Opinion

Cong opposes MP Waqf Board reorganisation with Hindu members, plans to move SC

Bhopal, Jul 07: Congress leaders have termed the reorganisation of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board with the inclusion of two Hindu members as inappropriate and said they would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, said the decision should not be viewed through the prism of religion, as the Waqf Board is not limited to mosques. The Waqf Board chief also said the move was in strict adherence to legal provisions. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday reorganised the state Waqf Board, adding two Hindu members. The new board, formed under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is the first state-level Waqf Board in the country to appoint Hindu members, officials said. Sanwar Patel has been appointed chairman of the 10-member Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, and Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava have been included as Hindu members. Patel was first appointed chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board in 2023. He has now been given a second consecutive term. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Congress MLA Arif Masood said the matter related to the Waqf Act is already pending before the Supreme Court and a final decision is yet to be given. Such appointments should not have been made until the final decision of the apex court, he opined. In such a situation, the Madhya Pradesh government's reorganisation of the Waqf Board and inclusion of non-Muslim members is inappropriate and raises several legal questions. We will approach the Supreme Court and challenge the formation and appointment of the Waqf Board members, he said. Speaking to PTI Videos, former minister and senior Congress leader PC Sharma criticised the BJP for appointing Hindu members to the Waqf Board, alleging the ruling party has no issues other than Hindu-Muslim and India-Pakistan. He claimed this step was taken to divert public attention from the theft of offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the allegations against Chief Minister Yadav. Hitting back, Sanwar Patel said the board has been reconstituted in strict adherence to legal provisions. Opposition parties are politicising the issue and provoking people. They have to politicise everything, he told PTI. State minister Vishwas Sarang said it was heartening that Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to enact the Waqf Act 2026 and include two Hindu members. Congratulating Chief Minister Yadav and the Waqf Board chairman, he said this would have far-reaching and positive consequences. On the objections from Congress leaders, he said, This is not about including any non-Muslim in the mosque committee; the Waqf Board is separate. It is surprising to view this through the lens of religion. The Waqf Board isn't limited to mosques; its scope is much broader. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma said only those who have encroached upon Waqf lands should be offended. The Waqf Board's land belongs to India, and everyone talks about the Ganga-Jamuni culture. It's part of the country's culture. It's land to be given to the poor. Waqf land hasn't been named after any mullah or cleric, he said. Sharma said Hindu members of the Waqf Board will also be committed to the welfare of the poor. Muslims shouldn't be bothered by this; those who were embezzling Waqf property will definitely be bothered, he added. According to a state government notification, the 10-member board includes Sanwar Patel, Najma Heptulla, Atif Aqeel, Faizan Khan, Fatema Chaudhary, Shaista Sultan, Shabana Khan, Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava. The commissioner of the state's Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department is an ex-officio member of the board. The Waqf Board is a statutory body established to manage and protect Waqf properties in the state. Its main function is to maintain records of Waqf properties, monitor their use and income, protect them from illegal encroachments, and ensure their use for religious, educational, and social welfare purposes.

Sixth batch of over 8,800 Amarnath pilgrims leaves Jammu for cave shrine in Kashmir

BANIHAL, July 7: The sixth batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Tuesday under tight security arrangements, officials said. According to the Zonal Police Control Room, Jammu, a total of 8,815 pilgrims departed in 363 vehicles for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam. Of the total, 3,989 pilgrims travelling in 181 vehicles left for the Baltal axis at 3:35 am, while 4,826 pilgrims in 182 vehicles departed for the Pahalgam axis at 4:08 am. The pilgrims include 5,831 men, 2,193 women, 30 children, 598 sadhus, 131 sadhvis, one sadhu child, and 31 foreign male devotees. The convoy comprises 172 buses, 58 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 130 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and three two-wheelers. Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall lashed Ramban district early Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat and humid weather. The showers created pleasant conditions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway as the Yatra convoy passed through the district under elaborate security arrangements. The annual pilgrimage commenced on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, 2026, on the occasion of Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). Traffic officials and security agencies are closely monitoring the movement of the convoy, while district administrations Ramban along the route have put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safe and smooth passage of pilgrims. The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is being conducted under a multi-tier security grid with extensive logistical support from the administration, police, paramilitary forces, health services, and other departments.

DC Bandipora chairs DRAC meeting; reviews Semi Ring Road Phase-II progress

Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib Monday chaired a meeting of the District Rent Assessment Committee (DRAC) to finalize rent assessment cases of government offices functioning from rented buildings across the district. Of the nine rent assessment cases placed before the committee, seven were approved after detailed deliberations, while two were kept pending, subject to submission of requisite documents and completion of necessary formalities. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized timely disposal of rent assessment cases in accordance with prescribed norms and directed the concerned departments to submit complete documentation to enable early disposal of the pending cases. The meeting was attended by the Chief Medical Officer Bandipora along with BMOs; Assistant Director Handicrafts Bandipora; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Bandipora; Chief Planning Officer Bandipora; DySP DAR; besides other concerned officers and departmental representatives. Later, the Deputy Commissioner chaired a review meeting on the Semi Ring Road Phase-II project to assess the progress of works and address issues requiring inter-departmental coordination for its timely execution. Reviewing the status of each agenda item, the Deputy Commissioner stressed close coordination among the concerned departments for early resolution of pending issues. She directed the executing agencies and revenue authorities to expedite land acquisition for tower locations, accelerate the estimation of structures falling within the project alignment, and take all necessary measures for early relocation of the irrigation pump to ensure uninterrupted progress of works. Emphasizing timely completion of the project, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned officers to accelerate the execution process, remove bottlenecks on priority, and complete all procedural formalities within stipulated timelines to ensure smooth implementation of the Semi Ring Road Phase-II project.

Stakeholders adopt 5-point roadmap for a cleaner, greener Kashmir

In a significant step towards strengthening community led environmental action, the MEERC Council of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) in collaboration with the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) convened a Multi Stakeholder Dialogue on environmental sustainability, waste management, and civic responsibility, bringing together policymakers, environmentalists, educationists, government officials, and civil society representatives under one roof under the title Don't Waste The Future the Institution of Engineers (India), Church Lane, Srinagar. The programme was graced by MY Tarigami, MLA and Chairman, House Committee on Environment, J&K Legislative Assembly, as Chief Guest. The event was attended by Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Former Advisor to the Governor of J&K, Waseem Raja, Joint Director Tourism Kashmir, MFarooq A. Gillani, IFS (Retd.), Padma Shri SP Verma, Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam, President PSAJK, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat social activist along with NLCO Core Group members Dr Farooq Peer, Mr Aijaz Naqshbandi, and Mr Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmad. The programme was moderated by Advocate Nadeem Qadri, while the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam and the vote of thanks by Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Bhat, President, Rotary Club of Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, NLCO Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo emphasized that environmental conservation can no longer remain the sole responsibility of government agencies. He called for active public participation, particularly by educational institutions, describing students as the most powerful ambassadors of environmental stewardship. The PSAJK shall work with the academicians to form HPC which will add portfolio development in our curriculum and within a span of one year the association shall adopt green campuses all across J&K. The dialogue culminated in the unanimous adoption of five resolutions that will guide future collaborative initiatives between NLCO, PSAJK, educational institutions, and civil society. The resolutions include: Restoration and conservation of Brari Nambal; Adoption of ten public and religious spaces for cleanliness and beautification.; Launch of the Green Campus and Safe Surroundings initiative in and around schools; Student signature campaign highlighting concerns related to the stray dog menace; Student mass awareness and action on solid waste management reaching each household . Speaking on the occasion, the distinguished guests appreciated NLCOs and PSAJK sustained efforts in promoting environmental action and commended the organisations for building meaningful partnerships between government institutions, schools, environmental experts, and civil society. The speakers unanimously stressed that environmental stewardship must move beyond awareness programmes and translate into sustained action through community participation, responsible waste management, restoration of natural ecosystems, and active youth engagement. Concluding the programme, Chairman NLCO Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo reaffirmed the organisations commitment to working with all stakeholders to transform todays resolutions into measurable action on the ground. Real change begins when institutions, communities, and citizens work together. These resolutions are not merely commitments on paper but a roadmap towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Kashmir, he said. The Private Schools Association J&K called upon schools, students, parents, government departments, civil society organizations and citizens to work collectively towards building a clean, green and sustainable and environmentally responsible Jammu and Kashmir. The Green Marathon programme starting from Kupwara and Green Campus Program was initiated by Adv. Nadeem Qadri who is also the Advisor to the J&K chapter of The Climate Reality Project India and South Asia.

National Conference to hold convention on July 11

The ruling National Conference (NC) will commemorate the death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah at Naseem Bagh on July 11, followed by a party convention to deliberate on key political issues, including the campaign for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and preparations for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Addressing reporters, NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said party leaders and workers would first offer Fatiha in memory of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah before participating in a convention that is expected to witness a large gathering of party workers and leaders. He said the convention would also discuss preparations for the party's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where the National Conference plans to press for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Sadiq said the demand for restoration of statehood was not confined to the National Conference alone but represented the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the party intended to remind the Centre of the assurances made regarding statehood and would appeal to all political parties and individuals who support the cause to join the protest. The restoration of statehood is a mission of every person who believes that the rights and identity of Jammu and Kashmir should be protected, he said, adding that invitations would soon be sent to various political parties and leaders to participate in the Delhi programme. He maintained that all parties, irrespective of political differences, should unite on the issue. Referring to the BJP, Sadiq said if the party supported restoration of statehood, it too should back the demand publicly. The NC spokesperson also said the party would seek permission from the administration to pay tributes to the July 13 martyrs, expressing hope that the government would allow the commemorative visit democratically. Commenting on the controversy surrounding books allegedly glorifying separatists, Sadiq said the matter required a thorough investigation. He alleged that there appeared to be a conspiracy to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir and said those responsible should be identified and proceeded against. On India-Pakistan relations, Sadiq reiterated the National Conference's longstanding position that dialogue remains the only sustainable solution to resolve issues between the two countries. However, he said Pakistan must first create an atmosphere free from terrorism and infiltration to facilitate meaningful engagement. The National Conference has always believed that dialogue is the way forward, but it requires a conducive environment, he said.

Tanvir Sadiq visits Lal Bazar fire victims; ensures swift relief, compensation

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq Monday visited the families affected by the devastating fire incident at Amda Kadal in Lal Bazar to express his heartfelt sympathies and stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time. Interacting with the affected families, Tanvir Sadiq assured them that they would not be left alone in their hour of need. He listened to their concerns, assessed the extent of the damage caused by the blaze, and assured them that every possible effort would be made to facilitate timely relief and rehabilitation. A press release said, as an immediate relief measure, Tanvir Sadiq distributed financial assistance of Rs 30,000 among the affected families from his own resources. He also informed them that financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh per affected family under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) would be disbursed to the victims. In addition, he assured that Rs 1 lakh would be provided to each affected household through CDF. He said that he is in constant touch with the district administration and other concerned departments, urging them to ensure prompt assessment of the losses and expedite the release of relief and rehabilitation assistance. He emphasized that all necessary measures should be taken to provide immediate support, including temporary shelter, essential supplies, and compensation to the affected families.

Pilgrims who come to Kashmir for their faith should be treated with respect, care: Mirwaiz

Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, while interacting with the media after inaugurating an educational consultancy initiative at Lal Chowk, spoke on the Amarnath Yatra, the recent ban on books, and the need for India-Pakistan dialogue. On the Amarnath Yatra, Mirwaiz said that it is a religious pilgrimage, and the people of Kashmir have always respected the religious sentiments of all communities. He said Kashmir has a long tradition of hospitality and mehmaan-nawazi, and pilgrims who come here for their faith should be treated with respect and care. At the same time, Mirwaiz said it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure the safety and proper facilities for the yatris, while also making sure that the daily life of local people is not unnecessarily disrupted and that the fragile environment of Kashmir is protected. He said such religious occasions should not be politicised, and should remain about faith, peace, mutual respect and harmony among communities. He expressed hope that the Yatra passes peacefully and safely. Responding to a question on the governments ban on books, Mirwaiz said that in a democratic society bans do not work, whether they are bans on books, ideas or organisations. He said Kashmir has a 5000 year old rich and layered history . Mirwaiz said Kashmiris are proud of their civilisational legacy, from the Buddhist period to Shaivism and Hindu traditions, and then the Islamic period, which shaped Kashmirs spiritual, social and cultural identity. He said that after 1947, Jammu and Kashmir also became a political issue, and this too is part of its modern history. You cannot erase history or selectively project only that part of history which suits a particular narrative, Mirwaiz said, adding that societies grow through openness, discussion and engagement, not by suppressing books or silencing perspectives. And facts remain facts . On India-Pakistan relations, Mirwaiz said that since the age of 16, after the martyrdom of his father Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq, he has invested his life in the pursuit of peace, dialogue and resolution of Kashmir issue and that is the politics he pursues. He said that he supported dialogue even at a time when those advocating talks were accused of treason. We did not back down. My uncle shaheed Molvi Mushtaq was killed, Islamia school was burnt down , my house was attacked, but I did not give up on my principle even then that dialogue is the only way forward, he said. Mirwaiz said that as a new world order is shaping up, it is clear that war is no solution. He welcomed the efforts of civil society voices from India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir who are pushing for peace and engagement between the two countries. He said the legacy of dialogue during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh needs to be revived and taken forward. He stressed that meaningful dialogue is imperative between Delhi and Islamabad, and equally between Delhi and Srinagar, for peace, dignity and a just resolution.

Newly appointed Army chief General Dhiraj Seth calls on Murmu

Newly appointed Army chief General Dhiraj Seth on Monday called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. The presidents office shared a picture of the meeting in a post on X. Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth along with spouse Smt Komal Seth called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, it said. General Seth, an accomplished military officer with the rare distinction of heading two operational Army commands along the western front, took charge as the new Chief of the Army Staff on June 30.

Putin, Zelensky want to end war: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Russias Vladimir Putin and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky want to end their war as Moscow launched a fresh wave of attacks on Kyiv, killing at least 18 people. President Putin wants it to end. I will tell you that very strongly. Good call. And President Zelensky actually wants it to end now, and were going to be going to NATO, and were going to be talking about it, Trump told reporters at the White House. The US President was interacting with reporters at the Oval Office after ringing the opening bells for the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq to launch Trump Accounts for children. Trump held separate calls with Putin and Zelensky over the weekend to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, which is now in its fifth year. While talking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump repeated his claim that he ended eight wars, including the one between India and Pakistan, which could have witnessed the use of nuclear weapons. I ended eight wars, and this (Ukraine) was, in my opinion, going to be an easier one because I know both heads -- I didnt know most of the heads. I did India, I did Pakistan, I did others that could have been a really bad one, nuclear. That was going to be nuclear. It could have, as per the Prime Minister of Pakistan, killed 40 million. Forty million people would have been killed, maybe 50 million. They had shot down 11 planes. It was raging. For four days, and I got it stopped, Trump said, referring to Operation Sindoor last year. And I did that, but this (Ukraine) is one that I think were getting much closer than people realise, Trump said. India has consistently denied all claims about any third-party intervention during the conflict with Pakistan in May 2025. According to New Delhi, the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

Will hold talks with Indonesian Prez to provide greater momentum to partnership: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he will hold discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto aimed at providing greater momentum to the comprehensive strategic partnership across various sectors. Modi made the remarks in a social media post soon after he arrived in Indonesia on the first leg of his three-nation tour, aimed at further strengthening Indias Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. In a special gesture, PM Modi was received at the airport by Indonesian President Subianto. In addition, four ministers were also present to receive the Prime Minister, who was accorded a traditional ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour. Landed in Jakarta. Im touched by President Prabowo Subiantos gesture of welcoming me at the airport, Modi said in a social media post. This is PM Modis first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. In 2018, we elevated our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has benefitted our people, Modi said. During this visit, President Subianto and I will hold discussions aimed at providing greater momentum to this partnership across various sectors, he said. President Prabowo and I will visit the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta. This will ensure closer cultural linkages between our nations. While in Indonesia, I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community, he added. The centuries-old temple, located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Yogyakarta city, is considered Indonesias largest Hindu temple. Upon his arrival at the hotel, the Prime Minister witnessed cultural presentations, including the Ramayana and Bharatanatyam. Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Jakarta. Their affection and deep commitment to Indias progress are truly inspiring. Our diaspora continues to strengthen Indias bonds with the world through its achievements across diverse fields, Modi said. Modi witnessed a captivating performance of Wayang Kulit, Indonesias treasured shadow puppetry tradition, bringing the timeless story of the Ramayana to life. It was a moving reminder of how our shared civilisational heritage has travelled across seas and generations, taking on beautiful local expressions while preserving its eternal values. My compliments to the team, which is known as Ganesh, for the performance, he said. Modi said he was delighted to witness a graceful Bharatanatyam performance by the Samanvaya Group. It is gladdening to see these cherished traditions being preserved and presented with such dedication and excellence, he added. The performance of Homage to the Triple Gem, by the artistes of the Vihara Dharma Ratna Group, was exceptional. It reflected the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha and the profound values embodied in the Triple Gem. It is heartening to see the rich Buddhist heritage being preserved and celebrated with such passion by the people of Indonesia, he added. Ahead of his departure from Delhi, Modi said his visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand will further strengthen Indias Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific. MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, is Indias vision of security and growth for all regions. Modis visit comes after President Prabowos state visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025. India and Indonesia share strong civilisational and people-to-people ties, and my visit will further deepen all aspects of our multifaceted partnership, he said. From Indonesia, Modi will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The final leg of the tour will take him to Auckland at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Heavy rains, flash flood cause massive destruction in Doda's Thathri; houses, shops buried, highway closed

BANIHAL, July 7: Heavy rainfall accompanied by a flash flood triggered a massive landslide in the Thathri area of Doda district early Monday, burying several vehicles, residential houses, and shops under debris while causing widespread devastation and disruption. According to local residents, the cloudburst and flash flood struck the area with tremendous force, damaging at least 10 residential houses completely, while several other houses suffered partial damage. Around 10 shops were also buried under debris, and a number of vehicles remain trapped beneath the landslide. Eyewitnesses said several vehicles were swept away by the flash flood and washed into the Chenab River. However, the exact number of vehicles lost and the overall extent of the damage have not yet been officially confirmed. The landslide also forced the closure of the DodaBatoteKishtwar National Highway, disrupting traffic and affecting connectivity in the region. Officials said the district administration is closely monitoring the situation, while rescue and debris clearance operations are underway to restore normalcy. Authorities have advised commuters and local residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from landslide-prone areas, and strictly follow official advisories until the situation improves. No official reports of casualties were immediately available, while assessment of the damage was continuing.

Gold overtakes vehicle loans as top securitised asset class in Q1FY27: CRISIL

Gold loans emerged as the largest securitised asset class in the April-June quarter of the current fiscal, overtaking vehicle loans in the countrys securitisation market, a report said on Monday. Securitisation, a process through which lenders pool loans and sell them to investors to raise funds and free up capital for fresh lending, saw issuances surge 22 per cent year-on-year to around Rs 60,000 crore in the April-June quarter, a CRISIL Ratings report said. The report said more than 98 per cent of the issuances during the quarter were originated by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), unlike previous peak periods when banks had also contributed significantly. Gold loans accounted for around 31 per cent of the overall securitisation volume in the first quarter, overtaking vehicle loans, whose share moderated to around 26 per cent because of fewer issuances by a large originator. The robust volume indicates NBFCs ramped up recourse to securitisation for raising funds amid sustained credit demand and healthy investor appetite for securitised assets. Specifically, gold loan financiers saw strong portfolio growth and used the direct assignment (DA) route to source funds, CRISIL Ratings Director Deepanshu Singla said. He said public sector banks were the key investors in such transactions, attracted by the negligible historical credit losses in gold loans and the associated risk-weight benefits. The rise in gold loan securitisation, coupled with subdued activity by a large private bank that had driven sizeable retail mortgage-backed securitisation (MBS) volumes last fiscal, reduced the share of MBS to 12 per cent from 21 per cent a year ago. The share of business loan securitisation rose to 10 per cent from 7 per cent, driven by secured business loan pools, while microfinance loans accounted for 14 per cent of the overall volume, up from 11 per cent, aided by improved portfolio performance and demand for priority-sector assets. The changing asset mix also altered the mode of securitisation, with direct assignment transactions accounting for around 54 per cent of the total volume, compared with 46 per cent for pass-through certificate (PTC) transactions. About 87 per cent of securitised gold loans during the quarter were executed through the direct assignment route. Banks, including public sector, private and foreign lenders, invested in around 90 per cent of the issuances during the quarter. Other investors included large NBFCs, alternative investment funds, mutual funds, insurance companies, high-net-worth individuals and family offices. CRISIL Ratings Associate Director Payal Anand said the securitisation market is expected to maintain its growth momentum over the coming quarters, supported by healthy retail credit growth and increasing participation from originators across asset classes.

Amit Shah announces new cooperative life insurance firm, Bharat Taxi expansion to 500 cities

Union Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that a cooperative life insurance company will be established to expand the business areas of cooperatives and also said the services of Bharat Taxi would be increased to 500 cities in the next two years. At an event in the national capital to mark the fifth Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation, he stressed eradicating corruption in the appointments of professionals to enhance credibility in Indias cooperative ecosystem. Shah, the Cooperation Minister, said the establishment of the ministry has given a new lifeline to Indias cooperative movement, which was a neglected movement during the Congress regime. India has around 8.5 lakh cooperatives with more than 30 crore members. Shah highlighted that the ministry has taken many policy initiatives to make the cooperative system modern, transparent, technology-enabled, and competitive. The minister said that ride-hailing platform Bharat Taxi, which was launched under the cooperative model, has been doing well and would be expanded into 500 cities in the next two years. On similar lines to Bharat Taxi, Shah said: We will be setting up a life insurance company in the cooperative sector. This will help in the growth of cooperatives in the insurance sector. He mentioned that IFFCO-TOKIO, a joint venture of fertiliser cooperative IFFCO, is already in the insurance business. In India, there are 26 life insurance companies. Bharat Taxi is an initiative of Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a driver-centric mobility platform based on the cooperative model. At present, Bharat Taxi has 6.37 lakh registered drivers and 35.77 lakh registered customers. The service is operational in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Kanpur and will soon be launched in Ranchi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhopal, Kolkata, Indore, and Nagpur in the next few months, according to an official statement. Addressing the event, Shah said a national cooperative was formed especially for seed production and expressed confidence that it will emerge as the countrys largest non-governmental seed production organisation in three years. The minister noted that the cooperative organisations have entered into many new sectors, expanding beyond dairy, sugar, fertiliser and banking businesses. Nearly 20 per cent of agricultural credit, 35 per cent of fertiliser distribution, and 31 per cent of sugar production are being carried out through cooperatives, he said. Shah mentioned that model bye-laws, which enable PACS (primary agricultural credit societies) to undertake 25-plus business activities, have now been adopted by all states, including West Bengal. According to the statement, these PACS now function beyond credit, covering retail, storage, healthcare, fuel, and digital services. As many as 394 PACS have applied for retail fuel outlets, and 3 outlets have been commissioned. More than 54,000 PACS are functioning as Common Service Centres while 4,248 PACS are approved for Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Listing out the initiatives, Shah said the ministry has identified the problems as well as opportunities in this sector. A database of the cooperative sector has been created which will help in identifying the gaps and enable expansion of cooperatives. Shah mentioned that Tribhuvan Sahkari University is being established at Anand in Gujarat, which will address the human resource problem. He said trained professionals in banking, dairy, marketing, agriculture, fertilizers, and other areas of cooperation will be prepared from this university. These professionals will be appointed based on merit. Our goal is to implement professional management in a phased manner from primary cooperative societies to top institutions. This will increase transparency in appointments, improve work efficiency, and also put an effective check on corruption related to appointments, Shah said. By eliminating corruption in appointments, the cooperative sector can win peoples trust, he said. The minister expressed confidence that the cooperative sector would play a key role in making Viksit Bharat by 2047. Shah emphasised the promotion of organic farming and reducing theuse of chemical fertilisers. We are bringing 100 per cent circular economy in the sugar and dairy sectors. Through this, manure that can serve as an alternative to DAP will be produced. This indigenous manure will be cheaper than DAP and better in quality, and will provide greater benefit to fields, he said. Shah appealed to the farmers to give up DAP (DI-ammonium phosphate) and accept and adopt this new manure in the coming days. Elaborating more, the minister said 50 important amendments have been made to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, making the entire cooperative system more transparent and democratic. A total of nine national-level cooperative societies have been formed, including three new ones.

CM meets mutton dealers, reiterates Govs commitment to resolve livestock transit issues

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met a delegation of mutton dealers from Jammu and Kashmir who apprised him of the difficulties they have been facing in transporting livestock through Punjab, an issue that has impacted the smooth supply of livestock into J&K. Minister for Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana and Minister for Transport and Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma were also present during the meeting. The delegation highlighted the challenges encountered during transit and sought the Chief Ministers intervention to ensure the unhindered movement of livestock. Giving a patient hearing to their concerns, the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir is fully committed to resolving the issue and safeguarding the interests of traders, livestock transporters and consumers. He informed the delegation that a high-level team of senior officers from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir will shortly visit Punjab to hold discussions with the concerned authorities and work towards an early, practical and mutually agreeable resolution to all issues affecting the transportation of livestock. The Chief Ministers intervention follows his earlier outreach to Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann, to whom he had written a D.O. letter urging the Punjab Government to facilitate the smooth and uninterrupted movement of livestock and address the difficulties faced by transporters from Jammu and Kashmir during transit. Responding promptly, the Punjab Chief Minister had assured that the matter would be examined on priority and necessary action would be taken to resolve the concerns. The proposed visit of the high-level delegation forms part of the follow-up mechanism initiated by the two governments to ensure effective coordination and an early resolution of the issue.

Budgam Court seeks SSPs report on grazing rights of Branwar residents

In a significant development concerning the traditional grazing rights of tribal and other traditional forest dwelling communities, the Court of the Special Mobile Magistrate, Budgam has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Budgam to submit a report on allegations that police authorities were interfering with the grazing activities of local residents of Branwar around Chaskaninad meadows in Doodh Ganga forest range bordering Poonch. The direction came during the hearing of a civil suit filed by members of the local pastoral community of branwar Chadoora seeking recognition of their community grazing rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The plaintiffs have sought a direction to the authorities to initiate the statutory process for recognition of these rights. Appearing for the plaintiffs, Advocate Shakir Mushtaq Parray submitted before the Court that police officials were unlawfully preventing the community from grazing their livestock at Cheskani Nad Meadow and were harassing them despite grazing being their traditional occupation and primary source of livelihood. It was argued that such interference was causing serious hardship to the pastoral families. Taking note of the urgency of the matter, the Court directed the SSP, Budgam to file a report indicating whether police authorities are interfering with the grazing activities of the plaintiffs livestock at Cheskaninad Meadow. The report is to be submitted before the next date of hearing. The matter has been listed for July 13, 2026, and a copy of the order has been forwarded to the SSP, Budgam, for compliance.The order is being seen as an important judicial intervention in a dispute involving the livelihood of tribal pastoral communities and the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which recognises the customary rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over community forest resources, including grazing areas.

CT-scan machine defunct for over a month, patients suffer at SDH Kupwara

Patient care at Sub District Hospital Kupwara has been hit badly to the non-functional CT-scan machine for over a month, leaving patients in distress. As a result of un-availability of this vital diagnostic facility, patients are left with no choice, other than moving to private clinics for the want of the same. The residents have expressed strong resentment against authorities for failing to repair the machine even after the passage of over one month. The CT scan machine often faces glitches forcing patients to look for other alternatives. The existing machine happens to be an old one and often develops technical snags. I am unable to figure out why authorities are not taking concrete steps to replace this old machine with a new one, a local social activist, Irfan Malik told Greater Kashmir. The lack of urgency in repairing the CT scan machine at SDH Kupwara is appalling, considering the hospital serves lakhs of people from surrounding areas, including Karnah, Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Chowkibal, Kumkadi, Jumagund and others. The inaction of higher authorities raises questions about their priorities and sensitivity towards the healthcare needs of this region Malik added. The defunct CT scan machine at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara has become a significant hindrance to quality healthcare, forcing patients to seek expensive private facilities. The machine's prolonged malfunction has resulted in numerous patients, including a relative of mine, being compelled to undergo CT scan at a private clinic at an exorbitant cost of Rs 2,500. This is not only a financial burden but also a clear indication of the healthcare system's failure to provide accessible and affordable medical care to those in need, said another local. Meanwhile, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Kupwara, Dr Mohammad Shafi acknowledged the hardships being faced by the patients due to out-of-order CT-scan machine. The CT machine has developed a technical snag which requires over 30 lakh to get it fixed according to the engineers. We have approached to Director Health Services Kashmir to get the required amount so that the machine could be repaired immediately BMO added. Meanwhile, Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kupwara Mir Fayaz told Greater Kashmir that he has taken up the issue with the higher ups to fix the technical snag. He added that not only an MRI worth Rs 25 crore but a new CT-scan machine will be installed at SDH Kupwara for the larger interest of the people.

Satish Sharma meets delegations; assures welfare of workers, traders, youth

Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma met several delegations from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. He listened to their grievances and demands, assuring prompt redress of the same with intervention of the concerned departments. A delegation of Rehbar-e-Khel (ReK), led by MLA Khansahib Saif-ud-Din Bhat, called on the Minister and projected various issues. These included regularisation of Rehbar-e-Khel teachers, enhancement of their service conditions and the need for a comprehensive policy to address their long-pending demands. The delegation highlighted the significant contribution of ReKs in nurturing sports talent at the grassroots level across Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister assured the delegation that the government is fully aware of the issues confronting the Rehbar-e-Khel community and that their genuine concerns would be redressed shortly. He said the contribution of ReKs in strengthening the sports ecosystem is invaluable and every effort would be made to find a practical and sustainable resolution, said an official statement. A delegation of the Mutton Dealers Association also met the Minister and expressed gratitude to the administration for its timely intervention in resolving issues affecting the trade. The members appreciated the proactive role of the government in ensuring smooth functioning of the sector and thanked the Minister for safeguarding the interests of traders as well as consumers. Interacting with the delegation, Satish Sharma reiterated that the government remains committed to maintain a balance between consumer welfare and the legitimate interests of traders. He assured the members that constructive dialogue with stakeholders would continue to ensure transparent and efficient functioning of the sector. Besides, several other delegations from different districts and regions of Jammu and Kashmir called on the Minister and apprised him of various public issues, developmental requirements and sector-specific concerns. The delegations sought intervention in matters related to public services, youth welfare, sports infrastructure, technology-driven governance and developmental initiatives. Responding to the issues projected by all the delegations, the Minister assured them that the same would be examined on merit and appropriate action would be initiated in coordination with the concerned departments. Satish Sharma emphasized that sustained public outreach and continuous engagement with stakeholders remain essential for effective governance. He said such interactions provide valuable feedback that enables the government to formulate responsive policies and ensure that the benefits of development reach every corner of Jammu and Kashmir.

Tanker set ablaze after being struck by projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman

A tanker traveling near Oman caught fire early Tuesday after a projectile strike. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre confirmed the vessel was hit while heading south. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and its cause. There were no immediate reports of environmental impact from the strike. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though Iran is suspected.

Government acted immediately: J&K Deputy CM on controversial book

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday said the Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated strict action over the publication of a controversial book, suspending officials associated with the screening committee and indicating that further disciplinary action, including termination, could follow. He said the government acted promptly after the issue came to the notice of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and has ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter. Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said Education Minister Sakina Itto had already clarified the governments position and announced the suspension of the officials concerned. Our Education Minister Sakina Itto has already stated on the issue. All the officials involved have been suspended, and she has also indicated that they could face termination, he said. The Deputy Chief Minister said the inquiry is underway and assured that the government would not tolerate any lapse in the matter. We will not tolerate this. The government has already made its stand clear, and the inquiry is in progress, he said. Targeting the BJP, Choudhary accused the party of attempting to politicise the controversy by demanding the resignation of the Education Minister while remaining silent on the NEET paper leak issue. He questioned why BJP leaders had not sought accountability over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the deaths of several aspirants. The BJP is demanding the resignation of our Education Minister over a book controversy, but it remained silent on the NEET paper leak. We lost many aspirants, yet BJP leaders did not utter a word. Who is accountable for that tragedy and the loss of our children? he asked. Drawing a comparison between the two issues, Choudhary said the controversial book could be withdrawn, but the lives lost due to the NEET controversy could never be restored. A book can be withdrawn and destroyed, but what about the lives of our children who are no longer with us? Who will be held accountable for that? Why was there no demand for the resignation of the Education Minister then? he said.

Accommodation crunch cripples Govt schools functioning in rural Kashmir

The acute shortage of accommodation in several government schools across rural Kashmir has emerged as a major impediment to quality education. The teachers say that inadequate infrastructure is undermining the progress of educational institutions despite improvements availability of teaching staff. Most of the government schools in both north and south Kashmir continue to grapple with a severe shortage of classrooms, forcing students to study in cramped conditions while delaying the effective implementation of educational reforms. Government High School Nagbal in Chandoosa zone of Baramulla is one such case. The school was upgraded from a middle to a high school under the erstwhile Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in 2014, but teachers said the institution is yet to receive sanctioned posts in accordance with its upgraded status. As per the teachers, the school is currently being run entirely by Grade-II teachers and caters to more than 100 students from kindergarten to class 10. The lack of usable infrastructure is adding to the problems in the school as the educational institution has only seven rooms in an old building. According to teachers, all the rooms in a dilapidated condition and unsuitable for regular academic activities. The construction of a new school building has remained incomplete since 2017. Students and the teaching staff function under difficult conditions, a teacher said. A similar situation prevails at Government Middle School Durhama in education zone D H Pora of Kulgam district. In this school around 125 students from kindergarten to Class 10 are accommodated in just four classrooms. The shortage of space has not only affected classroom teaching but has also deprived students of playgrounds and areas for co-curricular activities. We are conducting the morning assembly on nearby maliyat land as a temporary arrangement. Students from five different villages study in this school but the dearth of space and accommodation plays a spoilsport , a teacher told Greater Kashmir. The teacher said that once the accommodation issue is resolved, the school has the potential to become one of the best educational institutions in the area. He said that despite the infrastructural shortage, they continue to provide quality education and make every effort to ensure that academic standards do not suffer. The school, located on the banks of two streams, has been provided with smart boards, student benches and adequate teaching staff by the government. However, teachers the non-availability of sufficient classroom space continues to remain the biggest hurdle in the institution's overall development. This newspaper has carried a series of stories and highlighted the dearth of infrastructure in government schools of rural areas. However, not much has been done to improve the infrastructure facilities in these schools. Earlier, minister for education Sakina Itoo said that bringing reforms in government schools was a continious process and results cannot be achieved overnight. We are doing every bit to improve the condition of government schools in terms of availability of infrastructure and providing quality education. But it will take some time to bring a complete change in schools, she said.

MLA Banihal lays foundation stone of Rs 1 crore central park beautification project

In a significant step towards urban development and beautification, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen on Monday laid the foundation stone of the Rs 1 crore Central Park Beautification Project at Banihal. The project aims to transform the park into a modern recreational space equipped with landscaped green areas, walking tracks, seating facilities, children's play areas, decorative lighting, and other public amenities, providing residents with a vibrant and attractive community space. Addressing the gathering, Sajjad Shaheen said that the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to ensuring balanced and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir and that the Banihal-Gool constituency is witnessing an unprecedented pace of developmental transformation after years of neglect. He said that work is progressing on several key infrastructure projects across the constituency, with major emphasis on improving road connectivity, strengthening education and healthcare infrastructure, upgrading power distribution systems, promoting tourism, sports, and sustainable economic growth. The MLA highlighted that several new road projects have been taken up to improve connectivity in remote and far-flung areas, while educational institutions are being upgraded with better infrastructure to provide quality learning opportunities. He further stated that healthcare facilities are also being substantially strengthened through the upgradation of hospitals and health institutions, ensuring improved medical services for the people. Speaking about the power sector, Sajjad Shaheen said that augmentation and modernisation of receiving stations across the constituency are being undertaken to improve electricity supply and meet the growing demand. He also expressed optimism regarding the development of new hydropower projects in the region, stating that these projects will not only strengthen energy generation but also create employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy. The MLA reiterated his commitment to unlocking the immense tourism potential of Banihal-Gool by developing new tourist destinations, improving tourism infrastructure, and promoting eco-tourism. He added that sports infrastructure is also receiving focused attention, with new facilities being created to provide better opportunities for the youth to excel in various sporting disciplines. Referring to major infrastructure works, Sajjad Shaheen said that several important bridge projects are being taken up to improve connectivity and facilitate easier movement of people across the constituency. These projects, he said, will play a crucial role in accelerating socio-economic development. He further announced that all major towns of the Banihal-Gool Constituency will undergo comprehensive beautification and facelift in a phased manner. Modern public spaces, improved streetscapes, better drainage, pedestrian facilities, landscaping, lighting, and other civic amenities will be developed to transform urban centres into cleaner, greener, and more attractive towns. The beautification of Central Park Banihal is only the beginning of a larger vision for urban renewal. Our objective is to create modern public spaces and quality infrastructure while ensuring that every village and town benefits from the ongoing development process, the MLA said. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for extending full support to the developmental aspirations of the people of Banihal-Gool and reaffirmed his resolve to continue working tirelessly to ensure holistic, equitable, and sustainable development across the constituency. The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by public representatives, officers of various departments, party functionaries, prominent citizens, and a large number of local residents, who welcomed the initiative and appreciated the government's commitment towards accelerating development in the region.

DGP Nalin Prabhat reviews security grid along NH, Amarnath yatra arrangements at Lakhanpur

Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Monday visited base camp Lakhanpur and inspected the multi-layered security grid, access control arrangements, the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR), traffic management, and convoy movement to assess the security and logistical arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026 in Kathua district. During the visit, a police spokesperson said that Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Mohita Sharma, briefed the DGP on the security measures, traffic management plan, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), put in place to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The DGP directed all agencies to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness and ensure seamless coordination among the various security forces. He stressed the need for intensified area domination and night domination exercises, particularly along the National Highway, key road corridors, and Yatra routes. The top cop of J&K also instructed field units to strengthen surveillance and maintain a close watch on suspicious activities across Kathua district to prevent any attempts to disturb peace. He further asked officers to strictly verify the identity credentials of pilgrims and ensure the effective use of the RFID-based tracking system for real-time monitoring of registered yatris. DGP emphasised that matters relating to unregistered pilgrims should be handled proactively and sensitively in coordination with the Shri AmarnathJi Shrine Board, while ensuring strict adherence to the prescribed protocols. He expressed confidence that coordinated efforts, constant vigilance and effective synergy among all stakeholders would ensure the peaceful and successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.

Congress rule could not have erased stone-pelter tag of J&K youth: Nitin Nabin

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Monday, in a direct offensive against the partys bete-noire, maintained that J&K youth would still have been identified as stone-pelters and not as Ranji winners, had Congress been in power at the Centre. J&K has undergone a sea-change, under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marching confidently to play its role as resilient, peaceful and developed part in Indias growth story, he stated. Nitin Nabin was addressing Karyakarta Sammelan and public rally organised to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee at Majestic Grand, Mishriwala in Jammu outskirts as his first major engagement during his two-day visit to Jammu. This was his first visit to J&K after taking over as BJP national president in January this year. He asserted that J&K people got their real freedom in 2019 when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi abrogated Article 370 and 35-A, realising the vision of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Only the persons with blinkered vision are unable to see what has changed in J&K. Tricolour proudly flying high at Lal Chowk and everywhere else in J&K after Narendra Modi took over the reins of the country as the Prime Minister delineates the change in J&K. Prior to 2014, when Congress was at the helm of affairs at the Centre and was in coalition in J&K government, hoisting tricolour was not allowed on the pretext that it would disturb peace in Kashmir and would create law and order problem, BJP president stated. Referring to his earlier visit to J&K in 2011 when he was part of Rashtriya Ekta Yatra, helmed by BJP MP and the then president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Anurag Thakur, he said that the Congress government at the Centre and in J&K (in coalition) felt threatened and did not allow it (Yatra) to enter J&K. Nabin said, Even curfew was imposed to sabotage Yatra aimed at unfurling tricolour. As BJYM national general secretary, on January 22, 2011, I, along with two other office bearers, went to Kashmir and sought permission to unfurl tricolour at Lal Chowk. The permission was declined on the pretext that if the tricolour was unfurled, it would vitiate the atmosphere and disturb peace in Kashmir. When we were returning, we saw the Pakistan flag flying at Lal Chowk and the then government in New Delhi remained silent. It was not bothered at all. Had Congress been in power at the Centre, J&K youth would still have been identified as stone-pelters and not as Ranji (trophy) winners, he aimed another barb, while launching an offensive against Congress. The BJP president described July 6 as a very significant day for J&K as it marked the birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee who laid down his life here for integrating it fully with the rest of the country with one flag and one constitution. He also recalled the struggle of Dr Mookerjee, former BJP president Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and Narendra Modi, before he became the Prime Minister, to see tricolour unfurling at Lal Chowk and every nook and corner of J&K. My heart swells with pride that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi realised this vision. It is further heartening to note that as we are observing 125th birth anniversary of Dr Mookerjee, the BJP flag is also flying high in West Bengal the birth-place of BJP ideologue (Dr Mookerjee), Nitin Nabin said. With regard to the prospects of the party in J&K, he exuded optimism, saying, I know that Jammu has always supported us and blessed us. But at the same time, I know we, as a party, still have a long way to go. To realise our ultimate vision, our challenges and struggle have not ended in J&K. PM Modi has removed many obstacles in J&Ks progress by abrogating Article 370 and scripting a new saga of growth and peace here. We are committed to permanent peace in self-reliant J&K. Earlier, the BJP national president, accompanied by BJP national general secretary and in-charge J&K affairs Tarun Chugh, was accorded a rousing reception on his arrival at Jammu airport on Monday afternoon. J&K BJP president Sat Sharma; Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh; Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma and MP Jugal Kishore Sharma along with other senior leaders of the party received him at the airport. He held a brief interaction with them at the airport before proceeding to the rally spot. On his way from airport to rally spot, enthusiastic BJP workers, with his posters and party flags, lined up at designated spots welcomed Nabin with bouquets and showering flower petals amid drum beats. Nitin Nabin too warmly reciprocated their greetings. Before addressing the rally, he, joined by all senior leaders of J&K BJP, lit the traditional lamp and paid floral tributes to Dr Mookerjees portrait. BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana; former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh; former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina; J&K BJP senior vice president Sham Sharma besides others were also present on the occasion. Later, Nitin Nabin chaired an office bearers meeting at BJP J&K Headquarters, Trikuta Nagar and also visited Shri Raghunath temple to pay obeisance there. On July 7, he will pay obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra; interact with the party MPs and MLAs, former elected representatives and will have a stimulating interaction with the youth at Yuva Samvad in Convention Centre.

Continue struggle, lotus will soon bloom in J&K too: BJP president to party cadre

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin exuded confidence on Monday that the party, with persistent struggle of its cadre, would be able to replicate its success template of other states in Jammu and Kashmir also and form its (own) government (in UT). Lotus will bloom in Jammu and Kashmir also. The day is not far off, he asserted, while sharing a cue to make it happen. BJP president was addressing Karyakarta Sammelan and public rally organised to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee at Majestic Grand, Mishriwala, in the Jammu outskirts as his first major engagement during his two-day visit to Jammu, commencing July 6, 2026. Nitin Nabin asked the J&K party leadership and workers to continue the work of maintaining good rapport with the people on ground, by keeping all channels of communication open. We have worked in service of the nation wholeheartedly to create a niche in the hearts and minds of the people of this great nation. We are connected to the people on ground. In this backdrop, the way we (BJP) are getting success in different states of the country, you too continue your hard work and struggle. Continue work to establish direct communication with the people and take central welfare schemes to them (people) with unflinching commitment. The day is not far off when the BJP will form its own government in J&K, he stated. This was his first visit to J&K after taking over as BJP national president in January this year. Nabin recalled that it was not very long ago when the people used to be afraid of visiting J&K due to security concerns. Scenario changed after Narendra Modi took over as the Prime Minister, he said. As and when the situation emerged, he (PM) fulfilled his commitment for the security of J&K with accountability. Few months ago, in the Kashmir valley, our innocent citizens were killed, PM Modi gave a stern reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor, conveying the message that it was new India. For our (central) government, the security of every citizen of the country is paramount, BJP president stated. He exhorted the party workers to work harder for the growth and prosperity of J&K, as envisioned by Dr Mookerjee, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay and former Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Im confident that when Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 will be realised, Viksit J&K will be an intrinsic part of this growth story. We have worked in service of the nation wholeheartedly to create a niche in the hearts and minds of the people of this great nation, Nabin said. BJP president, however, cautioned that the partys challenges did not end with its expansion. Our challenges and our struggle have increased manifold. Remember the coming years will be full of struggle, leaving no room for complacency. Our senior party leaders in the past struggled a lot and made a monumental contribution to the expansion of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he said. In the same breath, he asked, The partys present crop of young leaders also needs to contribute its bit and give further momentum to the growth of the party. We will have to establish direct communication with the people to bolster BJP so as to be able to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Residents seek extension of Sukhnag water supply scheme to Rawalpora

Srinagar, Jul 6:Residents of Rawalpora have demanded that the government must extend the Sukhnag Water Supply Scheme to their locality and adjoining areas. The residents said Rawalpora was presently being supplied drinking water through the Doodh Ganga Water Supply Scheme, but expressed concern over the quality of water being distributed to consumers. Currently Sukhnag water supply scheme is catering to the Budgam areas, Soibug, Zainakote, HMT, Humhama, Narkara and Narbal. The residents have demanded expansion of the scheme to Rawalpora besides the adjoining areas including Rangreth. The residents said that the existing Doodh Ganga water supply was unsafe and of poor quality. They alleged that Doodh Ganga stream from which water is drawn is without Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) raising questions on quality of water supplied to households. According to residents, absence of adequate treatment infrastructure raises serious concerns over the safety of drinking water. The locals further claimed that the quality of water deteriorates significantly during rainfall, as rainwater mixes with the source, making the supply turbid and unfit for consumption. The residents demanded immediate intervention from the authorities and urged the Jal Shakti Department to expand the Sukhnag Water Supply Scheme to Rawalpora and adjoining areas as well. They said the Sukhnag scheme was considered a more reliable source of potable water and its extension would ensure the supply of cleaner and safer drinking water to thousands of consumers.

HC directs removal of encroachments on Shah Kul

Srinagar, Jul 6: The High Court of J&K and Ladakhhas directed the authorities to report by July 22 on removal of encroachments from the Shah Kul, a protected monument that historically supplied water to the Mughal-era Nishat Garden. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking restoration of the centuries-old canal (Kul), a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad YousufWani directed the Vice Chairman (VC) of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) and the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, to appear in person in case of failure. The bench expressed dissatisfaction with the authorities latest status report, describing it as inconclusive. The report failed to address the core issue of removing encroachments from the canal, it noted. The Court observed that the entire responsibility had been shifted to the Revenue Department, which, as per the committee constituted by the respondents (authorities) had to identify the encroached portion of the Shah Canal. There is enough documentary evidence on record to indicate the names of the encroachers and the area encroached and, therefore, it would not be difficult for the authorities to remove the encroachment, the court said. On the request of the Senior Additional Advocate General, appearing for the government, the bench in its order on July 1 granted ten days time to the authorities to act in the matter and submit the report with regard to the removal of the encroachments. In case of failure, the Vice Chairman, LCMA, and the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, shall appear in person on the next date of hearing, the court said and listed the matter for further hearing on July 22.

Indicate PIL progress on Dal Lake in 24 years: High Court to Amicus Curiae

Srinagar, Jul 6: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has asked the Amicus Curiae assisting it in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Dal Lake here to come up with a factual note indicating the progress made in the 24-year-old litigation and the challenges that still remain unaddressed. A division bench of acting Chief Justice, Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Muhammad YousufWani sought to know about the developments while observing that the PIL has been pending for the last 24 years and multiple orders have passed on it including those aimed at improving the condition of the waterbody. With a view to have a complete perspective of the litigation, we request the learned Amicus Curiae to put up a brief factual note indicating as to how this public interest litigation has proceeded and what more is required to be done in the matter, the court said in its order. The Court asked the senior advocate, Z A Shah, the amicus curiae to file the progress report by August 31, the next date of hearing. The PIL filed by Syed Iqbal Tahir Geelani in 2002, who was then a law student at the University of Kashmir (KU), had sought the court's intervention for measures concerning the preservation and conservation of the Dal lake. In terms of an order issued on September 24, 2021, the court had identified certain specific issues concerning Dal lake which it said required attention like cleanliness of the waterbody; the flow of sewage and liquid waste into it; solid waste management in and around the lake and removal of encroachments.

SEC approves Rs 751.46 Cr post-disaster recovery projects for J&K

Srinagar, Jul 6: The State Executive Committee (SEC), chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, on Monday approved post-disaster recovery projects worth Rs 751.46 crore for Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for the reconstruction and restoration of critical infrastructure damaged during the 2025 disasters. The approvals were granted during the second meeting of the SEC for 2026-27 under the Disaster Management framework. The meeting focused on accelerating post-disaster recovery, strengthening disaster preparedness and enhancing emergency response capacity across the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, senior officers of the Finance Department, the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), and other stakeholder departments. Reviewing the implementation plan, Dulloo directed all executing departments to ensure timely completion of the approved projects while adhering to prescribed technical standards, transparency and quality norms so that the intended benefits reach affected communities without delay. He also instructed departments that are yet to submit project proposals, despite the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) having approved funds, to expedite the process and submit the proposals within the next few days. Emphasising optimal utilisation of available resources, the Chief Secretary said the entire allocation earmarked for Jammu and Kashmir should be utilised efficiently for disaster mitigation, restoration and protection works to enhance public safety and welfare. The Committee approved projects worth Rs 751.46 crore under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework. The package covers 1,033 individual projects across the sectors of roads and bridges, power, school education, health, social welfare and agriculture production. These projects will be executed by the respective departments in accordance with the Recovery and Reconstruction Guidelines, approvals issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, sector-specific recommendations of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the PDNA report. The Committee was informed that the Government of Indias High-Level Committee (HLC) had sanctioned Rs 1,534.58 crore for Jammu and Kashmir based on the recommendations of the NDMA and the Sub-Committee of the National Executive Committee. In a separate decision, the SEC approved recovery projects worth 33.19 crore for Ramban district under the PDNA following the April 2025 disaster. The projects cover the sectors of education, animal husbandry and livestock, roads and bridges, housing, and irrigation and flood control, and are aimed at restoring essential infrastructure and public services in the affected areas. To strengthen disaster preparedness and improve emergency response, the Committee also approved the release of assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and the two Divisional Commissioners. Under the approved package, each DDMA will receive Rs 2 crore, while the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir divisions will be provided Rs 1 crore each to meet emergent disaster management requirements and strengthen institutional preparedness. Dulloo stressed the need to build resilient infrastructure and enhance institutional capacity to deal with future disasters, saying timely execution and effective utilisation of the approved funds would significantly strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs disaster resilience and ensure faster recovery for affected communities.

Shopian anti-terror operation enters 3rd day

Srinagar, Jul 6:Security forces on Monday resumed a massive anti-terror operation in the Meemandar area of Shopian district, as the search for two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists entered its third consecutive day. The operation, jointly carried out by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been continuing since Friday after surveillance systems detected the movement of the suspected militants in the dense orchards of Meemandar. According to officials, the encounter began when the hiding terrorists opened fire on an approaching Army team, triggering a gunfight. Although there has been no fresh exchange of fire since the initial contact, security forces have maintained a tight cordon and intensified searches to prevent the militants from escaping through the thick orchard cover. Additional troops from the Armys Victor Force have been deployed to strengthen the cordon, while all possible escape routes have been sealed. Security personnel have also illuminated parts of the area during the night to counter the natural concealment provided by the dense summer foliage, which creates significant blind spots for surveillance. Officials said search teams have been conducting systematic sweeps of the orchards and adjoining areas using a combination of conventional tactics and technical surveillance. By the end of the second day of the operation, security forces had cleared several villages while maintaining a tight cordon around the remaining search area. According to security establishment officials, the trapped militants are believed to be residents of south Kashmirs Kulgam district. The operation comes amid heightened security arrangements for the ongoing AmarnathYatra and marks the first reported gunfight in the Kashmir Valley since militants were killed in neighbouringKulgam in October last year. Officials said the operation also highlights the growing integration of CCTV networks and other technical surveillance tools with conventional intelligence gathering, enabling security forces to detect militant movement more accurately and launch targeted operations while reducing reliance on prolonged area domination searches.

Security forces go beyond call of duty, extend helping hand to Amarnath pilgrims

Baltal, Jul 6:As the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra continues smoothly through the rugged terrain of the Kashmir Himalayas, security personnel deployed along the pilgrimage routes are drawing praise from devotees for extending assistance far beyond their primary responsibility of ensuring security. Along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF) and other agencies are working in close coordination to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of thousands of pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage. Beyond maintaining law and order and safeguarding the yatra against potential threats, the security personnel have been assisting elderly, sick and physically exhausted pilgrims negotiating the challenging mountain terrain, which includes steep ascents, slippery tracks, unpredictable weather and oxygen-deficient high-altitude stretches. Pilgrims said many devotees experience fatigue and breathing difficulties while trekking at elevations exceeding 12,000 feet, where security and rescue personnel have been providing timely assistance. Faced with steep ascents, sudden downpours and dropping oxygen levels, many pilgrims find themselves physically exhausted. It is here that the police personnel are stepping far beyond their traditional mandate, a group of pilgrims said. Specialised teams of the SDRF and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been stationed at vulnerable locations and high-altitude points to respond to emergencies. Quick-response teams equipped with oxygen cylinders remain deployed at critical stretches to provide immediate assistance to pilgrims suffering from acute mountain sickness or hypoxia. Apart from emergency medical support, personnel have been helping pilgrims retrieve lost baggage, regulating movement at narrow stretches to prevent overcrowding, guiding devotees along the route and assisting those unable to continue the trek on their own. Along both the Baltal and Pahalgam tracks, CRPF personnel and other security forces have been seen helping elderly pilgrims negotiate steep and slippery sections. Security personnel have also been carrying exhausted devotees on their backs and assisting senior citizens and children whenever ponies or palanquins were unavailable. The humanitarian efforts of the security forces have earned widespread appreciation from pilgrims, many of whom described them as a reassuring presence throughout the arduous journey. From the twin base camps to the Holy Cave shrine, Jammu and Kashmir Police and SDRF personnel have been seen holding the hands of elderly devotees across difficult stretches, carrying children on their shoulders and physically supporting pilgrims struggling with exhaustion and breathlessness. I didnt think my knees would hold up beyond Domail, said 68-year-old Ramesh Sharma, a pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh. But a young SDRF personnel walked beside me for over two kilometres, matching my pace, holding my arm and constantly encouraging me, he said. The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has long been regarded as a symbol of communal harmony and collective service. This years pilgrimage has once again witnessed coordinated efforts by security and rescue agencies not only to maintain security but also to provide humanitarian assistance, ensuring that devotees complete the pilgrimage safely and with dignity.

A Sons Tribute

On the 16th of May 2026, Kashmir lost one of its quiet scholars, and our family lost its guiding light. More than forty days have now passed since my father, Abdul Rauf Fazili, known in literary circles as Ibne Qadeer, departed from this world. The passage of time has not lessened the void he left behind, rather it has deepened our appreciation of a life lived with dignity, humility and unwavering devotion to knowledge. A great conversationalist who had a considerable knowledge about political, social and literary issues, belonged to a distinguished lineage of learning. He was a direct descendant of the celebrated Kashmiri historian Maulvi Hassan Shah, whose monumental Tarikh-i-Hassan continues to be regarded as one of the greatest chronicles ever written on the history of Kashmir. To inherit such a legacy is one thing, to preserve and enrich it is quite another. My father chose the harder path. The intellectual inheritance did not end with Maulvi Hassan Shah. It was lovingly nurtured by my grandfather, Abdul Qadeer Fazili, a legendary teacher, preacher and mentor from village Gamroo in Bandipore. For decades, our ancestral home at Gamroo was not merely a family residenceit was a place of learning where relatives, neighbours and countless young minds came to seek religious guidance, moral instruction and wisdom. Such was its atmosphere that my late uncle, Mansoor Fazili, affectionately christened our sprawling ancestral home Zindan-e-ZeestThe Prison of Lifea name filled with irony, affection and philosophical reflection, for it was within those walls that generations found freedom through knowledge. My grandfather -Dadaji believed that education was not confined to books, it was a way of living. His routine was unwavering, his meals simple and measured. It was perhaps this extraordinary discipline that blessed him with a long and healthy life of nearly one hundred and one years. He would often visit the schools and speak to the students during the morning assembly sessions. These sessions were far more than routine addressesthey were inspiring lessons on life, values, discipline, and the importance of building strong character. Even in his nineties, he remained an avid reader, proving that the pursuit of knowledge has no age. Yet alongside his discipline lived a wonderful sense of humour. Whenever someone respectfully picked up his shoes or slippers to place them neatly aside, he would mischievously ask, Were your hands washed before touching them? The room would erupt in laughter. His authority was never intimidating, it was softened by wit, kindness and affection. It was in this remarkable household that my Dad, Abdul Rauf Fazili, was raised. The values that defined his own lifehis humility, integrity, scholarship, simplicity and devotion to learningwere not acquired overnight. They were quietly inherited from a father who taught by example and from a home where books were treasured, faith was practiced with sincerity, and knowledge was regarded as the greatest inheritance one generation could leave to the next. The influence of that extraordinary household extended far beyond our own family. In the words of eminent poet, scholar and former civil servant Ayaz Rasool Nazki, my father spent some of his college years with the Nazki family, where he tutored the young Ayaz. Looking back, Ayaz Sahib fondly remembered him as a strict teacher who believed in the old Victorian maxim, Spare the rod and spoil the child. When his family later moved away from Kashmir, the young Ayaz Nazki even wrote home saying, Please tell Rauf Sahib that I am enjoying my freedom. Years later, that childhood fear had turned into deep admiration. On my Dads passing, Ayaz Sahib wrote, Somewhere along the way, my childhood villain had transformed into a hero. He remembered him as a wonderful man and a rare combination of interestsa professional forester deeply immersed in literature and religious scholarship, who could discuss forest management and Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi with equal ease. He ended with words our family will always cherish: His passing away took away a bit from my life too. Allah Maghfirat Farmaye.. Indeed, the Gamroo house did not merely produce scholars, it nurtured lives. Its greatest inheritance was not wealth or property but an enduring culture of learning, discipline, faith and servicevalues that my Dad carried with him throughout his life and quietly passed on to all who knew him. Professionally, he was a forester. Trained at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, he dedicated nearly four decades to the forests of Jammu and Kashmir, serving with integrity and distinction until his retirement as Deputy Conservator of Forests in 2000. Those who worked with him remember an officer of rare honesty, quiet efficiency and uncompromising principles. Yet his profession was only one chapter of his remarkable life. Retirement did not mark the end of his work, it marked its true beginning Freed from administrative responsibilities, he immersed himself in scholarship, writing and research. He authored books, translated important religious and historical works into English, Urdu and Kashmiri, and devoted years to studying the spiritual traditions of Kashmir. His work on Awarad-e-Fathiya, and his deeply reflective memoir Meray Aslaf Meray Hum Asr stand as lasting contributions to Kashmiri literature and intellectual life. His greatest labour of love, however, was the English translation of Tarikh-i-Hassan. This monumental undertaking began as a collaboration between my father and his elder brother, the late Professor Manzoor Fazili, himself a distinguished political scientist, teacher and author. Fate intervened cruelly when my uncle Professor Manzoor Fazili passed away before the work could be completed. Many would have accepted such a loss as the end of the project. My father did not Despite advancing age, failing health and the immense challenges of translating a vast Persian chronicle written more than a century ago, he quietly for years worked with extraordinary patience, determined that the voice of his illustrious ancestor should reach readers across the world in English. He rarely sought recognition. He never measured success by awards or public applause. His satisfaction came from completing the task entrusted to him by history and by conscience. Those who knew him personally remember something even greater than his scholarship. They remember his simplicity, kindness, gentle humour, unwavering faith, and his ability to make every visitor feel welcome. He believed that knowledge carried responsibility, that humility was greater than fame, and that ones true wealth lay in character rather than possessions. Abdul Rafia Fazili , filmmaker-presently working and residing in Delhi As his children, we were privileged to witness these values every day. He taught us not through sermons but through the example of his own life. His greatest lessons were honesty, patience, compassion and an unshakeable commitment to truth. My Dad shared a very special bond with my children. In many ways, he was more expressive with his grandchildren than he had ever been with me. Their presence brought him immense joy, and they in turn, adored him & called him as Daduka. He found in them not only companionship but also hope and continuity. When my elder son Wasif left India three years ago to pursue higher studies and eventually settled into his career abroad, it left a void in my fathers heart. Though he was genuinely proud of his achievements, he would often say during our conversations, almost as if he could sense what lay ahead, I dont think I will ever see him again. Those words carried a quiet sadness and an acceptance that was difficult for us to comprehend at the time. Looking back today, they feel almost prophetic. My younger son, Wamiq, was fortunate to remain by his Dadukas side until the very end. The bond they shared was truly special, and those final days left an indelible mark on his young heart. Much later, as he tried to put his emotions into words, he shared with me what those moments had meant to him. On that final night, the doctors called him into the ICU. He told me how his heart was pounding as he walked in, uncertain of what awaited him. He found his Dadu surrounded by monitors, and the relentless beeping of machinesa sound, he says, that will remain with him for the rest of his life. He stood quietly beside him, held his grandfathers hand, and gently rested his other hand on his forehead. Though frightened, he could not bring himself to leave. He wanted to be there, so that he would never have to live with the regret of not standing beside the man he loved in his final moments. As Wamiq stood there holding his Dadukas hand, I too was called into the ICU. Together, we stood beside the man who had been the pillar of our family. I began reciting Surah Yasin, while Wamiq remained silently at his Dadus side, unwilling to let go of his hand. In those final moments, he watched his grandfathers breathing grow steadily slower, each breath weaker than the last, while the warmth slowly left his hands. He later told me that he often wondered whether Dadu was aware that the people who loved him most were standing beside him, surrounding him with their prayers and silent affection. It is a question none of us can answer Then, with remarkable peace and dignity, my father -my Dad took his final breath and departed from this world, leaving behind a lifetime of love, values, and memories that will remain with us forever. Wamiq often reflects on how those hours changed his understanding of life. Watching someone so dear slowly slip away made him realize how fragile our existence is and how, in the end, every life completes its circle. He has often said that he believes his Dadu would have wished to spend his last moments in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by familiar walls and the family he loved so deeply. Yet fate had written a different ending. For nearly two hours, Wamiq remained by his side, witnessing his grandfathers quiet journey into the unknowna moment that has stayed with him ever since. As a son, nothing gives me greater peace than knowing that my children experienced the love, guidance, and warmth of such an extraordinary grandfather. His greatest inheritance was never materialit was the values he instilled, the kindness he demonstrated, and the memories he created. Though he is no longer physically present, his love continues to bind our family together, and for that, I will remain forever grateful. His earthly journey has ended, but his work continues to speak for him. Scholars will remember his contributions. Readers will benefit from his writings. Future generations will know Kashmir a little better because he chose to dedicate his life to preserving its memory. For us, however, he will always remain simply our fatherthe gentle presence whose wisdom guided us, whose prayers protected us, and whose love shaped our lives. Here was one subject that never frightened my fatherdeath. He accepted it with the serenity of a true believer. Whenever the conversation turned to the uncertainty of life, he would often smile and recite the famous couplet: Maut ka ek din muayyan hai, Phir neend raat bhar kyun nahin aati? (The day of death has already been decreed; then why should sleep evade us through the night?) He did not merely quote these words; he lived by them. Death, to him, was not something to be feared but a certainty to be prepared for through faith, good deeds and an honest life. Next day after his passing, as relatives and close friends gathered in our home, the discussion inevitably turned to the inscription that needs to be put on his gravestone. Suggestions came from every direction. Some proposed beautiful Persian couplets, others recommended verses from classical poetry, while a few wished to inscribe elaborate words befitting a scholar of his stature. I, however, felt that simplicity would have been closest to my fathers heart. I preferred that only his name and the dates of his birth and passing be engraved. As the discussion continued, something extraordinary happened. Looking for a writing pad, I picked up the very pad my Dad had been using during his final days. Almost absent-mindedly, I turned the first page. There, in his own unmistakable handwriting, was a note. It was not a draft of a book. Nor was it a translation or a quotation. It was his own instruction, written calmly and clearly, telling us exactly what should be inscribed on his gravestone. For a few moments, I simply stood there in disbelief. The conversations around me stopped. Every suggestion, every debate, every differing opinion came to an end. It was as though my father, even after leaving this world, had gently settled the matter himself. His final wish had been waiting for us all alongin his own hand writing. There could have been no greater testament to the peace with which he had accepted the inevitable journey that awaits every soul. Those words, written by his own hand, now rest upon his grave, just as he had wished. May Almighty Allah envelop him in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave with His Noor and grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. May his legacy continue to inspire all those who believe that knowledge, humility and service are the noblest pursuits of life. Indeed, some people leave this world quietly, but the light of their lives continues to illuminate generations. Abdul Rauf Fazili was one such man. Abdul Rafia Fazili , filmmaker-presently working and residing in Delhi

Why Kashmiris must introspect

Across Kashmir, as elsewhere, we are witnessing the rapid rise of self-styled journalists and social media reporters who command audiences running into lakhs and even millions. Armed with cameras and social media pages, many claim to be serving the public interest. Yet, increasingly, they are engaging in sensationalism, conducting media trials, and commenting on highly specialized subjects without the requisite knowledge or formal training in journalism. The consequences of this shift are not merely academic; they can destroy reputations, careers, and lives. THE DANGEROUS RISE OF DIGITAL VIGILANTISM Two recent incidents from Kashmir perfectly illustrate how social media has mutated from a tool of information into a weapon of mass character assassination; one targeting a medical professional, the other an educator. Though the contexts differ, the underlying malady is the same: arrogant ignorance armed with a smartphone. In the first case, a cardiologist at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, was subjected to public questioning and criticism by self-styled social media journalists and influencers. The doctor, a trained specialist performing advanced cardiac catheterization procedures, was publicly scrutinized by individuals who appeared to possess little or no understanding of the basics of cardiology, let alone the complexities of interventional cardiac procedures. Medicine, like law, engineering, or aviation, is a highly specialized profession. A cardiologist spends years in medical school, residency, and super-specialty training before independently performing advanced procedures. To publicly question such expertise without adequate knowledge is not investigative journalism; it is misinformation masquerading as accountability. In the second case, a lecturer from Sopore was accused of allegedly harassing a student. Before any official investigation could establish the facts, sections of social media had already pronounced him guilty. Videos, commentaries, and inflammatory posts spread like wildfire, exposing the individual to public humiliation and social ostracism. Subsequent police inquiries reportedly found no evidence to substantiate the allegations, and the lecturer was declared innocent. Yet, by then, the damage had already been done; reputations in the digital age are often destroyed in hours but may never be fully restored. These two cases are not isolated aberrations; they are symptoms of a deeply entrenched culture of digital vigilantism where trial by social media has replaced due process. In both instances, the accused were presumed guilty from the outset, their decades of hard work, training, and service rendered irrelevant by the court of public outrage. This raises a fundamental question: who compensates an innocent person after he has been subjected to a relentless media trial? Who restores the dignity of an individual whose name, image, and reputation have been tarnished before the facts are established? What about the emotional trauma endured not only by the individual but also by his family, his parents, spouse, children, and loved ones, who are forced to suffer public shame, social isolation, and immense psychological distress? The pain inflicted by public vilification cannot simply be undone by a subsequent finding of innocence. Even if those who orchestrated such campaigns were to issue public apologies, would that be sufficient? Can a belated apology truly restore years of hard-earned reputation? Can it erase the stigma, whispers, and suspicion that often continue to haunt an innocent person long after the allegations have been disproved? The answer, more often than not, is no. Constructive criticism and public scrutiny are essential in a democracy. Doctors, public officials, and institutions must remain accountable. However, accountability must be informed, evidence-based, and conducted through proper channels. When individuals lacking expertise sensationalize complex issues for views and followers, they risk misleading the public and undermining trust in vital institutions, be it our hospitals or our educational system. THE ECONOMICS OF OUTRAGE This growing trend violates one of the most fundamental principles of justice: every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Courts operate on evidence, due process, and impartial investigation. Social media, by contrast, often operates on emotions, outrage, and algorithms designed to maximize engagement. The incentives driving this ecosystem are obvious. Sensational headlines, emotional narratives, and controversy attract clicks, shares, and followers. The economics of social media reward outrage rather than accuracy. The louder the accusation, the greater the visibility. Truth often becomes secondary. This is not an argument against citizen journalism. Indeed, citizen reporting has exposed corruption, highlighted social injustices, and brought neglected issues to public attention. However, freedom of expression must be accompanied by responsibility. Without ethical standards, social media can quickly become a tool for character assassination rather than public service. A CRISIS OF VALUES Equally concerning is the type of content increasingly celebrated by large sections of society. Many social media influencers, some with follower counts exceeding one million, routinely promote dangerous stunts, indecent behaviour, vulgarity, and attention-seeking acts solely to increase views. Shock value has become a commodity. One is compelled to ask: what exactly are we choosing to consume, and why? The popularity of such content raises important questions about society itself. Social media platforms merely reflect collective preferences. If millions follow individuals known primarily for sensationalism, irresponsible behaviour, or public shaming, it suggests a deeper crisis of values and media literacy. We cannot blame the algorithm alone; the algorithm is a mirror reflecting our own choices. INTROSPECTION AND REGULATION The issue, therefore, is not only about content creators; it is equally about audiences. On an individual level, we must introspect about what we are promoting, sharing, and consuming. Every click, share, like, and follow contributes to shaping the digital ecosystem. By rewarding sensationalism with views and engagement, we inadvertently encourage its proliferation. Society must collectively ask whether we wish to elevate informed voices and meaningful discourse or continue to celebrate controversy and spectacle. Citizens must learn to distinguish journalism from performance, investigation from speculation, and information from entertainment. Journalism is not merely holding a microphone in front of someone. It demands rigorous fact-checking, ethical responsibility, verification of sources, respect for privacy, and an understanding of legal and professional boundaries. Social media reporters are often accountable to no one except platform algorithms. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for a robust legal and regulatory framework to address reckless digital vigilantism and misinformation. While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, it cannot become a shield for defamation, deliberate misinformation, or public shaming. Strict laws must be enforced against those who knowingly spread false allegations, conduct media trials, or tarnish reputations without evidence. Accountability in the digital space is no less important than accountability in traditional media. Educational institutions, media organizations, and civil society must also invest in media literacy programs so that people, particularly the youth, can critically evaluate online information and recognize the difference between verified facts and sensational narratives. CONCLUSION As consumers of information, we must ask ourselves difficult questions: Are we rewarding truth or sensationalism? Are we following individuals because they inform us or merely because they entertain us? Are we contributing to informed public discourse or becoming participants in digital mob justice? A healthy democracy depends not merely on the freedom to speak but also on the wisdom to listen critically. In the age of social media, that distinction has never been more important. Mohammad Fouz ul Azeem, Research Scholar, Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Management National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar Views expressed in this article are solely personal and do not reflect the views or positions of the institution with which the author is affiliated.

The grand truth

Recently the top Shia cleric of Iraq Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, declared that dumping untreated sewage, solid waste, biomedical or chemical waste into rivers is forbidden under Islamic law. According to the decree issued by his office these acts were declared as sins as these acts cause harm to public health. The Grand Ayatollah had to intervene in response to a query from a group of people who said pollution in Iraqs rivers especially Tigris and Euphrates had worsened in the last 5 to 6 years. The untreated waste coming from different cities like Bagdad, Mosul, Tikrit, Hillah, Najaf, Samawah, Fallujah etc contaminate the waters of Tigris and Euphrates and cause serious health and environmental hazards in these cities. Ayatollah Sistanis office said dumping of solid or liquid waste was not permitted because it leads to harm to people, and anyone responsible for it is sinful under Islamic law and could also bear legal liability, and that breaking the relevant government regulations was likewise impermissible. It urged authorities to provide alternative means of waste disposal and proper waste management services to the people living around Tigris and Euphrates rivers especially. The decree came amid a worsening pollution in Najaf province, where the river Euphrates is polluted due to flushing of the untreated waste water into it. According to the news reports the wastewater projects in Najaf Sewerage Directorate were unable to treat all the waste water as they have the limited waste water treatment capacity due to massive urbanisation. The five sewerage treatment plants-STPs in Najaf and Kufa are designed to handle about 85,000 cubic meters per day, but incoming waste water volume exceeds these limits and now they have sought intervention of religious scholars as well who can guide the society. Iraqs Environment Ministry has decided to set up STPs in all cities of Iraq to protect the Tigris and Euphrates. WORKSHOPS FOR RELIGIOUS LEADERS When I read about this alarming situation in these Iraqi cities, it reminds me of my own Jammu & Kashmir, a tiny hilly province where water from glaciers gets polluted downstream in rivers and streams. From Poonch to Pahalgam and Kishtwar to Kupwara all the rivers, streams and lakes are polluted not only with waste water but with municipal solid waste-MSW as well. Huge garbage dump sites have been set up on the banks of rivers and streams in Poonch, Pahalgam, Ramban, Kupwara, Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Kulgam and other districts. In Poonch this site was established by the Municipal Council itself around 20 years back. In many other towns also I have seen such waste dumping sites set up by the local municipalities near banks of rivers, streams, irrigation canals and even around wetlands? Unfortunately our religious scholars are not vocal on these issues. Many Khateebs and Ulemas do speak about water bodies, water pollution and waste but these sermons are not given on regular basis, with consistency and proper research and that is why I suggested to NGT and even J&K on many occasions to hold workshops and roundtables for our religious scholars across J&K where they would be properly trained about MSW Rules 2026, Air Pollution Act 1981, Water Pollution Act 1974, Wetland Rules 2017 and other relevant laws and rules governing environment. POONCH TO PAMPORE SITUATION IS ALARMING In Poonch river pollution case the National Green Tribunal-NGT has imposed hefty penalties on Municipal Council Poonch and only a few days back the NGT directed the District Magistrate of Poonch to prosecute the CEO Municipal Council for having failed to remove tons of legacy waste on the banks of Poonch river. The situation of Srinagar city is more alarming as entire untreated liquid waste and sewerage gets flushed into River Jhelum for the last several decades. The same water is pumped and supplied to people downstream by the PHE Jal Shakti Department in Bandipora, Baramulla districts. The solid and liquid waste that flows in Jhelum from Anantnag, Bijbehara and Srinagar gets settled in Wullar Lake as well which impacts our aquatic population. It is quite shocking that the Municipal Committee Pampore in District Pulwama is dumping its untreated waste near the saffron fields of local villages of Patlibagh and Chandhara. In spite of the fact that the J&K Pollution Control Committee imposed environmental compensation of Rs 3 crores on MC Pampore three years back, the illegal work has not stopped? ROLE OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS & NGTS DIRECTION In fact I had raised the issue of pollution in Wullar Lake in National Green Tribunal-NGT long back in 2019 in the case titled Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat vs State of J&K (Original Application No. 351/2019). After a few years a landmark judgement was passed wherein the National Green Tribunal-NGT directed the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and the J&K Chief Secretary to involve religious leaders, preachers, and NGOs in creating widespread environmental and waste management awareness. In fact I had made these suggestions to NGT but even after so many years no such programme was conducted by the Government. The NGTs Principal Bench had ordered training modules to sensitize local NGOs and religious leaders on wetland conservation. The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and Deputy Commissioners were tasked with convening these workshops. But I am sorry to say that nothing has been done in this regard even after so many years ? USER FEE ON TOURISTS Kashmir valley is witnessing a huge tourist rush and our hill stations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg and even Gurez are choked with trash. Under the MSW Rules 2016 special provisions have been introduced for solid waste management in hilly areas and islands. These include the levy of user fees on tourists and regulation of tourist inflow by local bodies based on available waste management facilities. Designated collection points will be established for non-biodegradable waste in such areas. Local populations will be encouraged to hand over waste to local bodies and discouraged from littering. Hotels and restaurants have to undertake decentralised processing of wet waste in accordance with norms prescribed by State PCBs or Pollution Control Committees in UTs. CONCLUSION The Fatwa (Decree) issued by Grand Ayatollah Sistani of Iraq must be an eye opener for the Muslim scholars of Kashmir who need to gear up for a big fight against climate change and environmental degradation. In fact workshops, training for our imams and khateebs should have been held 20 years back but it is never too late. This is the time for Climate Action and every influential person in the society has to play a role. The Deputy Commissioners across J&K must start working on this and prepare a list of religious scholars and social media influencers, NGOs etc in their respective districts who could be trained to lead the campaign against environmental pollution. Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat is Founder of J&K RTI Movement & Chairman J&K Climate Action Group.

Leading from the front

New Army Chief Gen. Dhiraj Seth, on the day of assuming office on July 1, 2026, outlined the defining features of his innings for the 1.2 million-strong force.He introduced the acronym of VIJAY, which translates to victory for his five operational mantras. The letters V-I-J-A-Y-Vigilance Innovation, Jointness, Atamnirbhata and Yodha - have profound meanings; each goes far beyond a simple guideline and reflects a vibrant spirit for defending the country against all threats. Many of these threats emerge from the theatre of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.In fact, the two cannot be separated from each other. With his vast experience, he knows why this theatre is more important than others and deserves his foremost attention. Over the past nearly four decades, the role and stature of the army chief have been redefined because of the multiple challenges that the country has faced during this period, which stem from both internal and external dimensions. Jammu and Kashmir has seen a convergence of both internal and external factors, as well as the countermeasures to neutralize internal threats. At the same time, the entirely changing global order and redrawn geopolitical realities cannot be dismissed while dealing with the external and internal threats. Some elements of the terror structure in Jammu and Kashmir are outdated, yet the security forces need to address pressing issues. The Army has to play a big role in tandem with J&K police. That is the reality of the day. The J&K Police has certain advantages because of it having local roots, intelligence-gathering networks, and interaction with masses from the police post level up to the top. Its leadership has consistently reviewed the situation through a local prism with a clear-eyed view of other factors too. Broadly speaking, there is a twin threat from China and Pakistan, but the approaches are different. China displayed its hostile intentions when it inflicted almost a four-and-a-half- yearmilitary standoff in eastern Ladakh from April 2020 to October 2024, and killed 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valleyon the intervening night of June 15/16, 2020. The Indian army mobilized troops to build a counter-situation, preventing China from making further advances, and also played a role in military diplomacy along with the MEA, to draw a stand-down from a seriously emerging situation. The core was dialogue and diplomacy. The Chinese attitude, however, islargely unchanged, though troops have not escalated the situation. It doesnt accept the pre-April 2020 position, though it has shown willingness to settle matters through the mechanism of consultations. The LAC status is where it stood, leaving open the chances of manipulation and misinterpretation. In Chinas case, Indian pragmatism helped in defusing tensions. The realities guided by the immediate geopolitical situation and the changing world order were recognized. China, as such is not sending armed terrorists into the Indian territory, but it has not hesitated in creating other sorts of troubling situations namely, troops intruding into Indian territory. These attempts were effectively foiled in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. That China will not do it again has been left to the wisdom of the Chinese leadership.The Chinese and the Indian leadership have committed to maintaining peace and tranquility and this is playing out well. It is hoped that Beijing doesnt play into the hands of Pakistan because of its deep geopolitical and geostrategic interests, wrapped in Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) of which China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a living example of the cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad.This is a delicate front where each and every measure demands caution, and action whenever necessary, while ensuring that further progress in settling the boundary issue stays on course. I am not able to guess whether it was a coincidence or otherwise that Pakistan chose June 30, 2026, to raise war cries against India over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty -- a day before Gen. Seth took over as Chief of Army Staff of India, succeeding Gen. Upendra Dwivedi. This timing only makes it clear that Pakistan is preparing for an international diplomatic campaign against India regarding the water-distribution treaty, which has been kept in abeyance by India since April last year, following the Pahalgam massacre. This sounded as alarming as Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dars threat that the continued suspension of the water treaty could have profound consequences for regional peace. It meant that Pakistan could take any measure, including armed conflict, to force India to release waters for Pakistan. Not to be left behind was former minister of state for foreign affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, who attempted to argue that India does not deserve a seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as it has walked away from an international treaty. There were other equally distressing calls for China to be made a party to this dispute over the treaty. Others made threats of war-like aggression against the under-construction power dams inJammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This is not the whole expanse of threats, but rather a microcosm of the war-like situation that Pakistan wants to create. Islamabad is under the illusion that its all-weather friendship with China, and its newly gained status as a mediator in the talks between the US and Iran, enable it to say and do whatever it intends to do in the future. It also believes that there will be no consequences if it does everything it is currently saying. This has added to the challenges for the new army chief. At a time when a conclusion has been drawn that everything is fine and superb in Jammu and Kashmir, because of the intense counter-terrorism operations and unprecedented development, connecting places and people, a few black spots continue to trouble the region.For over a month, not even a single inch of the districts and highways through which the annual Amarnath Yatra passes remained untouched by everyday mock drills. This was a never-before -witnessed situation. The security forces are in a better position to analyse the situation because of their inputs or anticipation of threats. Pakistan is always on the lookout for creating mischief. These exercises might be a security requirement, but when highways are closed for hours together and severe restrictions are placed on civilian traffic, the impression conveyed to the public is that commoners have to abide by extraordinary rules. The purpose of such exercises should always beto facilitate not only pilgrims but all others as well. And, the internal security in J&K is intrinsically linked to the Indian army, which has been in the thick of things for the past over 36 years. Its presence is overwhelming. It is almost everywhere. This is seen as a guarantee of peace and security. It often leads to the question: if this is the case, where does J&K standafter 36 years of fight against terrorism? There is an answer to it: the very nature of terrorism has changed. It is now transiting from cities and towns to higher reaches where terrorists have natural allies-caves and forests. They are equipped with high-tech devices and American weaponry that the US troops left behind in Afghanistan before leaving the war-torn country in August 2021. That is logical answer, but it doesnt answer everything. It is here that Gen. Seth will have to test his own mantras V-I-J-A-Y. In the changed Kashmir, he will be required to change the context and contours of Armys Operation Goodwill and foster a better understanding with the local people and J&K police. His innings just started, but he is aware of what all Kashmir needs to come out of its status of battlefield between terrorism and counterterrorism.

When life loses its why

Purpose is to life what oxygen is to the bodynot always noticed, yet indispensable. A life deprived of purpose does not merely become directionless; it gradually dissolves into an emptiness that philosophers have long described as an existential vacuum. We may continue to breathe, work, eat, and sleep, yet remain strangers to the very life we inhabit. Perhaps the greatest paradox of existence is that while human beings have conquered the external world, they continue to lose the inner one. We have learned to measure distances between stars, yet often fail to measure the distance between ourselves and our own souls. There was a time when life unfolded with remarkable simplicity. The struggle was not to possess more, but to become enough. People sought to fill their bellies rather than exhibit what they had consumed; to clothe their bodies rather than glorify their garments; to speak from the heart rather than silently consume it with unspoken anxieties. A humble clay house often sheltered a richer spirit than many of todays magnificent mansions, where abundance frequently coexists with loneliness and division. Human beings were once more manual than mechanical, more contemplative than distracted. Purpose was seldom debated because it was lived. It was woven into the ordinary rhythms of existencein labour, in family, in community, and in the quiet dignity of fulfilling ones responsibilities. Meaning did not need to be searched for because it naturally emerged from living authentically. The modern world, however, has subtly altered the grammar of existence. Being has yielded to appearing; substance to spectacle; identity to image. We polish our public selves while neglecting our private selves. We curate impressions instead of cultivating character. In seeking to be seen by everyone, we often cease to see ourselves. Our minds have become crowded with information yet impoverished of wisdom. We have invented innumerable ways to kill time, forgetting that every moment we kill quietly kills a part of us. We race against the clock only to discover that the finish line belongs not to victory, but to mortality. Today, success is too often mistaken for significance, popularity for purpose, and possession for fulfilment. The marketplace has expanded beyond goods and servicesit now trades in attention, identity, and self-worth. We accumulate wealth while bankrupting wonder; multiply connections while diminishing communion; perfect our profiles while neglecting our persons. The tragedy of modern existence is not that humanity possesses too little, but that it desires too much without asking why. We have mistaken movement for progress, noise for meaning, and visibility for value. Yet no accumulation of possessions can satisfy a soul that has forgotten what it truly seeks. Perhaps purpose is not something waiting to be discovered at the end of lifes journey. Perhaps it is something quietly created in every act of love, every sacrifice, every honest conversation, every moment of courage, and every attempt to become more human than we were yesterday. Meaning is rarely found in extraordinary achievements; more often, it reveals itself in the extraordinary way we choose to live ordinary moments. In the end, the question is not whether life has a purpose. The deeper question is whether we have become sufficiently awake to recognise it. For what is the worth of a life that shines before the world, if it remains dark within itself? Parvaiz Ahmad, Lecturer Chemistry, School Education Department.

Positive vibes on environmental protection!

There have been positive developments off-late in Srinagar to safeguard its eco-fragile environment both at government and public levels. Major one has been Srinagars lone garbage processing facility at Achan area in Eidgah. The garbage dump has made the lives of people of the entire city miserable due to the emanation of a pungent smell in the last several years due to unscientific garbage disposal. Taking note of public outcry and threats to health, the intervention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has given people a ray of hope of turning the stinking facility as state-of-the-art waste treatment facility. In May this year, the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accorded approval for the establishment of an 800 TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Project at Achan, Srinagar, at an estimated cost of Rs 361 crore. The project envisages strengthening scientific waste management infrastructure, ensuring sustainable disposal and processing of municipal solid waste in an environmentally responsible manner. It has been learnt that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for establishment of the Integrated Solid Waste Management facility at Achan by Srinagar has been technically vetted by the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar.The SMC has informed the Committee on Environment that it has initiated large-scale biomining and bioremediation of legacy waste at the Achan dumpsite to address the environmental challenges posed by historical waste accumulation. Besides work for biomining and bioremediation of approximately 11 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste has been awarded to a specialised agency while windrow formation and associated civil works are presently underway. Also three trommel machines and one ballistic separator have been installed and made operational for segregation and processing of legacy waste and accelerating remediation operations. Its appreciable that the Committee on Environment headed by M Y Tarigami moved beyond files and made on the spot assessment of the Achan Waste Management Site reviewed existing solid waste management framework, ongoing waste processing operations, legacy waste remediation measures, leachate treatment systems and environmental safeguards. In fact this is the first high level panel comprising legislators which visited the Achan landfill site in decades. The panel got first-hand experience of problems faced by people living around the garbage dump and stressed on adopting modern technologies to transform the Achan Waste Management Site into an environmentally compliant facility. The panel also took serious note of encroachments, degradation of water bodies and the impact of pollution on public health in adjacent water bodies including Hokersar, Khushalsar and Aanchar. In fact large stretches of these water bodies were freshly filled up to pave way for illegal constructions. All the shocked panel could do was to express anguish over rampant illegal landfilling, unauthorised construction and indiscriminate dumping of waste in and around these water bodies.It passed directions to prepare a comprehensive time-bound action plan for the protection and restoration of these lakes and wetlands. The water bodies especially in Srinagar are inter-connected and the government must ensure conservation of these natural assets. While conservation works are in progress in Dal Lake, other water bodies including Aanchar, Gilsar Khushalsar and Brari Nambal are on the verge of extinction. In fact a large stretch of Khushalsar lake has vanished under concrete constructions from Ali Jan Road side. It is a welcome development that authorities and stakeholders are waking up to environmental challenges being faced by J&K especially Srinagar. Government cannot neglect the historic Srinagar city. The city deserves all modern facilities including scientific waste management and long term solutions to its maintaining ecological balance. The Srinagar Declaration 2026 adopted by the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), Jammu and Kashmir is a timely endeavour to ensure sustainable development with water security, ecological resilience and climate action at governance level.The declaration recognises that no region possesses a more extraordinary combination of natural endowments, ecological wealth and built heritage than Jammu & Kashmir. The declaration identifies five core pillars: Water Security, Ecological Resilience, Climate Action, People and Participation and Sustainable Future. It calls for restoration of natural capital, including glaciers, wetlands, forests, biodiversity and river corridors. What must serve as an eye-opener is the concern shown by veteran statesman and former Sadar-e-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir Dr Karan Singh on environmental degradation. Dr Karan Singh spoke his heart out to express anguish over unplanned infrastructure expansion in the Himalayas and excessive road construction and saying these were worsening ecological stress in fragile mountains of J&K.Dr Karan Singhs late father Maharaja Hari Singh is known for his love for the environment. During his rule, there were stringent safeguards for protection of forests, water bodies, wetlands and wildlife. The Maharaja was instrumental in building flood channels and dredging of river Jhelum. And his scion Dr Karan Singh warns of environmental catastrophes due to large-scale blasting for road widening on sensitive mountain zones asking, Why should tourists need four-lane roads? Dr Karan Singh rightly calls upon communities and MLAs to be involved in conservation of the environment. It is our collective responsibility to work for environmental conservation. Amid erratic weather patterns which trigger natural calamities, it is high time to work on mitigation measures. Its a mammoth, not impossible task to restore and conserve our water bodies. We just need to have a will and there will be a way! Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir.

Screen addiction crisis

A study on growing use of smartphones among students should alarm us all. Surveying 400 school-going adolescents across Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Srinagar, researchers from the Department of Public Administration and Political Science, Cluster University of Kashmir (Amar Singh College), found that three in four students now spend upwards of four hours a day glued to a screen. Heavy users are far more likely to struggle with concentration, wake up exhausted, feel inadequate after scrolling through curated lives on Instagram and Snapchat, and report genuine distress when separated from their phones. More than half say stress and digital distraction routinely derail their schoolwork. So, we have a generation being quietly reshaped by technology, often without adult awareness or intervention. The timing of this research is instructive. Britain has just moved to bar under-16s from social media altogether, with the government there arguing that these platforms are engineered to addict, not to inform or connect. The country is also weighing overnight usage curfews and limits on infinite scroll. Whatever one thinks of an outright ban, the underlying diagnosis is hard to dispute: platforms built to maximise attention will not police themselves, and children are the most vulnerable users on the internet precisely because they are the easiest to hook. Kashmir cannot afford to treat this as someone else's problem. Smartphone penetration here is now near-universal, yet digital literacy among both parents and schools remains thin. Many households simply have no framework for what a healthy relationship with a device looks like. Three steps deserve urgent attention. First, schools must include digital literacy and cyber-safety directly into the curriculum, not as an occasional workshop but as a sustained subject, so students learn to recognise manipulation, protect their privacy, and manage their own time online. Second, parents also need to enforce sensible screen-time limits, since children mirror the habits of the adults around them. Third, local authorities should explore age-appropriate safeguards rather than waiting for global platforms to act voluntarily. None of this requires demonising technology. Used well, it remains a gateway to education and opportunity. But the choice is not between full access and full restriction: it is between adolescents left to navigate powerful, manipulative systems alone, or given the tools and guardrails to use them wisely.

Social shame outweighs financial loss as cyberbullying goes unreported

Srinagar, Jul 6:Students are more likely to report losing Rs 500 in an online fraud than report being victims of cyberbullying, with fear of social judgment emerging as the biggest barrier to reporting cybercrime, a study has found. The study, conducted by students of the Department of Public Administration, Amar Singh College, Srinagar, under the guidance of Zubair Nazeer Malik, surveyed students from Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, and Government Model Higher Secondary School, Pahalgam, to examine attitudes towards reporting cybercrime. The research team comprised Umer Tariq, Iqra Rashid, Kawsar Jan, Zenab, Toiba Jan, Amaine, Dua Farooq, Arbin Fayaz, and Mehvish Javaid. Fear of judgment The survey found that 88 percent of respondents do not report cyber incidents because they fear being judged by family or friends. Researchers identified stigma as the biggest reason behind underreporting. If we tell our family, they will only blame us for using the internet wrongly, one respondent said. Victims expect blame instead of support, making silence the preferred response, the report said. Cyberbullying left unreported Students drew a clear line between financial fraud and online abuse. The study found that frauds involving as little as Rs 500-Rs 1000 were considered worth reporting. Cyberbullying, however, is often ignored until it turns into blackmail, extortion or prolonged harassment. The reporting threshold for financial fraud is significantly lower than for cyberbullying. Social shame is a much heavier barrier than physical financial loss, the researchers concluded. Privacy barrier The study found that 72 percent of respondents hesitate to report because complaints require sharing chats, screenshots, photographs, and account details. It feels safer to stay silent than risk my personal chats being seen by others, another respondent said. The reporting process itself creates a privacy anxiety barrier, the report said. Little faith in enforcement The survey found that 36 percent of respondents have low confidence in police and cybercrime cells. Many believed reporting would not lead to meaningful action. Low trust creates a hopelessness loop where fewer complaints reduce institutional response and reinforce public scepticism, the study says. Victims blame themselves Researchers found that many victims delete chats or block offenders instead of filing complaints. Self-blame leads victims to minimise incidents and erase evidence, increasing the risk of repeat victimisation, the report said. Awareness gap The study found better cyber awareness among students of Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar. Respondents from remote Government Model Higher Secondary School, Pahalgam, reported limited knowledge of official reporting channels. Recommendations The researchers recommend anonymous reporting systems in colleges, simpler complaint procedures, and regular cyber awareness campaigns. Reducing fear, protecting privacy, and improving trust are essential to bridge the gap between cybercrime and official reporting, the report said.

Mookerjees sacrifice paved way for J&Ks complete integration: Amit Shah

Kolkata, Jul 6:Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday said Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee had sacrificed his life for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with rest of the country. Addressing a commemorative programme in Kolkata to mark Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had realised Mookerjee's resolve of 'One Nation, One Constitution' by scrapping Article 370 and asserted that Jammu and Kashmir was now an integral part of India. Mookerjee gave the slogan, 'One country cannot have two constitutions, two heads and two symbols.' He died under suspicious circumstances in a Kashmir jail while pursuing that cause, and the then government did not investigate his death. PM Modi fulfilled his resolve by uprooting Article 370. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, Shah said. The programme was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat while PM Modi addressed the gathering through a video message. Shah announced that the foundation stone had been laid for a 125-foot statue of Mookerjee in Kolkata, describing it as more than the construction of a monument. This is not merely the foundation-laying ceremony for a statue, but the beginning of the resolve to build 'Sonar Bangla', he said. The Home Minister said the statue would be installed on the banks of Kolkata's largest man-made lake and that the site would also house the Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Institute, dedicated to research on India's national security. Congratulating the West Bengal government for declaring Mookerjee's birth anniversary a public holiday, Shah said the decision honoured one of Bengal's foremost nationalist leaders. He also expressed hope that the state government would soon implement Mookerjee's vision regarding the promotion of Indian languages. Recalling Mookerjee's political journey, Shah said he had resigned from the first Union Cabinet in protest against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, which he believed failed to safeguard the interests of Hindus who had remained in Pakistan and East Pakistan while focusing on Muslims who stayed in India. He believed the agreement was one-sided, and therefore resigned from the Cabinet, Shah said. He said that the BJP-led government had since enacted the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) to grant citizenship to persecuted Hindus and reiterated the Centre's commitment to identify and deport infiltrators from India. We have abolished Article 370, granted citizenship to refugee Hindus, and will identify and remove every infiltrator to make India completely secure, Shah said. Describing Mookerjee as a multifaceted leader, he said he founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to unite nationalist forces and lay the foundation of cultural nationalism. The seed sown by Mookerjee has today grown into the banyan tree called the Bharatiya Janata Party, he said, adding that the organisation founded by Mookerjee now governed nearly two-thirds of India's territory and population. Shah said Mookerjee believed that the policies of independent India should reflect he fragrance of India's soil rather than be influenced by Western thinking. He said PM Modi was translating that vision into reality by pursuing development while preserving India's cultural heritage, with the goal of building a developed India by 2047. He also described Mookerjee as the common source of nationalist ideas such as cultural nationalism, the vision of an undivided India, and the principle of balancing development with heritage. Referring to Bengal's historical legacy, Shah said the rebuilding of the state envisioned by Rabindranath Tagore, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Raja Rammohan Roy had begun with the current government. The Home Minister said the coincidence of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and the 125th birth anniversary of Mookerjee in the same year carried symbolic significance. He said efforts had begun to encourage the full rendition of Vande Mataram so that younger generations could proudly pay tribute to the homeland. Listing initiatives undertaken by the newly elected West Bengal government, Shah said the Annapurna Yojana, Ujjwala 3.0, free bus travel for women and girl students, the Lakhpati Didi Mission, and the implementation of Ayushman Bharat providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for poor families had been rolled out. He said construction of a cancer hospital in north Bengal had begun, land had been handed over to the Border Security Force for border fencing and a committee headed by Justice Brijendra Nath had been constituted to investigate corruption. Those involved in corruption should be prepared to return every rupee looted from the poor once the committee submits its report, Shah said. He said another committee had been set up to investigate crimes against women, approvals had been granted for prosecution in long-pending corruption cases and a committee had also been formed to examine implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state. Shah said the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026, had been passed as part of the government's promise to take strict action against criminals. He said the process of identifying and deporting infiltrators from the state had begun and that a Durga Suraksha Squad had been constituted to enhance the safety of women. Accusing previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments of pushing Bengal backwards, Shah expressed confidence that the government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari would fulfil every promise made in its election manifesto within five years and lay a strong foundation for Sonar Bangla. He said Mookerjee, whom he credited with helping save Bengal, Kashmir, and Assam, had not received the memorial he deserved until now, and expressed confidence that the new memorial in Kolkata would inspire future generations.

Article 370 abrogation fulfilled Syama Prasad Mookerjees dream: PM Modi

Kolkata, Jul 6:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, describing him as a distinguished nation-builder, visionary leader, eminent educationist, and champion of national unity whose ideals continue to guide the country's journey towards a 'Viksit Bharat'. Addressing a commemorative programme through a video message, PM Modi said the abrogation of Article 370 had fulfilled Mookerjee's long-standing dream of the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was completely dedicated to the vision of one India, supreme India. He gave the nation the mantra that one country cannot have two constitutions, two heads and two symbols. This was not merely a slogan; it was a call for equal rights, an equal Constitution and an equal national consciousness, he said. Recalling Mookerjee's agitation against Jammu and Kashmir's special status, his arrest and death in custody in 1953, the PM said he fought for his convictions till the very end. He fought for his principles, went to jail and ultimately made the supreme sacrifice for Kashmir. Today, our government takes pride in the fact that by dismantling the wall of Article 370, we have fulfilled Mookerjee's dream, he said. In a post on 'X', PM Modi said he bowed to one of India's most remarkable nation-builders whose life was defined by scholarship, courage, and unwavering commitment to national service. He dedicated himself to the cause of India's unity, dignity and progress. Mookerjee's contributions spanned diverse spheres. He was an outstanding thinker and educationist, who supported innovation and futuristic learning. As Industries Minister, he laid the foundations of industrial self-reliance while ensuring that traditional sectors and livelihoods flourished. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal Famine reflected his profound compassion for those in distress. Above all, his steadfast commitment to the unity and integrity of India remains an enduring source of inspiration. As we move forward in our journey towards a Viksit Bharat, his vision continues to illuminate our path, he said. The PM said Mookerjee's enduring contributions to education, industrial development, and national integration continue to inspire generations. Referring to the partition of the subcontinent, he said Mookerjee played a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of Bengal when attempts were allegedly made to include the entire province in Pakistan. Mookerjee stood firm against these conspiracies. He mobilised public opinion, fought political battles and ensured that Bengal remained an integral part of India, PM Modi said, quoting Mookerjee as saying, Congress divided the country, and I divided Pakistan. He said the Centre was observing Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary as a two-year national commemoration beginning July 6, 2025, and continuing till July 6, 2027. Tracing the origins of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the PM said Mookerjee introduced ideological diversity into Indian politics at a time when the Congress dominated the political landscape. It was then that Mookerjee dared to embrace a new idea, challenging all those circumstances, the PM said, adding that the formation of the Jana Sangh represented faith in ideological diversity, democracy and public participation. Paying tribute to generations of Jana Sangh and BJP workers, he said they had devoted their lives to preserving and nurturing the movement through decades of political struggle. That same Bharatiya Jana Sangh is today serving the people as the Bharatiya Janata Party, the world's largest democratic force, PM Modi said. He asserted that Mookerjee's ideology continues to shape the BJP's governance agenda and guide New India. His ideology is flourishing in the present and giving direction to a new India, the PM said, expressing confidence that future generations studying the BJP's journey would remember Mookerjee's ideas, courage and foresight. He lauded the BJP government in West Bengal for organising commemorative events in honour of Mookerjee, saying the programmes reflected a governance philosophy centred on 'nation first'. PM Modi referred to the celebration of Paschimbanga Divas on June 20 and said the event on Mookerjee's birth anniversary was part of the effort to honour Bengal's heritage and national heroes. (With PTI inputs)

MLAs can now back critical treatment

Srinagar, Jul 6:Development funds will now carry a humanitarian touch, with MLAs empowered to help poor patients battling life-threatening illnesses. Under revised CDF guidelines, each MLA can allocate up to Rs 20 lakh annually for eligible patients, with assistance routed directly to hospitals under a monitored and transparent mechanism. On Monday, the government amended the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) guidelines, allowing Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to utilise a portion of their annual CDF allocation for providing financial assistance to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. According to Government Order No 149-FD of 2026 dated July 6, each MLA can earmark up to Rs 20 lakh per annum from the CDF for medical assistance to eligible patients. The order partially modifies the earlier Government Order No 279-FD of 2025 issued on October 30, 2025. The government has fixed a maximum assistance of Rs 2.75 lakh for cancer treatment, Rs 5 lakh for organ transplantation, and Rs 1 lakh for chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. Assistance will also be available for other life-threatening diseases notified by the government. The order stipulates that the benefit will be restricted to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and other economically weaker sections notified by the government. It also makes it mandatory for patients to first avail benefits under schemes such as PM-JAY SEHAT, the Medical Aid Trust (MAT), the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFFP) and other applicable government schemes before seeking assistance under the CDF. Financial support will be limited to the uncovered portion of the treatment cost. The government has further directed that payments shall be made directly to empanelled hospitals or medical institutions instead of beneficiaries to ensure transparency. The order also provides that every case must be supported by certification from the competent medical authority and verification of income eligibility by the concerned district authorities. It further mandates a transparent approval and audit mechanism to prevent misuse of funds and ensure accountability. The Finance Department said the revised guidelines are aimed at enabling legislators to extend timely financial support to economically weaker patients facing high treatment costs for critical illnesses while ensuring that the assistance is extended in a transparent and accountable manner.

Road macadamisation grinds to a halt across Kashmir

Srinagar, Jul 6:Jammu and Kashmir's annual road macadamisation programme has suffered a major setback as the ongoing strike by hot mix plant owners has brought blacktopping works to a virtual standstill, threatening to delay hundreds of road projects during the peak construction season. With hot mix plants remaining shut, the supply of bituminous mix used for road surfacing has come to a halt, affecting macadamisation works being undertaken by the Public Works (R&B) Department, municipal bodies and other government agencies. According to contractors, the disruption could significantly impact this year's road improvement programme, with the limited working season in Kashmir leaving little room for prolonged delays. Contractors estimate that macadamisation of nearly 1000 km of roads requires around 27,000 metric tonnes of bitumen, underscoring the massive requirement of the material for the ongoing road construction season. Municipal bodies are also expected to undertake blacktopping of around 500 km of roads in Kashmir, further increasing the demand for bitumen. The strike stems from a series of long-pending issues, chief among them the unprecedented increase in bitumen prices. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Central Contractors Coordination Committee, the price of bitumen has almost doubled over the past few months. Contractors said bitumen, which was available at around Rs 53 per kg before the recent Middle East conflict, is now selling at nearly Rs 104 per kg, while government rates continue to be based on outdated prices. The increase is nearly 100 percent. Contractors cannot execute works under the existing Schedule of Rates because the cost of the principal raw material has doubled, Ghulam Jilani Purza, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Central Contractors Coordination Committee, told Greater Kashmir. If the government believes there has been no increase in bitumen prices, then it should procure the material itself and supply it to contractors, as was the practice earlier. We are ready to execute the works, but we cannot be expected to bear such huge losses, he said. Purza said the problems extend far beyond bitumen prices. Departments insist on royalty receipts for construction material, but legal mining sources for several minerals have not even been identified. Contractors are being penalised for circumstances beyond their control. Unless these issues are resolved, infrastructure projects across Jammu and Kashmir will continue to suffer, he said. Meanwhile, the All Kashmir Hot Mix Plant Owners Association, which is spearheading the strike, has submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha seeking immediate intervention to resolve the crisis. Association President Bashir Ahmad Khan said the strike had become unavoidable due to mounting financial losses and policy issues. Our strike is not against development. We have invested crores of rupees in establishing hot mix plants and have contributed significantly to road infrastructure and employment generation across Jammu and Kashmir. However, the present circumstances have made it impossible to continue operations, Khan said. The existing Schedule of Rates does not reflect current market realities. Bitumen prices have risen sharply, payments for completed works remain pending, legal mining material sources have not been identified and administrative procedures have become increasingly cumbersome. Unless these genuine issues are addressed, operating hot mix plants is financially unviable, he said. In its memorandum, the association has sought an immediate revision of the Jammu and Kashmir Schedule of Rates (JKSRR), particularly the rates for bitumen, to bring them in line with prevailing market prices and the latest guidelines of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It has also demanded incorporation of a price escalation clause in all contracts to shield contractors from fluctuations in input costs. The association has further urged the administration to identify and notify legal mining material sources, saying contractors are unable to produce royalty receipts because officially approved sources for construction material are unavailable. It argued that the issue has resulted in payment delays and avoidable disputes with government departments. Among its other demands are simplification of contractor card renewals and CID verification, immediate release of pending payments for verified macadamisation works executed between 2016 and 2019, and reservation of macadamisation tenders for 'A' Class contractors owning hot mix plants to eliminate middlemen and improve accountability in project execution. The association said prolonged inaction had forced plant owners to suspend operations despite having invested heavily in their units. It expressed hope that the Lieutenant Governor would intervene to resolve the issues so that the strike could be withdrawn and road macadamisation works resumed without further delay. A senior official in the Public Works (R&B) Department said the government was aware of the strike and that discussions were underway with the stakeholders to restore normal road construction activities. The official declined to comment on the specific demands raised by the contractors.

3 men who ran the treasury sound the alarm on development delays

Srinagar, Jul 6: Development has a season in Kashmir and experts say the government is wasting it. Three former finance ministers said delayed fund releases are threatening public works during Jammu and Kashmirs narrow construction window and argue the problem lies in administrative decision-making, not finances. The remarks come amid concerns over delays in the flow of funds to government departments for developmental activities, despite the approval of the J&Ks Budget. Former finance minister Haseeb Drabu, who held the portfolio from March 2015 to March 2018, said funds were routinely released at the start of the financial year during his tenure to ensure projects could be executed during the limited working season. When I was the finance minister, we used to release funds in April because we have a very short season for carrying developmental activities, Drabu said. He said J&K also receives funding under centrally sponsored schemes, adding that the current delays could not be attributed to the Budget Estimation, Allocation and Monitoring System (BEAMS), an online financial management platform introduced during his tenure in 2017. Drabu said contractors in J&K often begin work even before formal project approvals, confident that payments would eventually be made. Unless there is a shortage of funds in the treasury, there is no reason why developmental activities should not move at a faster pace, he said. The government should assess the extent of unpaid liabilities and contractor dues. Drabu said the Centre had been proactive in releasing funds to J&K and that its share of Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues had increased. Rejecting suggestions that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was overburdened because he also holds the finance portfolio, Drabu said the administration had a competent Finance Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) Shailendra Kumar, capable of managing the department. Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari, who served as finance minister between April 2016 and June 2018, said there was no procedural reason for withholding funds after the budget had been approved. The budget has already been approved and there is no need for any further approval. The allocated funds for developmental works should have been released, Bukhari said. Bukhari, who also served as minister for Roads and Buildings from 2015 to 2016, dismissed the argument that administrative changes following Jammu and Kashmirs reorganisation into a Union Territory in 2019 had complicated fund releases. BEAMS is not a new thing. It used to be in place even before 2019, he said. The development works are already approved under departmental plans. He attributed the delays to disagreements within the ruling establishment over the prioritisation of projects. There is basically a tussle between the ruling party legislators and ministers in the government about where to carry developmental works and where not to, and in the process the people are suffering, Bukhari said. The problem is at the decision-making level. He said the finance minister should actively review departmental work plans and use the governments authority to modify or reappropriate funds where necessary. The government has to remain proactive. If it remains subservient to legislators interests, nothing will move, Bukhari said. He said that while elected representatives could recommend projects, they should not be allowed to hold up development works. J&K Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra, who was finance minister from 2005 to 2008, also blamed delays in the Finance Department for slowing development. There are shortcomings in working, Karra said. He said that J&K receives its allocation through the Union budget and said he had raised the issue of delayed transfers to departments during the recent session of the Legislative Assembly. I urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the funds should not get delayed like last year, he said. The allocations to the different departments in the budget should be transferred smoothly. Karra said the constitutional status of J&K should not affect the timely release of development funds. Whether J&K is a state or a Union Territory, the fund allocation should not come in the way of development activities, he said. The funds are held up, delayed or there is slackness only due to the Finance Department and people are suffering. He described the Finance Department as the central driver of government functioning, saying delays there had cascading effects across all sectors. The delay in the Finance Department is costly for all the departments and development as a whole, Karra said. He said the chief minister should devote more time to overseeing fund allocation if he continued to hold the finance portfolio. If Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spends extra time every day to oversee allocation of funds to different departments, things would be smooth, he said. Recalling his own tenure, Karra said he often worked late hours to ensure financial decisions were processed without delay.I used to go to sleep at 3 am and wake up again at 7 am, he said. Karra said that the chief minister was handling too many portfolios and should retain only key departments like Home, General Administration, and Hospitality and Protocol, while distributing the remaining responsibilities among other ministers.

Tamil Nadu spends too much; Bengal earns too little: A tale of two deficits

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal ended 2023-24 with revenue deficits, but their fiscal challenges differ significantly. Tamil Nadu's deficit stems from expenditure, while West Bengal's reflects weaker revenues and debt. West Bengal's lower per-capita income and higher population density strain its public services. Tamil Nadu's stronger revenue base and fiscal autonomy contrast with West Bengal's reliance on transfers.

Don't just assemble, innovate: The missing hero in India's smartphone success story

India is the world's second-largest mobile phone maker, benefiting from policy support and global supply chain shifts. Domestic firms currently focus on assembly, while design and innovation remain with foreign companies. To become a tech powerhouse, India must enable local firms to create more value. Investment in research and development is crucial for sustained competitiveness and patent creation. This shift will move India from assembly to innovation-driven technology leadership.

India's runaway smartphone PLI success holds lessons for the next wave of industrial policy

India's smartphone production incentive scheme transformed the nation into a manufacturing hub. This policy successfully attracted global value chains and boosted exports significantly. Timely payments and administrative support built crucial trust with manufacturers. The scheme fostered substantial job creation, especially for women in formal sectors. These lessons are vital for India's future industrial development strategies.

BSF DG visits forward border post in J-K's Samba amid anti-infiltration operations

Jammu, Jul 6: Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) Praveen Kumar on Monday visited a forward area along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir to review the situation amid intensified anti-infiltration operations, officials said. The BSF chief was accompanied by senior officers, including Special Director General, Western Command, Satish S Khandare; and Inspector General of BSF, Jammu frontier, Shashank Anand, during his visit to Border Outpost Devendra in Ghagwal area this evening, the officials said. Though there was no statement from the BSF, sources said the high-level visit comes amid a massive anti-tunnelling operation being carried out by the BSF along the International Border in the Samba sector to detect and prevent any cross-border infiltration attempts through underground tunnels. The sources said the operations have been going on for the past week. Between 2011 and 2021, the BSF unearthed nearly a dozen cross-border tunnels along the International Border in the Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts on different occasions.

Day not far when BJP will form its own government in J&K: Nitin Nabin

Jammu, Jul 6: BJP's lotus will bloom in the Kashmir Valley as well, party's national president Nitin Nabin said on Monday, asserting that the saffron party would soon form its own government in Jammu and Kashmir. Nabin arrived here on Monday on a two-day visit, his first after becoming the party president, to review the party's organisational affairs. The day is not far when the Bharatiya Janata Party will form its own government in Jammu and Kashmir, Nabin said while addressing party workers at a function organised to mark Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary. Reiterating the Centre's commitment towards the Union Territory, Nabin said the government in New Delhi was firmly committed to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and urged party workers to take the Centre's welfare schemes to every household. We are aware that the present government here continues to follow what we consider a dual approach towards Jammu and Kashmir. We have never viewed beneficiaries through the prism of religion. Every poor person is an Indian citizen whose welfare is our responsibility, he said. Calling for sustained organisational work to realise the vision of a developed India by 2047, the BJP president exhorted party workers to strengthen the organisation through sustained effort, like the previous organisations, and realise the dream of Viksit Bharat. I am confident that by then we will also have transformed Jammu and Kashmir into a developed region, Nabin said. Highlighting the Modi government's economic achievements, Nabin said India has emerged as the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. There was a time when India was known merely as a source of manpower...Today, India is no longer just a manpower powerit is emerging as a manufacturing power, he said. Recalling India's Operation Sindoor, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, he said this is not the old India. If anyone attacks our citizens, India will respond firmly, he said, stressing that Jammu and Kashmir was an inseparable part of India. Targeting the Congress over its stand on Jammu and Kashmir, Nabin asserted that the constitutional changes brought after the abrogation of Article 370 were irreversible. Those days are over. The temporary constitutional arrangements that once existed in Jammu and Kashmir have come to an end and cannot be restored, he said. He also said the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir reflected the improving security environment, adding that the sector was generating new employment opportunities for the youth and strengthening the local economy.

Security forces bust hideout in Keran; arms, war-like stores recovered

Srinagar, July 6: Security forces on Monday recovered arms, ammunition and other war-like stores after they busted a hideout in Keran sector of Kupwara district. Officials of Armys Chinar Corps said that on July 06, 2026, a specific intelligence input was received following which a search operation was launched by Indian Army in the general area of Keran Sector, Kupwara. During search, security forces busted a hideout and recovered 5 AK series rifles, 9 AK magazines, 1 hand grenade, a huge cache of ammunition and other war-like stores, officials said.

Amit Shah says Article 370 abrogation fulfilled Syama Prasad Mookerjee's vision; calls J&K an integral part of India

Kolkata, July 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the abrogation of Article 370 by the Narendra Modi government fulfilled the long-standing vision of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is now an integral part of India. Addressing a commemorative event marking the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee in Kolkata, Shah said Mookerjee had sacrificed his life while opposing the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir under the slogan, Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan, do Nishan nahi chalenge (One nation cannot have two constitutions, two prime ministers and two flags). Dr Mookerjee gave his life for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled his resolve by removing Article 370. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of India, Shah said. The Home Minister also recalled Mookerjee's opposition to the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, saying he had resigned from the first Union Cabinet because he believed the agreement failed to safeguard the interests of Hindus who had remained in Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Shah said the Modi government had also fulfilled another of Mookerjee's objectives by enacting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), which provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted religious minorities from neighbouring countries. We have removed Article 370, granted citizenship to persecuted Hindu refugees through the CAA, and we will identify and remove every infiltrator from Indian soil to make the country more secure, he said. Speaking at the event, Shah announced that a 125-foot statue of Syama Prasad Mookerjee would be installed in Kolkata, describing it as more than a memorial and calling it he beginning of the resolve for Sonar Bangla. He said a Syama Prasad Mookerjee Institute dedicated to research on India's national security would also be established alongside the statue. Shah said Mookerjee's vision of combining cultural nationalism with modern development was being realised under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. His belief was that the policies of independent India should reflect the fragrance of India's own soil, not be influenced by Western thinking. Under Prime Minister Modi, that vision has begun to take concrete shape, he said. Referring to Mookerjee's role in founding the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Shah said the organisation had grown into the Bharatiya Janata Party, which now governs a majority of India's population and territory. The Home Minister also praised the West Bengal government for declaring Mookerjee's birth anniversary a public holiday and said the state had begun implementing several commitments, including welfare schemes, anti-corruption measures, women's safety initiatives, and steps to identify illegal infiltrators. Shah accused previous Communist and Trinamool Congress governments of pushing West Bengal backwards and expressed confidence that the current government would fulfil its electoral promises and lay the foundation for a Sonar Bangla. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recorded message was also played during the event, which was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries.

PM Modi says Art 370 abrogation fulfilled Syama Prasad Mookerjee's dream; lauds WB govt for honouring him

Kolkata, Jul 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the abrogation of Article 370 had fulfilled the dream of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee while asserting that his ideology and principles continue to shape the BJP's governance agenda and guide New India. Addressing a commemorative programme through a video message on Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary, Modi described him as a visionary, patriot and champion of national unity, and drew a direct ideological link between the Jana Sangh founder's political struggles and several of the BJP's signature policy decisions, including the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. Today, the nation and West Bengal are remembering a great son of the soil, a great patriot who was dedicated to the integrity of India, Modi said while lauding the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal for honouring the nationalist leader's legacy. In remarks carrying strong political and ideological overtones, the Prime Minister linked the BJP-led Centre's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status in August 2019 with Mookerjee's long-standing opposition to Article 370 and his campaign for the complete integration of the erstwhile state with the rest of the country. The constitutional arrangement allowed the state to maintain its own constitution, fly a separate state flag, and use distinct titles for its leaders -- Prime Minister, and not the chief minister, and Sadar-e-Riyasat in place of governor. Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee was completely dedicated to the vision of one India, supreme India. He gave the nation the mantra that one country cannot have two constitutions, two heads and two symbols. This was not merely a slogan; it was a call for equal rights, an equal Constitution and an equal national consciousness, he added. Recalling Mookerjee's arrest during his agitation against Jammu and Kashmir's special status and his death in custody in 1953, Modi said the Jana Sangh founder had fought for his convictions till the very end. He fought for his principles, went to jail and ultimately made the supreme sacrifice for Kashmir. Today, our government takes pride in the fact that by dismantling the wall of Article 370, we have fulfilled Dr Mookerjee's dream, the Prime Minister said. He also used the occasion to stress Mookerjee's role during the Partition, particularly in safeguarding the interests of Bengal when, according to him, efforts were being made to include the entire province in Pakistan. Dr Mookerjee stood firm against these conspiracies. He mobilised public opinion, fought political battles and ensured that Bengal remained an integral part of India, Modi said. Congress divided the country, and I divided Pakistan, he quoted Mookerjee. The PM repeatedly highlighted the role of the BJP government in West Bengal in commemorating the Jana Sangh founder, describing it as a reflection of a governance philosophy centred on Nation First. Just a few days ago, on June 20, Paschimbanga Divas was organised in a grand manner. It was a salute to the land of Bengal and its heritage. Today's programme is part of the same effort to honour our heritage. I congratulate the West Bengal government for organising such a grand event, he said. Today's programme is also a testament to the fact that when there is a government committed to Nation First, national heroes are honoured and every effort is made to work according to their vision, Modi said. The Prime Minister noted that the Centre was observing Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary as a two-year national commemoration. It began on July 6 last year and will continue till July 6 next year, he said. Describing Mookerjee's life as an example of how conviction, ideological clarity and commitment could transform an idea into a mass movement, Modi said his journey represented the power of a deeply held belief backed by sustained public engagement. Tracing the origins of the Jana Sangh, Modi said Mookerjee had introduced ideological diversity into Indian politics at a time when the Congress dominated the national landscape and alternative political viewpoints struggled to find space. It was then that Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee dared to embrace a new idea, challenging all those circumstances, he said. According to Modi, the formation of the Jana Sangh represented far more than the launch of a political organisation. It was an expression of unwavering faith in ideological diversity in democracy, national reflection and public participation. It was from this very faith that the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was born, he said. The PM also paid tribute to generations of Jana Sangh and BJP workers who, he said, dedicated their lives to preserving and nurturing that ideological movement through decades of political struggle. An ideology does not become immortal merely because it is founded. It becomes immortal when generations nurture and carry it forward. Several workers devoted their entire lives to keeping the ideology and principles of Jana Sangh alive, he said. Modi drew a direct line from the Jana Sangh to the BJP, saying, That same Bharatiya Jana Sangh is today serving the people as the Bharatiya Janata Party, the world's largest democratic force. He said Mookerjee's ideas were not only relevant in contemporary India but were helping shape the country's future. His ideology is flourishing in the present and giving direction to a new India, Modi said. Expressing confidence that Mookerjee's contribution would remain central to the BJP's narrative, Modi said future generations would continue to draw inspiration from his courage, vision and commitment to national unity. I am fully confident that when future generations write the history of the Bharatiya Janata Party's journey and study it, they will certainly mention Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's ideas, courage and foresight, he said.

Hosts NIT Srinagar storm into semi-finals with commanding seven-wicket win

Srinagar, July 6: On Day 3 of the All India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament 2026, being hosted by NIT Srinagar, the tournament entered the knockout stage with hosts NIT Srinagar, NIT Jalandhar and NIT Hamirpur registering impressive quarter-final victories to book their places in the semi-finals. Earlier in the day, the final round of league-stage matches produced several thrilling contests as teams battled for crucial points. Hosts NIT Srinagar continued their unbeaten run with a dominant seven-wicket victory over NIT Kurukshetra in the quarter-final at the NIT Srinagar Ground. Batting first, NIT Kurukshetra posted 123 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a disciplined effort from their batting unit, they struggled to accelerate against a well-organised NIT Srinagar bowling attack. Prof. Vikas Kumar was the top scorer with 22 runs, while the hosts maintained tight lines and picked up wickets at regular intervals to keep the visitors under pressure throughout the innings. NIT Srinagar's bowlers shared the responsibility impressively, with Dr. Shakeel Waseem leading the attack by claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in his four overs. He received excellent support from Dr. Mohsin (1/18), Dr. Majid Hussain (1/17), Mudasir Qadir (1/25) and Shahid Hamid (1/19), as each contributed a wicket to restrict Kurukshetra to a modest total. In reply, NIT Srinagar produced another commanding batting display, chasing down the target with ease. The hosts reached 127/3 in just 14 overs, completing the chase with six overs to spare. Dr. Ved Prakash anchored the innings with an unbeaten 50, while Aaqib Sheikh played an aggressive knock of 38 runs. Dr. Pankaj Kumar chipped in with a brisk 16 off 9 balls, and Shahid Hamid remained unbeaten on 11 off just 4 deliveries, as NIT Srinagar comfortably chased down the target to seal an emphatic eight-wicket victory and book their place in the semi-finals. Dr. Ved Prakash was declared the Player of the Match for his half-century. The award was presented by Registrar NIT Srinagar Prof. Atikur Rehman, who felicitated him with a memento. At Ganderbal Physical College, NIT Jalandhar edged past NIT Rourkela by eight runs in one of the most exciting quarter-finals of the tournament. Jalandhar posted 157/6 after valuable contributions from Ravinder (38) and Nitin Sharma (32). In reply, Subrat S fought brilliantly with 82 off 67 balls, but Rourkela finished on 149/6 despite his heroic effort. Manjeet Singh claimed 2/22 for Jalandhar, while Subrat S was named Player of the Match for his outstanding knock. Meanwhile, NIT Hamirpur defeated NIT Calicut by 32 runs to advance to the semi-finals. Hamirpur were bowled out for 107 despite Manish scoring 34 and Aman Kumar adding 22. Dhanesh Rambeth starred for Calicut with an excellent five-wicket haul. However, Hamirpur's bowlers responded brilliantly as they dismissed Calicut for 75 in 17.1 overs. Manish completed a memorable all-round performance by taking 5/21, while Surender Soni supported him with 3/10 to seal a comprehensive victory. Earlier, the league stage concluded with several entertaining contests across different venues. MNIT Jaipur produced the highest total of the day, crushing NIT Delhi Faculty & Staff by 99 runs.After piling up 228/8, powered by Sundeep Kumar's 58 and Roop Narayan Sharma's explosive 44 off 18 balls, Jaipur bundled out Delhi for 129 despite Manoj Kumawat's fighting 69. Vijay Singh claimed 3/24 to lead the bowling attack. MANIT Bhopal defeated NIT Raipur by 24 runs after posting 140/8 in 18 overs. Hasthi Venkateswarlu impressed with both bat and ball, scoring 35 before returning figures of 3/20. Deepak Singh's 37 was not enough to prevent Raipur from finishing on 116/8. NIT Kurukshetra also registered a 17-run league victory over NIT Andhra Pradesh. Kamlesh Choudhary anchored the innings with a fluent 61 before making a useful contribution with the ball, while Rahul Sharma stole the show with a hat-trick, finishing with impressive figures of 3/13, as Andhra Pradesh were restricted to 126/8. NIT Agartala registered a five-wicket victory over NIT Manipur. Manipur posted 127/8, with Nabajit Sarkar scoring 37, while Amitesh Bardhan starred with the ball, taking 4/17. Agartala chased the target in 19.1 overs thanks to Dhirendra Kumar Pandey's composed 42. NIT Rourkela bounced back from their quarter-final disappointment with a convincing five-wicket league win over MNNIT Allahabad. Tanmaya Kumar Sahoo ripped through the batting order with sensational figures of 6/17 as Allahabad were restricted to just 73/9. Rourkela comfortably chased the target in 12.2 overs. VNIT Nagpur defeated NIT Nagaland by 11 runs in a closely fought encounter. Sourav Pradhan scored 33 as VNIT posted 159/9, while Dr. Ajit Rathod's disciplined spell of 2/28 proved decisive as Nagaland finished on 148/4 despite useful contributions from Bikash Sarma and Manoj Kumar Patel. SVNIT Surat secured a comfortable 23-run victory over NIT Sikkim after Vishal's all-round brilliance. Vishal scored 49 before claiming 2/22, while Dr. Jogender Singh bowled economically to restrict Sikkim to 136/6 in reply to Surat's 159/7. In another one-sided contest, NITK Surathkal hammered NIT Goa by ten wickets. After bowling Goa out for 106/8 through outstanding spells from Shailendra (4/18) and Santhosh (3/17), Surathkal chased the target in only 8.3 overs without losing a wicket, with Selva smashing an unbeaten 50 and Santhosh remaining not out on 30.

Woman critically injured in bear attack in Poonch

Poonch, July 6: A woman has been critically injured in a bear attack in the Loran area of Tehsil Mandi, in district Poonch, officials said on Monday. Police officials said that Zarina Akhtar, wife of Abdul Kabir, resident of Dargam, Loran was busy in routine work at her Dhok, and when she stepped outside her home to fetch the water, the bear suddenly attacked her, leaving her critically injured. She was immediately rushed to Loran Hospital by locals for first aid, after which she was taken to the Sub-District Hospital in Mandi. The doctors here referred the injured woman to District Hospital Poonch for advanced treatment. When contacted, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch, Dr Parvez Ahmad Khan told Greater Kashmir that the woman had sustained severe facial injuries and is being treated by doctors at the District Hospital Poonch. He added that her condition has improved. The locals appealed to the authorities to ensure the deployment of Wildlife Department personnel in sensitive areas to prevent wild animals from straying into human settlements. They said such incidents have occurred in the past as well, however the concerned department has miserably failed to take any measures to address this grave issue. The residents urged the District Development Commissioner (DDC) Poonch to mobilize the Wildlife Department to ensure the safety of human lives.

JKHARA voices concern over Srinagar airport flight disruptions

LG Sinha felicitates recipients of KWO fellowship, says womens empowerment key to viksit J&K

SED constitutes committees for re-verification of library books under Samagra Shiksha

Srinagar, July 6: In view of recent issues raised in social media regarding objectionable content in books supplied to government schools, the authorities on Monday reconstituted committees to reverify the contents of books under supply by various publishers under Library Component of Samagra Shiksha (202526) of the School Education Department. The decision has been taken to ensure that all reading material provided to students is fully aligned with constitutional values, national integration, scientific temper, inclusivity, and balanced historical perspectives. The move reflects the department's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and appropriateness in educational resources made available to school children. As such separate committees have been constituted for Jammu and Kashmir divisions comprising officers from Samagra Shiksha, School Education Department, and SCERT. The committees have been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting a thorough review of the contents of books supplied by various publishers under the Library Component for the academic year 202526. The committees will scrutinize the books to identify and report any objectionable, inappropriate, or factually inaccurate content. The department has clarified that no payment to publishers under the concerned component of Samagra Shiksha has been released till date and will only be released after the verification process is completed by the said committees and after the committees authenticate the suitability and veracity of the content to the extent of a single word. The School Education Department reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of students and ensuring that educational materials distributed in schools contribute positively to learning, critical thinking, and the overall development of young minds.

J-K books controversy: Counter Intelligence sleuths conduct raids in Jammu, Noida

Jammu, Jul 6: J-K books controversy: Counter Intelligence sleuths conduct raids in Jammu, Noida The Counter Intelligence wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday launched simultaneous searches at some locations in Jammu and Noida in connection with the alleged glorification of separatists in two controversial publications, officials said. The officials said a team of counter intelligence raided the headquarters of Samagra Shiksha at Channi Himmat on the outskirts of the city and questioned the director and other officials as part of the ongoing investigation. Another team of slethus simultaneously carried out a raid at the office of a publisher at Noida, the officials said. They said the raids are still going on when last reports were received. The books in contention are titled 'Personalities and Legends of J&K', authored by Hilal Ahmad and Santosh Meena and published by Jammu-based Oberoi Book Service, and Great Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir, authored by Sushant Giri and published by Delhi-based Anurag Prakashan. According to officials, 123 copies of one of the books were supplied to Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur districts, and 128 copies of the other book were supplied to Jammu and Baramulla districts. An FIR was registered an Saturday last under Sections 49 (abetment), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), 196 (promoting enmity, disharmony) and 353 ( publishing, or circulating false statements, rumors, or reports) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), besides Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. After filing the case on Saturday, the Counter Intelligence unit launched raids on the premises of one of the publishers at Bahu Plaza in Jammu city, the officials said. They said the searches were carried out as part of the ongoing investigation to collect material relevant to the case. According to officials, the investigators have seized both physical documents and digital evidence but no arrests have been made so far. Earlier on Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha suspended eight officials of the School Education Department, removed a contractual staff and ordered an inquiry into the two controversial books found containing highly inappropriate content. The action comes after BJP, Congress and other political groups raised objections that the books allegedly glorified separatism. In an order, the School Education Department said the two books were withdrawn on Friday.

BJP chief Nabin begins 2-day J-K visit to review party affairs

Jammu, Jul 6: BJP national president Nitin Nabin received a warm welcome from party workers on his arrival at Jammu Airport on Monday as he began a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir aimed at reviewing the party's organisational affairs. Accompanied by the party's national general secretary and Jammu and Kashmir in-charge Tarun Chugh, Nabin was received at the airport by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma and other senior party leaders, a party spokesman said. Hundreds of party workers greeted the BJP chief with slogans, floral petals and bouquets. Immediately after his arrival, Nabin headed for Mishriwala on the outskirts of Jammu. The BJP president is scheduled to attend a workers' convention. Later in the day, he will chair a meeting of BJP office-bearers at the party's Trikuta Nagar headquarters and, in the evening, offer prayers at the famous Raghunath Temple in the heart of the city, besides paying tributes to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee. On Tuesday, the BJP chief will visit the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in the morning before paying tributes to Prem Nath Dogra at his statue in Dogra Chowk. He is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with BJP MPs and MLAs, former elected representatives and participate in a Yuva Samvad at the Convention Centre in Jammu, the spokesman said.

Millions of mourners throng funeral procession in Tehran for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Tehran, Jul 6: Mourners dressed in black flooded into Iran's capital Monday for a procession as part of the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with throngs of people calling for the death of U.S. President Donald Trump. Khamenei's flag-draped coffin, and those of members of his family killed Feb. 28 in an airstrike at the start of the war launched by Israel and the United States, sat on board a truck decorated to resemble the ornamental grating that surrounds the shrine of an imam. The massive turnout, encouraged by Iran's theocracy as a sign of strength, came as it negotiates with the US over a permanent end to the war that killed the 86-year-old cleric. Helicopter images aired on Iranian state television showed a massive crowd stretching from Tehran's Azadi, or Freedom, Square for kilometers (miles) down a multilane street of the same name. The crowd appeared to be larger than the one that turned out for the 2020 procession for the late Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Solemani, which drew over 1 million people. Authorities offered no immediate crowd count as the truck crept down the street. But people alongside the truck and elsewhere on the route carried placards, signs and banners calling for Trump's death. Today that we are here for the funeral for our leader, it's a very tough day, mourner Fatima Hassan said. We are not here to say goodbye to him, we are here for revenge. And we will take revenge. Sea of mourners greets Khamenei Mourners reached out to touch the truck, and some threw scarves and other items for attendants to brush against the coffin, a common practice in Iran seen as a blessing. Attendants, some on the ladders of firetrucks, sprayed misted water across the crowds to cool them in the heat. Authorities appeared concerned about the dangers of having a large crowd alongside the procession, with officials on loudspeakers urging the public to walk slowly, not to push and to stay to the edges of the street. The coffins will be taken through the streets of Tehran on a 12-hour journey to Mehrabad International Airport, said Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hasan Hasanzadeh, who is overseeing the procession. Authorities have shut down streets, airspace and daily life for the mourning, which began Saturday and will end Thursday as Khamenei is buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace. This is the last time I am seeing him, said a weeping Maryam Alizadeh. Our generation lived with him for decades. Calls for Trump's death grow as funeral goes on As the funeral has gone on, however, there have increasingly been calls from mourners to avenge Khamenei's death. Mourners and the signs they carry have called for the killing of both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Such signs were seen again Monday along the procession's route, with one effigy of Trump being hanged. We are here to show that his path will continue, and every single one of these people will continue down his path with clenched fists and soon we will certainly avenge his death against the US and Israel, said mourner Sahar Zaraatgar US federal authorities have been tracking Iranian threats against Trump and other administration officials for years, stemming from Trump's ordering the 2020 killing of Soleimani, who led the elite Quds Force. Iran has repeatedly denied plotting to kill Trump, though hard-line propaganda footage long has suggested Trump was in Tehran's crosshairs. Trump meanwhile promised to destroy Iran's civilization during the war, among other threats. Negotiations over war remain on hold The US is meanwhile eager to press ahead with negotiations with Iran aimed at fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, rolling back its disputed nuclear program and reaching a permanent end to the war. Talks appear to be on hold until after the burial. The funeral was in part a show of unity as Iran demands a measure of control over the strait, a vital waterway for global energy that it shut down during the war. The US has rejected those demands, and the sides are divided on other key issues, including Iran's nuclear program and the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, meanwhile has yet to make an appearance in the funeral ceremonies, which are unfolding over several days. He is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father. At the height of the war before an April ceasefire, Israel targeted top leaders, in at least one case likely using their public appearance to fix their position. It has also threatened to kill the younger Khamenei. (AP)

Amarnath pilgrim dies of snakebite in Jammu

Jammu, Jul 06: A 42-year-old Amarnath pilgrim died after allegedly being bitten by a snake here on Sunday, officials said. Amit Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, reportedly suffered a snakebite at Bhagwati Nagar base camp around 2.30 am and was immediately rushed to Government Medical College hospital for treatment, the officials said. They said his condition deteriorated during the treatment and later breathed his last. The body was shifted to the hospital for post-mortem and further legal formalities, the officials said. They said authorities are taking necessary steps to ensure safety measures within the camp to prevent similar incidents.

J-K CM assures reliable, affordable power supply to every household

Srinagar, July 06: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that his government is committed to ensuring reliable, affordable and quality power to all households across the Union territory. The chief minister also directed the timely completion of key infrastructure projects, greater accountability at every level and sustained reforms to build a modern, resilient and financially sustainable power sector. Chief Minister today chaired a comprehensive review of the Power Development Department. He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring reliable, affordable and quality power for every household across Jammu & Kashmir, the chief minister's office posted on its X handle.

Shopian bans firecrackers after 10 p.m. for two months, cites security and public health concerns

Shopian, Jul 06: Authorities in south Kashmirs Shopian district have prohibited the bursting of firecrackers after 10 p.m. for the next two months, citing concerns over public safety, noise pollution and possible disruption to security operations. In an order issued on Monday under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), District Magistrate Shishir Gupta said the restriction had been imposed with immediate effect to prevent public nuisance and maintain law and order. The order prohibits the bursting of all kinds of fireworks, including firecrackers, aerial fireworks and series crackers, anywhere within the territorial jurisdiction of Shopian district after 10 p.m. The administration said late-night firecracker bursts generate sudden, high-intensity noise that can cause panic, disturb public tranquillity and create confusion among security forces deployed in the district for maintaining law and order, particularly during anti-terror operations. It also cited health concerns, saying noise pollution caused by fireworks can lead to respiratory distress, cardiovascular complications and sleep deprivation, while adversely affecting elderly people, infants, patients and students. The district administration said the restrictions were in line with directives of the Supreme Court of India and the Central Pollution Control Board, which have prescribed time limits on the use of firecrackers to curb noise and air pollution. The order will remain in force for two months unless withdrawn earlier or extended through a subsequent order. Any violation of the order will invite penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable provisions of law, the order said. The administration said the order was being issued ex parte in view of its emergent nature and would be publicised through official notice boards as well as print and electronic media.

No need for odd-even traffic system yet in Gulmarg: MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah

Mirwaiz says Amarnath Yatra is Kashmir's tradition, urges minimal public inconvenience

NIA names Hafiz Saeed in supplementary chargesheet in Pahalgam terror attack case

Srinagar, July 6: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday filed a supplementary chargesheet against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed, accusing him of masterminding the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local civilian. The supplementary chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Jammu, naming Saeed both in his individual capacity and as the founder and chief of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF). According to the NIA, Saeed has been charged under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, including offences related to waging war against India and conspiring from across the border to orchestrate the attack. The agency said the supplementary chargesheet, filed in continuation of its original 1,597-page chargesheet, details Pakistan's alleged role in the conspiracy, Hafiz Saeed's involvement, and the evidence gathered during its scientific investigation and field inquiries. The Pahalgam terror attack, carried out on April 22, 2025, targeted tourists on the basis of their religion, according to investigators. The attack left 25 tourists and one local resident dead, making it one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. The case was initially registered as FIR No. 25/2025 at Police Station Pahalgam in Anantnag district before being transferred to the NIA by the Ministry of Home Affairs following preliminary investigations by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. In its first chargesheet, filed on December 15, 2025, the NIA had named Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt, three terrorists who were later killed during Operation Mahadev in July 2025, and two arrested accused. It had also chargesheeted the banned LeT/TRF as a legal entity for its alleged role in planning, facilitating and executing the attack. The NIA said the investigation into the case remains ongoing as it continues efforts to unravel the larger cross-border conspiracy and identify all those involved in planning and supporting the attack.

Millions bid farewell to former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and his family

ACB registers FIR against five FCS&CA officials, nine FPS dealers in Rs 5.57 crore food grain embezzlement case in Karnah

Srinagar, July 6: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against five officials of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department and nine Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers for their alleged involvement in the embezzlement and misappropriation of government food grains worth over 5.57 crore in Karnah area of Kupwara district. According to an ACB statement, FIR No. 02/2026 was registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended), and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, after obtaining prior approval from the General Administration Department (GAD), Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The case originated from a communication by the Director, FCS&CA Department, Kashmir, seeking criminal action after departmental inspections and physical verification revealed large-scale shortages of government food grains at sale centres and Fair Price Shops in Karnah. A Joint Surprise Check conducted at the Lountha Granary in Karnah initially detected a shortage of 4,175.89 quintals of rice. Subsequent physical verification by a departmental sub-committee and an independent verification by the ACB uncovered further shortages at government sale centres and Fair Price Shops under the Tangdhar, Karnah-A and Karnah-B circles. The ACB said the investigation found that the shortages had caused a loss of 5,57,18,657.25 to the government exchequer. According to the Bureau, the alleged fraud was carried out through a well-orchestrated criminal conspiracy involving public servants and private beneficiaries, who are accused of dishonestly misappropriating government food grains entrusted to them by abusing their official positions for unlawful financial gain. Among those named in the FIR are Umar Bashir alias Raja Umer, then Assistant Storekeeper, and Ashiq Hussain Mir, then Assistant Storekeeper, along with 12 other accused comprising FCS&CA officials and Fair Price Shop dealers. The accused have been booked for offences related to criminal misconduct, criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of government food grains and criminal conspiracy. The ACB said searches were launched at multiple locations immediately after the registration of the case and further legal proceedings have been initiated. The investigation is currently underway.

Batote-Kishtwar NH-244 blocked near Premnagar after torrential rains

Ramban, Jul 06: Following a brief spell of torrential rainfall on Monday morning, the BatoteKishtwar National Highway (NH-244) was blocked near Premnagar, between Doda and Kishtwar, disrupting vehicular movement on the vital road link. Several vehicles were trapped in debris; however, no loss of life or injuries to any person were reported. The heavy rainfall led to unsafe road conditions along the affected stretch, prompting the authorities to temporarily close the highway as a precautionary measure to ensure commuter safety. Officials said that restoration and road-clearing operations will commence once the weather improves and the affected portion of the highway is declared safe for travel. Meanwhile, commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel on NH-244 and to follow official traffic advisories before undertaking their journey. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, drive carefully, and remain updated through official sources regarding the reopening of the highway. More details are awaited.

Rain to lash J&K for a week, flash flood risk looms: MeT Director

Srinagar, Jul 06: The Meteorological Department (MeT) on Monday said Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness widespread rainfall over the next week, with an increased risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and cloudburst-like incidents, while assuring that the annual Amarnath Yatra is continuing smoothly. MeT Director Mukhtar Ahmad said the weather over the past several days had remained hot and humid before widespread rainfall lashed parts of the Union Territory on Monday morning. The weather has remained hot and humid over the past several days. As expected, today the Jammu division, particularly during the early morning hours, witnessed a heavy spell of rainfall. Heavy rains were recorded across the Pir Panjal region, Chenab Valley, and the adjoining plains of Jammu, Ahmad said. He said weather activity was also reported from South Kashmir and adjoining areas, with cloudy conditions persisting across the region. The sky remains cloudy at present, and there are chances of fresh spells of rain around the afternoon and late afternoon. This is especially likely over South Kashmir and adjoining areas, including the Amarnath Yatra axis, where light rainfall is possible. Rain is also expected in the Chenab Valley and adjoining parts of Jammu, he said. The MeT Director said a similar weather pattern is expected over the next few days. Tomorrow, particularly during the early morning hours, there are chances of heavy rainfall in the Jammu division, especially across the Pir Panjal region, Chenab Valley, and some plains of Jammu. Rain is also expected in the Kashmir Valley, with light showers at many places, moderate rainfall at a few locations, and brief intense heavy showers in isolated areas. Such activity is likely to continue around July 7 and 8, Ahmad said. He added that the southwest monsoon is expected to become active again from July 9. From July 9 onwards, the monsoon is expected to become active once again. There is a possibility of heavy showers in parts of the Jammu division, along with rainfall over South Kashmir and adjoining areas, he said. Issuing a public advisory, Ahmad warned that the prolonged wet spell could trigger weather-related hazards. Overall, rain is likely to continue for the next week. During this period, there will be a heightened risk of flash floods, cloudbursts or cloudburst-like incidents, landslides, and mudslides, he said. He urged people to remain vigilant, saying, Travellers, tourists, transporters, the general public, as well as trekkers and people planning picnics, are advised to exercise caution. On the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra, Ahmad said the department has been providing regular weather updates and advisories to facilitate the pilgrimage. We have been issuing weather forecasts for more than a week. Whenever rainfall is expected, we release nowcasts and sector-wise short-range forecasts along with advisories and warnings. So far, there has been no extremely heavy rainfall. Most places have received light rain, while some areas have experienced moderate rainfall. At present, the Amarnath Yatra is continuing smoothly, he said.

Heavy showers likely across Jammu and Kashmir this week: MeT

Heavy rain triggers major landslide near 540 MW Kwar Power Project in Kishtwar; several vehicles buried

Banihal, Jul 06: Heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide near the under-construction 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Monday, burying several vehicles under mud, rocks and debris and causing extensive damage in the Kwar project area. The Kwar project, located on the Chenab River about 28 km from Kishtwar town, is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL). Eyewitnesses said the landslide struck after incessant rainfall, sending a massive volume of debris onto the road leading to the project site. Several heavy vehicles, including trucks and tankers, were trapped beneath the landslide, while road connectivity in the area was severely affected. Reports said that vehicles, millers and other machinery partially buried under mud and boulders, with thick debris covering a large stretch of the road. Mudslides also damaged roadside infrastructure due to the impact. Authorities and project officials immediately launched debris clearance operations using heavy machinery to recover the trapped machinery and vehicles and restore traffic movement. The affected vehicles remain buried under the debris, and restoration work is continuing. There were no immediate reports of any casualties or injuries. Officials are assessing the extent of the damage, while people in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain cautious as rainfall continues in parts of the Chenab Valley.

PM leaves for 3-nation tour, says visit will further strengthen India's Act East Policy

New Delhi, Jul 06: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday left for a three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, saying the visit will further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Modi will visit Indonesia from July 6-8, Australia from July 8-10, and New Zealand from July 10-11, with the tour aimed at deepening bilateral ties. My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean respectively, followed by New Zealand will further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific, Modi said in a departure statement. MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, is India's vision of security and growth for all regions. At the invitation of the President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, Modi said he will be visiting Indonesia from July 6-8. India and Indonesia elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during my first visit to Indonesia in 2018, he said. The prime minister said this would be his first bilateral visit since the elevation of the bilateral ties and comes after President Prabowo's state visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025. India and Indonesia share strong civilisational and people-to-people ties, and my visit will further deepen all aspects of our multifaceted partnership, he said. During this visit, Modi said he will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Indonesia and visit the Prambanan Temple complex at Yogyakarta with President Prabowo, which is another remarkable testament to the close cultural ties between the two countries. From Indonesia, Modi will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. My visit will strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and I shall, in my discussions with Prime Minister Albanese, take forward our relations in the areas of defence and security, trade and investments, education and mobility and people-to-people ties, he said. Modi said, in Melbourne, he would interact with the Indian diaspora, which is an important pillar of the strategic partnership. Further, this visit will also provide an opportunity for India and Australia to deepen our bilateral ties in the areas of emerging and critical technologies, sports and sports science, he said. The final leg of the tour will take him to Auckland at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. My visit will meaningfully build upon the strong momentum in our bilateral ties pursuant to the visit of Prime Minister Luxon to India in March 2025, he said. Modi said he would discuss with Luxon how to further enhance economic, trade and commercial engagements. He said India and New Zealand have committed themselves to strengthening bilateral trade and commercial ties with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement. Our bilateral ties have seen significant contribution from the Indian diaspora, and during this visit, I look forward to addressing a large gathering of the Indian community who have excelled in all spheres of life, he said.

Kishtwar-Jammu NH-244 closed after flash flood; vehicles trapped near Prem Nagar

Search operation launched after suspected Pakistani drone sighted along LoC in J-K

Jammu, Jul 06: A search operation was launched early Monday after a suspected Pakistani drone was sighted over a forward village along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, officials said. The drone-like object, fitted with a blinking light, was observed over the forward villages of Meenka and Beripattan in the Sunderbani sector late Sunday, they said. According to officials, the suspected drone briefly entered the Indian side before returning across the LoC into Pakistan. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation at first light to check whether the drone had dropped any payload, such as narcotics or weapons, officials said. However, no suspicious or objectionable material was recovered during the operation, they said.

Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital kills at least 3

Kyiv, Jul 06: Russia launched waves of missiles and drones targeting Kyiv overnight into Monday that killed at least three people, authorities said, hours after Ukraine's president warned that another large-scale attack was imminent. A residential building in the Podilskyi district partially collapsed, said Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's City Military Administration in a post on Telegram. In the Darnytsia district, several multi-storey buildings were damaged and people were believed to be trapped under the rubble. These are residential buildings. Places where people slept and lived their ordinary lives, he said. The attack, which was still underway early Monday morning, involved waves of ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones. Explosions echoed across the city as civilians sought shelter in metro stations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned hours earlier of another large-scale Russian attack on the city. Monday's attack comes days after a combined Russian attack killed at least 31 people in Kyiv last week. Zelenskyy renewed calls for Western partners to bolster Ukraine's air defences, particularly by supplying more Patriot missiles, saying that failing to replenish them only emboldens Russia to prolong its four-year war, in a post on Telegram late Sunday.

Amarnath Yatra 2026: Over 5,700 pilgrims depart Jammu in fifth batch as rain eases heat in Ramban

BANIHAL, July 6: The fifth batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Monday under tight security arrangements, officials said. According to the Zonal Police Control Room (ZPCR), Jammu, a total of 5,794 pilgrims departed for the twin base camps in Kashmir in a convoy of 267 vehicles. Of the total pilgrims, 2,304 are headed towards the Baltal route, while 3,490 are proceeding via the traditional Pahalgam route. The batch comprises 3,887 male pilgrims, 1,211 females, 20 children, 599 sadhus, 76 sadhvis, and one sadhu child. The convoy consists of 126 buses, 32 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 104 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and five two-wheelers. The Baltal convoy departed at 3:10 a.m., followed by the Pahalgam convoy at 3:50 a.m., under multi-layer security arrangements. Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall across Ramban district on Sunday night and Monday morning brought much-needed respite from the prevailing heat, creating pleasant weather conditions for pilgrims and tourists travelling along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Officials said 2,167 pilgrims and tourists stayed at the Yatri Niwas, Chanderkote, on Sunday night. The occupants included 1,626 male pilgrims, 508 females, and 22 children. Authorities said all arrangements at the transit camp remained normal, with boarding, lodging, security and other essential facilities functioning smoothly. Officials added that the annual pilgrimage is progressing peacefully under elaborate security and logistical arrangements, with administration and security agencies ensuring the safe movement and comfort of pilgrims en route to the holy cave shrine.

Mock drill conducted to test terror response in Poonch-Rajouri

With the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra currently underway and the Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra scheduled to commence next month, security forces have intensified vigil across the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the twin pilgrimages. The security apparatus has been placed on a high state of alert, with enhanced area domination, surveillance and deployment aimed at maintaining a robust security grid in the region. As part of the heightened preparedness, the Indian Army on Sunday conducted a comprehensive mock drill to assess and strengthen its response to a simulated terror attack. The exercise was carried out along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway, adjoining forest areas and connecting roads. During the drill, multiple teams of the Indian Army swiftly responded to a simulated SOS call reporting a terror incident. The exercise involved coordinated movement of troops, area sanitisation and tactical response measures to evaluate operational readiness and inter-team coordination in the event of any security threat. Officials said such exercises are aimed at ensuring a high level of preparedness and maintaining operational efficiency amid the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and the forthcoming Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra, which witnesses the participation of thousands of pilgrims from across the country. Apart from the mock drill, security forces have also intensified surveillance and other preventive measures across vulnerable locations in Rajouri and Poonch districts to ensure a secure environment for pilgrims and the general public.

J&K Police issue advisory for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims

In view of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), the Jammu and Kashmir Police has issued a public advisory urging pilgrims and tourists travelling towards Srinagar to carry all necessary documents to facilitate smooth movement and security checks. According to the advisory, unregistered Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims will not be permitted to proceed towards Srinagar. Pilgrims have been advised to complete the mandatory registration process before commencing their journey. The police further stated that registered yatris should keep their Yatra registration slips readily available for verification at police checkpoints. Tourists travelling towards Srinagar have been advised to carry their hotel booking receipts for verification purposes. The advisory noted that the verification drive is aimed at ensuring smooth traffic movement, maintaining security, and regulating the heavy influx of vehicles during the annual pilgrimage. J&K Police has appealed to the public to cooperate with police personnel and other security agencies by carrying the required documents and complying with instructions issued at checkpoints. The department also urged pilgrims and tourists to plan their journeys responsibly to ensure a safe, secure, and hassle-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. In case of any emergency, members of the public have been advised to dial 112. The police also reiterated their appeal to all commuters to follow traffic rules and contribute to the orderly conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

Amarnath Yatra | NH-44 Traffic curbs continue, HMVs to ply on alternate days

The Traffic Police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for Monday, announcing regulated movement on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) in view of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. Authorities have urged commuters to adhere strictly to the notified cut-off timings and travel advisories to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and other vehicles. According to the Traffic Police, slow traffic movement was witnessed on Sunday due to single-lane road conditions between Marog and Kishtwari Pather and the breakdown of three heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) at Marog and Nachlana. Subject to fair weather and favourable road conditions, LMVs, passenger vehicles, private cars and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) convoy vehicles will be allowed to travel from both Jammu and Srinagar on NH-44. However, load-carrying HMVs will be permitted to ply only on alternate days, with Traffic Control Units (TCUs) coordinating traffic movement with TCU Ramban before releasing vehicles. For light motor vehicles and passenger traffic, the cut-off timings notified by the Traffic Police are 7 am to 12 noon from Nagrota (Jammu) towards Srinagar, 8 am to 1 pm from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar, and 11.30 am to 5.30 pm from Qazigund towards Jammu. No vehicle will be allowed to proceed before or after the prescribed timings. Heavy motor vehicles will be allowed to move from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar, subject to traffic and weather conditions. However, no HMV will be permitted after 7 pm, and TCU Udhampur will coordinate with TCU Ramban before releasing the convoy. To ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities during the pilgrimage, the administration has directed that empty petrol, diesel and LPG tankers, trucks carrying empty LPG cylinders and empty Food Corporation of India (FCI) vehicles returning to Jammu must use the Mughal Road. Vehicles with up to 10 tyres carrying fresh perishable goods have also been advised to use the Mughal Road on days when upward HMV convoys are scheduled on NH-44. Fruit growers and transporters carrying fresh produce from the Kashmir Valley to Jammu have been advised to load and park their vehicles before 9 am at designated locations between Navyug Tunnel and Levdoora to facilitate their smooth passage. The Traffic Police have advised commuters to undertake travel on NH-44 only during daytime, warning against night travel due to the risk of landslides, shooting stones and ongoing road construction between Ramban and Banihal. Motorists have also been urged to avoid unnecessary halts in landslide-prone stretches, particularly between Ramban and Banihal. Local commuters travelling across districts after the notified cut-off timings will be allowed only after verification of valid photo identity cards, which they have been asked to carry during the Yatra period. Heavy vehicle operators have also been directed to avoid overloading, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and carry adequate fuel before commencing their journey on the highway. The Traffic Police appealed to the public to cooperate with the restrictions and follow traffic advisories to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims, goods carriers and other commuters during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

BJP presidents visit to strengthen organisational network in J&K, enhance synergy: LoP Sunil Sharma

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Sunday stated the two-day visit of Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJPs) national president Nitin Nabin to Jammu, commencing from tomorrow, July 6, would bolster party's organisational structure in the Union Territory. It will be Nabins maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir, after taking over as the BJP president in January this year. The visit will enhance synergy among the party leaders, workers and the elected representatives. The BJP president, during his visit, will review organisational and political activities besides chalking out a plan of action for the party. He will also address a workers rally (public rally) and chair a meeting of the BJP's core group to review the political and organisational situation in Jammu and Kashmir and discuss the party's future strategy, LoP said, while responding to media queries about the visit of partys national president. As per the tentative schedule of his visit, released by the party, Nitin Nabin will arrive in Jammu at around 12.15 on Monday, July 6, 2026. The party has made elaborate arrangements to welcome the national president from the airport to the mega rally spot at Majestic Grand, Mishriwala in Jammu outskirts. He is scheduled to address the rally, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, at 1.15 pm. On his way to the rally site, he will be accorded rousing reception at the airport; outside GB Pant Hospital, Satwari; outside Government College for Women College and Asia Hotel; outside MA Stadium and Dogra Chowk. He is scheduled to hold an office bearers meeting at BJP J&K Headquarters, Trikuta Nagar at 3.30 pm. In the evening, he will visit Shri Raghunath temple to pay obeisance there. As per itinerary, the second day of his visit, on July 7, will begin at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. After his return to Jammu, he will pay tributes to Pandit Prem Nath Dogra at his statue at Dogra Chowk at 10.30 am. At around 11.30 am, he is scheduled to interact with the party MPs and MLAs at the Convention Centre. A meeting with the former elected representatives is scheduled at the Convention Centre at 2.30 pm. Nitin Nabin will have a stimulating interaction with the youth at Yuva Samvad in Convention Centre at 3.30 pm. This tentative schedule was shared by J&K BJP president and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sat Sharma, while he chaired a series of organisational meetings at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, convention centre, and Majestic Grand, to review preparations for the maiden Jammu visit of BJP national president. Describing the visit as a landmark occasion for the party, Sat Sharma directed the entire organisational machinery to ensure that it emerges as a historic display of BJP's discipline, unity and grassroots strength. Sat Sharma, accompanied by BJP general secretaries Sanjita Dogra and Baldev Singh Billawaria, senior leader Vibodh Gupta besides others, held separate meetings with the conveners of various arrangement committees, the BJP Minority Morcha and public deputations, while reviewing every programme scheduled during the national president's visit. The visit of our national president will energise every activist and further strengthen the BJP;s organizational foundation in Jammu and Kashmir. Every worker must contribute to making this visit a memorable and historic event that reflects the BJPs unwavering commitment to nationalism, good governance and public service, Sat Sharma said.

Udhampur airport terminal building construction likely to begin in August this year

Udhampur airport terminal building construction is very likely to start from the second week of August this year, thus paving the way for the much-awaited operationalisation of ATR (aircraft) flights from the garrison town, in the following couple of months. Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, while sharing an update on Udhampur airport on his microblogging site, on Sunday maintained that the airport terminal building construction tender was already floated. Technical bid will open on July 10, 2026 and probable date for financial bid opening is July 22, 2026. The work may be awarded for construction of the terminal in the 2nd week of August, Dr Jitendra shared. ATR aircrafts are designed to take off and land on smaller runways, aimed at connecting smaller, regional cities. His latest update is a sequel to the information shared by him last month during a review meeting in Udhampur also. Udhampur (civil) airport will soon become operational. Immediately after the completion of the tendering process, which is presently underway. First terminal will be constructed on the land being provided by the Indian Air Force (IAF), thus allowing us to operate our ATR flights. Meanwhile, we have already spoken to the J&K government the Chief Minister for additional land, he had informed. Once we get that additional chunk of land on the other side of the road, there we will construct a permanent terminal. Then we can construct an airport analogous to Jammu (airport), allowing it to handle higher traffic volumes and larger (flight) operations. But it will take some time. As of now, for immediate use, IAF is providing us defence land for the time being, for the construction of the terminal. The tender for fabrication work had already been floated to start ATR flights from the existing premises in the next few months. The construction of the terminal will enable the landing of small aircrafts here, Dr Jitendra had explained. The process of land transfer, according to him, had also commenced with the concurrence of the UT government. Last year, during a meeting aimed at reviewing the status of the aviation projects for J&K, with the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha and the Chairman of Airports Authority of India, Vipin Kumar, the Union Minister had emphasised that the Udhampur airport could initially begin operations with ATR 72-seater aircraft under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), which would cap ticket fares at nearly half the prevailing market rates. In other words, the air fare for a Delhi- Udhampur flight would be considerably and substantially lesser than a Delhi-Jammu flight, thus offering a huge incentive to even Jammu bound passengers to take the Delhi-Udhampur air route, the officials explained. Officials had explained that under the Udan scheme, a substantial part of the airfare would be subsidised through viability gap funding. This would not only make flights more affordable but also bring DelhiUdhampur fares substantially lower than the DelhiJammu route. During that meeting it was revealed that the Airports Authority of India had agreed to take up the required development, including navigational and basic facilities, without requiring additional land for initial operations, as the apron space would be made available by defence authorities. On August 3, 2025, Dr Jitendra had maintained that Udhampur airport proposal was to be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, civil flight operations will be initiated within the existing premises of the Air Force Station (AFS) while in the second phase, a permanent civil enclave will be set up outside it (AFS). The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had completed a site feasibility assessment and initiated formal processes for the development of a new Aviation Enclave. The proposal, which aims to connect Udhampur to the national civil aviation network, was initially triggered by a reference from Dr Jitendra Singh to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Acting on this, a technical team comprising officials from various directorates of AAI had visited the Air Force Station at Udhampur on March 28 and 29, 2025. The visit included a joint review with the Indian Air Force, evaluation of existing infrastructure, and consultations with the district administration and defence authorities. Under phase 1 of the project involving initiating civil flight operations within the existing premises of the Air Force Station, the IAF allocated 2,200 square metres for developing a terminal building, which will have the capacity to handle up to 150 passengers and accommodate ATR-72 or Q400 type aircraft. This arrangement is intended as an interim measure to begin operations at the earliest. Phase 2 of the plan proposes the establishment of a permanent civil enclave outside the boundaries of the Air Force Station. A land parcel of approximately 27.6 acres has been identified by the district administration for this purpose. The proposed enclave will cater to larger aircraft such as the Airbus A321 and will include a new terminal, apron, taxiway, and related civil aviation infrastructure. Once realised, the Udhampur civil enclave is expected to improve connectivity for both residents and tourists in this part of Jammu and Kashmir, while also easing pressure on the Jammu airport. Besides, Udhampur airport will also have strategic importance from a security point of view.

Govt withdraws emergency gas curbs imposed during Hormuz disruption as LNG supplies normalise

The government has withdrawn most provisions of the emergency natural gas supply regulation order imposed during the West Asia conflict after liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resumed following a ceasefire. In a notification issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas amended the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, omitting key operational provisions, which led to all domestically produced natural gas and imported LNG to be sold as per a new priority customer list drawn by the government. The original order, issued on March 9 under the Essential Commodities Act, was brought in after the conflict in West Asia disrupted LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, with suppliers invoking force majeure and diverting cargoes to priority consumers. The ministry said the situation has since improved, with a ceasefire in place, negotiations underway and maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resuming. The gas supply curbs were one of three emergency measures the government introduced after energy supplies from the Gulf were threatened by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran's retaliatory attacks. The other two measures - directing refiners to maximise LPG production by diverting feedstock from petrochemicals and restricting diesel sales to bulk consumers - have already been withdrawn as the supply situation normalised. India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, imports about 88 per cent of its crude oil requirements and around half of its natural gas needs. About 40-45 per cent of its crude oil imports and nearly 65 per cent of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies come from West Asia, underscoring the country's vulnerability to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which most Gulf energy exports are shipped. The threat to traffic through the waterway prompted the government to invoke emergency powers in March to safeguard domestic fuel and gas supplies. While India diversified crude oil purchases by sourcing supplies from other producers, natural gas imports remained exposed because most LNG cargoes from Qatar pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption led some suppliers to invoke force majeure, prompting the government to introduce emergency measures to prioritise gas supplies to essential sectors. The March order empowered the government to direct sector-wise allocation and diversion of domestic gas, LNG and regasified LNG to ensure uninterrupted supplies to priority consumers after suppliers invoked force majeure clauses amid the West Asia crisis. Under the emergency measures, supplies to piped natural gas (PNG) households, compressed natural gas (CNG) for transport, LPG production and pipeline operations were to be maintained at 100 per cent of their average consumption over the previous six months. Fertiliser plants were assured 70 per cent of their average gas requirement, while industrial consumers connected to the national gas grid and city gas distribution networks were guaranteed 80 per cent of their average consumption, subject to operational availability. To meet those priorities, the government had authorised curtailment of gas supplies to petrochemical plants and power stations, while directing oil refiners to reduce gas consumption to about 65 per cent of their average use, wherever operationally feasible. The order had also required state-run GAIL, in coordination with the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), to pool and redistribute gas supplies, notify a pooled price for diverted gas, and oversee implementation of revised allocation schedules.

KTA extends warm welcome to Amarnath pilgrims

The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has welcomed the successful commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, expressing hope that the pilgrimage will be completed peacefully and contribute to strengthening communal harmony while providing a much-needed boost to the Valley's economy. In a statement, KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar said the people of Kashmir have, for generations, welcomed Amarnath pilgrims with warmth, respect and hospitality, reflecting the Valley's rich traditions of coexistence and mutual respect. The Amarnath Yatra represents not only a sacred pilgrimage but also the enduring spirit of brotherhood and Kashmir's inclusive cultural ethos. We extend our heartfelt welcome to all devotees and wish them a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage, Shahdhar said. He observed that the annual pilgrimage provides livelihood opportunities to thousands of people associated with transport, trade, tourism, hospitality, handicrafts and other allied sectors. He expressed optimism that the steady arrival of pilgrims would further revive business activity and instill greater confidence across the tourism sector. Shahdhar also appreciated the efforts of all agencies involved in facilitating the pilgrimage and appealed to the administration to continue ensuring efficient traffic management, robust security arrangements, quality healthcare facilities and other essential services throughout the Yatra period. Expressing confidence in the successful conduct of the pilgrimage, Shahdhar said the Amarnath Yatra has always symbolised peace, harmony and mutual trust, and hoped that this year's pilgrimage would reinforce these values while contributing to economic revival across Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Bank appointsRakesh Magotra as Chief Compliance Officer

J&K Bank has appointed General Manager Rakesh Magotra as its Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) and Group Compliance Officer (GCO) for a period of three years. The appointment was approved by the Bank's Board of Directors and informed to the stock exchanges through a regulatory filing on Saturday. A seasoned banking professional with over decades of experience, Rakesh Magotra succeeds Peer Masood Ahmad as the Bank's Chief Compliance Officer. His appointment underscores the Bank's continued commitment to further strengthening its compliance framework, governance standards and regulatory oversight. Prior to assuming the new role, Rakesh Magotra served as General Manager & Head of the Retail Banking Division, where he led the Bank's Retail Assets, Agriculture, MSME, Government Sponsored Schemes and Liability Management portfolios. Since joining the Bank as a Probationary Officer in 1996, he has held several key leadership assignments including Zonal Head, Advisor to the Chairman, Head of Financial Inclusion and Head of Supervision & Control. An alumnus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jaipur and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Amritsar, where he was awarded the Director's Medal, Rakesh Magotra is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at IIM Jammu. Having been proactive in several transformative initiatives across retail banking, financial inclusion, MSME financing, Start Up finance and institutional partnerships, he brings a unique combination of business acumen and governance perspective that will further strengthen the Bank's compliance culture and institutional resilience.

Consumers feel the pinch as chicken sells at Rs 190/kg, eggs at Rs 220 a tray

The continued disruption in mutton supply across Kashmir has triggered a sharp rise in chicken and egg prices, adding to the financial burden on consumers who have increasingly turned to poultry as a more affordable alternative. Chicken is currently retailing at around Rs 190 per kilogram in Baramulla, while a tray of eggs is being sold for Rs 220. Residents said the prevailing prices are unusually high for the summer season, when poultry rates typically decline due to increased production and relatively lower demand. This is the first time we are witnessing such high prices in summer. Normally, chicken becomes cheaper during this season, but this year the rates have remained unusually high, said Musadiq Ahmad, a resident of Kanlibagh. Despite the mutton dealers calling off their strike, the supply of mutton has not fully normalised, prompting more consumers to switch to chicken and eggs and driving up demand. Poultry traders attributed the price rise to increased demand and higher transportation costs. The demand for chicken has increased significantly because mutton is not readily available. Poultry wholesalers have raised prices, which has led to a corresponding increase in retail rates for both chicken and eggs, said Fayaz Ahmad, a poultry seller in Baramulla's main market. Consumers, however, alleged that the district administration has failed to effectively monitor retail prices. There appears to be no mechanism to regulate the rates. Almost every shop is charging similarly high prices, and it is the common man who is suffering, said Ehsan Rashid, a local consumer. Residents have urged the Baramulla district administration to closely monitor the poultry market, ensure transparent pricing, and take action against unjustified profiteering so that essential food items remain affordable for the public.

Hailstorms bruise Pulwama plum crop, growers face price slump

The plum harvest has gathered pace across Kashmir, but repeated hailstorms and erratic weather have dealt a blow to growers in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, with bruised fruit fetching poor prices in local markets. Orchardists said hailstorms during the fruit development stage damaged a substantial portion of the crop, reducing its market value and forcing them to sell produce well below expected rates. We had expected a good harvest this year, but the hailstorms spoiled much of the fruit, said Abdul Gaffar Malik, a grower from Warwan village in Pulwama. The bruised plums do not fetch good prices, and we are left with no option but to sell them cheaply. Plum is Kashmir's second major summer fruit after cherries, with harvesting beginning in early July. The crop provides seasonal income to hundreds of farming families, particularly in the districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam and Srinagar. According to the Horticulture Department, plum cultivation in Kashmir spans over 1,500 hectares, producing nearly 8,000 metric tonnes annually. Growers said this season's losses have compounded concerns over increasingly erratic weather, which has affected several horticultural crops. Mushtaq Ahmad, another orchardist from Pulwama, said repeated hailstorms had damaged not only plum orchards but also cherry and apple crops. The weather has become highly unpredictable. We witnessed several hailstorms this season, and every spell caused fresh damage to the orchards, he said. Meteorological officials said Kashmir witnessed around 10 to 12 hailstorm spells over the past two months, affecting fruit and vegetable crops in different parts of the Valley. The region experienced unusually high temperatures in February, followed by a sharp drop in temperature. Such fluctuations affect flowering, fruit setting and crop development, making orchards more vulnerable to weather-related damage, a meteorological official said. A senior Horticulture Department official said the extent of damage varied across districts depending on the intensity of the hailstorms, with some areas escaping significant losses while others suffered considerable damage. Growers said the increasing frequency of extreme weather events has heightened the vulnerability of the horticulture sector and underscored the need for improved weather advisories, effective crop protection measures and wider insurance coverage to minimise losses. With harvesting now in full swing, many farmers fear that poor fruit quality and depressed market prices will substantially reduce returns from a crop that serves as a key source of summer income for orchardists across the Valley.

PM Modi's Indonesia visit key to rules-based Indo-Pacific order, say experts

Eight years after his last bilateral visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Indonesia this week - at a time, experts say, the Indo-Pacific needs New Delhi and Jakarta to work closely together. India and Indonesia occupy pivotal geographic positions at either end of the Indian Ocean and both have an interest in preserving a stable, inclusive and rules-based regional order, Fitriani, senior analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told PTI over an email. Hadza Min Fadhli Robby, associate professor at Islamic University of Indonesia, said: A stable and secure regional order will help the Indian economy to thrive amidst possible instability in both West Asia and the South China Sea. Modi will travel to Indonesia from July 6 to 8 - his fourth visit to the country but first bilateral trip since May 2018, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said at a briefing last week in New Delhi. Modi will hold talks with President Prabowo Subianto, address the diaspora in Jakarta and visit the Prambanan Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before flying to Australia and New Zealand, the MEA said. The visit comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific is experiencing growing geopolitical competition, increasing concern over maritime security, and renewed attention to supply chain resilience, said Fitriani, who identifies herself by first name. Fitrani further said the trip carries forward he momentum generated by Subianto's visit to New Delhi last year, when he was chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations. The fact that Indonesia is the first stop of Prime Minister Modi's (latest) Indo-Pacific tour demonstrates the importance New Delhi attaches to Jakarta within its Act East and Indo-Pacific strategies, she added. Robby looked at the visit through the lens of wider geopolitical developments. PM Modi's visit to Indonesia is significant in light of the turbulent dynamics in both the Indo-Pacific regional order and the global order. Both countries are known for their commitment to strengthening multilateralism on both regional and global platforms, Robby told PTI over an email, pointing to joint military training and bilateral consultations as proof of that commitment. On maritime connectivity, Robby highlighted the long-stalled Sabang-Nicobar corridor which would connect Indonesia's Sabang Port with India's Nicobar Islands. There have been talks regarding the establishment of the Sabang-Nicobar corridor, but these have not come to fruition yet due to technical issues and a lack of political will. Perhaps this is the right time to restart such talks and renew their commitment, he said. Fitriani expects the visit to yield several practical outcomes in the form of memorandum of understanding rather than dramatic breakthroughs, with maritime security cooperation remaining central, alongside deeper coordination through regional groupings such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). A potential BrahMos missile deal looms large, both experts said. The acquisition of the BrahMos missile system has been a subject of debate recently in the Indonesian parliament, Robby said, noting that Indonesia's fiscal crisis has prompted lawmakers to question its timing. Regardless of the domestic debate, the acquisition of the BrahMos will still proceed, as the Indonesian Ministry of Finance has secured the budget, he added. He framed the purchase, alongside Russian systems, as proof that Jakarta does not limit its vision of military cooperation by solely relying on arms purchases from NATO countries - a lesson drawn from the 1990s arms embargo Indonesia faced from the US and the European Union. Fitriani called the potential BrahMos deal strategically significant for both sides. For India, it would represent another major defence export success... For Indonesia, the acquisition would strengthen its coastal defence and anti-access capabilities, she said, adding it would signal that middle powers in the Indo-Pacific are becoming more proactive in building deterrence capabilities. On the economic track, Fitriani said critical minerals will be a major topic of discussion, since Indonesia possesses substantial reserves of nickel and other critical minerals that are essential for batteries and electric vehicles, while India is seeking to strengthen its manufacturing ecosystem. Robby pushed for a common platform for youth entrepreneurs and digital industry stakeholders from both countries, along with academic cooperation, arguing Indian and Indonesian scholars can make significant contributions to advancing a Global South perspective.

Will strongly oppose Bill to sack ministers in custody for 30 days over serious offences: Congress

The Congress on Sunday asserted that it will strongly oppose in Parliament a Constitution amendment Bill which seeks the removal of ministers in custody for 30 days over serious offences, and expressed confidence that the government would not have a two-thirds majority for its passage. The opposition party's assertion comes days after sources said a parliamentary panel examining Bills to remove the prime minister, chief ministers and other ministers arrested on criminal charges is likely to adopt its report on the proposed legislations on July 17 and submit it in the Lok Sabha in the Monsoon Session. If the government wishes, the draft legislations could be approved by the Union Cabinet before being introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which will begin on July 20. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh claimed that the proposed legislation is aimed at political harassment of adversaries. Ramesh also expressed confidence that Home Minister Amit Shah will not be able to muster a two-thirds majority for getting the Constitution amendment Bill that involves delimitation for providing women's reservation. They will try to bring the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which we are going to oppose. It is a dangerous Bill that was introduced in August of 2025 and was subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which most opposition parties boycotted, Ramesh told PTI Videos. The Bill states that if a minister is in jail for 30 consecutive days for a criminal offence punishable by more than five years, then on the 31st day, he or she will be dismissed, the Congress leader said. This is extraordinary. I mean, court proceedings are still going on. In India, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. We all know how the probe agencies have been functioning in the (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi-Home Minister Amit Shah regime, Ramesh said. Referring to the Bill, he said this is nothing but political vendetta and political vengeance. It is to ensure political harassment of your adversaries, Ramesh added. They may try to reintroduce it in this session, during the Monsoon Session... We are going to oppose it, we are going to oppose the delimitation Bill which came during a Special Session on April 16 and the home minister was humiliated beyond measure on April 17 when he got only 298 MPs for the Constitutional amendment on delimitation, whereas he required 352 votes, Ramesh said. Since April 17, Shah has been trying to split various political parties, the Congress general secretary alleged. He split the TMC and the Shiv Sena (UBT). Yes, those splits are a challenge for us. It is a setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT), it is a setback for the TMC, and it is a setback for the opposition. But our unity and solidarity continues, he said. I will say with confidence that Mr Amit Shah and Mr Narendra Modi will not get two-thirds majority if they try to push the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill on the dismissal of ministers, CMs and the delimitation Bill which they lost on April 17, Ramesh asserted. The home minister was resoundingly defeated, and his luff and the bluster was completely exposed, he said. The reports of the Joint Committee on the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill are likely to be adopted in the panel's next meeting on July 17, sources privy to the development said. The committee is headed by BJP member Aparajita Sarangi. It consulted constitutional experts, retired judges, lawyers and bar association members, government officials and political leaders before completing its task. Earlier, Sarangi had said there was a unanimous view in the panel's meetings about the need for decriminalisation of politics. Several opposition parties have stayed away from the committee, contending that the Bills violate the fundamental principle of law of a person being presumed innocent until proven guilty and resort to automatic sacking of the PM, CMs and ministers if they fail to get bail within a month of arrest in serious criminal matters. The opposition has also alleged that the Bills are aimed at targeting and destabilising states ruled by non-NDA parties. NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and YSRCP leader S Niranjan Reddy are the only opposition members in the 31-member panel dominated by the BJP and its alliance partners. In August last year, Union minister Amit Shah introduced the three Bills in the Lok Sabha, drawing fierce protests from the opposition. Subsequently, the draft laws were referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament. The Congress last month had alleged that the BJP is striving for a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha as its eal and ultimate target is to be able to amend the Constitution to end reservation. Ramesh had claimed that the ruling party first wants to push delimitation in the garb of women's reservation with the ultimate objective of ending reservation altogether. On April 17, the Constitution amendment Bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029, and an increase in the number of seats of the Lok Sabha, was defeated in the Lower House. While 298 members voted in support of the Bill, 230 MPs voted against it. Of 528 members who voted, the Bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority. The Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered another split last month with six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs pledging allegiance to the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. Also, 20 rebel TMC MPs have met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and announced their merger with the NCPI, a Tripura-based registered unrecognised political party.

Centre committed to consultative approach to address employees, pensioners' issues: Jitendra Singh

Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said the Centre remains committed to a consultative and responsive approach in addressing issues concerning government employees and pensioners. He said every genuine representation receives due consideration through the appropriate ministries/departments and that suggestions aimed at improving governance, simplifying procedures and enhancing administrative efficiency are always welcome. Singh's assertion came during a meeting he had with a 19-member delegation, representing Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and affiliated employees' organisations from across the country. The delegation called on the minister here to discuss a range of issues relating to government employees, pensioners and administrative reforms. Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel, said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government remains committed to a consultative and responsive approach in addressing issues concerning its employees and pensioners. He said PM Modi has always prioritised making governance more transparent, efficient and citizen-centric through progressive administrative reforms. The minister said that the continued dialogue with employee organisations plays an important role in identifying practical issues and evolving appropriate policy responses in the larger public interest.

Support staff in Education Deptt in Kupwara seeks release of salaries

Aayas working in the Education Department in north Kashmirs Kupwara district have said that they were facing severe hardships due to delay in their salaries thus pushing them into financial distress. They said that the non-payment of wages for last four months has made it difficult for them to meet day-to-day household expenses and support their families. Four months without salary has pushed us into financial distress. It has become extremely difficult for us to manage our households, said a representative of Aayas Association Kupwara. We haven't stopped our services despite the delay in payment but we are now struggling to meet even our basic needs. We appeal to the concerned authorities to release our pending salaries at the earliest so that we can support our families with dignity. Timely payment of wages is our rightful entitlement but we never receive our honorarium on monthly basis. We hope the concerned authorities will take immediate steps to resolve our issue, she added. The aggrieved Aayas appealed to the concerned authorities to intervene and treat the matter on priority and ensure the immediate release of their pending salaries. Reacting to the concern, District Education Planning Officer Mohammad Iqbal said that since they are recruited under a centrally sponsored scheme, their wages are released from centre. He said that they have taken up the issue with higher ups and hopefully within a weeks time their pending salaries will be released.