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Srinagar, Aug 19: Two Mumbai doctors who belonged to Parsi community will reportedly receive Pakistans highest civilian award posthumously for faithfully guarding the secret of the countrys founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnahs illness. The doctors physician Dr Jal Ratanji Patel and radiologist Dr Jal Dhaybho-Koo have been nominated by Islamabad for the Nishan-e-Imtiaz award, which will be conferred on them at a ceremony in March, 2027. The announcement was made on social media platform X by Ahsan Iqbal, federal minister for planning, development and special initiatives and head of the Awards Committee, Hindustan Times reported. It said that both doctors had examined Jinnah's X-ray in 1946, and had diagnosed him with an advanced stage of tuberculosis, concluding that he had only a year or two to live, according to Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre's book, Freedom at Midnight. In his post, the Pakistan minister said both doctors had faithfully guarded the secret of Jinnah's terminal illness. I feel honoured to have had the privilege, as Chairman of the Awards Committee, of nominating for the Nishan-e-Imtiaz two remarkable doctors, a physician and a radiologist, both members of Bombay's Parsi community, who faithfully guarded the secret of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's terminal illness, Iqbal said on X. He said the doctors have maintained absolute professional confidentiality at what he said was a critical moment, adding that they had performed a quiet but extraordinary service. Their fidelity to their professional oath inadvertently became a significant contribution to the circumstances that made the creation of Pakistan possible, Iqbal said. Keeping the diagnosis secret was significant to the creation of Pakistan, as has been highlighted by Louis Mountbatten, the last viceroy under the British regime who planned and enacted the partition in 1947. Lord Mountbatten later acknowledged that, had he known how seriously ill Jinnah was, he might have delayed partitionpotentially altering the course of history and perhaps even jeopardising the creation of Pakistan, Pakistan minister Iqbal said in his post. According to the account in Freedom at Midnight, a book by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, the knowledge of Jinnah's illness could have possibly altered the course of events leading up to the partition. If I had known all this at the time, history would have taken a different course. I would have delayed the decision to grant Independence by several months. Pakistan would not have come into existence, Mountbatten told the reporters later. Historian Akbar Ahmed, in his book Jinnah, Pakistan and Islamic Identity: The Search for Saladin, noted that Jinnah had been suffering from tuberculosis since 1930s, when the disease had no effective antibiotic treatment. Since 1938 he had been constantly complaining of 'tremendous strain' on his nerves and physical strength. After that, he began to fall ill regularly, although his illness was kept secret, Ahmed wrote in the book. However, this secret was known by a very tight group of people, including Jinnah's sister Fatima and the two doctors.
10 days without a router: Budgam Post Office customers bear brunt of service disruption
A technical snag in a router at the Sub Post Office, Budgam, has brought several banking services to a standstill for the past 10 days, leaving customers frustrated. The router reportedly stopped functioning on Monday, August 10. Since then, customers have been unable to make deposits or withdrawals at the facility, forcing many to return empty-handed after waiting for their transactions to be processed. Customers said around 30 to 40 people visit the post office every day and leave disappointed after being told that the system is not working. For the last 10 days, we have been coming here hoping that the problem will be resolved, but nothing has changed, said Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a Budgam resident, who has a Fixed Deposit at the post office. Bhat said the disruption has come at an especially difficult time, with the wedding season underway. I had kept the money in a Fixed Deposit and now need it for a family wedding. I cannot withdraw it because the system is not working. How are ordinary people supposed to manage when their own money is stuck? he said. Another customer, Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat of Arampora, said the problem was causing difficulties for people who depend entirely on the post office for their financial transactions. We are not talking about one or two days. It has been 10 days. Every day people come here, stand around and then go back without getting their work done, he said. Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh of Arizal, another customer with a Fixed Deposit, said many people visiting the post office are elderly or have limited knowledge of online banking. Some people can transfer money online, but what about those who don't know how to use these facilities or dont have bank accounts? Sheikh questioned. Customers said those holding Fixed Deposits can access their money only through branch withdrawal, while savings bank account holders may transfer funds online to other bank accounts. However, for many customersparticularly elderly people and womenthe online option is not a practical alternative. The disruption has also exposed what customers described as the vulnerability of services at government-run financial institutions. Imagine a private bank telling its customers that withdrawals and deposits will remain suspended for 10 days because its router is not working. People would not accept it. Yet here, we are being asked to wait indefinitely for a basic piece of equipment to be replaced, said Bhat. Another customer said the issue reflected a larger problem of accountability in public services. This is people's hard-earned money. The least we expect is that the department should have a backup system or arrange an immediate replacement when a router fails, he said. Officials at the Sub Post Office, Budgam, acknowledged the problem and said it has been brought to the notice of the concerned authorities. They said a request has been placed with BSNL for replacement of the faulty router. However, customers said that despite the matter having been reported, there has been no visible resolution on the ground. The prolonged disruption is particularly distressing for customers who had planned to withdraw their Fixed Deposits for urgent expenses, including weddings. With 30 to 40 customers reportedly visiting the office each day, the failure has turned what should have been a routine banking service into a daily source of frustration. Customers have urged the postal authorities and BSNL to resolve the issue immediately and restore normal services at the Budgam post office.
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DCs of Udhampur, Ramban review progress of 1,800 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project
Banihal, Aug 19: Deputy Commissioners of Ramban and Udhampur, along with senior district officials, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project at Tanger in Ramban to review the progress and current status of the ambitious 1,800 MW project. The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project, being developed by NHPC Limited, is set to become one of the biggest hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation was led by Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa. Head of the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project, Satnam Singh, briefed the visiting officials about the overall development of the project, including key infrastructure components, dam works, access tunnels and roads. He also outlined the project's forward roadmap and the regulatory milestones required before the commencement of major construction activities. According to NHPC, the project is expected to move forward after approval from the Public Investment Board (PIB), followed by clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), after which tenders for the project are scheduled to be opened. During the visit, the officials were given a video tour of the project site and a detailed presentation covering its power generation capacity, tunnel works, proposed submergence area, ongoing construction-related activities, future development plans and the Social Impact Assessment (SIA). The district administration officials appreciated the progress and efforts being made to formally kick-start construction of the project and assured NHPC of full support and cooperation for its timely execution. The delegation included District Forest Officer Udhampur Sandeep Divyajyoti Behera, District Mining Officer Udhampur Sunil Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Collector Sawalkote Project Shokat Hayat Mattoo, besides other revenue and police officials. As part of the visit, the officials also participated in a symbolic tree plantation activity, which NHPC said reflected its commitment towards environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
US envoy takes shikara ride at Dal Lake in Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 19: US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Wednesday took a 'shikara' ride at the famous Dal Lake here on his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The US ambassador after meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the latter's residence went straight to the Dal Lake. He was accompanied by his security personnel and officials from the US Embassy, they said. Gor boarded the 'shikara' near the Nehru Park and enjoyed the ride for about an hour. The US envoy called on the chief minister at his residence at his Gupkar residence soon after reaching Srinagar. Speaking to reporters, he said the US will reconsider the advisories on travel to Jammu and Kashmir as the central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have taken steps to make it a safer place. Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of India and an incredibly beautiful place, the US envoy said at a joint media briefing with Abdullah. The United States puts out travel warnings and every so often, we re-evaluate those travel warnings. I cannot make any big announcements here today, but it is something we are going to look at, Gor said.
PDP's Iltija demands crop insurance, better infra for apple growers, holds sit-in
Srinagar, Aug 19: PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Wednesday held a sit-in protest at a mandi in south Kashmir's Anantnag district in support of crop insurance and better infrastructure for apple growers in Kashmir, saying farmers deserve protection from the losses. Speaking to reporters at the protest site, Jablipora fruit mandi, she said apple growers face losses every year due to the Srinagar-Jammu national highway closure and natural calamities. Their demands are not like they are out of this world...For example, a crop insurance scheme should be introduced for them because every year we see, whether it is due to road closures, hailstorms, floods, or natural calamities, our apple farmers here in the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Kashmir, suffer a lot of damage, she said. The PDP leader said the government should waive off their loans and provide better storage facilities and improve transportation facilities. Mufti asserted that horticulture is very important for the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, which kept the economy of the region afloat even during the militancy era. We know that for so many years, whenever there was a disturbance here, even during the era of militancy, the one thing that kept the economy of Jammu and Kashmir going was horticulture. Charging that the NC government is not paying attention to the farmers' demands, she asserted that her party would not allow the government to favour some capitalists. If you want to help Adani, you are putting pressure on the Kashmiri apple, our farmers. We will not let this happen. So, to favour some capitalists, you want the fruit economy of Kashmir to shut down; this is completely wrong, she added.
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US Ambassador Sergio Gor takes a Shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar
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Israeli military launches criminal probes into killings of Hind Rajab and Palestinian paramedics
Jerusalem, 19 Aug: Israel's military said Wednesday it would launch criminal investigations into two high-profile attacks on Palestinians during the war in Gaza, including the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family and of 15 Palestinian paramedics. The military said it would not launch criminal investigations into three other attacks that killed aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. It released the news in a statement that said it had completed reviews of 150 incidents of troop conduct in Gaza and made decisions on five cases. The statement did not mention other high-profile killings that the military has pledged to investigate throughout the war. It did not mention the Israeli strikes on a hospital in southern Gaza that killed five journalists in August 2025, including Mariam Dagga, a visual journalist who freelanced for The Associated Press and other news organizations. Both the killing of Rajab in February 2024 and the killing of 15 Palestinian medics in May 2025 gained international attention. Rajab was killed alongside her relatives while trying to flee Gaza City amid an Israeli offensive. Israeli troops opened fire on a vehicle carrying Hind and four of her cousins and her aunt and uncle. Hind's cousin, 15-year-old Layan Hamada, called the Palestinian Red Crescent paramedic centre, telling them that a tank was approaching and that her family had been killed. Seconds later, more gunshots were heard, and Layan's screaming stopped, according to the Red Crescent recording of the call. Hind was the sole survivor in the car. The Red Crescent stayed in contact with her as they tried to get permission from the military to rescue her. Contact was lost. Hind, her five relatives and two medics were found dead 12 days later. The 15 paramedics were killed when Israeli troops opened fire on their vehicles in the southern city of Rafah, then buried them in a mass grave. Troops shot at a first ambulance that was driving to retrieve casualties from an Israeli offensive, then fired on several other emergency vehicles that went out to look for the first one, according to phone footage and the sole survivor of the shootings. Troops then bulldozed over the bodies along with their mangled vehicles, burying them in a mass grave. UN and rescue workers were only able to reach the site a week later to dig out the bodies. The Israeli military initially said it opened fire because the vehicles were advancing suspiciously on nearby troops without headlights or emergency signals. But it backtracked from that account after the footage emerged, showing the Red Crescent and Civil Defence teams driving slowly with their emergency vehicle lights flashing and logos visible. We are not obligated to prove the truth because it is already proven to the whole world, Eid Azizi, a Palestinian Red Crescent spokesperson, told the Associated Press in a phone call. We shouldn't have reached this point if they respected and followed the international humanitarian law. (AP)
ACB books officials, beneficiaries over illegal construction and encroachment in Srinagars Rajbagh
Srinagar, Aug 19: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Srinagar has registered FIR No. 10/2026 following a Joint Surprise Check and subsequent verification into allegations of illegal construction of a multi-storey building in the flood basin/fringe area of River Jhelum at Rajbagh, Srinagar. Officials said the verification revealed alleged violations in the grant and subsequent modification of building permissions, including substantial increase in the plinth area and building height without obtaining mandatory NOCs from concerned departments. It also revealed alleged encroachment of approximately 2.9 Kanals of State/Kahcharai land and construction over drainage infrastructure and within the prohibited river-fringe area. The FIR names then Senior Town Planner SDA Muneer Ahmad Khan, then Joint Commissioner Planning SMC R.K. Tutoo, then In-charge Assistant Town Planner SMC Ulfat Jan, other concerned officials, and beneficiaries Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh and Parveena Akhter, alleging abuse of official position, criminal conspiracy and facilitation of unauthorized construction and encroachment. The case has been registered under the section 5(1)(d) r.w. section 5(2) J&K PC Act Svt-2006, 447-A, 468, 120 RPC of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and other applicable provisions. Further investigation in the case is going on, officials added.
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New Delhi, Aug 19: The much-awaited cadre review of Group A officers of the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is expected to be placed before a high-level government committee soon following clearances from the Union Home and Personnel ministries, officials said on Wednesday. They told PTI that the proposals are currently with the Department of Expenditure (DoE) under the Union Finance Ministry. They will be placed before a high-level cadre review committee, usually chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, for final deliberations and recommendations. Cadre restructuring improves career prospects for an organisation's personnel. The Supreme Court's May 2025 order necessitated a comprehensive cadre review and revision of recruitment rules for Group A executive cadre officers of the five CAPFs -- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The court issued the direction based on petitions filed by a group of CAPF officers who had fought a years-long legal battle seeking better promotion prospects amid long delays in moving up the ranks compared to Indian Police Service (IPS) officers posted in these forces on deputation. The Union government filed a review petition against the apex court judgement, which was rejected in October 2025. Subsequently, the government enacted the CAPFs (General Administration) Act in April this year. Following the rejection of the review petition, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed the five CAPFs to undertake a comprehensive and detailed review of their existing Group A cadres and submit the proposals to the ministry for implementation of the court's order. The MHA received the proposals from the five forces between May and July and subsequently sent them to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) between July and August as per prescribed procedure, officials said. The DoPT followed the set procedure and forwarded the reviews to the DoE on August 17 along with its observations and recommendations, they said. The DoE is expected to complete its processes soon, after which these cadre reviews will be placed before a high-level cadre review committee, usually chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, for deliberations and final approval, officials said. The hopes and aspirations of about 13,000 cadre officers for better promotion prospects and streamlined service conditions are linked to the review, they said. Officials expect the final cadre review report to implement the apex court's May 2025 order, which directed that the deputation of IPS officers up to the rank of Inspector General (IG) in the CAPFs be progressively reduced over the next two years to create more promotion opportunities for the cadre officers. In response to a contempt petition filed by these officers seeking implementation of the Supreme Court order, the MHA recently informed the court that 46 IPS officers had been brought on deputation to the five forces in the ranks of Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and IG since the apex court's order of May 2025.
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After meeting CM Omar, US envoy Sergio Gor signals review of travel advisory for J&K
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Very good meeting: Omar says discussions with US envoy focused on US role in J&K, legacy issues
Srinagar, Aug 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday described his meeting with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor as very good, saying the discussions focused on India-US relations and areas where the United States could contribute to Jammu and Kashmir. Gor, who is on his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir, met Abdullah during his visit to the Valley amid efforts to strengthen engagement between J&K and the United States. It was a very good meeting. We discussed relations between the two countries and what the US can do for us, Abdullah said. The Chief Minister said the discussions also covered legacy issues that continue to require attention. We have legacy issues which we will be talking to resolve, Abdullah said, without elaborating on the issues discussed. Abdullah also expressed optimism about the future of engagement between Jammu and Kashmir and the United States. We are hopeful and optimistic that the relationship between J&K and the US will go up, he said. Gor, meanwhile, said the meeting with Abdullah had been productive and indicated that follow-up discussions would be held in New Delhi and Washington. We had beautiful meetings. We hope to take follow-ups to Delhi and Washington, the US envoy said. The meeting assumes significance as Jammu and Kashmir seeks to deepen international engagement and expand its tourism and economic links with the United States. Gor also acknowledged the security improvements undertaken in J&K, saying the Centre and the Chief Minister had taken steps to make the region safer. I cannot make big announcements today, he said, while noting the efforts made by New Delhi and the Chief Minister to improve the security situation. The US envoy also indicated that Washington could review its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir as the security situation improves. We will see about the advisory and it should be downgraded, Gor said. He added that there was considerable interest among Americans in visiting Jammu and Kashmir, saying, Lot of Americans would like to come here. Gors visit is his first to Jammu and Kashmir and comes amid efforts to strengthen engagement between the region and international stakeholders.
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In Srinagar, US envoy Sergio Gor says travel advisory for Kashmir should be downgraded
Srinagar, Aug 19 : US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday indicated that Washington could review and downgrade its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, saying improved security conditions should pave the way for greater American travel to the region. His remarks came during his first visit to J&K, where he met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and expressed hope of strengthening US engagement with the Union Territory. Gor, who is on his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir, described the Union Territory as an important part of India and praised its beauty, saying he was thrilled to be here. Its a pleasure to be here. This is an important part of India. Its my first time. Its a beautiful place and Im thrilled to be here, Gor said while speaking about his visit.He said his meetings in J&K had been productive and indicated that discussions would continue at higher levels.We had beautiful meetings. We hope to take follow-ups to Delhi and Washington, he said. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, describing his meeting with the US envoy as very good, said discussions covered India-US relations as well as areas where the United States could contribute to Jammu and Kashmir. #WATCH | In Srinagar, US envoy Sergio Gor says Washington hopes to strengthen engagement with J&K, describing his meeting with CM Omar Abdullah as very good. Gor also said follow-up discussions will be held in New Delhi and Washington and indicated the US travel advisory for pic.twitter.com/ltOvSR0ivU Greater Kashmir (@GreaterKashmir) August 19, 2026 It was a very good meeting. We discussed relations between the two countries and what the US can do for us, Abdullah said. The Chief Minister said the discussions also touched upon legacy issues that continue to require attention.We have legacy issues which we will be talking to resolve, Abdullah said, expressing optimism about the future of engagement between Jammu and Kashmir and the United States. We are hopeful and optimistic that the relationship between J&K and the US will go up, he added. Gor, meanwhile, stopped short of making any major announcement during his visit, but acknowledged the security improvements undertaken by the authorities. I cannot make big announcements today, he said, while noting the steps taken by New Delhi and the Chief Minister to improve the security situation.Delhi and CM have made incredible steps to keep it safer and more safer, Gor said. A key issue discussed in the context of US engagement with J&K is Washingtons travel advisory for Americans visiting the region. Gor indicated that the advisory could be reviewed as the security situation improves. We will see about the advisory and it should be downgraded, he said. Appreciated the opportunity to meet with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister @OmarAbdullah and to learn more about his priorities. We discussed ways to deepen economic collaboration and create opportunities that would mutually benefit both of our nations. pic.twitter.com/dmLnyBHjc9 Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) August 19, 2026 Gor also suggested that there was considerable interest among Americans in visiting Jammu and Kashmir, provided security concerns and travel advisories are addressed. Lot of Americans would like to come here, he said. His remarks assume significance as Jammu and Kashmir seeks to expand its international tourism footprint and attract visitors from the United States and other Western countries. The US envoys visit and meeting with the Chief Minister come amid efforts to deepen engagement between J&K and international stakeholders. While Gor did not announce any specific initiative, his comments pointed towards continued discussions in Delhi and Washington and a possible reassessment of the US travel advisory in light of the evolving security situation. The visit also assumes significance for Jammu and Kashmirs tourism sector, which has been seeking greater international confidence and a return of foreign tourists following disruptions caused by security concerns. Both Gor and Abdullah struck an optimistic note on the future of engagement, with the US envoy indicating that further discussions would follow and the Chief Minister expressing hope that ties between J&K and the United States would strengthen in the coming period.
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US ambassador to India Sergio Gor calls on J&K CM Omar Abdullah in Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 19: Ahead of the scheduled visit of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to the Valley, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday flagged the highest-level travel advisory against visiting Kashmir, saying the least the Ambassador can do is review and withdraw the advisory, which is adversely affecting the regions tourism-dependent families. For Kashmir, where thousands of families depend on tourism, the travel advisory on Kashmir is more than a warning , it is a wall between Kashmir and the world, the former Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir said. Mehbooba said the withdrawal of the policy would send a powerful message of confidence, help bring back international tourists and give much needed relief to countless families whose livelihoods depend on tourism. In a post on X, Mehbooba wrote, The least the US Ambassador Sergio Gor @USAmbIndiacan do is review and withdraw the highest level travel advisory against visiting Kashmir.For Kashmir, where thousands of families depend on tourism, the travel advisory on Kashmir is more than a warning , it is a wall between Kashmir and the world. Lifting it would send a powerful message of confidence, help bring back international tourists and give much needed relief to countless families whose livelihoods depend on tourism, she concluded.
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Ahead of talks with US ambassador, Omar says J&K issues must be resolved by Centre, not Washington
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Srinagar, Aug 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir have to be resolved by the Centre and not by Washington, as he ruled out raising any grievances with the US Ambassador during their scheduled meeting. US Envoy Sergio Gor is set to arrive today on his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir. He is scheduled to meet Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar. Speaking with reporters CM Omar said he would discuss Jammu and Kashmir and the situation in the region with the US envoy but would neither complain nor seek solutions to the issues from him. He said the meeting with the ambassador will be taking place after a long gap and that he looked forward to the interaction. I would prefer to listen to him more, but he is also coming to listen. Let us see what kind of discussion takes place, he said. The Chief Minister conducted an early-morning tour of Srinagar, during which he reviewed several developmental projects. He said most of the projects reviewed during the tour were progressing satisfactorily, while some required an additional push from the administration. Meanwhile, responding to a query on allegations of corruption in appointments by the BJP, Omar said the police, Crime Branch and Anti-Corruption Bureau were not under his control. If corruption has actually taken place, an investigation should be conducted, a case registered and action taken against those responsible, he said. (KNO)
Vehicle falls into gorge in J-K's Reasi; three killed
Jammu, Aug 19: Three members of a family were killed, and two others injured after a vehicle skidded off a hilly road and plunged into a gorge in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday. The accident occurred near Panasa village late Tuesday night when the driver of a an SUV lost control while negotiating a curve en route from Thanole to Thub village. They said Prem Singh (50), his wife Turi Devi (45), and mother-in-law Durgi Devi (70) were found dead by rescuers, who retrieved their bodies from the wreckage. Two other passengers travelling in the vehicle managed to jump out before it plunged into the gorge and sustained injuries, the officials said, adding the injured were shifted to a hospital where their condition was stated to be stable. In another accident, six persons were injured late Tuesday night when a cab veered off the road and landed in roadside fields at Gundha village in the Khawas area of Rajouri district. The injured have been admitted to a hospital, the officials said.
Srinagar, Aug 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday made an early-morning tour of Srinagar, taking stock of ongoing development works and civic infrastructure in the city, including projects in the Shehr-e-Khaas. Omar said he, along with his team, began the inspection at around 6:30 am and visited nearly 10 to 12 project sites stretching from Downtown to Uptown Srinagar. While the progress of most projects was satisfactory, some required greater attention from the administration, he said. These tours allow us to compare what we are told in the Secretariat with the ground reality, Omar said, stressing that further projects would be taken up to meet the major requirements of Srinagar. The chief minister said easing congestion and improving traffic management would require particular attention, while identifying the shortage of parking space in Downtown as one of the city's major challenges. On the National Conference manifesto, Omar described it as a five-year roadmap and said the government had continued to work on its commitments. Every point has been touched upon in one way or another, and whatever remains to be done will be completed going forward, he said. Omar said infrastructure-related work was progressing across Jammu and Kashmir in areas such as roads, electricity and water supply. He said road blacktopping had been affected by a disruption in bitumen supplies earlier this year, but the supply had since resumed and blacktopping work was back on track. On drinking water, the chief minister said implementation of projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission had earlier faced a setback but had now received Union Cabinet approval, with funds beginning to be released. On power supply, Omar acknowledged that round-the-clock electricity was still not possible everywhere but said the frequency of power cuts had come down considerably and further improvement remained a priority. Asked about reported objectionable comments concerning Ayatollah Khomeini in Kargil, Omar said there should be no inappropriate remarks against religious figures and called for respect for religious sentiments. If someone has made such remarks that have hurt the sentiments of people in Kargil, or of the Shia communitywhich does not live only in Kargil but across the worldthen such a thing should not have happened. The police should take whatever action is required, he said. On his upcoming meeting with the US Ambassador, Omar said the interaction was taking place after a considerable gap and that he was looking forward to it. I would prefer to listen to him more, but he is also coming to listen. Let us see what kind of discussion takes place, he said. Omar made it clear that he would not approach the US envoy with complaints about India, saying matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir would have to be dealt with by the Central Government. The solution to our problems will not come from Washington. Our problems have to be resolved by our Central Government, he said. The chief minister said he would discuss Jammu and Kashmir and the wider regional situation with the ambassador, but would neither seek intervention nor ask the envoy to resolve the Union Territory's problems. Responding to allegations by the BJP regarding corruption in appointments, Omar said the investigative agencies were not under the control of his government and asked those making the allegations to seek a formal probe. The Police is not under my control. The Crime Branch is not under my control. The ACB is not under my control, he said. If there had been corruption, Omar said, the matter should be investigated, a case registered and those found responsible prosecuted. On waterlogging in Srinagar, the chief minister described it as a longstanding problem that could not be attributed to the recent past. He said several colonies had come up without adequate drainage systems and the administration was now working to provide drainage infrastructure in such areas. Omar said vulnerable locations, or black spots, had been identified and additional pumping capacity would be arranged on an emergency basis when the Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall. For a permanent solution, he said the Housing Department was working on drainage projects that would be taken up as funds are made available. The chief minister's inspection of Srinagar comes as the administration seeks to address long-standing concerns related to urban infrastructure, traffic management and civic services in the city.(KNS)
Omar inspects development projects in Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday conducted an early morning tour of the city to inspect development projects and review the progress of key civic works. In a post on X, the chief minister's office said the extensive tour of Srinagar city was conducted to assess public facilities and review the progress of key civic works aimed at improving urban infrastructure and public services. During the tour, the chief minister inspected various sites, including the proposed bridge at Barbar Shah, it said. Once completed, the bridge will play a vital role in reducing traffic congestion for commuters heading into Shehar-e-Khaas, ensuring smoother transit and improved urban mobility, the CM's office said. The chief minister also inspected the new building of the Maharaj Gunj Urban Primary Health Centre. The upgraded facility blends modern healthcare infrastructure with the area's rich historical character and will significantly strengthen patient care and healthcare delivery in the heart of 'Shehar-e-Khaas' (interior areas of the city), the CM's office added. Deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers, MLAs, CM's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and senior officials accompanied the chief minister.
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At least nine dead in massive Kolkata hotel fire
Kolkata, Aug 19: At least nine people died, and six were injured in a fire at a hotel on Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata early on Wednesday night, police said. Five fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze that erupted around 1.45 am. Police and Disaster Management Department personnel reached the spot for the rescue operation. The injured have been taken to a nearby hospital. The dense smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the staircase and reach the upper floors. While nine people have died, more deaths are feared, a police officer told PTI. Our priority is to rescue those trapped and determine the reasons for the fire. The flames have been doused, and the cooling process is underway, he added. West Bengal Fire Department headquarters is located close to the hotel building.
IRCTC Flags What Passengers Are Buying On Trains, Seizes 8,000+ Unapproved Water Bottles
IRCTC has launched surprise inspections nationwide to seize unapproved packaged drinking water and food products on trains and stations.
1 blocking order every 68 seconds: Govt takedowns of online content surge
Government directions to restrict online content witnessed a dramatic surge between March and July this year, with nearly 1.95 lakh blocking orders sent to Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, according to data accessed by The Indian Express. The figures mean that, on average, one blocking order was issued every 68 seconds, or nearly 1,275 orders every day. The sharp rise assumes significance as the period coincided with the students protests against examination leaks at Delhis Jantar Mantar, which began in June and continued until July 25. Instagram received the largest share, with nearly one lakh blocking orders, accounting for more than half of the total. Facebook received around 80,000 orders, while YouTube received nearly 15,000, reports Indian Express. Together, the two Meta-owned platforms: Instagram and Facebook accounted for roughly nine out of every 10 orders issued to the three companies. The orders, many of which were issued through the Home Ministrys Sahyog portal, can cover hundreds of individual posts, pieces of content or accounts. The scale of the increase becomes clearer when compared with the previous year. RTI records obtained by The Indian Express showed that between October 2024 and October 2025, only 2,312 blocking orders were sent to 19 online platforms through Sahyog, an average of about six orders a day. A senior government official told the Indian Express newspaper that a considerable share of the latest orders were issued during the student protests as they gathered momentum, particularly on Instagram. The report said Meta has integrated its API (Application Programming Interface) with the Sahyog portal to meet the governments requirement of removing flagged content within three hours. Under the system, content identified through government directions uploaded on the portal can be automatically removed from Meta platforms without a separate human review by the company. Digital rights activists have raised concerns over the arrangement, arguing that automated takedowns could leave little room for platforms to examine whether a particular government direction meets legal requirements. Apar Gupta, advocate and founder-director of the Delhi-based Internet Freedom Foundation, said an automated system could turn a conditional legal obligation into automatic compliance. He questioned whether anyone at the platform checks the authority issuing an order, its legal basis or the reasons cited for the takedown. According to information shared by users on social media, the restrictions appeared to affect several posts supporting the students protests, criticism of the governments ethanol fuel-blending policy and content relating to the West Bengal Assembly elections, besides deepfakes and other material. The surge in takedown orders also comes against the backdrop of tighter government rules. In February, the IT Ministry amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, reducing the compliance window for certain government-directed takedowns from the earlier 24-36 hours to just 2-3 hours. With India having more than 600 million social media users, the growing scale of government takedown requests has opened a wider debate over online regulation, freedom of expression and the safeguards needed before content is removed.
J-K CM Omar Abdullah conducts early morning city tour
PHDCCI urges FSSAI to prioritise training, awareness before punitive action
Chairman PHDCCI Kashmir Vicky Shaw and Executive Committee member Shahejehan Khan participated in an interactive meeting with Rajit Punhani, Secretary to the Government of India and Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The meeting was organised by Khalid Jahangir, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, Jammu & Kashmir, and was also attended by Devesh Kumar Mahla, IPS, Director, FSSAI Northern Region. During the interaction, Shaw said PHDCCI supports both consumer safety and ease of doing business. While welcoming regulatory reforms, he stressed the need to first equip the business community with adequate knowledge of food safety standards through scientific awareness, training and capacity building rather than relying primarily on punitive measures. Supporting the views expressed by Commissioner Khalid Jahangir, Shaw strongly advocated bringing restaurants and eateries in Jammu & Kashmir in line with global food safety and service standards. He called for clear, accurate and trustworthy declarations on menus, including whether food is fresh or frozen and the specific type of meat being served, such as lamb or beef, in accordance with FSSAI norms. Shaw said greater transparency in food declarations would help strengthen consumer confidence and could also contribute to increased footfall at restaurants and eateries among both tourists and local residents. Reaffirming PHDCCIs commitment to responsible business practices, Shaw said there could be no compromise on food safety, hygiene, consumer trust and transparent declaration of products served to the public.
JKEDI Baramulla concludes RAMP programmes, trains 310 candidates in entrepreneurship
Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Baramulla, successfully concluded two programmes, MDP XIII and MDP XIV, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative, with 50 candidates successfully completing the training. During these programmes, participants were provided comprehensive, domain-specific knowledge aimed at strengthening their entrepreneurial capabilities. The training was facilitated by Mohammad Rafiq Mir and Sheikh Nowsheen as Trainers. The designated reviewer, Waseem Ahad, Project Manager, evaluated both programmes and interacted with the participants. He encouraged them to utilise the knowledge and skills acquired during the training and translate their learnings into sustainable entrepreneurial ventures. With the successful completion of the two programmes, a total of 310 candidates have now been imparted training under RAMP at Baramulla, contributing towards entrepreneurship promotion and strengthening the MSME ecosystem in the district. While concluding the programmes, District Nodal Officer Imtiyaz Ahmad Malla informed the candidates that JKEDI Baramulla will shortly commence the next batch and assured that suitable references from the current batch would be considered for inclusion in the upcoming programme. The initiative reflects JKEDIs continued efforts towards fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing skills and creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the district.
J&K Bank expands corporate salary portfolio with 2 new MoUs in Srinagar, Udhampur
Further strengthening its institutional partnerships through customised employee-banking solutions, J&K Bank signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under its Corporate Salary Package with FIL Industries Private Limited in Srinagar and Brahmrishi Bawra Shanti Vidya Peeth Higher Secondary School in Udhampur. In Srinagar, Zonal Head (Srinagar) Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar signed the agreement on behalf of J&K Bank, while Managing Director FIL Industries Junaid Altaf Bukhari represented the company. The agreement was signed in the presence of Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni, Branch Head (SSI) Ubaid Ashraf and other senior officials from both organisations. The MoU will bring nearly 600 employees of FIL Industries - one of the leading business groups in the Union Territory - within the ambit of the Banks Corporate Salary Package. Speaking on the occasion, Zonal Head Sheikh Mohammad Muzaffar said, This MoU reflects our continued endeavour to deepen the Banks longstanding institutional relationship with FIL Industries while extending a comprehensive suite of customised banking benefits to its employees. Through preferential products, enhanced digital convenience and need-based financial solutions, we aim to add value to their overall banking experience. Cluster Head Syed Tasaduq Madni briefed the participants about the salient features and benefits available under the package, including specialised salary-account variants, preferential loan facilities, insurance coverage, and digital banking services. Meanwhile, in the Jammu division, the Bank entered a similar arrangement with Brahmrishi Bawra Shanti Vidya Peeth Higher Secondary School, Udhampur, which has a staff strength of more than 165 employees. During a ceremony held in Udhampur, Zonal Head (Udhampur) Arjun Singh Rathore signed the MoU on behalf of J&K Bank, while Chairperson Chinmay Jyoti (Didi Ji) signed it on behalf of the school. On the occasion, Zonal Head Arjun Singh Rathore said, The partnership represents our commitment to building meaningful institutional relationships through customer-centric banking solutions. By combining preferential financial benefits with convenient, technology-driven services, the Corporate Salary Package seeks to provide the schools employees with a seamless and rewarding banking experience aligned with their evolving professional and personal needs. Present at the signing ceremony were the Banks Cluster Head (Udhampur) Ritesh Sharma, Branch Head (Shakti Nagar) Nikhil Grover, Chief Manager Sanjeev Gupta, Admin Officer Brahmrishi Bawra School Jeetender Kumar, Principal Ashwani Kumar and Bank officials Sunil Mansotra and Asmita Malgotra. Through these partnerships, the Bank aims to broaden access to customised salary accounts, attractive retail-credit facilities, insurance benefits and enhanced digital services while further consolidating its relationships with prominent institutions across J&K.
GenTechPro annual day highlights job creation, environmental responsibility
Former minister for Law, Justice, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari, on Tuesday lauded Kashmirs entrepreneurs for creating employment opportunities and enabling local youth to build professional careers. Bukhari was speaking at the annual day function of GenTechPro, a technology, proposal development and staffing firm with offshore operations in Srinagar and clients in the United States. He appreciated the contribution of local entrepreneurs towards generating jobs and providing talented youth with opportunities to develop professional skills. Speaking at the event, Raja Muzaffar Bhat, head of the J&K RTI Movement and J&K Climate Action Group, stressed the need for proper waste management and responsible waste disposal to prevent environmental degradation in Kashmir. He called for collective efforts to protect the regions fragile environment. Bukhari and Bhat were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. GenTechPro employees were also presented certificates of appreciation in recognition of their work and contribution to the companys growth. GenTechPro CEO and Co-founder Syed Hidayat Bukhari said the company had started operations with three employees and had since grown to a workforce of 18. He said the company aims to increase its workforce to 50 employees by the end of 2027, with a broader objective of creating employment opportunities for talented youth. Co-founder and Director of Operations Syed Jehangir Nazir said GenTechPro provides customised technology, proposal development and staffing solutions to government and enterprise clients. The company specialises in proposal development, IT solutions and workforce support, he said. He added that the parent company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., while its offshore offices are located in Srinagar, Chennai and Noida, enabling it to serve clients across multiple markets. Dr Tariq Ahmad Masoodi, a biotechnology and cancer-genomics scientist, also attended the event. He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, genomics and precision diagnostics in healthcare, particularly in enabling earlier cancer detection and more personalised treatment decisions. Masoodi stressed the need for increasingly targeted, data-driven therapies based on the molecular and genetic characteristics of individual patients. He has more than 100 research publications and thousands of citations, with his work spanning genomics, cancer biology and AI-driven precision oncology. Sheikh Owais, an international learning and development expert and founder of Aurelian Academy, underlined the importance of English-language proficiency and accurate pronunciation in professional communication. He noted that GenTechPros clients include native English speakers, making effective communication an important aspect of professional engagement.
Protect growers, ensure hassle-free trade: Sopore Fruit Association to Govt
The Fruit Growers and Dealers Association of Sopore has sought implementation of the Minimum Support/Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and an effective crop insurance mechanism as the new fruit marketing season gets underway at the Fruit Mandi Sopore. Association president Fayaz Ahmad Malik, popularly known as Kaka Ji, addressing a press conference at the fruit mandi on Tuesday, said the season had begun smoothly and expressed optimism that growers and traders would witness better market conditions this year. He stressed that continued government support was necessary to safeguard the horticulture sector, which provides livelihoods to thousands of people directly and indirectly. Malik identified MIS and crop insurance as two of the major demands of fruit growers. He said an effective market intervention mechanism could provide growers protection against sharp fluctuations in fruit prices, while crop insurance would help compensate them for losses arising from adverse weather and other crop-related risks. Speaking about transportation, Malik said concerns relating to the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway had already been taken up with the government. He said the situation had improved and fruit-laden trucks were now reaching different parts of the country smoothly. The improvement, he said, had provided relief to growers, dealers and transporters, particularly ahead of the peak marketing period when the movement of fruit consignments increases substantially. Malik also highlighted the organisational structure of the fruit mandi, stating that there is only one registered association representing fruit growers and dealers in the mandithe Fruit Growers and Dealers Association. He said the association was registered in 1979. Urging all stakeholders to maintain peace, discipline and cooperation, Malik cautioned against attempts by individuals to disrupt the peaceful marketing process at the mandi. He said any disruption to fruit trade could have a direct impact on the livelihoods of thousands of people associated with the horticulture economy, including growers, dealers, commission agents, transporters and other workers. Malik appealed to SSP Sopore to take strict legal action against individuals allegedly involved in creating disturbances or attempting to disrupt the smooth functioning of the mandi. He specifically urged that FIRs be registered against those found involved in such activities. He also called upon the administration to take concrete and effective preventive measures to ensure that no elements are allowed to disturb the peaceful conduct of fruit trade during the marketing season. Fruit mandi is the backbone of the local economy and thousands of families depend on its smooth functioning, Malik said, appealing to growers, dealers, commission agents, transporters and other stakeholders to work together in the larger interest of the horticulture sector. He further urged the government and administration to ensure adequate arrangements throughout the ongoing fruit season so that marketing activities remain uninterrupted and growers are able to secure better returns for their produce. The association president said smooth transportation, orderly functioning of the mandi, effective government support and protection against market and crop-related risks would be crucial for ensuring a stable and successful fruit marketing season.
IGC Lassipora struggles with pothole-ridden roads, drainage failures
Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora, one of Kashmirs largest industrial hubs, is grappling with deteriorating internal roads, a dysfunctional drainage system and the absence of a dedicated transport yard, posing growing challenges for industrial units. Spread over around 8,000 kanals, the industrial estate houses more than 900 units. However, industrialists say its supporting infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the expansion of the estate and the rising volume of commercial traffic. Several internal roads are dotted with potholes, making the movement of heavy vehicles difficult, particularly during the rainy season. Industrialists said the roads were last fully macadamised nearly a decade ago and have since largely received only patchwork repairs. The roads are dotted with potholes which turn into cesspools during the rainy season, said Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, president of the Industrial Association Lassipora. He said the poor condition of the roads was hampering the movement of vehicles carrying raw materials and finished products. Khan said the drainage system had also failed, worsening the situation during rainfall. Due to the failed drainage system, water submerges roads and enters industrial units during rainfall, he said. The problem assumes greater significance given the volume of commercial traffic handled by the estate, including trucks transporting horticultural produce. Khan said the estate has more than 100 controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, each with a capacity of around 5,000 metric tonnes, making Lassipora an important destination for apple growers and traders during the harvest season. Thousands of apple trucks stop outside these CA stores to ferry apples for storage, Khan said. However, the absence of a dedicated transport yard forces heavy vehicles to park along roads and near industrial units, resulting in congestion inside and around the estate. In the absence of a transport yard, there is a huge rush of thousands of trucks during the fruit season, Khan said. Industrialists said the situation becomes particularly acute during the peak apple harvesting season, when trucks carrying fruit from different parts of Kashmir converge on the estate. They have sought comprehensive macadamisation of the internal road network, restoration of the drainage system and creation of a dedicated transport yard to regulate the movement and parking of heavy vehicles. The industrialists also urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the estates road and drainage infrastructure and prepare a time-bound plan for its upgradation. They said improving the basic infrastructure at IGC Lassipora was essential not only for the smooth functioning of existing industrial units but also for supporting the estates growing role in Kashmirs manufacturing, storage and horticulture-related economy.
Two Baramulla youth clear way for ambulance through Army convoy, win hearts
A video showing two young men going out of their way to clear obstacles for an ambulance carrying a patient to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla has drawn widespread appreciation on social media. The ambulance, carrying a patient from Uri, was on its way to GMC Baramulla on Tuesday when it reached the town and encountered an army convoy approaching from the other side, leaving the one side of the road blocked. Following the traffic jam, the ambulance moved onto the other side of the road in which an army convoy was coming in the opposite direction as the lane through which it was supposed to proceed was blocked by the traffic jam. With the ambulance struggling to make its way through the congested stretch, two youths in their 20s stepped forward to help. The youngsters began running ahead of the ambulance, removing obstacles from its path and ensuring that the vehicle could pass without further delay. They were also seen signalling to the drivers of the army convoy to make way for the emergency vehicle. The convoy personnel, apparently realising that the ambulance was carrying a patient and needed to reach the hospital urgently, also cooperated and allowed it to proceed. The video was recorded by an attendant travelling inside the ambulance. The attendant can be heard praising the two youths for their spontaneous act and for taking responsibility at a time when every minute mattered for the patient. The gesture has since attracted considerable appreciation on social media, with many users describing the youths' act as an example of civic responsibility and compassion. This is indeed great to see, two youngsters sharing their responsibility. If youths realise their responsibility, society will certainly become a better place, the attendant says in the video. The incident has also prompted people to underline the importance of giving priority to ambulances and other emergency vehicles on busy roads, particularly when they are transporting patients requiring urgent medical attention. For many who watched the video, the act of the two youngsters stood out not merely as a gesture of kindness but as a reminder that ordinary citizens can play an important role in helping emergency services reach their destinations without unnecessary delay.
Kukroosa residents demand better healthcare
The residents of Kukroosa in Ramhal area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district have expressed resentment against the authorities for failing to ensure better healthcare facilities at New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Kukroosa. The residents said that due to lack of proper staff, they are subjected to sufferings but authorities were doing nothing to augment the staff here. They said only one doctor was performing duties at NTPHC Kukroosa which according to them was not substantial for over thirty thousand population. They demanded that the vacant posts be filled at the earliest. The residents said that the hospital caters to a huge chunk of population but still lacks basic amenities, much to the disappointment of locals of over two dozen villages including Kukroosa, Lilam, Zafarkhani, Waisa Kawnar, Khanbal, Sunmulla, Kalipora, Chirpawa, Sirajpora and others. The residents said that the hospital was working without a dental surgeon. A special ward with dental chair and required things are of no use without a dental doctor, Aijaz Ahmad a local told Greater Kashmir . Residents said that due to lack of a lab technician diagnostic facilities were not being carried at the health centre, forcing patients to look for other alternatives. Pregnancy care has also been hit due to non-availability of a gynaecologist and expecting women are forced to look for other alternatives, they added. The residents have sought immediate intervention of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb in this regard so that the hardships being faced by the people may end.
Report on illegal mining submitted in NGT
A report submitted by the Joint Committee (JC) comprising top officials from Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change -MoEFCC, Central Pollution Control Board -CPCB & J&K Pollution Control Committee -JKPCC along with Deputy Commissioners of Budgam and Pulwama have confirmed that large-scale illegal earth mining in the karewas of Pulwama and Budgam in last 5 years. The report mentioned that more than 18 lakh metric tons of clay ,sand , gravel has been illegally looted in Zadoora , Gowherpora and Rangeen Kultreh villages of Pulwama and Budgam districts. Out of 18 lakh MTs , 13 lakh MTs of material has been excavated from Gowherpora and Rangeen Kultreh villages of Chadoora Budgam and around 5 lakhs MTs from Zadoora village of Pulwama in Hastikhud area. These reports were placed on record before National Green Tribunal-NGT on Monday 17th August 2026 in the case of Raja Muzaffar Bhat v/s J&K Government and others case. The counsel for the Government as well as petitioner Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat sought time to file their responses and the case is now listed for hearing on November 4. The reports signed and submitted by Member Secretary J&K Pollution Control Committee , Director CPCB, MoEF & DCs of Pulwama and Budgam has clearly mentioned that large scale illegal excavation has taken place between 2019-2024 in Zadoora and Gowherpora villages of Pulwama and Budgam District. The report quoting Mining Department J&K Govt mentions that illegal excavation work took place due to law and order situation post article 370 abrogation and COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. On page 4 of the report dated 12.6.2026 the Member Secretary J&K Pollution Control Committee -JKPCC Dr R Gopinath makes some glaring revelations with regard to Gowherpora site where NKC Projects Pvt Ltd has been excavating clay, sand and bajri from 2021 to 2024 . The relevant para reads: It was observed that Environmental Clearance has not been obtained prior to commencement of mining activities. The earth mining was carried out without approved mining plan, consent from Pollution Control Committee and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Environmental Clearance-EC. In Zadoora Hastikhud area loot and plunder has taken place and this has been reported by the joint committee in its report. The report filed by Director Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing also confirms large scale mining as they have placed on record satellite imagery between 2014 to 2026. The said report submitted before National Green Tribunal -NGT reads: Government is trying to take benefit of article 370 abrogation and COVID 19 pandemic and it is a known fact that there was complete curfew and lockdown during these times and no movement of traffic was allowed. There were security forces on every major road in villages and towns and how come the Mining Department or other Government authorities claim loot and plunder took place during that time? 18 lakh MTs is a very small amount. This is 100 times more, I am sure. I will take up this case with NGT as well as anti corruption agencies like CBI or ACB. The Govt officials who allowed this loot will be identified said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat. Pertinently a joint inspection team was constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), J&K Pollution Control Committee- JKPCC , DCs of Pulwama and Budgam early this year. This team had visited Zadoora in Pulwama and Gowherpora, Rangeen Kultreh in Chadoora, Budgam in April this year to assess allegations of illegal earth mining. The report was submitted in NGT recently. The case is now crystal clear, the reports of NGTs joint committee , JK Pollution Control Committee have clearly exposed the illegal mining done in karewas of Budgam and Pulwama. The company called NKC Projects Pvt Ltd has looted our streams and rivers and has been imposed with Environmental Compensation -EC in Shaliganga case. In the Sukhnag case also they will be penalised and now I urge upon Chairman JKPCC to impose EC on them in this case as well and make sure the company is blacklisted as well. This company has not done any development but they caused disaster and looted sand , clay , gravel , boulders worth hundreds of crores which needs a high level probe Dr Raja Muzaffar added.
J&K challenged by specific circumstances, inherited history: Prof Indu Agnihotri
Former director and professor at the Centre for Womens Development Studies, ICSSR New Delhi, Prof Indu Agnihotri on Tuesday said that Gender equality was a major challenge globally as well as in India and Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed the need for stronger data, equal opportunities and greater recognition of womens economic contribution. Talking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of a National Conference on Gender Equality in the 21st Century organised by the Government College for Women (GCW), M A Road, Srinagar, Agnihotri said equality for women was a universal goal but its implementation continued to face region-specific challenges. Gender equality is a challenge all across the world. It is a challenge in India and it is a challenge in J&K. Jammu and Kashmir also faces challenges shaped by its specific circumstances and inherited history, she told Greater Kashmir . She said the South Asian region shares several common challenges, while one of the major hurdles in India was the lack of adequate and reliable data required for precise analysis and effective policymaking. Agnihotri said India was committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG-5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering women. She said gender equality must be examined across multiple domains, including education, access to resources, political participation, representation and equal opportunities. Do women get work? When they get work, do they get equal pay? Do they have equal access to resources in terms of property or financial resources to start entrepreneurs and new enterprises? she asked. She also highlighted the structural barriers that continue to affect women. She also spoke about the contribution of women to Jammu and Kashmirs economy and society, saying their role has historically extended across different sectors. From traditional Shah Toosh-related work to the Pashmina industry and home-based employment, women have remained an important part of economic production, she added. Agnihotri said the respective governments need to recognise and adequately account for womens contribution to the economy, particularly in agriculture sector. Even in J&K, women have contributed in a big way to agriculture, she said. She further called for greater attention to their often-unrecognised economic role. Conferences on gender equality could help shape public discourse and policy by bringing together data, research and diverse perspectives, she added. She said such platforms enable researchers and stakeholders to study available evidence, deliberate on challenges and formulate recommendations that governments can incorporate into policymaking. She however stressed that recommendations emerging from such discussions must be followed up by governments to translate deliberations into meaningful change. There should be wider debate on employment and unemployment among women besides the differences in perspectives on how these challenges should be addressed need to be part of the policy discourse, Prof. Agnihotri told Greater Kashmir . She said there was a need to have policies that respond to the realities and challenges faced by women.
National Conference on Gender Equality |Persistent barriers confronting women in every sphere
The speakers at the inaugural session of a two-day national conference said that Gender equality cannot be reduced to institutional promises or access to education alone and must translate into equal opportunities, decision-making power, economic independence and leadership for women. The speakers were addressing a gathering during the inaugural session of a two-day national conference on Gender Equality in 21st century at Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar on Tuesday. The National Conference was organised to examine the persistent barriers confronting women and deliberate on pathways towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5. In her address, Principal GCW M.A. Road, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq, said the theme had a particular significance for an institution that has been at the centre of women's education in Jammu and Kashmir for more than seven decades. Established in 1950, the college has witnessed generations of women pass through its portals and contribute to education, administration, healthcare, research, literature, public service and several other fields, she said. Therefore, when we speak of gender equality and women's empowerment, we are not discussing an abstract idea. It is closely connected with the history, purpose and identity of this institution, she added. She however cautioned that the progress achieved over the years must not lead to complacency saying that women continue to face barriers in access to opportunities, economic participation, representation in decision-making, technology, leadership and several social and cultural spaces. The challenge before us is no longer simply to ask whether women have access to education, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq said. She said that questions need to be answered whether education translates into agency, qualifications into opportunities, participation into leadership and equality guaranteed in principle into equality experienced in everyday life. She said achieving SDG-5 would require much more than institutional measures saying there was a need to address social attitudes, economic structures, cultural practices, technology, education and systems of decision-making. She said that academic institutions have a crucial role in this transformation as colleges and universities are not merely centres for transmitting knowledge but spaces where social assumptions can be questioned and young minds encouraged to examine society critically. For an institution dedicated to women's education, the responsibility extends beyond awarding degrees. Education should ultimately enlarge choices, she added. She said there was a need to equip young women with confidence, critical thinking, skills and the ability to make independent choices. She said women must also be encouraged to enter areas where they remain under-represented and be prepared for a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, artificial intelligence and changing patterns of work. If an educated young woman is able to choose her profession, articulate her views, participate in decisions affecting her life, become economically independent and contribute confidently to society, education has fulfilled a much larger purpose, she said. Conference coordinator Dr. Jaleel Ahsan in his address said that women constitute nearly half of the world's population, yet have historically faced systematic marginalisation, discrimination and unequal access to opportunities, resources and decision-making. He said biological differences between men and women had often been converted by social institutions, cultural practices and historical traditions into hierarchies used to justify inequality. The roots of gender inequality can be traced to the family, where gender roles, expectations and power relations are introduced, learned and normalised before extending into educational institutions, workplaces, political systems and economic structures, he said. He said that gender equality was not simply a question concerning women but a question of justice, dignity, human rights, social development and the future of society itself. A society cannot claim to be genuinely progressive if opportunities and rights are determined by gender, he said. Referring to SDG-5, he said the global commitment to gender equality requires societies not merely to address discrimination after it occurs but to examine and transform the structures, institutions, attitudes and practices that reproduce inequality. He called for collective engagement by families, educational institutions, workplaces, communities, government offices and civil society to advance women's empowerment. The two-day conference has been organised as an interdisciplinary platform to examine the social, psychological, historical, environmental, philosophical, political, economic, cultural, educational and institutional dimensions of gender equality. Dr. Ahsan said the objective was not merely to hold an academic exercise but to create space for dialogue, reflection, critical inquiry and exchange of ideas that could contribute to a more just and inclusive society. The inaugural session was attended by noted scholar and former Director of the Centre for Womens Development Studies New Delhi Prof. Indu Agnihotri, J&K Bank Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, academicians Prof. Neerja Matoo, Prof. Naseem Shafaie and Prof. Masooda Yasin, besides principals of various colleges, senior faculty members, researchers, delegates and students.
VIT Chennai hosts its 14th Annual Convocation
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai celebrated its 14th annual convocation on Sunday (August 16, 2026). Dr. T. Ramasami, Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India took part as Chief Guest, Mohit Jain, Chief Operating Officer (Publishing) and Board Member, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. was the guest of honour and Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, South India took part as special guest. VIT Founder and Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan presided over the convocation ceremony, VIT Vice Presidents Dr. Sankar Viswanathan and Dr. G.V. Selvam, Vice chancellor Dr. V. S. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, Dr.T.Thyagarajan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, VIT Chennai, Dr. Partha Sharathi Mallick, Pro - Vice Chancellor, VIT Vellore, Dr. K. Sathiyanarayanan, Director, VIT Chennai, Dr. Jayabarathi T, Registrar, VIT and Dr.P.K.Manoharan, Additional Registrar, VIT Chennai also took part in the convocation. Delivering his convocation address, Dr. T. Ramasami said that youth had an important role in building not only their own future, but also shaping their family, the country and humanity. He recalled that a few decades ago, only 740 engineering students graduated from engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu while today, several lakh of engineering students graduate from the State every year, and this would not have been possible without bringing together every available resource. Dr. Ramasami said that since 2000, Tamil Nadu had emerged as a leader in research and development (R&D), as measured by the number of research papers published in peer-reviewed journals. About 61 per cent of the research papers published in India are from Tamil Nadu, of which 35 per cent were contributed by private universities. Institutions like VIT had played a key role in this development. According to Dr. Ramasami, VIT has played a stellar role not only in transforming higher education but also in making significant contributions to the larger process of nation-building. Presiding over the convocation, Dr. G. Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor of VIT, congratulated 4,518 (UG, PG, and PhD) who received their degrees in the 14th annual convocation of VIT Chennai. He said that only around 13 per cent of Indias population had attained graduate-level education and emphasised that graduating students represented the future of the nation. While India was witnessing rapid economic growth, he observed that the expansion of higher education had not kept pace with that of developed nations. By comparison, Canada had a graduate attainment rate of around 64 per cent among its eligible youth, while South Korea and Japan recorded rates of approximately 53 per cent, he noted. Speaking on the occasion, Mohit Jain, Chief Operating Officer (Publishing) and Board Member, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. urged the graduates to pursue happiness. You are graduating today with dreams and visions. Work hard, compete, and build teams. Build solutions to the problems that my generation could not solve. But don't be too obsessed with success. Because one of the greatest tracks is believing that the next achievement will make us happy, he remarked. In his address, Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, said India and Sri Lanka were separated by a narrow stretch of water, but connected by thousands of years of history, culture, religion, language, trade and human relationships. Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka share an extraordinary depth of culture and historical connections.
Rose Enclave residents demand macadamisation
Srinagar, Aug 18:Residents of Rose Enclave Colony Sector B of Shivpora locality have sought repairs and macadamisation of dilapidated road stretch in the locality. A delegation from the area said the Shivpora road till Masjid Muhammadiya has developed potholes and caved in at several places in absence of repairs. Despite passing of over a year since drainage construction, the road has neither been repaired, leveled or macadamised. Due to dilapidated road, locals especially women, children and the elderly face problems walking on uneven road surfaces and pose a risk of injuries to them. Due to deep potholes, several vehicles also suffered damages, they said. Our lives have become miserable due to dilapidated road, they added. Locals said during rains, the dilapidated turns into cesspool hampering their movement. We make a fervent appeal to our MLA Ahsan Pardesi to direct the concerned officials to expedite repairs and macadamisation of the road on priority for convenience to locals, they said.
BJP to hold Secretariat gherao on Aug 31 against 'misgovernance, corruption'
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced that it will hold a Secretariat Gherao outside the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on August 31, accusing the National Conference-led government of failing on governance and alleging irregularities in appointments and corruption. According to BJP J&K Media Incharge Advocate Sajid Yousuf Shah, the party will mobilise its workers and supporters for the protest against what it described as the misgovernance of the NC government. The proposed protest is expected to focus on several issues, including alleged backdoor appointments, corruption and other governance-related concerns. The BJP is likely to use the protest to intensify its political campaign against the ruling National Conference government and highlight what it says are failures in administration and delivery of governance. The party said the Secretariat Gherao would be held on August 31 outside the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, with BJP leaders and workers expected to participate in the demonstration. The announcement comes after the BJP had earlier planned a Secretariat Gherao March at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on July 20. However, the party had postponed the programme in view of the devastating flood situation in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The BJP had said at the time that the decision to defer the protest was taken considering the prevailing situation in the affected areas and the need to prioritise relief and assistance amid the flood crisis. With the fresh announcement, the BJP has now decided to revive its protest programme and take its campaign directly to the seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government in Srinagar. The proposed mobilisation is also expected to bring renewed focus on the BJPs criticism of the NC government over appointments and alleged corruption. The party has repeatedly raised allegations of favouritism and irregularities in government functioning, while the ruling party has maintained that its government is committed to transparent and accountable governance. The August 31 programme is likely to provide the BJP with a platform to further sharpen its political attack on the Omar Abdullah-led administration, particularly over issues of employment, recruitment, governance and alleged corruption. The BJP leadership is expected to spell out its demands and allegations in greater detail during the protest and call upon the government to address what it describes as major concerns affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed Secretariat Gherao will also be closely watched in view of its potential to escalate the political confrontation between the BJP and the National Conference government in the Union Territory.
Advocate Mir Imaad calls on CM Omar
Social activist and advocate Mir Imaad Rafi called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed a wide range of issues concerning Anantnag district, including the welfare of the legal fraternity, development works and the need for improved sports facilities for local youth. During the meeting, Imaad highlighted various concerns faced by advocates and stressed the importance of strengthening sports infrastructure across the district. He also apprised the Chief Minister of issues requiring the attention of the administration for the overall welfare and development of Anantnag. He thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for giving him a patient hearing and for taking note of the issues raised. He also appreciated the Chief Ministers efforts towards addressing public concerns. Imaad expressed hope that the issues discussed during the meeting would receive due consideration and necessary follow-up from the concerned authorities.
KU's Urdu Department begins intl conference on environmental literature
Srinagar, Aug 18:Department of Urdu, University of Kashmir (KU) began a two-day international conference on Environmental Literature and Criticism in Urdu at the Main Campus. The conference aims to bring together faculty members, researchers, students and literature enthusiasts from various across the globe to deliberate on the emerging field of environmental literature and its critical dimensions in Urdu. Presiding over the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan described the conference theme as one of the significant academic concerns of the contemporary era. Literary and research activities centred on environment and nature are important in the contemporary context. Such academic initiatives help broaden the scope of research and critical inquiry in Urdu literature, she said. Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted the interrelationship between nature, environment and human life as reflected in Urdu literature. He emphasised the need for sustained academic and research engagement with environmental literature and criticism. Delivering the keynote address, former Head, Department of Urdu, University of Delhi, Prof. Irtiza Karim, noted the significance of environmental literature and criticism and drew attention to contemporary environmental challenges and their impact on human life and civilisation. Head, Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, Prof. Shahab Inayat Ahmad Malik, and former Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education KU, Prof Shafiqa Parveen, also shared their views on the theme. They described environmental literature and criticism as highly relevant to contemporary academic discourse and highlighted various dimensions of the subject and its importance for the advancement of Urdu literary studies. Former Head, Department of Urdu, and Dean Faculty of Arts, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Malik, emphasised the importance of promoting environmental consciousness through Urdu literature.
DC Srinagar inaugurates ICT Labs in 5 Government Schools
Srinagar, Aug 18:Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Tuesday inaugurated state-of-the-art ICT Labs established in five Government Schools across the District under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative funded by NTT DATA and implemented by ELFA International, marking a significant step towards strengthening digital education and expanding equitable access to technology-enabled learning opportunities. The inauguration ceremony was held at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS), Nawakadal, where Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the ICT Labs established in five educational institutions including Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nawakadal, Government Boys High School, Dara, Government Boys High School, Panzinara, Government Boys High School, Bakshipora and Government Girls High School, Balhama. The initiative, supported by NTT DATA and ELFA International, under its CSR programme was aimed to foster stronger collaboration among the Administration, Corporate sector and Community, thereby contributing to the overall welfare and development of the society. Following the inauguration, the Deputy Commissioner interacted virtually with the faculty members and students of the other four beneficiary schools. He urged the students to make optimum use of the newly established ICT facilities and leverage digital resources to enhance their learning, skills and exposure to technology. Addressing the gathering, the DC said that access to digital tools can significantly enhance student motivation, strengthen foundational competencies and broaden learning opportunities, particularly for students studying in schools located in remote areas of the district. He appreciated NTT DATA for supporting the initiative through its CSR programme and ELFA International for effectively implementing the project, stating that such interventions demonstrate the positive impact that responsible corporate participation can have in strengthening public education infrastructure.
Sikh delegation meets Sat Sharma, raises compensation, industrial issues
A delegation from the Sikh community on Tuesday called on Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma at the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu and apprised him of several long-pending public issues affecting hundreds of families and local industries. The delegation sought Sharmas immediate intervention to resolve these matters, stating that prolonged administrative delays caused financial hardship and uncertainty among the affected people. J&K BJP general secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan were also present during the meeting. The delegation highlighted the issue of the pending compensation since 2021 to the land allottees of Khour camp, whose lands were occupied by various government agencies for defence, infrastructure and other development projects. They said that despite sacrificing their land in the larger national interest, many affected families were still awaiting their rightful compensation, causing severe financial distress.
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6 injured in road accident in Khawas Rajouri
At least six people were injured after an Ecco vehicle met with an accident at Gundha village in Khawas area of Rajouri district on Tuesday. According to reports, the accident occurred when an Ecco vehicle bearing registration number JK11J-4943 veered off the road and plunged into the roadside fields. Six occupants sustained injuries in the accident and were subsequently shifted to a hospital for treatment. The injured have been identified as Mohd Bashir (60), son of Salah Mohd, resident of Udhan; Said Mohd (41), son of Talab Hussain, resident of Gundha; Munni Devi (35), wife of Chain Singh, resident of Gundha; Shafait (46), son of Mir Hussain, resident of Gundha; Chain Singh (47), son of Ami Chand, resident of Gundha; and Mohd Shafi (60), son of Abdul Aziz, resident of Gundha. Block Medical Officer (BMO) Kalakote Dr. Iqbal Malik said that all the injured are undergoing treatment at the hospital and doctors are attending to them. Their condition was being monitored by the medical team, he added.
Mandi Poonch, Aug 18: The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra reached Mandi in Poonch district on Tuesday amid tight security arrangements, with members of the local Muslim community and civil society extending a warm welcome to the yatris. The pilgrims were received with flower garlands, in a gesture that reflected the strong tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood prevailing in the region. The occasion presented a striking picture of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh-Christian unity, with the people of Mandi conveying a message of peace, love and mutual respect to the rest of the country. The pilgrims, who arrived from different parts of the country, paid obeisance at the ancient Budha Amarnath Temple and offered prayers. Speaking to media persons, several yatris said they had certain apprehensions about visiting Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Poonch, but were pleasantly surprised to witness the peaceful atmosphere and the warmth and affection extended by the local people. The pilgrims appreciated the gesture of the Muslim community and civil society, saying that the welcome extended to them would remain a memorable part of their pilgrimage. They also appealed to people from across the country to visit Poonch and witness its rich tradition of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Rs 427 crore cold-water fisheries cluster notified in Anantnag
Srinagar, Aug 18: The Centre has notified a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster Development Project in Anantnag, with Kulgam and Shopian as partnering districts. The Cold Water Cluster Development Project worth Rs 427 crore has been notified in Anantnag district, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently informed the Lok Sabha. A senior J&K Fisheries Department official said the cluster will primarily cover Anantnag, with Kulgam and Shopian as partnering districts. The Centre has already approved aRs 100 crore Trout Integrated Aqua Park near Dandipora-Kokernag under the Pradhan MantriMatsyaSampadaYojana (PMMSY). However, the Atlantic trout fish farming project proposed by the Centre at Bidhar-Kokernag remains in the preliminary examination stage due to concerns over ecology, drinking-water availability and its impact on local fish units. The proposal, in collaboration with Fountainhead Agro-Farms Ltd., is undergoing feasibility and environmental assessments, the Fisheries Department said. No final decision has been taken on its establishment. Separately, according to the data tabled by the Ministry in the House, J&K has been sanctioned fisheries and aquaculture projects worth Rs 154.57 crore under Pradhan MantriMatsyaSampadaYojana( PMMSY). The projects have a central share of Rs 81.43 crore. Rs 79.61 crore has been released and Rs 63.44 crore utilised, it said. The package includes 751 trout raceways, five hatcheries, five fish feed mills, 70 fish kiosks, 66 live fish vending centres, 211 three-wheelers with ice boxes, 21 refrigerated vehicles, 64 biofloc units, eight RAS units and 18 value-added enterprises. The Ministry said 88,225 fishers in J&K have been covered under livelihood and nutritional support. Ladakh has been sanctioned projects worth Rs 33.49 crore. Rs 12.17 crore has been released and Rs 11.23 crore utilised. Its package includes 344 trout raceways, 13 hatcheries, two RAS units, four ornamental fish units, 23 fish kiosks, two ice plants/cold storages, two insulated and refrigerated vehicles and 130 scooters with ice boxes. A Cold Water Fisheries Cluster has also been notified in Kargil, the Ministry informed. J&K and Ladakh together account for Rs 188.06 crore in sanctioned projects. Across the UTs, the Centre has approved PMMSY projects worth Rs 1,032.66 crore. Of this, Rs 246.55 crore has been released and Rs 201.57 crore utilised. J&K accounts for nearly 32 per cent of funds released and 31.5 per cent of utilisation across the UTs. It has utilised about 80 per cent of funds released, against 82 per cent across the UTs. J&K has the third-highest sanctioned project cost among the UTs, after Puducherry (Rs 357.19 crore) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Rs 280.67 crore). The Ministry said PMMSY, launched in 2020-21, aims to increase fish production, improve fishermens incomes and livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure and value chains, and diversify income sources. Among other UTs, Lakshadweep has projects worth Rs 71.51 crore, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Rs 129.90 crore and Delhi Rs 5.33 crore. Chandigarh has taken up no fisheries development project under PMMSY.
CASOs underway in Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua
Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) have been expanded and intensified in forest stretches of Udhampur, Reasi and Kathua districts, in the wake of reports of suspicious movement during the past four days. A joint search operation was launched in Talot, Khuban and adjoining areas in Udhampur district where a local reported about the sighting of two suspects, who allegedly were looking for food, during the intervening night of August 17 and 18. Earlier on August 16, security forces had launched a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in and around Jophar forest area of Ramnagar in Udhampur district after the reported movement of two suspects. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Udhampur-Reasi range Shiv Kumar Sharma along with other senior officers were monitoring the operations. Sharma also visited the area to take stock of the situation and operations underway there. In Sidni forested stretches and adjoining areas of Reasi district, intensive searches were already underway since August 14 after the locals reported the sighting of three suspects in the area. Similar joint search operations were being conducted by the security forces in villages along the International Border (IB) in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district amid inputs about suspicious movement.
Police DDRC Jammu to introduce new skilling cum training centre for inmates
Police Drug De-addiction Rehabilitation and Mental Health Care Centre (DDRC), Jammu will introduce a new skilling cum training centre for inmates to ensure their meaningful employment post recovery. Besides, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mission Yuva and Skill India for provision of loans to those patients who have remained off drugs for six months or so is also in offing. Superintendent of Police (SP) Headquarters Jammu Anna Sinha, while pointing out that the Centre has treated 18000 patients till date, has stated that the vision is to make the Police DDRC a hub for 360 degrees rehabilitation process for addicts. For this, we have developed a Skilling cum Training Centre for addicts which will give them vocational skills to get meaningfully employed, soon to be inaugurated. Drug De-addiction is as important as catching drug peddlers. Next in line is a Yoga cum Meditation Centre for building spiritual and mental resilience in patients. This will ensure Nasha Mukti reaches its rightful conclusion, she asserts. The Centre, SP Sinha- who is also in-charge DDRC Student Intern, informed also provided research internship for Post graduate students of Psychology and Criminology. 10 selected students from Delhi University and Jammu University undertook the internship. My visit to the De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre was insightful and educational. I learned about addiction, counselling, empathy, and rehabilitation. The experience improved my practical understanding of mental health and recovery, shares Ayushi Jasrotia, a student of Psychology Department, University of Jammu, who interned at the Centre as a part of her research. Another student of Psychology Department, University of Jammu, Mansha Mahajan, who too undertook research internship, described her experience at the Centre as truly insightful and enriching, adding that it (Centre) provided a safe, structured, and supportive environment that focused not only on overcoming substance dependence but also on the overall psychological and emotional well-being of the individuals. The staff were compassionate, approachable and dedicated towards helping the patients through their recovery journey. As a psychology student, the experience gave me an opportunity to understand addiction beyond textbooks and observe the importance of counselling, empathy, motivation, family support and relapse prevention in rehabilitation, Mansha Mahajan stated. She stated that interacting with the patients and learning from the professionals was a valuable experience that enhanced her practical understanding of addiction and strengthened her perspective towards mental health and rehabilitation. Overall, the experience was meaningful, educational, and personally enriching, she asserted. With regard to Centres current status in terms of facilities, SP Sinha shares that with 25 In-Patient Department (IPD) beds, it has a 12-hour OPD (Out-Patient Department) treating 500 persons per month. Centre is well-equipped with food and lodging facilities. With the objective of further strengthening the DDRC Jammu in terms of infrastructure and other facilities, according to her, a skilling cum training centre for short term vocational training of staff. It will introduce a new skilling cum training centre offering short term courses i.e., plumbing, electrician, mobile repairing, basic computer courses, solar technician and AC or refrigerator repairing. SP Sinha points out that the Centre has a digitisation record of 10500 patients admitted in it (DDRC) from time to time. Focus, according to her, is also on recreational and educational activities for inmates. Recently, Centre organised a debate competition between inmates, under the supervision of SP Headquarter Jammu and arranged motivational lectures on Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan at Jammu as well as Government Middle School Qasim Nagar during the anti-drug campaign. The doctors of DDRC also delivered a lecture during Principals conference 2026-27 on prevention of drug abuse.
Ex-Fauci adviser pleads guilty to plotting to conceal COVID-19 research records
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LG Manoj Sinha discusses issues concerning veterans, Veer Naris, widows, dependents
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired the 81st Meeting of Jammu Kashmir Rajya Sainik Board, at Lok Bhavan. The meeting, as per an official statement, was attended by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Maj Gen Paramvir Singh Dagar, Chief of Staff, HQ White Knight Corps; Maj Gen KS Dhadwal, Chief of Staff HQ Chinar Corps, Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Chanderkar Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Neena Mishra, Principal Director, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, GoI; Brig. Pankaj Chib (Retd.) Director Sainik Welfare Department, J&K; Brig Sandeep Kaushal, Cdr 21 Sub Area, Air Commodore VP Singh, Col Pradeep S Karki, Director, DRZ (North); Brig. Virender Singh Slathia (Retd) and other senior officials. The Board deliberated on key issues concerning veterans, Veer Naris, widows and dependents, covering welfare delivery, grievance redressal, healthcare and institutional strengthening. These include establishment of a ZSWO at Kishtwar and improved coordination on pension-related matters. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to the welfare of veterans and their families, assuring that every step will be taken to honour their sacrifices and guarantee a life of dignity. The Board also discussed empanelment of government hospitals including AIIMS Jammu, GMC Rajouri, GMC Doda and Government Hospital Kupwara with ECHS for enhanced healthcare access. The Lieutenant Governor also chaired the State Management Committee (SMC) meeting on the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The Committee considered welfare-oriented proposals covering medical and health support, infrastructure, outreach, education and skill development. The Committee also proposed several key initiatives including education and career incentives, psychological counsellors in identified areas, skill-development support and improved welfare infrastructure.
Srinagar Premier Division | SWFC Kashmir secures 31 victory over ARCO FC
SWFC Kashmir registered a convincing 31 victory over ARCO FC in the ongoing Srinagar Premier Division Football League at the TRC Synthetic Turf, Srinagar. SWFC Kashmir, as per a DFA statement, displayed a strong and composed performance throughout the match, scoring three goals to secure all three points. ARCO FC managed to find the net once, but SWFC Kashmir maintained control and completed the match with a well-deserved 31 win. The victory will further boost SWFC Kashmirs confidence as they continue their campaign in the league.
J&K Junior Swimmers compete at National Championships in Bhubaneswar
The Jammu and Kashmir Junior Swimming Team is representing the Union Territory at the 52nd Junior National Aquatic Championships 2026 (Swimming), being held at the Kalinga Stadium, competing against some of the countrys top young swimmers. The national-level championship, as per an official statement, is being conducted under the aegis of the Swimming Federation of India, bringing together young swimmers from across the country. The Jammu and Kashmir contingent secured its place in the national championship following selection trials conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council. The selected swimmers are representing the Union Territory at the championship with the aim of showcasing their talent and competing against some of the country's best junior swimmers. The participation of the J&K team at the national event is expected to provide valuable exposure and experience to the young athletes while further strengthening swimming in the Union Territory.
Kashmir Super League Season 2 preparations gather pace
The franchise meeting of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026, powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, was held at the Royal Spring Golf Course, Srinagar, bringing together the league organisers and representatives of all six franchises for detailed deliberations ahead of the second season. The meeting, as per a statement, witnessed detailed discussions on the rules and regulations of the league, player selection and bidding process, team composition, match protocols, code of conduct, franchise responsibilities and operational guidelines to ensure the smooth and professional conduct of the tournament. Franchise owners actively participated in the discussions and shared their valuable suggestions and inputs. The upcoming season will feature six franchises United Elegant FC, Sanctorum United, Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC, Swift Strikers Rainawari FC, Athwas India XI FC and New JK United FC competing for the prestigious Kashmir Super League title. Khyber Cement, the title sponsor of the league, continues to play a key role in supporting the tournament and its vision of strengthening the football ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. The league is powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai. Following the success of its inaugural season, the second edition aims to raise the bar further by providing a structured and competitive platform for local footballers, while giving emerging talent an opportunity to share the field with experienced players and attract wider attention from scouts and football stakeholders.
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary reviews sports infrastructure, sets district-wise roadmap
Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Tuesday, chaired a comprehensive review of the departments sports infrastructure, ongoing capital works, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) projects and programmes for strengthening sports and youth engagement across Jammu and Kashmir. The review, as per a DYSS statement, took stock of the work undertaken by the department over the past several months and set out a district-level roadmap for expansion, upgradation and better utilisation of sports facilities, with particular emphasis on equitable access, athlete development and time-bound completion of projects. The meeting was attended by Director General Youth Services & Sports J&K Anuradha Gupta, senior officers of the department, Planning, Financial Advisor and Sports Council representatives, Chief Planning Officers, District Statistical and Evaluation Officers and District Youth Services & Sports Officers from across the Union Territory. A detailed presentation was made on the portfolio of sports infrastructure projects taken up under CapEx, SASCI and CSS, along with the status of ongoing works, funding, execution and future requirements. The department has taken up 210 new sports projects under CapEx and 17 projects under SASCI, with a cumulative investment of over Rs 500 crore. Against these projects, around Rs 160 crore has already been released to the concerned Heads of Departments and executing agencies. Dr Shahid directed the concerned agencies to expedite tendering and execution while maintaining quality standards and ensuring that projects are completed within approved timelines. He stressed that the focus should not only be on creation of new assets but also on making existing infrastructure functional, accessible and suitable for regular sporting activity. The Commissioner/Secretary directed Chief Planning Officers, District Statistical and Evaluation Officers and District Youth Services & Sports Officers to undertake a comprehensive district-wise assessment of sports infrastructure, including playfields, stadiums, indoor facilities and other sporting assets. The assessment will identify infrastructure gaps, underserved areas and facilities requiring augmentation. Existing assets will be mapped and geotagged, and district plans will form the basis for prioritising new infrastructure as well as upgradation of existing facilities. He called for greater involvement of local youth and sporting communities at the planning stage so that facilities are designed around actual local requirements and receive sustained community utilisation.
Kupwaras higher education runs on just 27% of sanctioned lecturers
Srinagar, Aug 18:Higher education in Kupwara is facing a severe staffing crisis, with only 182 lecturers actually available in the district against a sanctioned strength of 675, leaving students dependent on just 27 per cent of the required teaching strength. Official documents tabled in the J&K Legislative Assembly in April this year reveal that 421 lecturer posts, or over 62 per cent of the sanctioned strength, remain vacant. Of the 254 lecturers shown as being in position, 72 are currently working outside Kupwara on attachment, deployment or other assignments. This leaves only 182 lecturers physically available in the district, effectively reducing the functional teaching strength to just over one-fourth of the sanctioned requirement. The shortage extends to master-grade teaching posts as well. Against 866 sanctioned posts, only 501 are shown as being in position, leaving a vacancy rate of 42.1 per cent. It remains unclear from the available records whether any of these teachers are also posted outside the district. The figures assume greater significance in Kupwara, a predominantly rural and geographically challenging border district where students in far-flung areas have limited access to private coaching and other educational support. A shortage of subject-specific teachers can directly affect students academic choices and opportunities. A higher secondary school without a physics lecturer, for instance, cannot offer adequate instruction in the subject. At the same time, a shortage of mathematics teachers can disadvantage students preparing for competitive examinations. The government has cited staff rationalisation as one measure to address shortages and has established Cluster Resource Coordinators. Immediate lecturer vacancies are also being addressed through the 2026 Academic Arrangement. However, the scale of the vacancies raises questions about whether temporary arrangements and rationalisation can substitute for sustained recruitment and adequate staffing in a district where access to quality education remains closely linked to the availability of teachers.
National Sports Awards 2025 announced, 17 sportspersons to receive Arjuna Award
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports on Tuesday announced the National Sports Awards 2025. The National Sports Awards are given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports. Based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee chaired by a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra, the Government, as per a PIB statement, has decided to confer awards on the following sportspersons, coaches and entities under various categories. Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2025 The Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Arjuna Awards: Tejaswin Shankar, Muhammed Ajmal V and Priyanka Goswami in athletics; Treesa Jolly and Pullela Gayatri Gopichand in badminton; Narender in boxing; Vidit Santosh Gujarathi and Divya Jitendra Deshmukh in chess; Dhanush Srikanth in deaf shooting; Lalremsiami and Rajkumar Pal in hockey; Surjeet and Pooja in kabaddi; Rudransh Khandelwal in para-shooting; Ekta Bhyan in para athletics; Arvind Singh in rowing; and Akhil Sheoran in shooting will receive the Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in sports and games. Arjuna Award (Lifetime): I. Arumainayagam in football has been selected for the lifetime award. Dronacharya Awards: In the regular category, Parveer Singh in athletics, Chhote Lal Yadav in boxing and Neha Nandkumar Chavan in shooting have been selected, while Dharmendra Singh Yadav in boxing and Virender Kumar in wrestling will receive the award in the lifetime category. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: The Army Paralympic Node, Pune, has been selected for the award for its contribution to sports promotion and development. The applications for aforementioned awards were invited online and sportspersons/coaches/entities were permitted to self-apply through a dedicated Online Portal. A large number of applications were received for these awards this year, which were considered by the Selection Committee headed by Justice (Retd.) Mishra, and consisting members from eminent sportspersons, persons having experience in sports journalism and sports administrators.
Q: I am 72 years old and feel tired most of the time. A: Feeling tired is common, but persistent fatigue should not simply be blamed on age. Anaemia, thyroid problems, diabetes, heart disease, poor sleep, depression, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects can all cause weakness. If it persists, get yourself evaluated. Q: My father is 81 and has started forgetting small things. Should we worry about dementia? A: Occasional forgetfulness can occur with normal ageing, but repeatedly forgetting recent events, getting lost, missing medicines, struggling with familiar tasks, or showing changes in behaviour needs medical evaluation. Early assessment can identify treatable causes and help plan care. Q: I am 78 and wake up several times at night to pass urine. A: Getting up once may be common, but frequent nighttime urination can be related to prostate problems, diabetes, urinary infection, bladder issues, heart problems, excess evening fluids, or certain medicines. Do not simply accept it as a part of ageing. Q: My mother is 79 and has little appetite. She says she is not hungry. What should we do? A: Poor appetite is common in older adults but should not be ignored. Offer small, frequent, nutritious meals rather than large portions. Check for dental problems, constipation, medicines, depression, swallowing difficulties and underlying illness if poor appetite persists. Q: I am 76 and feel dizzy when I stand up from the bed or chair. Why? A: A sudden fall in blood pressure on standing, called postural hypotension, is common in older adults. It may be related to dehydration, medicines or other illnesses. Rise slowly, sit at the edge of the bed first, and discuss recurrent dizziness with your doctor. Q: My father is 84 and has fallen twice in the last six months. He says he is fine. Should we still take him to a doctor? A: Yes. A fall is not simply bad luck in an older person. Vision problems, weak muscles, poor balance, dizziness, unsuitable footwear, medicines and neurological conditions may contribute. Every recurrent fall deserves evaluation. Q: I am 70 and take eight different medicines every day. Is this too many? A: Not necessarily. Some older adults genuinely need several medicines. But every medicine should have a clear purpose and be reviewed periodically. Never stop medicines yourself; ask your doctor whether any can be safely reduced or stopped. Q: My mother is 82 and sleeps most of the day but remains awake at night. What can we do? A: Encourage morning sunlight, daytime activity and regular sleep and meal timings. Avoid excessive daytime naps and late-evening tea or coffee. New or sudden changes in sleep may also be caused by pain, medicines, depression, infection or other illness and should be assessed. Q: I am 74 and have constipation almost every week. Can I take a laxative regularly? A: First look for the cause. Inadequate fluids, low fibre, inactivity and certain medicines commonly cause constipation. Increase fibre, fluids and physical activity where appropriate. If constipation is persistent, severe, or associated with blood in stool, vomiting or weight loss, consult a doctor rather than regularly self-medicating. Q: My father is 80 and says he cannot hear properly, but he refuses to use a hearing aid. What should we do? A: Hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal, frustration and communication problems. Get his hearing tested and explain that hearing aids are not a sign of weakness or old agethey can help him remain connected and independent. Speak face-to-face and reduce background noise while communicating. Q: I am 77 and my knees hurt, so I have stopped walking. Is rest the best treatment? A: Complete inactivity can actually make weakness and stiffness worse. Depending on the cause, gentle walking, stretching and strengthening exercises may help. Choose activities appropriate to your condition and seek medical advice if pain is severe or suddenly worsens. Q: My mother is 80 and often says, There is nothing left for me to do. Could this be depression? A: It could be. Loss of interest, persistent sadness, withdrawal, poor sleep, appetite changes, hopelessness or loss of confidence should not be dismissed as normal ageing. Depression in older adults is treatable, and early help can make a significant difference. Q: I am 68 and my blood pressure is normal when I check it at home, but sometimes it becomes very high at the clinic. Which reading should I trust? A: Both readings are useful. Anxiety can temporarily raise blood pressure, but home readings can provide a better picture of your usual BP. Use a validated machine, check it correctly and maintain a record to discuss with your doctor rather than changing medicines based on one reading. Q: My father is 86 and sometimes becomes confused suddenly, although his memory is usually good. Is this dementia? A: Sudden confusion is not the same as dementia and should be taken seriously. In older adults it can be triggered by infections, dehydration, medicines, low blood sugar, constipation, urinary problems or other acute illnesses. Sudden confusion requires prompt medical assessment. Q: I am 75 and live alone. I am physically fine but feel lonely most of the time. Is loneliness really a health problem? A: Yes. Loneliness can affect sleep, mood, appetite, physical activity and overall wellbeing. Staying socially connected is part of healthy ageing. Regular contact with family, friends, neighbours, community groups or meaningful activities can be as important as many other aspects of elderly care. NOTE: These responses are for general awareness and do not replace professional medical advice. Older adults often have multiple illnesses and medicines, so individual medical advice should be taken from a qualified healthcare professional. Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org
A married woman in her 30s presented with difficulty conceiving and underwent a gynecological evaluation. An ultrasound revealed multiple ovarian cysts, suggesting polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Additional investigations found high cholesterol, fatty liver, and impaired glucose tolerance. However, this was only the apparent manifestation of a condition that had likely begun much earlier. During adolescence, she had been overweight, consumed a diet high in refined carbohydrates, ultraprocessed food, junk food and fast food, engaged in little physical activity, and spent prolonged periods sitting. This case illustrates that PCOS does not arise suddenly. Its origins often begin in childhood and adolescence, when unhealthy dietary patterns, sedentary lifestyle, and excess weight gradually contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. PCOS has long been perceived as a gynaecological disorder, mainly focused on ovarian cysts. The diagnosis of PCOS is based on at least two of the following three features (1) ovulatory dysfunction (irregular or absent menstrual cycles), (2) clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (such as excess facial or body hair, acne, or elevated androgen levels), and (3) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. However, this term is misleading, as many women with the condition do not actually present with ovarian cysts and adolescents can have functional ovarian cysts as normal sonographic findings The newer term, PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), provides a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder. PMOS encompasses diverse endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, psychological, and dermatological conditions. It involves disturbances in insulin, androgen, neuroendocrine, and ovarian hormones. Women often present with irregular menstrual cycles, delayed cycles, or heavy bleeding. PMOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and worsens pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and gestational diabetes mellitus. Beyond reproductive health, PMOS has significant metabolic consequences, such as impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Women with PMOS frequently experience fatigue, anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, and reduced self-esteem, all of which affect daily activities and overall quality of life. Dermatological manifestations include acne, excess facial and body hair, hair loss, and hair thinning. The disorder arises from a complex interaction of genetic susceptibility, environmental influences, lifestyle factors, and hormonal dysregulation. Obesity, particularly central or abdominal obesity, is common in individuals with PMOS. Excess fat tissue increases insulin resistance, thereby worsening the condition. A higher Body Mass Index (BMI) contributes to its severity. The primary clinical features of PCOS in adolescence are overweight/ obesity, followed by excess facial hair, acne and menstrual irregularities. Overall, PMOS has multisystem health impacts and represents a growing health burden. There is an urgent need to highlight preventive measures to reduce the risk of PMOS before it develops. As the saying goes, Do not dig a well when you are already thirsty.Prevention should start in childhood and adolescence rather than waiting for complications to appear. We should therefore stop waiting for infertility to appear before taking action. The future burden of PMOS will not be reduced in infertility clinicsit will be reduced in homes, schools and communities where healthy lifestyles are established from childhood. Healthy lifestyle habits will play a crucial role in decreasing the burden of disease. Early counselling on a balanced and nutritious diet, limiting junk and fast food, regular physical activity, healthy weight maintenance, and routine monitoring of menstrual and metabolic health can significantly reduce the risk of development of pcom. Weight loss is associated with improvement in symptoms of PMOS. Parents, schools, healthcare professionals and society all share responsibility for creating healthier environments. Be mindful of what you feed your body and how your body is functioning. Nourishing the body with healthy food, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and recognising early warning signs can help prevent lifelong health problems. Dr. Bakira Majid, PG Resident Department of Community Medicine
My Experience with Dyspepsia & Recovery
Health is the biggest wealth. Sometimes even a small illness makes us anxious and we start imagining the worst. Yet good health is a precious gift from Allah, and every faith teaches us to value and protect it. Kashmir today faces many health problems, including diseases our forefathers could hardly have imagined. Our ancestors lived a simpler, healthier lifestyle. They ate simple food, remained physically active and believed that prevention was better than cure. They understood the value of avoiding unhealthy habits, exercising, maintaining hygiene and staying active. I am a living example of this. In January this year, I developed discomfort in the upper-left side of my abdomen. Initially, I ignored it, but when it persisted, my better-half insisted that I consult a doctor. I first visited SDH Sopore, where an ECG was done because of the proximity to the chest and the fear of a heart problem. The ECG was normal, and I was diagnosed with dyspepsia and prescribed medicines, along with advice to avoid oily foods. A week later, when there was no improvement, the prescription was adjusted. A month passed, but the discomfort continued. I then consulted a gastroenterologist privately and visited the doctor several times, yet there was little improvement. What troubled me most was the discomfort at night. At times, my left arm would also become numb, making me repeatedly return for ECGs, especially during winter when the fear of a heart attack is always greater. Finally, I consulted Dr Mubashir Hajini at ARCO, Sopore. After reviewing my previous prescriptions and investigations, he prescribed just one medicine along with a deworming tablet. Within a week, I began to improve. Shifa is, without doubt, in Allahs hands. But the real lesson for me was perheyzprevention. The doctor advised me to avoid fatty and acidic foods for some time, including Nun Chai, a favourite of almost every Kashmiri. I stopped taking it, and the change helped me considerably. My experience reinforced something I have always believed: prevention and lifestyle changes can sometimes do more than medicines. Walking regularly, exercising, eating simple home-cooked food, avoiding unhealthy habits and maintaining good hygiene can go a long way towards keeping us healthy. Stay healthy, stay active, and stay happy. Manzoor Akash is educator, author and regular columnist to GKs HW & SCL
African honeyguides recognise honey hunters' calls to help find hidden bee nests
The Moul Mouj toll-free number received a call from an elderly woman asking if someone could come and see her at home. There was nothing dramatic in her voice. No emergency. No complaint of severe pain. Just a quiet request: I think I need to speak to a doctor. Can you come home? I went. She was a widow. A retired woman with her own pension. The house was hers. The property was in her name. She had two sons, both living under the same roof, but in separate portions of the house. She had everything that, on paper, should have given her security. Except, perhaps, the feeling that she belonged there. She spoke slowly. Not angrily. Not accusingly. Almost apologetically. Her medicines had not been reviewed for a long time. No one had taken her for a proper follow-up. She did not know which medicines she should continue and which needed review. When she needed medicines, she would telephone the local chemist, who would send them to her. Her sons were busy. That was the explanation. Busy with work. Busy with their own families. Busy with life. One son had not spoken to her properly for months. I listened. Sometimes, during a home visit, the most important thing you can do is not examine the patient immediately. You sit down. You allow silence. You let the person tell you what has been happening behind the closed doors. After some time, she looked at me and asked a question that was far more painful than any medical complaint: Doctor, am I becoming a burden? I did not have an immediate answer. Because she wasnt asking about her medicines. She was asking whether she still mattered. The illness that does not appear in a prescription Emotional abuse and neglect of older persons do not always look dramatic. There may be no shouting. No physical injury. No obvious violence. Sometimes it is simply the repeated ignoring of an elderly persons needs. Not taking them for follow-up. Not knowing what medicines they are taking. Not asking whether they have eaten. Not speaking to them. Making them feel that their needs are inconvenient. Leaving them alone because everyone is busy. Over time, this can become a form of emotional abuse and neglect. And its effects can be devastating. An older person who feels unwanted may stop asking for help. They may hide symptoms. They may become withdrawn, anxious or depressed. They may lose interest in food, medicines and activities. Existing illnesses can become poorly controlled. Sleep may suffer. So may mobility, confidence and even cognitive functioning. Perhaps the most damaging effect is something that cannot be measured with a blood pressure machine: the gradual loss of self-worth. But she has everything, doesnt she? This is where we often misunderstand elder neglect. We look at the house. We look at the pension. We look at the fact that the children are living with her. And we conclude that the elderly parent is being looked after. But material security is not the same as emotional security. A mother may have money in her account and still feel helpless. She may own the house and still feel like a unwanted person in it. She may have children living only a few rooms away and still feel completely alone. And there is another uncomfortable truth. Parents are not always easy. They can be stubborn. They can be demanding. They can interfere. They can have expectations that their children find unreasonable. They can make mistakes. They can sometimes be unfair. But none of this makes neglect acceptable. Even if she is not perfect, she is still a mother. And before she became old, dependent or difficult, she was a person who spent much of her life caring for others. What can families do? Care does not always require expensive arrangements. Sometimes it begins with simple things. Know the medicines your elderly parent is taking. Keep a current medication list. Ensure regular medical follow-up. Ask about appetite, sleep, pain, falls and memory. Spend some time talkingnot only when something needs to be done. Most importantly, make them feel that asking for help is not an inconvenience. And if the relationship is difficult, seek help rather than allowing silence to become the solution. Geriatric care is not only about treating diabetes, blood pressure, dementia or arthritis. It is also about asking a simple question: How is this person living? That day, I left her home thinking about her question. Am I becoming a burden? Perhaps the better question for all of us is: Have we made our ageing parents feel like one? Because there comes a time when our parents may need our medicines, our money and our physical help. But more than anything else, they need to know that they are still wanted. And sometimes, the most powerful medicine we can give them is simply to sit beside them and say: You are not a burden. You are my mother.
