalities were completed, authorities established contact with their Pakistani counterparts and the youth was handed over at the Kaman Post border crossing in Uri of Baramulla district, officials said.

Lieutenant Governor reviews management of Amarnath Yatra, appeals pilgrims to travel only after obtaining valid registration

Srinagar, July 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the overall management and ground situation of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; S.J.M.Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; Pankaj Thakur, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB); Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; senior officers of the Civil Administration, Police, Security Forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and other concerned departments. The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the movement of pilgrims, traffic management, security arrangements, accommodation, registration status, and other logistical aspects to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra. During the meeting, it was observed that an unusually large number of pilgrims have been arriving without valid registration, which is causing long waiting time for pilgrims to conduct Yatra. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the Yatra is being conducted in accordance with the prescribed ceiling of pilgrim movement on the Yatra tracks, in pursuance of Honble Supreme Courts orders. Therefore, adherence to the registration schedule is imperative for ensuring the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims. It was reiterated that only pilgrims possessing valid registration for the designated date shall be permitted to proceed on the Tracks leading to the Holy Cave Shrine. The Lieutenant Governor appealed to the intending unregistered pilgrims to defer their travel for next few days in order to avoid any inconvenience upon reaching Jammu Kashmir. The administration has, therefore, asked all intending pilgrims to complete the mandatory registration process and obtain a valid Yatra Registration Permit for their allotted date before commencing their journey to Jammu Kashmir. Pilgrims are requested not to travel without confirmed registration, as they shall not be permitted to proceed on the Yatra. The Lieutenant Governor further reviewed the security and logistic arrangements for the Yatra. He directed all departments and security agencies to keep working in close coordination and to maintain continuous liaison with all stakeholders, including Langar organizations, service providers and other NGOs for a safe, seamless, spiritually enriching and fulfilling Yatra.

J-K govt withdraws controversial school book, orders inquiry

Srinagar, July 4: The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn a controversial book from government school libraries after objections over its contents and ordered an inquiry to fix responsibility for its approval and distribution, official sources said on Saturday. The decision was taken after the School Education Department reviewed complaints that the publication contained references considered objectionable and unsuitable for school students, the sources said. According to government sources, all copies of the book have been recalled from government schools and directions have been issued to ensure it is no longer available in school libraries. The sources said the government has also initiated departmental proceedings to identify officials involved in the book's selection, approval, procurement and circulation. Responsibility will be fixed after the inquiry, they added. The book, Great Personalities and Legends, was supplied to government schools under the Samagra Shiksha scheme in June this year. It was withdrawn on July 3 following complaints received by the department, the sources said. The controversy gathered pace after the opposition BJP alleged that the publication portrayed separatist leaders and persons linked to militancy in a favourable light. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma demanded that the book be withdrawn immediately, a high-level probe ordered and action taken against those responsible for allowing it into school libraries. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had neither read nor heard about the book and would comment only after examining it. (KNS).

J&K Launches Push for Medicinal Crops, Lavender Farming to Boost Farmers' Income

Security Wing of J&K Police recover lost bag containing cash, jewellery and iPhone, return it to Amarnath Yatri at Baltal

Srinagar, Jul 04: Personnel of the Security Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered a lost bag containing cash, jewellery, an Apple iPhone and important documents and returned it to an Amarnath pilgrim after a swift search operation at the Baltal base camp. According to police, the incident occurred on July 3 at around 8 pm when heavy congestion was witnessed at the X-ray screening point in Baltal due to a large influx of pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra. Amid the rush, Ravi Pangwani and his wife, residents of Chhattisgarh, reported that one of their bags had gone missing. The couple informed security personnel that the bag contained an Apple iPhone, cash, jewellery and important documents and requested immediate assistance, saying they would remain at the site until it was traced. Taking the matter seriously, the Security Wing of the J&K Police launched a search operation and sought assistance from the CCTV monitoring team. Footage from surveillance cameras helped identify a person carrying the missing bag away from the frisking point. Police said local tent operators identified the individual as Ghulam Rasool, who runs a tent at the Baltal base camp. Security personnel traced him within about 30 minutes and recovered the bag from his tent, where a group of eight pilgrims led by Arun Pladha from Madhya Pradesh was staying. During the inquiry, it emerged that Rasool had inadvertently picked up the bag along with the luggage of the pilgrims staying in his tent. The missing bag had been placed with the other pilgrims belongings and there was no indication of any deliberate attempt to misappropriate it. The recovered bag was returned to the couple after they verified that all the cash, jewellery, mobile phone and documents were intact. The couple expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, particularly the Security Wing personnel, for their prompt response and professionalism in recovering their belongings, police said.

JKPCC demands high-level probe, ban on book allegedly glorifying separatists

Jammu, Jul 04: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has batted for high level probe in controversial book row and punishment to the culprits. JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, in a press statement issued on Saturday, also demanded immediate ban on the book which allegedly glorifies the separatists who opposed Indian Constitution. Later, speaking to the media persons, Sharma said, We have come to know that a controversial book under the aegis of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan scheme has been recommended by the School Education Department for inclusion in the school libraries. The book glorifies the persons, who waged war against the country, as Shaheed-a-Azam. This is controversial and highly objectionable. We condemn it and demand a high-level probe to find out who recommended this book and how the entire episode unfolded. Reference was to the book Great Personalities and Legends of J&K, allegedly distributed by the School Education Department (SED) in the school libraries of the Union Territory. The move has stirred a big controversy in the political circles with Congress, BJP already seeking immediate ban and probe into the matter. The J&K government, however, has yet to respond to allegations. Ravinder Sharma stated that the glorification of controversial, anti-national and separatist elements was condemnable and unacceptable. How this was introduced into the school libraries by the government agencies should be probed and action should be taken against the culprits, JKPCC chief spokesperson demanded.

On the Verde of Greatness

In a match that redefined David and Goliath, Cabo Verde also redefined World Cup favourites, even after being bested by Argentina.

Govt teacher's delayed leave file sparks alleged bureaucratic apathy row after doctor's posts on X

Srinagar, Jul 04: A post by a female Kashmiri doctor settled in the Bristol, England has triggered fresh concerns over alleged bureaucratic delays in the School Education Department (SED). In a post on X, she alleged that her mother, a government teacher, was unable to travel to the UK during her pregnancy because her leave application remained pending for months. Dr. Salfiya, who identifies herself on X (formerly Twitter) as a doctor settled in England, alleged that her mother had applied for station/country leave in December 2025 for the period from June to August 2026, but the application was yet to be processed despite the commencement of the sanctioned leave period. She further claimed that an earlier leave application submitted during her pregnancy had also lapsed as the department failed to process it in time. Because of this administrative apathy, my mother couldn't be with me during my pregnancy, my C-section or my postpartum recovery in the UK. This is not just a delayed file, it is a family that has suffered because of bureaucratic negligence, she wrote on X. The doctor also tagged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Itoo, seeking their immediate intervention and demanding accountability from the concerned officials. Talking to Greater Kashmir with regard to the post on X, Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK), Naseer Ahmad Wani, said the department follows a prescribed procedure before granting station or country leave. Granting permission requires vigilance clearance, following which the approval is accorded by the administrative department, Wani told Greater Kashmir. He, however, acknowledged having seen the social media post and said the matter would be looked into. I read the tweet, but why didn't anyone follow the case in the department? I will check the status of the issue today, DSEK told Greater Kashmir.

Man dies after alleged assault in Jammu

Jammu, July 04: A man died from critical injuries sustained in an alleged assault over a land dispute in village Gazian in Miran Sahib of Jammu district on Friday evening. The deceased has been identified as Satinder Kumar, son of Jagdish Raj, resident of village Gazian - falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Miran Sahib. According to Police, he was allegedly attacked by two brothers, hailing from the same village, with a sharp-edged weapon, over a land dispute. Police started investigation after registration of the case.

Lionel Messi scores 20th World Cup goal, extends streak to 8 games and takes Golden Boot lead

Miami Gardens, Jul 04: Lionel Messi's goal-scoring streak lived on, and he made it look easy. His hopes of a second consecutive World Cup title also lived on and that accomplishment was anything but easy. Messi's goal in the 29th minute was the 20th of his World Cup career, extending his record and moving him two ahead of France's Kylian Mbapp on the all-time list. It was the opener of what became a wild night, with Argentina escaping with a 3-2 win in extra time against a huge underdog. Messi who now has goals in a record eight consecutive World Cup games going back to Argentina's run to the 2022 title seemed relieved after the match, and lauded Cape Verde's defense for giving his club fits. We did good things, Messi said in his native Spanish, and we have to correct the bad things. Messi has seven goals in this World Cup one more than Mbapp in the race for the Golden Boot as the top scorer of the tournament and has scored 12 times during his eight-game World Cup streak. He has been great, and Argentina has needed him to be great. For me, it represents a lot to be friends with him, said Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's teammate with Argentina and Inter Miami. For me, friendship is one of the most important things that we all have and I consider myself fortunate to be there, to share these moments with him. And there has been no shortage of moments. Messi had the game's first good chance Friday, his all-world left foot sending a shot skidding across the goal mouth but outside of the right post in the 15th minute. After getting taken down, he had a 25-yard free kick three minutes later that was easily gobbled up by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. But the momentum was shifting, and before long, Messi broke through for a 1-0 lead. He timed his run perfectly on a ball played into the box by defender Lisandro Martinez to stay onside, controlled the pass and then lifted a shot over Vozinha's left shoulder from close range for his 124th international goal. Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, with 146, has more. Messi stretched his arms and pointed to Martinez, saluting the pass, before teammates mobbed him in celebration. Argentina was a huge favorite some sportsbooks had the defending champions at minus-3500 to win, meaning bettors would have to wager $3,500 to profit $100 and the Messi goal probably had some thinking the scoring dam was about to break. It wasn't. Cape Verde scored to knot the game at 1-1 and 2-2, and Messi set up the eventual winner with a corner kick that bounced off some heads and into the net midway through the second half of extra time. As this team has demonstrated many times, and as I've said many times, it competes, Messi said. And we competed to the end. The Golden Boot race may go down to the end as well, with the four leaders now all safely into the Round of 16. Messi and Mbapp are far from the only contenders in the Golden Boot race: Norway's Erling Haaland and England's Harry Kane each had five goals entering Friday, while four players France's Ousmane Dembele, Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal, Brazil's Vincius Jnior and Senegal's Ismaila Sarr had four. Sarr is out of the running since Senegal has been eliminated. Norway, England and France have advanced to the Round of 16; Argentina and Messi, the Inter Miami star who is widely considered the greatest player ever, now join them barely. Our team did everything we could to win the game, Cape Verde goalie Vozinha said. Messi has never won the Golden Boot. He finished second with seven goals one behind Mbapp while leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, and he tied for third with four goals in 2014. If there's a tie atop the goal list when the tournament ends, FIFA will use assists as the first tiebreaker and fewest minutes played as the second tiebreaker. Entering Friday, that meant Mbapp would have had the edge over Messi based on his 2-0 lead in assists. But for now, Messi leads the scoring race. Most important, he's still in the race for another World Cup title. I hope you now realize, there is no easy opponent, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.

Amarnath Yatra 2026: Third batch of 4,812 pilgrims heads towards Kashmir from Jammu

BANIHAL, July 4: The third batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu during the early hours of Saturday under elaborate security arrangements for the twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam). According to the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR), Base Camp Bhagwati Nagar, a total of 4,812 pilgrims departed in a convoy of 259 vehicles.The Baltal axis convoy left at 3:00 am, while the Pahalgam axis convoy departed at 3:24 am. Official figures showed that 2,041 pilgrims opted for the shorter Baltal route, while 2,771 pilgrims chose the traditional Pahalgam route. The batch comprised 3,434 male pilgrims, 966 female pilgrims, 11 children, 244 sadhus, and 157 sadhvis. The convoy included 95 buses, 47 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 116 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and one two-wheeler. The Yatra is proceeding under a multi-layer security cover provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other security agencies. Medical teams, ambulances, and escort vehicles have also been deployed to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. By Saturday morning, the Baltal-bound convoy had reached the Lambar Ground langar site in Banihal for a scheduled breakfast halt, while the Pahalgam-bound convoy reached the Chanderkote langar site in Ramban for breakfast. After the halt, the pilgrims will continue their journey to the twin base camps of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Nunwan in Anantnag district, from where they will commence the trek to the holy Amarnath cave shrine. Authorities have advised motorists to follow traffic advisories issued during the movement of Yatra convoys to ensure smooth and safe passage on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

MMU concerned over restrictions on senior religious leaders

The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama Jammu & Kashmir (MMU) has expressed serious concern over restrictions imposed on its members and senior religious leaders, including Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari and Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi. In a press statement, the MMU said Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari has reportedly been confined to his residence during the sacred month of Muharram, preventing him from addressing Friday congregation and other religious gatherings and carrying out his religious and institutional responsibilities. It also expressed regret over reports that Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi was prevented from travelling to Iran to attend the national funeral ceremony of Ayatollah Khamenei, and that his passport and travel documents were allegedly confiscated at New Delhi Airport. The MMU said peaceful religious scholars and clerics should not be obstructed from fulfilling their religious, social and community duties. Such actions, it stated, hurt religious sentiments, create unnecessary anxiety, and go against the spirit of religious freedom. The MMU urged the authorities to review these restrictions immediately and allow all religious leaders to discharge their responsibilities without hindrance, in the larger interest of harmony, confidence and mutual trust.

MS Dhoni inspires young minds, launches ALLEN TALLENTEX-2027

Cricket legend and youth icon MS Dhoni unveiled the 13th edition of ALLEN TALLENTEX, one of India's leading talent encouragement examinations, at an event held in Mumbai. The occasion marked the launch of the TALLENTEX-2027. The event was attended by ALLEN CEO Nitin Kukreja and Chief Academic Officer C.R. Chaudhary. Also present were the top rankers of ALLEN TALLENTEX from the last five years, who interacted with MS Dhoni. The students asked him questions about success, preparation and career choices, and Dhoni inspired them by sharing valuable insights from his own journey and experience. Registrations for ALLEN TALLENTEX 2027 have commenced with the launch of the website. Under the Early Bird offer, students can register till July 15. Former Indian cricket captain and motivational icon MS Dhoni said, The earlier you understand yourself, the better prepared you are for the future. Ive never believed in looking too far ahead. Focus on what you can do today, prepare well and keep improving. Every experience teaches you something, and competitions like TALLENTEX can be a good way for students to learn more about themselves while building confidence for the future. Self-analysis helps us identify our weaknesses; it also prepares us to become stronger. Whether in sports or academics, the right preparation and the right coaching are equally important. ALLEN CEO Nitin Kukreja said, ALLEN's TALLENTEX is an initiative designed to identify and nurture young talent. It offers students the opportunity to begin their academic journey at the right age. The results speak for themselves. In JEE Advanced 2026, 24 ALLEN classroom students broke into the Top 50 AIR. In NEET 2025, 39 ALLEN students featured among the Top 100. These are not just numbers they are young people whose futures were shaped by an early belief in their abilities. TALLENTEX is that first belief. And we are only getting started. Registrations for ALLEN TALLENTEX 2027 have commenced with the launch of the website. Under the Early Bird offer, students can register till July 15. So far, more than 21 lakh students have participated in TALLENTEX. The examination will be conducted in both online and offline modes. Students studying in Classes V to X are eligible to participate and compete for rewards, along with scholarships of up to 90% on ALLEN course fees. In addition to the examination result, every participant will receive a Competitive Success Index (CSI), a unique performance indicator that helps students assess their competitive potential. Students who have already enrolled in ALLEN classroom courses are also eligible to appear for the examination. Students can register by visiting the ALLEN TALLENTEX website https://allen.in/tallentex. Upon registration, they will also gain access to practice test papers available on the portal. The examination syllabus will be based on NCERT, while detailed information regarding the exam pattern and syllabus is available on the website. For more information and T&C please visit the website.

JKSA congratulates its spokesperson for selection to Nuremberg Summer Academy

Spokesperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Umar Masoodi, has been selected for the prestigious 11th Anglophone Edition of the Nuremberg Summer Academy, a globally competitive and fully funded international training programme organised by the International Nuremberg Principles Academy in Nuremberg, Germany. As per a press release Masoodi, who studied law at the University of Kashmir, has been actively associated with the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association for the past five years, serving the organisation in various capacities before being appointed as its Spokesperson. Throughout his association with JKSA, he has distinguished himself through his commitment to student leadership, youth advocacy, legal awareness, and public engagement. The 11th Anglophone Edition of the Nuremberg Summer Academy for Young Professionals will be held in Nuremberg, Germany, from 3 to 7 August 2026. Hosted in the historic city where the Nuremberg Trials took place, the Academy is regarded as one of the world's leading professional training programmes in International Criminal Law. It focuses on international criminal justice, accountability, transitional justice, and the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of international crimes.

Several delegations call on LG Manoj Sinha

Mahant Rohit Shastri, President, Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday and discussed various important matters pertaining to preservation and promotion of Sanskrit language and Vedic studies in the UT. He also expressed his gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for the creation of Sanskrit faculty posts at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra. A delegation of All Kashmir House-Boat Owners Association, led by Chairman Manzoor Pakhtoon also called on the LG. The members of the delegations projected various concerning issues of House-Boat sector stakeholders including welfare of House-Boat owners operating on River Jhelum; declaring Kashmir House-Boats as a Heritage Asset, and House-Boat information and booking counter at Railway Station in Srinagar. Meanwhile, a delegation of Gandhi Global Family Kashmir led by its J&K President Padma Dr SP Varma also called on LG Sinha and lauded the widespread impact of Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan in tackling substance abuse. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the organization's social initiatives and urged the members to continue their dedicated endeavours toward promoting peace, communal harmony, environmental conservation, youth and women empowerment, said an official statement. M Yousuf Bhat, Executive Member, BJP J&K also called on LG Sinha. He raised the issues pertaining to the sale of substandard and counterfeit pesticides in District Shopian, and also put forth welfare measures for affected farmers and orchardists. The Lieutenant Governor assured him that the matter would be examined thoroughly and appropriate action to be taken in the interest of the farming community.

NC gears up for Delhi protest; finalises July 11, 13 programmes

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Kashmir Provincial Committee Friday held a special meeting at the party headquarters to finalise preparations for the proposed protest in New Delhi, the observance of the death anniversary of Madar-e-Meherban Begum Akbar Jehan on July 11, and Martyrs' Day on July 13. The meeting was chaired by the party's General Secretary, Ali Mohammad Sagar and attended by Additional General Secretary & MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, Treasurer & MP Shammi Oberoi, Advisor to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Nasir Aslam Wani, Cabinet Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javed Dar, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, Women's Wing President Shameema Firdous, Senior leader Mubarak Gul, National Conference MLAs from Kashmir province, zonal and district presidents, constituency in-charges, provincial office-bearers, and specially invited members. The meeting was convened by Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir, said a party press release. During the four-hour deliberations, participants unanimously endorsed National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah's decision to organise a protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Speakers said the protest aims to project the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the national level in a strong and effective manner. The meeting reiterated that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood is a constitutional and democratic right of its people, not a concession or favour. Participants recalled that the Union Government had assured both Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court of India that statehood would be restored, asserting that there is no justification for any further delay in fulfilling the commitment. Reaffirming the party's resolve to continue its democratic, peaceful and responsible struggle, the participants said the proposed protest would represent the aspirations and sentiments of the people while forcefully demanding the immediate restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees. The meeting also finalised arrangements to observe the death anniversary of Madar-e-Meherban Begum Akbar Jehan on July 11 and Martyrs' Day on July 13 with due solemnity and respect. Party leaders paid tribute to Begum Akbar Jehan's enduring contributions to social welfare, education and public service, saying her legacy would continue to inspire future generations. They also paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir, describing their sacrifices as a guiding light for the younger generation

Govt must simplify regulatory procedures for pvt schools: JKPSA President

Private Schools Association (PSA) Jammu and Kashmir UT President Baba Nazrul Islam Friday said that the government was spending nearly Rs 20,000 every month on the education of each student in government schools while private schools charge only a fraction of that amount as tuition fees. He said that it was unfair to brand private schools as a mafia. He made these remarks while addressing a one-day Education Summit organised by the Private Schools Association (PSA) Kupwara at Environmental Hall, Handwara. Addressing the gathering, Nazrul Islam said that private schools have been rendering a significant service to society by providing quality education and generating employment despite facing numerous challenges. Private school owners are the saviours of society and have been serving the community for last several decades but a wrong notion has been created that we are mafias which is totally unjust, he said. He said that sustainability of private schools has become a major concern and urged the government to simplify the annual formalities and regulatory procedures required for the functioning of private educational institutions. Private schools are major job providers where nearly two lakh people earn their livelihood. The government should ease the procedural requirements so that schools can focus on delivering quality education, he said. Nazrul Islam also sought the cooperation of all members of the association for the betterment of the private education sector. Speaking on the occasion, PSA Kupwara President Altaf Anjum thanked the participants for attending the summit and said the event provided an opportunity to discuss key issues concerning private schools. He said that the association also finalised its strategy for the upcoming Green Marathon being organised by PSA Kupwara, in which more than 10,000 students are expected to participate. Altaf appealed to parents to keep a close watch on their children after school hours and actively support their overall development to help build a better future. Around 300 private school owners from across the district participated in the event.

Police, CRPF intensify security checks at Lal Chowk

As part of heightened security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Srinagar Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday conducted a joint checking drive at Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk, the citys commercial hub. During the operation, security personnel carried out thorough checks of vehicles, two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, bags and identity cards of commuters and pedestrians passing through the area. The exercise was aimed at maintaining a strong security vigil and ensuring the safety of pilgrims as well as the general public. Officials said such checking drives are a routine security measure in Srinagar. However, the frequency and intensity of surveillance have been enhanced in view of the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra, which witnesses the movement of thousands of pilgrims through Jammu and Kashmir. The joint operation was conducted without causing major inconvenience to the public, while security personnel remained deployed at key locations across the city as part of the broader security grid established for the pilgrimage.

Boy rescued after near-drowningin stream at Harwan

A boy was rescued after nearly drowning in the gushing waters of the Dachigam stream near New Theed in the Harwan area of Srinagar on Friday, following a swift rescue operation by local residents and police. Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred when a group of boys had entered the stream to cool off amid the ongoing heatwave. They said the victim was swept into a deeper portion of the stream near a small embankment, where the current is particularly strong. The water is very forceful at that spot. The boy got trapped beneath the gushing stream. Locals immediately rushed to rescue him and managed to pull him out, but his condition was not stable, said local resident, Latif Ahmed. Soon after the incident, police also reached the spot and joined the rescue efforts. A police official told Greater Kashmir that only one boy was involved in the incident and that the priority was to shift him to a hospital without delay. As per the initial report, the boy has been identified as Basit and is a resident of Srinagar. A police party was rushed to the spot and shifted him to the hospital. Further details are awaited, the official said. The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing number of drowning cases reported during the summer months, when many youngsters visit rivers and streams to escape the heat. Residents recalled that a few years ago, another boy had drowned in the same Harwan vicinity and later succumbed despite rescue efforts. Locals urged parents to remain vigilant and advised youngsters against venturing into deep or fast-flowing waters. They also appealed to the authorities to identify vulnerable spots, install warning signboards, and strengthen safety measures to prevent such incidents and save precious lives.

President of Kashmir Jurists Bar Association calls on Union Law Minister

The President of the Kashmir Jurists Bar Association (KJBA), Adv Altaf Ganderbali, along with the Associations Chief Coordinator, Adv Tajamul Choudhary, paid a courtesy call on the Union Minister for Law and Justice at his official residence in New Delhi. As per a statement issued, during the meeting, the delegation held a cordial and meaningful interaction with the Minister on various issues concerning the legal fraternity, judicial reforms, access to justice, and matters relating to the welfare of advocates and the justice delivery system. Adv Altaf Ganderbali apprised the Minister of several issues affecting the legal community in Jammu & Kashmir and emphasized the need for continued support towards strengthening legal institutions and ensuring greater access to justice for the people. He assured the delegation that the concerns and suggestions placed before him would receive due consideration, the statement added.

Amarnath Yatra pilgrim from Punjab found dead in hotel

A 40-year-old pilgrim from Punjab was found dead at a hotel in Sonamarg on Friday while participating in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Narinder Kumar, son of Parminder Kumar, a resident of Barnala district in Punjab. According to officials, the pilgrim was found unconscious inside the hotel where he was staying. He was immediately rushed to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Sonamarg, where doctors declared him brought dead after completing necessary medico-legal formalities. Police have registered an inquest proceeding under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to determine the exact cause of death. Further investigation is underway.

CM Omar Abdullah meets MLAs, trade & tourism stakeholders

Several public representatives and delegations and various stakeholders today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Raabita, during which a wide range of issues relating to development, public welfare, trade, tourism and business were discussed, said an official statement. MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia, MLA Habba Kadal Shamima Firdous and MLA Doda Mehraj Malik, called on the Chief Minister and apprised him of the developmental priorities and public welfare concerns of their respective constituencies. The legislators highlighted various issues requiring the governments attention, including infrastructure development, delivery of public services, implementation of ongoing development projects and other constituency-specific matters aimed at improving the quality of life of the people. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to their concerns and assured them that all genuine issues would be examined for appropriate action. A delegation led by President Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), Mohammad Yaseen Khan, met the chief minister and raised issues concerning the trade and business community. Another delegation led by Chairman of the Tourist Trade Interest Guild,Zahoor Ahmed Karnai, also met the Chief Minister. The delegation discussed measures for the promotion of tourism in Kashmir. Various initiatives aimed at boosting tourist inflow, expanding outreach and strengthening the tourism sector were also deliberated upon. The Chief Minister appreciated the constructive suggestions put forward during the meetings and reiterated the governments commitment to maintaining regular engagement with public representatives, trade organisations and other stakeholders to ensure responsive governance, inclusive development and sustained economic progress across Jammu and Kashmir.

Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief gifted Trump lavishly encrusted ring

Dozens of diamonds spell out two giant letter T next to the Stars and Stripes and 1776 and 2026. Dozens more frame the numbers 45 and 47 in the shape of Supermans logo. A diamond-winged eagle carries a ruby shield and clutches an olive branch of emeralds, below a radiant 250 and atop the phrase 250 YEARS USA etched in 18-karat gold. All told, 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds and six rubies encrust the watch-sized gold ring presented this week to Bill White, the US ambassador to Belgium, to give to President Donald Trump. A very special thank you to my friends from Antwerp for the magnificent Freedom 250 ring, Trump said in a prerecorded video message during an event marking Americas 250th birthday in Brussels. Isidore Morsel, president of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre or AWDC, gifted the ring on behalf of the centuries-old diamond community in the Belgian port city, a central node in the worldwide trade of the precious stones that found itself struggling last year under the weight of Trumps sweeping trade war. May this ring serve as a lasting reminder that true partnership like the finest natural diamonds are formed under pressure, endure the test of time, and shine brightest when built on trust, Morsel said. The rings interior is engraved with the phrase Crafted in Antwerp for Donald John Trump. In dollar terms, the rings value pales beside gifts like the USD 400 million plane donated by Qatar that Trump ordered converted into a new Air Force One. But its a glitzy window into the role that ostentatious and almost always gilded gifts are playing by those seeking to curry favour with the US president. A White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter, said Thursday that the ring has not been presented to Trump yet. The gift comes months after Belgiums diamond industry won the removal of US tariffs on diamond imports. In September, AWDC said it had succeeded in securing a zero percent import tariff on Antwerps annual export of more than USD 2 billion of polished diamonds to the US. A spokesperson for the group said on Thursday that the AWDC provided input to the European Commission as it negotiated with Trump on a broad deal on tariffs in 2025, but did not itself lobby the administration. US presidents have considerable discretion to accept gifts from domestic and foreign sources and may determine themselves whether a gift was meant for them personally or the nation. The exception is those from foreign governments, which are prohibited by the foreign emoluments clause of the Constitution without congressional assent, though presidents could use personal funds to reimburse the Treasury for the full value of an official gift if they wish to retain them. Personal gifts are also supposed to be registered on the presidents annual financial disclosure. Trumps 2025 disclosure, released this week, revealed a USD 250,000 gift of a sculpture depicting his triumphal gesture after surviving a 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and tickets to 10 sporting events, including 10 to the upcoming World Cup final in New Jersey from FIFAs Gianni Infantino, valued at a collective USD 15,000. Four US ethics experts told The Associated Press that Trump has broken with decades-old custom in the White House to avoid accepting such gifts. To forge the ring, the AWDC turned to David Gotlib, an Antwerp-based high-end jeweller whose cufflinks can sell for more than 15,000 euros (USD 17,000). Neither AWDC nor Gotlib would provide a valuation of the ring, but two independent jewellers told AP they estimated the value between USD 25,000 and USD 35,000. Paris- and London-based jewellery consultant Alexander Levinson calculated the cost at USD 25,928, while David Saad, a third-generation luxury jeweller in Canada, priced the ring between USD 33,000 and USD 35,000. Both said half the cost was in materials, half in labour. After the ring was presented on a star-spangled stage in Brussels, musician Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, sang the US national anthem to more than 8,000 people drinking Budweiser and bourbon from Tennessee and Kentucky. White said he raised more than USD 5.5 million for the 250th anniversary event from corporate sponsors like defence industry titans Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, tech firms like Intel, Google and Meta, as well as the European chocolate companies Leonidas and Ferrero. AWDC said it contributed funds, too. The media was asking, Why does it have to be so big? White said of the event. Because we are the United States of America! Meanwhile, the fate of the ring is not currently clear. On Wednesday, White posted a photo online of himself wearing the ring and giving a thumbs-up. The post has since been deleted.

Historic leap by UP under CM Yogis leadership in PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Uttar Pradesh has created a new history in the residential rooftop solar sector in Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In June 2026, the state secured the top position in the country by installing 71,888 residential rooftop solar plants. This is not only Uttar Pradeshs best-ever monthly performance, but also a new national record for the highest number of residential rooftop solar installations carried out by any state in a single month. So far, Uttar Pradesh has received 10,89,716 applications, and the installation of 6,36,745 residential rooftop solar plants has been completed. For several consecutive months, Uttar Pradesh has been recording the highest monthly installations in the country and has emerged as the fastest-growing state in Indias residential rooftop solar sector. Considering the current trends, it is estimated that by the end of July 2026, Uttar Pradesh may surpass Maharashtra in the total number of residential rooftop solar installations and become the countrys second-largest residential rooftop solar state. The states next target is to surpass Gujarat and become Indias number one state in terms of total residential rooftop solar installations. Uttar Pradeshs achievements in the residential rooftop solar sector have also been unprecedented. More than 2,148 MW of capacity has been installed in the state so far, and subsidies exceeding 5,500 crore have been transferred directly to consumers. More than 7,000 companies and vendors are working in this sector, and over 80,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities have been created. Residential rooftop solar systems in the state are generating approximately 96 lakh units of free electricity per day, with an estimated value of more than Rs 6 crore per day. In addition, this sector is generating a daily business turnover of more than 40 crore, while saving more than 9,000 acres of land, which is a significant achievement compared to large-scale land-based power projects. This success of Uttar Pradesh is the result of the collective efforts of aware consumers, solar vendors, UPNEDA, banking institutions, DISCOMs, and all stakeholders. The states rapid progress in the residential rooftop solar sector is not only promoting clean energy and energy self-reliance but is also making Uttar Pradesh the new leader of Indias residential rooftop solar revolution. After becoming the countrys number one state in monthly installations, Uttar Pradesh is now aiming to become Indias number one state in terms of total residential rooftop solar installations as well.

Govt reviews rain deficit, potential drought situation; Amit Shah directs Centre-states coordination

The government is continuously monitoring the below-normal rainfall situation and potential drought conditions in certain parts of the country, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday after a high-level review meeting. Shah has directed all the central departments to be vigilant as well as ensure coordination with states on providing proper advice to farmers on sowing of kharif crops. According to an official statement, Shah, along with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reviewed the situation regarding below-normal rainfall and its impact in certain parts of the country due to El Nino. At the meeting, the ministers emphasised the need to ensure adequate electricity supply to farmers, closely monitor water levels at all reservoirs and promote crops that require less water. In June, India as a whole witnessed a rainfall deficit of about 40 per cent, with Central India worst affected with a shortfall of 50.4 per cent. In July also, the monthly average rainfall is expected to be below normal. Due to low rainfall, the sowing of kharif crops declined 23 per cent to 182.72 lakh hectares as of June 25. The government is continuously monitoring the situation regarding below-normal rainfall and potential drought conditions in certain parts of the country due to El Nino, Shah said and directed the agriculture ministry as well as other ministries to remain vigilant about the prevailing situation. Shah, who is also the cooperation minister, told officials to coordinate with state governments and advise farmers about appropriate crops to sow. Home and agriculture secretaries, along with senior officials from various ministries and departments, were present at the meeting. Shah instructed officials from the Department of Water Resources to monitor all water reservoirs across the country. He emphasised the need to focus on alternative crops that require less water, such as fodder, millets, and pulses. The home minister directed the Power Secretary to take necessary action to ensure a smooth and adequate supply of electricity. During the meeting, the Home Minister also informed that adequate quantities of essential food grains, including rice and wheat, are available in the country, and the prices of essential commodities remain stable. The meeting was also attended by secretaries from the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Rural Development, and Department of Science and Technology. Members and heads of divisions of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA); the Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD); the Chairman of the Central Water Commission; and officials from various other departments, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the National Remote Sensing Centre, were also present. Shah also instructed that the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) of the Ministry of Home Affairs should be deputed to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. Both states have been affected, with Assam experiencing rising floodwaters in multiple districts and Arunachal Pradesh facing landslides and road blockages in several hilly areas. El Nino is one of the three phases of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate phenomenon characterised by changes in sea temperatures along the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, accompanied by fluctuations in the atmosphere overhead. While El Nino is known to have a warming effect on the planet, its opposite phase, called La Nina, usually results in a cooling effect. ENSO also has a neutral phase.

Hyundai introduces battery subscription model for CRETA Electric

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has introduced a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model for the Hyundai CRETA Electric, lowering the vehicles upfront acquisition cost and making electric mobility more accessible to customers. Under the new model, the CRETA Electric is now available at an introductory price of 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while customers can opt for battery usage through a subscription plan with an EMI starting at 3.9 per kilometre. The company said the BaaS model is aimed at addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoptionthe high initial purchase costby separating the cost of the battery from the vehicle. Alongside the new ownership model, Hyundai has also upgraded the CRETA Electric with an integrated side foot step for easier entry and exit, while Home Charger (HC) variants will now be equipped with a 7.4 kW wall box charger to offer a more convenient home charging solution. Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and CEO Tarun Garg said the company is committed to making electric mobility more affordable and customer-centric. The introduction of Battery-as-a-Service for the Hyundai CRETA Electric is a transformational step towards democratizing electric mobility in India. By reducing the initial acquisition cost and offering flexible battery rental plans, we aim to enable more customers to confidently transition to EVs, he said. The CRETA Electric is offered with two battery options51.4 kWh and 42 kWhand delivers an ARAI-certified driving range of up to 510 kilometres. Key features include DC fast charging that charges the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 39 minutes, Level 2 ADAS, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, Digital Key, Single Pedal Drive, an eight-year/1.6 lakh km battery warranty and 0-100 kmph acceleration in 7.9 seconds for the long-range variant.

Fruit growers seek uninterrupted NH-44 movement during Amarnath Yatra

A delegation of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union (KVFGU) on Friday urged the Traffic Police to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, warning that any delay in transportation could result in heavy losses to fruit growers due to the perishable nature of the produce. The delegation, led by KVFGU Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, met Inspector General of Police (Traffic) M. Suleman Choudhary in Srinagar. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Haseeb-ur-Rehman was also present during the meeting. The delegation included Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President Fruit Association Sopore; Mudasir Ahmad Bhat, President Buyers-Sellers Association Sopore; Mohammad Ashraf, President Fruit Association Shopian; Nazir Ahmad Mir, General Secretary Fruit Association Shopian; Abdul Majeed Wani, General Secretary Fruit Association Pulwama; and Ali Mohammad Reshi, Chairman, Fruit Transport Association, Parimpora. During the meeting, the growers highlighted the challenges posed by the ongoing one-way traffic regulation on NH-44 due to the Amarnath Yatra convoy. They informed the traffic authorities that the harvesting and marketing of plum, early varieties of apple, pear and other seasonal fruits are currently in full swing and require immediate transportation to markets across the country. The delegation said these fruits are highly perishable and even a days delay in transportation could cause substantial damage, leading to significant financial losses for growers who have already suffered due to adverse weather and natural calamities this season. While reiterating their wholehearted support for the annual Amarnath Yatra, the delegation appealed to the Traffic Police to continue the practice adopted in previous years of facilitating the movement of fruit-laden trucks, including allowing their passage during convoy operations wherever feasible. The growers also pointed out that uninterrupted movement of trucks carrying fruits and vegetables into Kashmir from outside the Union Territory is equally important to maintain smooth supply chains. Responding to the concerns, IGP Traffic M. Suleman Choudhary assured the delegation that the department would examine measures to facilitate the smooth movement of fruit-laden trucks on the highway in consultation with the concerned agencies. To streamline transportation, the Traffic Police directed that all trucks carrying perishable fruits should prominently display signboards on the front windshield indicating the registration number of the vehicle, the variety of fruit being transported and an authentication stamp from the concerned fruit association. The traffic authorities also advised that fruit-laden trucks should be assembled at designated locations before being allowed to proceed together towards their destinations. To improve coordination, the Traffic Police announced the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group for fruit growers associations. The associations have been asked to share details of trucks, drivers contact numbers and the certification of the concerned fruit association to facilitate timely movement and better coordination during the Yatra period.

KTMF urges CM to resolve traders, artisans long-pending issues

A high-level delegation of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by its president Mohammad Yaseen Khan, on Thursday met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and sought early resolution of a range of long-pending issues concerning traders, traditional artisans and workers across Kashmir, including the rehabilitation of shopkeepers facing displacement, protection of the copper craft and settlement of rental disputes. The delegation included KTMF functionary Qazi Tauseef, Ganderbal Traders Federation president Ghulam Hassan Parra, vice-president Mehrajuddin Sheikh, Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union chairman Jan Mohammad Misgar and president Arshid Ahmad Khan. During the meeting, the Ganderbal Traders Federation expressed concern over the proposed displacement of several shopkeepers due to ongoing and upcoming developmental projects. The federation urged the Chief Minister to ensure that no trader loses his livelihood because of infrastructure works and sought a comprehensive rehabilitation package, including suitable relocation before any eviction is carried out. Representatives of the Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union highlighted the declining fortunes of Kashmirs centuries-old copper craft, saying nearly 50,000 workers associated with the sector are facing a livelihood crisis. The union urged the government to impose a ban on machine-made copper products, arguing that the influx of factory-produced items has severely affected traditional artisans and reduced demand for handmade copperware. It also sought policy measures to protect indigenous craftsmanship, strengthen market access and ensure sustainable employment for artisans. The delegation further discussed the need for institutional support, market protection and government interventions to revive the traditional copper industry, which it said is an important part of Kashmirs cultural and economic heritage. KTMF also raised the issue of long-pending rental disputes involving traders operating under the Housing and Urban Development Department. The federation urged the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to resolve the matter on priority, stating that prolonged uncertainty has caused financial hardship to the affected traders. Speaking after the meeting, KTMF president Mohammad Yaseen Khan said the trading community, artisans and workers have been struggling with several unresolved issues for years. We urged the Honble Chief Minister to address these matters on priority, particularly the rehabilitation of displaced traders, protection of Kashmirs traditional copper industry from machine-made products and resolution of pending rental disputes. These concerns directly affect the livelihoods of thousands of families and require immediate government intervention, Khan said. He said KTMF remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the business community while working with the government for the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sanat Nagar Industrial Estate urges Govt to extend deadline for filing objections to draft lease policies

Representatives of the Sanat Nagar Industrial Estate have urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to extend the deadline for submitting objections and suggestions to the proposed J&K Uniform Lease Policy, 2026, and the J&K Rentals and Licensing Policy, 2026, arguing that stakeholders have not been given sufficient time to study the draft proposals. In a statement issued on Friday, the representatives said the proposed policies are of far-reaching significance as they are likely to impact a large number of leaseholders, allottees, occupants, business establishments, institutions and other stakeholders across Jammu and Kashmir. They contended that although the notification was dated June 5, 2026, the draft policies became publicly available much later, leaving stakeholders with little time to examine their provisions and prepare informed objections or suggestions. According to the representatives, many affected parties came to know about the draft policies only after they were circulated in the public domain, significantly reducing the effective consultation period. The association said the draft policies cover critical issues including lease renewal, transfer of property, mortgage, freehold rights, sub-leasing, rentals and licensing, all of which have long-term legal and financial implications. It said such matters require careful examination, legal scrutiny and wider consultation with stakeholders before meaningful feedback can be submitted to the government. Stressing the importance of a transparent consultative process, the representatives said the opportunity to file objections should not remain a mere procedural formality. They maintained that all affected stakeholders must be given adequate and reasonable time to understand the proposed provisions and present their views in a constructive manner. The Sanat Nagar Industrial Estate has sought an extension of at least 30 days from the date the complete draft policies became publicly available, saying the additional time would enable stakeholders to examine the proposals comprehensively and submit well-considered recommendations. The representatives also urged the government to issue a fresh public notification specifying the revised deadline to avoid confusion among stakeholders. They said extending the consultation period would uphold the principles of transparency, fairness, natural justice and participatory policymaking, adding that policies of such significance should be finalised only after providing all affected stakeholders a fair opportunity to express their views.

Young entrepreneur bets on sheep farming as J&K eyes self-sufficiency in mutton production

As Jammu and Kashmir continues to import more than half of its annual mutton requirement from outside the Union Territory, a young entrepreneur from south Kashmirs Shopian district has turned to commercial sheep farming, viewing it not merely as a traditional occupation but as a promising agribusiness that can generate livelihoods while helping reduce the regions dependence on imported livestock. For Mohammad Umar, sheep farming represents an opportunity to build a sustainable enterprise while contributing to the governments larger goal of boosting local meat production. A few months ago, he established a commercial sheep farm under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), encouraged by the incentives being extended to young entrepreneurs. Umar currently owns a flock of 105 sheep, comprising 100 rams and five ewes, and plans to gradually expand the unit in the coming years. The project, established under HADP, involved an investment of around Rs 25 lakh, with the government providing a 50 per cent capital subsidy to promote commercial sheep farming. I see sheep farming as much more than a traditional occupation. If managed scientifically, it can become a profitable business while creating employment opportunities for local youth and reducing Jammu and Kashmirs dependence on sheep imported from other states, Umar said. His optimism comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir faces a significant gap between mutton production and consumption. Official figures show that the Union Territory consumes around 600 lakh kilograms of mutton annually, while local production falls considerably short of demand, forcing the region to import nearly 350 lakh kilograms from other states every year. To bridge this gap, the government has launched an ambitious livestock development programme under HADP, focusing on scientific breeding, commercial sheep farming and genetic improvement of local flocks. As part of the initiative, the government imported 900 exotic sheep450 Dorper and 450 Texel breedsfrom Australia. The animals are now housed at government breeding farms across Jammu and Kashmir and are expected to improve the genetic quality of local flocks, enhance meat production and gradually reduce dependence on imported livestock. Official data shows that Kashmir had a sheep population of around 19.1 lakh as of December 2022, supported by more than 70,000 registered breeders. Baramulla district accounts for the largest share, with nearly 2.86 lakh sheep and about 11,500 breeders, making it the Valleys leading sheep-rearing district. Shopian has also emerged as an important livestock-producing district. The combined sheep and goat population in the district stands at around 1.42 lakh. Every year, the district produces nearly 8.96 lakh kilograms of mutton and 2.79 lakh kilograms of wool. To further promote the sector, 191 sheep-rearing units have been established in Shopian during the 2025-26 financial year under various government schemes aimed at encouraging commercial sheep farming and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities. District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Shopian, Dr Tariq Ahmad Malik, said the district produces around 8.96 lakh kilograms of mutton annually against a local requirement of nearly 14.10 lakh kilograms. The gap between production and demand highlights the need to expand scientific sheep farming in the district. Increasing local production will help reduce dependence on imports from outside Jammu and Kashmir while strengthening the rural economy, he said. According to Malik, encouraging educated youth to adopt commercial sheep farming has become one of the departments priorities, as the sector offers considerable potential for employment generation as well as increased meat production. Farmers associated with the sector share a similar view. Another beneficiary of the governments sheep development programme said commercial sheep farming could become a profitable enterprise if backed by scientific management and continued institutional support. I see sheep farming as a profitable business if it is managed scientifically. Such initiatives can help reduce Jammu and Kashmirs dependence on sheep imported from other states while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local youth, he said. Despite the optimism, sheep farmers say the sector continues to face several challenges, particularly during the winter months. For Umar, the shortage of green fodder during winter remains the biggest hurdle. The biggest challenge is the harsh winter. Green fodder is unavailable, so we have to rely on purchased feed. That substantially increases input costs and affects profitability, he said. He believes the sector also requires better access to quality breeding stock, affordable livestock feed, improved veterinary facilities and regular technical guidance to make commercial sheep farming more viable. Despite these challenges, Umar remains optimistic about the future. He believes that with scientific farming practices, modern infrastructure and sustained government support, sheep farming can emerge as a viable agribusiness for young entrepreneurs while helping narrow Jammu and Kashmirs widening gap between mutton production and consumption. When young people begin to see livestock farming as an enterprise rather than merely a traditional occupation, it can transform the rural economy. Sheep farming has the potential not only to provide sustainable livelihoods but also to reduce our dependence on imported mutton, he said. Officials believe entrepreneurs like Umar reflect the broader objective of HADPto transform agriculture and allied sectors into commercially viable enterprises. They say expanding scientific sheep farming, improving livestock genetics and encouraging greater private investment in the sector will be key to reducing Jammu and Kashmirs dependence on imported mutton while strengthening the rural economy.

MoE flags falling Govt school enrolment, poor secondary retention in J&K

Srinagar, Jul 2:The Ministry of Education (MoE) has expressed serious concern over declining enrolment in government schools, poor student retention at the secondary level, a large number of low-enrolment schools, and persistent teacher shortages in Jammu and Kashmir. The union Ministry has directed the J&K School Education Department (SED) to undertake structural reforms to improve the quality of school education. The concern was raised during the Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting for the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) 2026-27 under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, chaired by the Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), on May 14, 2026. According to the minutes of the meeting, Jammu and Kashmir has 24,228 schools, of which 77.54 percent are government schools, while unaided private schools account for 22.28 percent. The UT has a total enrolment of 26.57 lakh students from pre-primary to Class XII and 1.66 lakh teachers. Despite government schools constituting nearly four-fifths of all schools, they account for only 51.31 percent of student enrolment, while employing 55.12 percent of the teaching workforce. The MoE has described the disparity between enrolment in government and private schools as a matter of concern and advised the UT to examine the issue and undertake structural reforms. The Ministry stressed that the quality of education in government schools should be continuously improved to benchmark levels so that enrolment in public schools increases further. As per the official statistics, Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) has improved at the foundational stage from 91.2 to 93.2, at the preparatory stage from 102.8 to 105.9, and at the secondary stage from 53.7 to 55.2. However, the GER at the middle stage has remained almost stagnant at around 77 percent, while the overall GER, particularly at the secondary level, continues to remain low. The MoE has asked the J&K SED to conduct a detailed class-wise analysis to identify stages where students are dropping out or failing to transition to higher classes and recommended upgrading more schools to secondary and senior secondary levels. One of the major concerns highlighted during the meeting was the sharp decline in student retention. While the retention rate stands at 90 percent at the foundational stage, 80 percent at the preparatory stage and 76 percent at the middle stage, it drops drastically to just 38 percent at the secondary stage. Secretary DSEL has further observed that enrolment in government schools has declined over the past three years and directed the UT to identify factors responsible for student dropout and develop a comprehensive strategy to improve retention, especially during the transition to secondary education. Interestingly, the grade-wise analysis presented before the PAB revealed an increase in enrolment in government schools in Classes VIII and IX, while private schools witness declining enrolment at the secondary level. MoE has said the trend indicates a shift of students from private to government schools during secondary education and advised the UT to closely study the reasons behind the changing enrolment pattern. The meeting also highlighted the alarming number of schools with very low or no enrolment. As per the minutes of the meeting, as many as 141 primary schools and five upper primary schools have zero enrolment, while 1,762 primary schools and 135 upper primary schools have fewer than 15 students. Additionally, 5,175 primary schools and 748 upper primary schools have enrolment below 30 students. J&K SED has been directed to conduct a detailed review of such schools and adopt appropriate measures to improve enrolment. The issue about the availability of teachers has also been raised in the meeting wherein the MoE has said that 1,278 primary schools and 77 upper primary schools are functioning with only one teacher. SED has been directed to take corrective measures and ensure compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) norms. The meeting further observed that the proportion of government schools with adverse Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) has increased from 16 to 17 percent at the primary level and from 6.7 to 7.5 percent at the upper primary level. The J&K UT has been asked to review teacher deployment across schools and ensure compliance with prescribed PTR norms. The MoE has also said that while the annual dropout rate at preparatory and middle levels remains below the national average, dropout at the secondary stage is higher than the national average. In wake of this, J&K SED has been directed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the reasons behind student dropouts and take priority measures to reduce them across all grades. The transition rate from the foundational stage to the preparatory stage was found to be below the national average, following which MoE has advised the J&K SED to look for focused interventions to ensure children continue their education up to Class 12th. On school infrastructure, the Ministry has observed that despite improvements, many government schools still lack essential facilities, including internet connectivity, ramps for children with special needs, boundary walls, solar panels, separate toilets for boys and girls, ICT laboratories and smart classrooms. The UT has been asked to ensure 100 percent saturation of these facilities and complete all pending civil works under the Samagra Shiksha scheme at the earliest. The meeting also flagged vacancies in teacher education institutions. During the meeting, it was revealed that It 25 percent of academic posts in SCERT and 48 percent in DIETs are lying vacant. Secretary DSEL has directed the UT to fill all vacancies within three months, with periodic review of progress by the concerned bureau. Similarly, vacancies in elementary and secondary schools under the Samagra Shiksha scheme were also discussed in the meeting and directions were issued to expedite recruitment to ensure adequate staffing. Serious concern was also expressed over the functioning of residential schools for girls. As per the official figures, of the 174 sanctioned Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in Jammu and Kashmir, only 97 are functional, while over 60.56 percent of sanctioned seats in these schools remain vacant. The Ministry of Education has directed the J&K SED to make all sanctioned KGBVs operational besides filling vacant seats through special enrolment drives by July 31, 2026. Likewise, of the seven sanctioned Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas, only three are functional, with 16 percent of seats lying vacant. J&K UT has been directed to fill these vacancies by July 31, 2026.

No signal, no help: Mughal Road travellers recount their ordeal

Shopian, Jul 3:When Shuja Sultan set out with his children for a picnic to Peer Ki Gali last week, he expected nothing more than a pleasant day in the mountains. Instead, the return journey turned into an anxious ordeal after a cloudburst triggered landslides that blocked the historic Mughal Road. Sultan, a resident of Pulwama , waited inside his vehicle for several hours as authorities worked to clear the debris. As darkness fell, his anxiety grewnot because of the road closure alone, but because he had no way to contact his family, who were worried about his whereabouts. There is no mobile connectivity along the road. Since I couldnt inform my family, I decided to drive to Poonch and spend the night there until the road was reopened, Sultan said. He said that had there been mobile network coverage, he would have stayed near the blocked stretch and waited for the road to reopen instead of making the long detour. Driving to Poonch was difficult because my vehicle was running low on fuel, he said. The 84-km Mughal Road, which connects Shopian in south Kashmir with Poonch and Rajouri in the Jammu region, is increasingly being used by tourists and commuters, particularly during the summer months. However, long stretches of the road remain without mobile connectivity and other basic roadside facilities, posing challenges during emergencies. Residents, traders and civil society members from Shopian say the lack of communication facilities is discouraging people from using the route and affecting local businesses that depend on tourist and commuter traffic. The absence of mobile connectivity is impacting the movement of people along the road. In emergencies, travellers cannot even call for help, said Mitha Gatoo, a civil society member from Shopian. Gatoo said the issue was raised during a recent review meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, where local representatives sought seamless mobile connectivity along the entire stretch. We have been assured that the matter will be addressed. We hope the road will soon have uninterrupted mobile connectivity, he said. A shopkeeper from Heerpora, the last habitation on the Shopian side of the road, said improving mobile coverage and developing basic wayside amenities such as fuel stations, emergency assistance centres and public conveniences would make travel safer and encourage more tourists to use the route. We appeal to the government to provide mobile connectivity and essential facilities along the Mughal Road so that travellers can travel safely and local businesses can benefit, he said.

HC amends rules, makes disclosures mandatory in bail applications

Srinagar, Jul 3: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Friday carried out amendments to procedural rules regarding bail applications, making disclosures concerning pending criminal cases, antecedents and other relevant details mandatory. The amendments, notified by the Registrar General with the prior approval of the Lieutenant Governor, are aimed at enhancing transparency and enabling courts to adjudicate bail pleas on the basis of complete and accurate information. The notification indicates that under the new provisions, every bail applicant will be required to furnish detailed particulars relating to the case, custody, progress of trial, criminal antecedents, previous bail applications and any coercive processes initiated against them. For bail petitions filed before the High Court, a new Rule 176-B has been inserted in Chapter XV (Procedure in Criminal Cases) of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Rules, 1999. A corresponding Rule 10 has also been inserted in Chapter XVI (Bail and Recognizance) of the Rules and Orders for the Guidance of Courts Subordinate to the High Court of Judicature, Svt. 1988 (Criminal), extending the disclosure requirements to Sessions Courts and Magistrates. The amended rules underscore that every bail application must disclose the FIR number and date, the police station, district and State, the offences invoked and the maximum punishment prescribed. Applicants must also specify the date of arrest, the total period of custody undergone and the current stage of the proceedings, including whether the case is under investigation, at the charge-sheet, cognizance, framing of charges or trial stage. Moreover, the rules mandate disclosure of the total number of witnesses cited in the charge sheet and the number of prosecution witnesses examined so far. In keeping with the amended rules, applicants are also required to disclose their criminal antecedents, including details of previous FIRs, the police stations concerned, the offences involved and the status of those cases, whether pending, ending in acquittal or resulting in conviction. While every bail plea must contain particulars of all previous bail applications, including the court where they were filed, case numbers and their outcome, the applicant must also disclose whether any non-bailable warrant has been issued against them or whether they have ever been declared a proclaimed offender. The amendments have been made in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 225 of the Constitution of India and other enabling provisions, according to the notification. The new rules are intended to streamline bail proceedings by ensuring that courts are placed in possession of complete, candid and relevant information before deciding bail applications.

From verge of closure to model school: How teachers revived a government school in Shopian

Shopian, Jul 3:A government primary school in south Kashmirs Shopian district, once on the verge of closure due to poor enrolment, lack of land and inadequate infrastructure, has emerged as a model institution through the determination of its teachers, community participation and innovative leadership. In an interview with Greater Kashmir , Head Teacher of Government Primary School Peerpora Shopian, Nazir Ahmad said the transformation of the school since 2016 demonstrates that committed teachers can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. If a teacher has the will to work for children and the community, no one can stop him. There should be no room for excuses, he said. Nazir Ahmad was posted to the school nearly a decade ago when it had only a handful of students, no dedicated land and almost no facilities. The government had even considered closing the institution because of its poor condition. Calling it a challenge, Nazir Ahmad said he first mobilised the teaching staff and then persuaded the local community, village representatives and the Rural Development Department to secure land for the school. The land where the school now stands was once used as a dumping site by villagers. Together we cleaned it, planted flowers and trees and gradually converted it into a green campus, he said. The transformation later attracted the attention of the education department and district administration, eventually leading to the construction of a spacious double-storey school building. Nazir Ahmad said the schools development was largely driven by contributions from teachers themselves. The staff members pooled personal resources to procure a television for digital learning before government agencies provided smart boards under different schemes. We first showed our commitment by investing ourselves. When departments saw our efforts, they also came forward with support, he said. The school later received financial assistance from Panchayati Raj Institutions for a smart classroom, while another smart board was provided by the education department. An NGO, JK Peace and Justice, donated computers and sports equipment. The head teacher credited the entire teaching staff for the schools success, saying they routinely arrive well before school hours to ensure classrooms, electricity, drinking water and cleanliness are in place before students arrive. Our duty does not begin at school opening time. We come early every day to prepare the school because we consider it our own institution, he said. The campus now features landscaped lawns, flower gardens, a kitchen garden, fruit trees, colourful classrooms and activity-based learning spaces designed to provide children with an environment comparable to reputed private schools. Nazir Ahmad said the kitchen garden also serves as a practical learning laboratory where students learn about vegetables and plants by growing them instead of merely reading about them in textbooks. The school maintains close coordination with parents through WhatsApp groups, regularly sharing updates, student activities and photographs to strengthen community engagement. He said the institution has earned such public confidence that even government school teachers have enrolled their own children there. My own daughter studied here till her class 5th. If I do not have confidence in the school where I teach, how can I expect others to have confidence? he said. According to Nazir Ahmad, children of several teachers and their relatives currently study in the school. It reflects the trust staff members place in the institution, he said. He also claimed that repeated attempts to establish private schools in the area have failed because parents are satisfied with the facilities and quality of education available in the government primary school Peerpora, Shopian. Whenever people visit the campus and see the infrastructure and the work done here, they realise it will not be easy to compete with this school, he said. Speaking about the schools journey, Nazir Ahmad said government support followed only after teachers had spent years working voluntarily to improve the institution. When there is a genuine desire to do something, support automatically follows. We treated this school like our own home and worked for the children without waiting for outside help, he said. He urged teachers across Jammu and Kashmir to adopt a sense of ownership towards their schools, saying dedication and teamwork can transform even the most neglected institutions into centres of excellence.

Kashmir mutton dealers call off strike after Punjab Govt intervention

Srinagar, Jul 3:Bringing an end to a week-long disruption in the Valleys meat supply chain, the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) on Friday called off its strike after the Punjab government assured that livestock vehicles carrying sheep to Jammu and Kashmir would no longer be stopped at checkpoints. The decision is expected to restore normal supplies of mutton across Kashmir ahead of the peak wedding season, when demand remains at its highest. The strike had brought the transportation of sheep from Punjab and other northern states to a near standstill, triggering concerns among traders and consumers over a possible shortage of mutton and a sharp rise in prices. Kashmir depends heavily on livestock imported from outside the Union Territory, making uninterrupted movement of livestock essential for maintaining regular supplies. Announcing the withdrawal of the strike, KMDA General Secretary Mehraj-ud-Din said the association had received assurances that the Punjab government had directed its police not to obstruct livestock vehicles and had also instructed livestock mandis to resume normal trade. The strike has been called off. We have been informed that the Punjab Police has been directed not to stop our vehicles at checkpoints. The livestock mandis have also been asked to resume supplies, he said. Mehraj-ud-Din, however, said the association would continue to monitor the situation closely and was awaiting formal written orders from the Punjab government before treating the issue as fully resolved. We are now waiting for the formal orders. After that, we will see how things move on the ground and whether the directions are implemented in letter and spirit, he said. Expressing optimism, he said the movement of livestock into Jammu and Kashmir was expected to normalize over the next few days if the directions issued by the Punjab government were implemented without any hindrance. The protest had been launched after livestock dealers alleged that sheep-laden vehicles entering or passing through Punjab were being stopped at various checkpoints and subjected to unauthorized collections despite carrying valid documents. The dealers maintained that livestock transportation is exempt from GST and argued that the alleged levy had significantly increased transportation costs, making the trade economically unviable. The issue soon escalated into a major concern for the Valleys meat trade, with wholesalers warning that continued disruption in livestock imports could severely impact supplies during the ongoing marriage season. Retailers had also expressed concern over depleting stocks as fresh consignments failed to arrive. President of the Mutton Retailers Association Kashmir, Khazir Mohammad Rigoo, said the dispute had been resolved after the Punjab authorities revoked the alleged levy imposed on Kashmiri livestock traders. Rigoo thanked the media, political leaders, trade bodies and members of the coordination committee for extending support to the traders during the agitation. He said fresh supplies had already started moving towards Kashmir and assured consumers that mutton would continue to be sold at the government-approved retail price of Rs 740 per kilogram. There will be no shortage of mutton during the ongoing wedding season. Supplies have resumed and consumers will get mutton at the prescribed rate, Rigoo said. The issue had also prompted intervention at the highest level of the Jammu and Kashmir government. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken up the matter with his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, describing the reported action against Jammu and Kashmirs livestock traders as unjustified and seeking immediate intervention to ensure the unhindered movement of livestock vehicles. The Chief Minister had also urged the Punjab government to look into the complaints of unauthorised collections from livestock transporters and ensure that legitimate trade was not disrupted. His intervention came after trader bodies warned that the prolonged impasse could adversely affect both consumers and thousands of families dependent on the livestock trade. The breakthrough has been welcomed by traders across Kashmir, who believe the withdrawal of the strike will restore confidence in the supply chain and stabilize the wholesale and retail meat markets. Fresh consignments of sheep are expected to start reaching the Valley over the coming days, easing concerns over availability during one of the busiest periods for meat consumption.

True progress of society lies in empowerment of its women: MLA Devyani Rana

Nagrota Jul 3:Continuing her unwavering commitment towards women empowerment and inclusive development, MLA Nagrota Constituency, Devyani Rana, on Friday took another significant step towards making women economically independent by collaborating with internationally acclaimed artist, social activist, and educator Rouble Nagi whose world renowned Rouble Nagi Art Foundation announced the development of a Skill Development Centre in Nagrota Constituency. Rouble Nagi, a celebrated Indian educator, is the Founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation and Rouble Nagi Design Studio. She is a member of the India Design Council (IDC) and is widely acknowledged as one of the key pioneers of the Mumbai Beautification Movement. Through her innovative and heartfelt social initiatives like Misaal India, she has transformed underprivileged communities into vibrant learning spaces and has established hundreds of community learning centres dedicated to reducing school dropouts and empowering marginalized sections of society. Recently she was awarded the Global Teacher Prize 2026 in UAE as worlds best educator by the crown Prince. As part of this initiative, Rouble Nagi, visited Panchayat Ghaink in Nagrota Constituency with MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana, where they held an interactive session with local women and listened to their aspirations and challenges. During the interaction, it was announced that a Skill Development Centre will soon be established by the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation to provide vocational and livelihood-oriented training to the women of Nagrota Constituency, enabling them to become financially independent and self-reliant. The centre will focus on imparting market-oriented skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women from rural areas. The initiative is aimed at enhancing their confidence, strengthening household incomes, and ensuring their active participation in the socio-economic development of the region. Extending her gratitude to Rouble Nagi, MLA Devyani Rana, as per a party statement said he true progress of any society lies in the empowerment of its women. The Rouble Nagi Skill Development Centre will equip the women of Nagrota Constituency with practical skills that can transform their lives. I am grateful to Rouble Nagi for joining this mission, extending her expertise to the women of Nagrota and creating opportunities that enable every woman to stand on her own feet with dignity and confidence. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more self-reliant future. Rouble Nagi while addressing the gathering, said Empowering women through skill development is one of the most sustainable ways to transform communities. I have always believed that when a woman becomes economically independent, she not only changes her own life but also strengthens her family and contributes to the progress of society. We are here with a clear purpose: to help you learn and earn. Our responsibility is to provide you with quality training, guidance, and opportunities. However, the real success of this initiative will depend on your sincerity, dedication, and willingness to work hard. The more effort you put into learning these skills, the greater your opportunities to build a secure and independent future. Every woman has immense talent and potential. This Skill Development Centre is not just a place to learn a craft; it is a platform to build confidence, discover your strengths, and become financially self-reliant. I am delighted to partner with Devyani Rana, whose vision for grassroots development and women empowerment is truly inspiring. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities that will enable the women of Nagrota Constituency to become confident entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and role models for future generations. The women present during the programme expressed their gratitude for bringing such a meaningful initiative to Nagrota Constituency. They welcomed the establishment of the Skill Development Centre in Ghaink Panchayat and lauded the broadening of horizons of new avenues of employment and entrepreneurship for them.

Pilgrims begin Yatra along traditional Pahalgam route

Anantnag, Jul 3:Chanting Bum Bum Bhole amid a light drizzle, the first batches of pilgrims on Friday began the annual Amarnath Yatra through the traditional Pahalgam route, setting out on the 48-km trek to the 3,880-metre-high Himalayan cave shrine under tight security. Hundreds of pilgrims, including women, elderly devotees and sadhus, left the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam early in the morning for Chandanwari, the first halt on the route located about 17 km away. Wrapped in raincoats and woollens, the devotees continued their journey despite intermittent rain. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amod Ashok Nagpure and other officials flagged off the first batches from the base camp. The cave shrine houses the naturally formed ice- stalagmite, revered by Hindu devotees as a symbol of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims reach the shrine either through the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route or the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. While many pilgrims chose to undertake the trek on foot, others hired horses or palanquins to navigate the steep mountain track. Mahesh Solanki, 43, a first-time pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh, said he was impressed with the arrangements at the base camp. I feel blessed to be here. Our stay at the base camp was comfortable and the facilities are excellent. I had always wanted to undertake this pilgrimage, he said. Amit Jaiswal, 45, from Madhya Pradesh, said he had been visiting the shrine for the past three years. Every year I return with greater devotion. The excitement is unmatched. I can't wait to have darshan of Baba Barfani, he said. Reena, 45, from Delhi, who is travelling with her family, said she had long dreamt of visiting the cave-shrine. We are determined to reach the holy cave this time. It is a dream come true for every believer, she said. Mahesh, 40, from Maharashtra, said he would pray for peace and harmony during the pilgrimage. The atmosphere here is divine. Everyone should undertake this journey at least once in their lifetime, he said. Kashi Sumair, a sadhu from Varanasi, said the pilgrimage held deep spiritual significance. Our association with Kashmir goes back to the times of Kashyapa and Adi Shankaracharya. This pilgrimage is sacred for devotees, he said. The first batch of 4,822 pilgrims had left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Thursday after being flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Officials said 2,510 pilgrims travelling in 112 vehicles proceeded to the Nunwan base camp for the Pahalgam route, while 2,312 pilgrims in 147 vehicles headed to the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district. The 57-day pilgrimage will conclude on August 28. Thousands of devotees are expected to visit the shrine during the annual yatra. Authorities have deployed thousands of personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Army and other security agencies along the twin routes. Multi-layer security arrangements, aerial surveillance and electronic monitoring have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

Pilgrims, service providers express satisfaction with arrangements

Baltal, Jul 3:The 57-day-long annual Amarnath Yatra began on Friday as the first batch of pilgrims left the base camp Baltal A in Ganderbal to start their journey to the 3880-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas. Amid heightened security arrangements, the first batch of pilgrims were flagged off by the Nodal Officer Baltal Axis Rahul Yadav along with DIG Maqsood Ul Zaman, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama in the presence of senior civil and police officials. Chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole and 'Har Har Mahadev reverberated through the air at daybreak as ecstatic pilgrims began the journey to the Amarnath Cave Shrine housed among the mighty Himalayan peaks at an elevation of 3880 metres. The pilgrims included men, women, sadhus, old and young. Nodal Officer Baltal, Rahul Yadav said that SASB and the entire district administration has made preparations for a smooth Yatra from Baltal. Despite some light rain the passage has been kept clear and we roughly expect 10,000 people to depart for the Yatra on day first, adding that Emergency shelters have been made at various places for convenience of pilgrims The 57- day-long pilgrimage commenced from the twin tracks of Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal. The traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district is longer while the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district is shorter but steeper. Using various modes of transport, the pilgrims from different parts of the country amid heightened security arrangements start reaching the base camps Thursday evening, ahead of the formal start of the pilgrimage to the cave shrine, located at a height of 13,500 feet above sea level. The yatris were very enthusiastic to see the arrangements in place. They were happy too as the locals are extending full support and coordination to the yatris. Most of the pilgrims expressed happiness over the arrangements made by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and the J&K UT administration. We are very excited to start our journey today and we feel blessed about it, adding that the arrangements are very good a pilgrim said. All arrangements have been put in place by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and the UT administration to ensure smooth pilgrimage to the naturally formed ice-lingam at the cave shrine, officials said. Baltal route in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district is shortest route. While pilgrims take a few days from the Pahalgam base camp to reach the cave, those using the Baltal route return back to the base camp after the 'Darshan' the same day. Mountain rescue teams have been also deployed for quick evacuation in case of emergencies. There will be telecom services available on the entire route. A 100 bedded state-of-the-art hospital, has been built in support of J&K health and medical education department for round-the-clock healthcare facilities to the pilgrims. Adequate stocks of oxygen cylinders, additional teams of doctors, ambulances and helicopters have also been kept stand by for the yatris. J&K Police along with SDRF personnel provide helping hand to the pilgrims during the annual Yatra pilgrimage (SANJY-2026). Special assistance and support was provided to the pilgrims, ensuring their safety and well-being, enabling them to continue their spiritual journey.

Amid rains hundreds trek to Holy Cave on day 1

Srinagar, Jul 3: Amid rain and cold weather, the annual Amarnath Yatra commenced early morning on Friday, with the first batches of pilgrims leaving the twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan for the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said. The mountainous cave shrine houses a naturally formed ice lingam. The pilgrimage proceeded along two routes to the shrine the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam track and the 14-km Baltal track amid intermittent rain. The 57-day yatra will continue with stringent security arrangements in place will culminate on 28 August. Pilgrims are navigating the challenging terrain on foot, ponies, and palkis, reflecting the deep faith driving one of Hinduisms most revered pilgrimages. The 57-day yatra, which is drawing large numbers of devotees from across India and abroad, is expected to witness a record-breaking turnout this year. The J&K administration has implemented comprehensive measures to facilitate a safe and orderly pilgrimage for lakhs of participants. Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Bhat and SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure flagged off the first batch from the Pahalgam base camp in the morning. From the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district, Managing Director JKPDC Rahul Yadan, DC Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, and senior police officers led the ceremonial departure for the initial group of pilgrims. It was smooth from both the routes, a senior Government official told Greater Kashmir. There is huge and rush from both the sides. He said that tight security measures have been deployed across both routes, with police, paramilitary forces, and the Army providing comprehensive cover to pilgrims. Senior officials of police and administration are camped at both the routes, the official said strict measures are being taken for following the protocol. The J&K government has issued a firm advisory urging pilgrims to undertake the yatra only on their registered dates. In line with Supreme Court directions, a daily ceiling on the number of pilgrims has been fixed to prioritise safety and ensure smooth operations. Advance registration facilities were made available through bank branches nationwide and online platforms, with the majority of devotees having already completed the process. Compliance with this daily ceiling limit is mandatory for the safety of pilgrims and for the smooth conduct of the Yatra, the government emphasised. Tatkal (on-spot) registrations are extremely limited, and unregistered pilgrims have been requested to wait for their turn. The administration has also warned against early arrivals, stating that no pilgrim will be allowed to proceed before their assigned date. Every pilgrim will get an opportunity to undertake the Yatra, but this will be possible only according to the prescribed procedure and available capacity, it added, appealing for full cooperation. Registered yatris have been issued personalised Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards featuring GPS-enabled tracking. These cards enable real-time monitoring, emergency coordination, and efficient oversight of pilgrim movement from designated points.

3865 pilgrims embark from Jammu on day 2

Jammu, Jul 3:3865 yatris of the second batch on Friday embarked on the annual pilgrimage from the Yatri Niwas Jammu base camp at Bhagwati Nagar as Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY) formally commenced with the pilgrims of the first batch, both from the Pahalgam and Baltal axes, paying obeisance at the 3880-metre-high cave shrine nestled in South Kashmir. Meanwhile, amid a spiralling number of unregistered pilgrims seeking Tatkal (on-spot) registration besides a surge in registered pilgrims arriving in Jammu and Kashmir prior to their scheduled registration date, the Union Territory (UT) administration has cautioned that slots for immediate registration are extremely limited. Asserting that it is adhering to the daily set limit as mandated by the Supreme Court, it has also subtly warned that no pilgrim will be permitted to undertake the journey before his or her registered date. In a related development, the police have rubbished the reports being peddled on social media about the deaths of pilgrims intending to undertake Yatra and putting up in Yatri Niwas, Jammu. On day 2, from Yatri Niwas, the second batch of Shri Amarnath pilgrims, comprising 2965 males, 618 females, 4 children, 230 Sadhus and 48 Sadhvis, left Friday morning for twin Yatra routes of Pahalgam and Baltal, in a fleet of 201 vehicles amid heavy security. 2130 pilgrims, opting for the Pahalgam route, left the base camp in a convoy of 86 vehicles at 3.38 am while 1735 pilgrims left for the Baltal route in 115 vehicles at 3.13 am. As the number of pilgrims arriving in J&K is swelling up, the J&K administration has struck a note of caution. It has notified that in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court, a daily limit has been set for the maximum number of pilgrims allowed on the Yatra route. Adherence to this limit is mandatory to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the smooth conduct of the Yatra, it has maintained. The administration reasoned that to facilitate pilgrims, the facility for advance registration was made available across the country through bank branches and online channels well before the commencement of the Yatra. Most pilgrims have already availed themselves of this facility and completed their registration. Consequently, slots for 'Tatkal' (immediate) registration are extremely limited. All pilgrims are requested to travel to Jammu and Kashmir only after completing their advance registration, it has urged. The administration has pointed out that it is not feasible to accommodate the thousands of unregistered pilgrims who arrive daily under the Tatkal facility. Therefore, such pilgrims are requested to wait for their turn and undertake the journey only on the date allotted by the administration. It has also been observed that many registered pilgrims are arriving in Jammu and Kashmir prior to their scheduled registration date. No pilgrim will be permitted to undertake the journey before their registered date, it has cautioned and requested the pilgrims to arrive for the journey strictly in accordance with their registered date. Asking the pilgrims, who have arrived in Jammu and Kashmir without registration, to wait for their turn, it has assured that everyone (pilgrim) will get the opportunity to undertake the Yatra. However, this will be possible only in accordance with the prescribed procedure and available capacity. You are all requested to maintain order and cooperate with the administration to ensure everyone's safety, it has reiterated. Meanwhile, the Police have also refuted false reports in circulation on social media about the death of pilgrims at Yatri Niwas. It has come to notice that there are certain reels circulating on social media falsely claiming that there have been deaths of pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra in Yatri Niwas, Jammu. This is a strong rebuttal of the same - there have been no deaths and the yatris remain hale and hearty. Jammu Police remain committed to ensuring the safety of every pilgrim, the Police said. In religious events related to Yatra across city, a spiritually uplifting evening Aarti was also performed with great devotion and religious fervour at the historic Shri Raghunath Ji temple, Jammu, under the aegis of the J&K Dharmarth Trust on Thursday. The occasion assumed special significance as it coincided with the flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, with devotees offering heartfelt prayers for the safe, peaceful and successful completion of the sacred pilgrimage. Addressing the gathering, Ritu Singh, chairperson of the Jammu Aarti Sanstha, highlighted the spiritual, cultural and civilisational significance of the daily Aarti at Shri Raghunath Ji temple. She said the sacred tradition served as a powerful medium for strengthening faith, preserving Sanatan values and inspiring devotees with a deep sense of devotion and spiritual awakening. She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Dr Karan Singh, chairperson of the Dharmarth Trust for granting permission to conduct the daily evening Aarti at the historic temple, describing his support as instrumental in reviving and sustaining this sacred spiritual tradition for the benefit of devotees. A large number of devotees participated in the Aarti and collectively prayed for peace, harmony, prosperity and the well-being of all pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Yatra. During the programme, renowned singer Sonali Dogra mesmerized the gathering with her melodious voice. On the occasion, Ashok Kumar Sharma, a retired IPS officer and secretary J&K Dharmarth Trust and prominent persons of the city were also present.

Fresh Illegalities surface at sealed Tengpora IVF Centre

Srinagar, Jul 3: Inquiry into the case of death of a woman at the Harkaar IVF Center Tengpora has revealed fresh irregularities, prompting the Health Department to seek an FIR against the accused. Demand has also been made for starting a criminal investigation into the death of the Baramulla woman who lost her life during an IVF procedure at the Center. Official documents accessed by Greater Kashmir show that the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Srinagar has reported the fresh findings to the Directorate of Health Services (DHSK) after the clinic was temporarily opened on Thursday. The inspection took place under official supervision while the centre was de-sealed temporarily to facilitate the transfer of frozen embryos to another IVF facility. This was decided, as per the department, so that ongoing fertility treatment of patients was not affected and for prevention of loss of money, embroyos, and emotional toll. The fresh findings include an unauthorised ultrasound (USG) machine installed in the recovery room of the clinic. The machine was immediately seized, the report states. The development comes a day after the Health Department ordered an inquiry into the death of a woman during an IVF procedure at the centre. An earlier inspection report, a copy of which is available with Greater Kashmir, had noted that the death of the patient warrants a separate criminal investigation. It had already flagged multiple alleged violations. These include that the IVF centre was functioning from an under-construction building without the necessary permissions and approvals. Authorities have also written in the report that the proprietor had shifted an ultrasound machine from another location in Karan Nagar to the Tengpora facility without mandatory approval from authorities. Any relocation of a USG equipment is to be approved by the competent authorities under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act. In addition, the premises where the ultrasound machine was being used was neither registered nor approved. The Chief Medical Officer has recommended registration of an FIR against the proprietor under provisions of the PC&PNDT Act, its Rules, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws. The frozen embryos, as per the documents, have been shifted to Fertgyn IVF Centre, Hyderpora under the supervision of the CMO and in the presence of the investigating officer to preserve evidence. The inquiry report into the alleged medical negligence during IVF procedure resulting in death of the woman has not been submitted yet, officials said. The investigation is likely to examine all the circumstances surrounding the patient's death. The case pertains to the alleged medical negligence at Harkaar IVF Center Tengpora. Family of a Baramulla woman had sought inquiry and action against the Center, alleging that they were lied to by doctors when the patient passed away during an IVF procedure.

Committee on Environment visits Achan Waste Management Site

Srinagar, Jul 3: In a significant move towards strengthening environmental governance and promoting sustainable municipal solid waste management, the Committee on Environment of Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly today visited the Achan Waste Management Site at Eidgah to review the functioning of the citys primary waste processing facility, besides on-site field inspection of the Anchar, Hokersar and Khushal Sar lakes and their associated wetlands. The high-level delegation was led by the Chairman of the Committee on Environment, M.Y. Tarigami and was accompanied by Legislators Mubarik Gul, Javaid Riyaz (Bedar), Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Dalip Singh, Salman Sagar, Showkat Hussain Ganie besides Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur, Secretary JKLA Manoj Kumar Pandit, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Faz Lul Haseeb, Chairman J&K Pollution Control Committee; Vice Chairman, J&K Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA); Chief Engineer, Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED); Joint Commissioners of SMC; and other senior officers. During the visit, the Committee carried out a comprehensive inspection of the Achan Waste Management Site and reviewed the existing solid waste management framework, ongoing waste processing operations, legacy waste remediation measures, leachate treatment systems, environmental safeguards, and the overall operational efficiency of the facility and also assessed the status of solid waste management, illegal encroachments, degradation of water bodies and the impact of pollution on public health. The Committee also assessed the initiatives being undertaken to strengthen scientific waste processing, improve environmental compliance, enhance sanitation standards, and ensure sustainable disposal practices in accordance with prescribed environmental norms. Briefing the Committee, Commissioner SMC, highlighted the Corporations sustained efforts to modernize and strengthen municipal solid waste management across Srinagar. He informed the Committee about various initiatives aimed at improving door-to-door waste collection, enhancing segregation at source, expanding scientific processing and disposal capacities, upgrading waste management infrastructure, and ensuring environmentally sustainable sanitation services for the city. The Committee stressed on adopting modern technologies, innovative waste processing solutions, and global best practices to transform the Achan Waste Management Site into a state-of-the-art, environmentally compliant, and sustainable waste management facility. It also emphasised that the Corporation remains committed to safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and maintaining high standards of urban cleanliness through efficient and scientific waste management systems. Appreciating the initiatives undertaken by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, the Committee underscored the need for sustained inter-departmental coordination, continuous monitoring, infrastructure augmentation, scientific management of legacy waste, and adoption of advanced waste processing technologies to further strengthen environmental protection and solid waste management across the city. Expressing anguish over rampat illegal landfilling, unauthorised construction and indiscriminate dumping of waste in and around the wetlands, the Chairman observed that these ecological sensitive water bodies are facing serious threats due to encroachment and unplanned urban expansion. The Committee directed the concerned departments to initiate immediate action, prepare a comprehensive time-bound action plan for the protection and restoration of these lakes and wetlands, and keep the Committee informed through periodic Action Taken Reports. The visit reflects the Committees commitment to advancing environmental conservation, promoting scientific municipal solid waste management, enhancing urban sanitation, and building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Srinagar through collaborative and forward-looking environmental initiatives.