Health & Fitness

MIT scientists developed a way to turn discarded plastic into strong building materials

Melinda French Gates puts $1 billion behind women tackling climate change

Man found dead near NH in Nowshera

Rajouri, Sept 15: A man was found dead near the National Highway at Lamberi in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the body was spotted by passersby, who informed the police. A police team subsequently reached the spot and took the body into custody. He said the body has been kept for identification, while further legal formalities are being carried out. Meanwhile, police have appealed to people who may have information about the deceased to come forward and help establish his identity. (KNO)

Waking Up With a Puffy Face In The Morning? Expert Shares The Real Reason Your Face Swells Overnight

Morning facial puffiness is usually harmless. A dermatologist breaks down why it happens around the eyes specifically, and when to visit a doctor.

Houthis seize 2 strategic Red Sea islands, and other Mideast developments

Dubai, Sep 15: Yemen's Houthi rebels have seized the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the southern Red Sea, bolstering the Iran-backed rebels' ability to control a key maritime shipping route. Meanwhile, repairs to a crucial Saudi Arabian oil pipeline that was struck in an attack last week could last three to five weeks, putting it mostly out of service, two regional officials said. Here's a look at the latest news in the Middle East. Full coverage can be found here. Houthis gain ground as oil prices face more pressure Houthi officials said Monday that rebels had taken over the two islands just as Saudi-backed government forces tried to claw back territory from the rebels' swift advances around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz -- through which a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas transits in peacetime -- in the opening days of the war. The Saudis have since used the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which leads out of the Red Sea, for crude oil exports. The Houthis' latest takeover, following the seizure of the Red Sea port of Mokha and a strategic island last week, puts more pressure on Saudi shipments and, in turn, global oil supplies and prices. This could give Iran additional leverage in its war with the United States. Oil might only partially move through damaged line Saudi Arabia relies on the East-West Pipeline to move crude from Gulf ports to ports on its western, Red Sea coast. From there it can be put on tankers for export. Two officials briefed on the matter said repairing damage from an attack on September 10 could take weeks, including at a major pumping facility. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to brief the media. One said the line may work partially while teams carry out the repairs. China, a major Middle East oil importer, called Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure unacceptable and said that it was deeply concerned about further escalations by the rebels. Saudi Arabia behind postponed meeting on Hormuz: Iran Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday that Saudi Arabia had demanded that a meeting bringing together Iran with other regional countries to discuss the Strait of Hormuz be scrapped for the time being. Baghaei called the meeting, which was to be hosted by Oman, a proper opportunity to restore security in the region. The spokesperson said that an agreement between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz has been finalised and it will be announced later. Saudi Arabia had submitted amendments to the agreement, citing concerns that it could have lasting implications for the Strait of Hormuz, negatively impacting other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, according to a Gulf official familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. Iran condemns Austria's visa refusal for its nuclear chief Iran denounced on Monday the refusal by Austria to issue visas to the Iranian nuclear chief and other delegation members for the International Atomic Energy Agency's general conference in Vienna, calling the decision completely unjustified. Baghaei said that Tehran summoned the Austrian charg d'affaires, saying Austria was obligated as the host country to issue the visas. Baghaei accused Western countries of denying Iran an opportunity to defend itself and blamed the US for pressuring Austria to deny the visas. The refusal is part of UN sanctions on Iran, reinstated last year, that include a travel ban on Iranian officials. Iran fails to live up to nuclear obligations, US official says US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Monday criticised Iran's failure to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog. Wright was particularly critical of Tehran's refusal to grant UN inspectors access to Iran's nuclear sites affected by the war. He said Iran had ample time to address its egregious negligence toward its obligations ut that time is up. US-Saudi deal contains rigorous clauses to prevent proliferation Wright said additional safeguards contained in a US-Saudi nuclear accord include absolutely rigorous terms against proliferation. He told the IAEA general conference that the UN nuclear agency was part of it all along. The US-Saudi accord, signed in July, could potentially provide the kingdom the capability to enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear programme. Wright was responding to a question from the media about why the US requested Iran to sign an Additional Protocol and not Saudi Arabia. The Additional Protocol is an agreement between the IAEA and a country that grants agency inspectors increased access to nuclear sites. Yemenis flee homes as rebels press on Nearly 94,000 people have fled their homes in Yemen since fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and government forces escalated this month, the International Organisation for Migration said Monday. The worst-hit areas are Taiz and Lahj, where 48,000 have been displaced, the UN agency said, adding that more than 2,000 people have fled across the sea into Djibouti. Around 200 schools have been converted to shelters in southwestern Yemen to absorb an influx of families, the International Rescue Committee, an aid group, said. Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 2 Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday killed two people and wounded several others, hospital officials and the health ministry said. One person was killed in Gaza City, while the other was killed when a strike hit tents in Muwasi, according to Shifa and Nasser hospitals. The strikes also wounded people in Zawaida in central Gaza and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the health ministry said. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes and said they targeted militants. US slaps Russian-owned bank with full sanctions The US Treasury Department on Monday issued full sanctions on VTB Bank -- one of Russia's largest financial institutions -- as part of its efforts to target Iran's remaining financial lifelines. But the impact of the sanctions remains unclear as the Biden administration had also issued sweeping sanctions against the state-owned bank shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under Trump, US officials are now accusing the institution of helping the Islamic Republic evade sanctions by establishing correspondent relationships with sanctioned Iranian banks. For years, VTB Bank has been expanding its global presence, including opening branches in China, India and Iran.

VDG member sustains gunshot wound in Udhampur, hospitalised

Udhampur, Sept 15: A Village Defence Guard (VDG) member sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen after his rifle went off accidentally in the Majalta area of Udhampur district on Tuesday, officials said. An official said that the VDG member was injured after his rifle went off accidentally in Majalta, Udhampur, causing a gunshot wound to his abdomen. He was soon shifted to a hospital for treatment, while his condition was not immediately known. He was later identified as Parshotam Lal, a resident of Chore Panjian in Majalta. Meanwhile, an investigation has begun, while the exact circumstances leading to the incident are being ascertained.(KNO)

Scientists create solar cells that work underwater at 10 metres and run robots

Saudi pipeline hit by drones to be out of service for weeks, further restricting oil flow

A Saudi oil pipeline faces weeks of repairs after an attack, impacting global petroleum supplies. Houthi rebels captured key Red Sea islands, further threatening Saudi oil exports. This disruption forces the kingdom to shift crude oil away from the Persian Gulf. The pipeline's shutdown threatens extended periods of reduced oil flow to markets. The ongoing conflict in Yemen is also escalating, causing significant displacement and casualties.

HC restrains Ladakh administration from creating third-party rights over 1,076 kanals of HIAL land

Srinagar, Sep 15: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has restrained the Ladakh administration from creating any third-party interest in 1,076 kanals and one marla of land at Phyang Thang in Leh, which was allotted to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) in 2018 before being cancelled by the authorities. Justice Sanjay Dhar passed the interim direction while hearing a petition filed by HIAL through its co-founder and CEO, Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The court also issued notice to the respondents on the petition challenging the cancellation of the land allotment. The dispute concerns an order issued on August 21, 2025, by the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, cancelling the allotment of the land. The land had been allotted to HIAL on May 5, 2018, for setting up an alternative university focused on mountain development. The allotment, covering 1,076 kanals and one marla, was for 40 years, subject to execution of a lease deed and completion of other formalities. In its petition, HIAL submitted that it had applied for execution of the lease deed within 15 days of the allotment and subsequently initiated infrastructure development and academic activities at the site. The institute claimed that possession of the land had been handed over to it and that the delay in executing the lease deed was attributable to the authorities. HIAL further submitted that the process remained pending following Ladakh's transition into a Union Territory and the Covid-19 pandemic, amid administrative changes and the proposed formulation of a new lease policy. The petition also referred to official communications which, according to HIAL, permitted it to continue construction and other developmental activities while lease formalities were being processed. Appearing for HIAL, Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, assisted by Advocates Rahil Raja, Bahuli Sharma, Dilawar Khan and Susan Maria Mathew, argued that the cancellation order was legally unsustainable as the delay in executing the lease deed was allegedly due to the authorities. The Ladakh administration was represented by Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma and Central Government Standing Counsel Eishaan Dadhichi. After hearing the matter, the court issued notice to the respondents. Dadhichi accepted notice on their behalf and sought time to file a reply, which was granted. The court directed that the respondents shall not create any third-party interest in the disputed land, subject to objections from the other side and until the next date of hearing. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 21, 2026.

Nepal seeks Chinese help to rebuild flood-damaged Rasuwagadhi road

Nepal has sought Chinas assistance to rebuild the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road, a key trade route with its northern neighbour, that was severely damaged in last months devastating flash floods. The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal, killing nearly 1,400 people and leaving more than 5,000 missing. The roughly 16-km road linking Syaphrubesi with the Rasuwagadhi border crossing was being upgraded under a NRs 6.5-billion Chinese-funded project when the floods swept away large sections, severely damaging the border crossing and cutting a major trade link between the two countries, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported. According to the preliminary estimates made by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the total recovery of the damaged road between Rasuwagadhi and Galchhi will cost around NRs 55 billion (around USD 364 million). China has given us a verbal commitment to provide assistance, although a written agreement has not yet been signed, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal told the newspaper on Saturday. The route is not only a trade corridor between Nepal and China. There are many settlements along it as well, Lamsal said. For now, we are preparing to use a temporary track to keep the route to Rasuwagadhi open. In the long term, we need to build a safer road, but for the time being we will make do with a temporary track. Lamsal said Nepal had also sent a proposal to China seeking assistance to restore the border point and that discussions on various alternatives were continuing. The Rasuwagadhi border point, located about 152 km north of Kathmandu, had resumed operations on January 1 after a major flood in July 2025 swept away the Miteri bridge and inundated the customs yard at Timure. Rasuwagadhi has emerged as Nepals principal northern trade route with China after the Araniko Highway and the Tatopani border crossing suffered repeated disruptions, particularly following the 2015 earthquake, the report said. The August 26 disaster completely destroyed the border point and surrounding areas. Customs officials said it was no longer possible to rebuild the customs office and other facilities at their former locations.

President Xi, PM Modi reach most important consensus that India-China should be partners: Wang Yi

President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have reached most important consensus during their meeting on the margins of BRICS summit that China and India should be partners, the top Chinese diplomat said on Monday. Summing up Xis two-day visit to New Delhi on September 12-13 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit and his meeting with PM Modi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two leaders held a candid and in-depth exchange of views on strategic, long-term and directional issues concerning China-India relations. The most important consensus they reached was that China and India should be partners, Wang told Chinese official media on Sunday. President Xi said that China and India can draw on each others strengths, support one another, help each other succeed and pursue common development, according to Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. The leaders of the two countries agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in border areas, while the two countries will support each other as rotating chair of the BRICS, Wang said. The Modi-Xi meeting drew widespread international attention, he said. Under the strategic guidance of the two countries leaders, China-India relations have gradually emerged from a low point progressing from a restart to a renewed elevation, a readout posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website said. Areas of cooperation between the two countries keep expanding, trade volume has hit record highs, and people-to-people exchanges are growing more dynamic. The improvement and development of China-India relations are not only welcomed by the over 2.8 billion people of both nations, but also represent an essential pillar of strengthening cooperation across the Global South, Wang said. He said that both sides pledged to further nurture political mutual trust, manage differences and contradictions appropriately, and jointly uphold peace and tranquility along the border areas. Wang said that the development trajectories of China and India represent shared opportunity for one another, and that the impact of China-India cooperation extends far beyond bilateral ties carrying profound significance for the Global South and the wider world. He noted that the normalisation and improvement of China-India relations has been hard-earned, and this progress deserves to be cherished. Expressing hope that India will join China in translating the leaders shared consensus into action, he reaffirmed that both nations should remain partners rather than rivals, and advance bilateral relations steadily forward without stagnation or backsliding. He also emphasised that the border issue should be viewed in proper perspective within the broader context of the bilateral relationship; that dialogue and cooperation should remain the prevailing trend; and that both nations should accelerate their respective development and national renewal, working side by side to contribute their due share toward regional and global peace and shared prosperity. In his meeting with Modi, Xi called on China and India to draw on political wisdom of mutual respect and understanding to overcome disruptions, urging both sides to pursue parallel progress in bilateral ties and border issues with the two tracks reinforcing each other, so as to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas. Wang said PM Modi offered a positive response, affirming that India has always approached India-China relations from a strategic and long-term standpoint. PM Modi stated that India stands ready to be a partner, not an adversary, to China, and regards each others development as an opportunity rather than a challenge, according to the Chinese foreign minister. Indias approach to its relationship with China is independent of third-party influence, and it will not allow any forces to conduct anti-China activities on its territory, Wang said, quoting PM Modi. India remains committed to maintaining high-level exchanges with China, deepening strategic communication, and broadening people-to-people ties on the foundation of mutual respect and trust all to drive further progress in bilateral relations, he added. The two leaders agreed to prioritise development as the bedrock of shared interest, deepen friendly ties and mutually beneficial collaboration, and expand cooperation in areas including cultural and people-to-people exchanges and direct air connectivity, to foster greater mutual understanding between the Chinese and Indian public and build stronger public support for bilateral relations, Wang said. They also agreed to support each others BRICS chairmanship, strengthen coordination within multilateral frameworks including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the G20, advance cooperation across the Global South, promote a more multipolar world order, and together serve as a stabilising, progressive force in an era of global uncertainty, he said. China takes over as the BRICS chair for 2027.

Arise Hyundai opens new sales outlet in Kangan

Arise Hyundai, an authorised dealer of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), on Monday inaugurated its new sales outlet at Kangan in Ganderbal district, expanding its retail presence and customer reach in the region. Located near Qadeem Jamia Masjid, Kangan, the new facility will offer Hyundais range of vehicles along with product information, test-drive facilities and professional sales assistance. The inauguration was attended by senior representatives of Hyundai Motor India, including Jun Ho Lee, Zonal Business Coordinator; Bedabrata Sharma Bordoloi, Zonal Business Head; Gupesh Gupta, Zonal Parts and Service Manager; and Puneet Mehta, Regional Sales Head. The Arise Hyundai management was represented by Managing Directors Altaf Beigh, Omar Beigh and Barik Beigh, besides customers, officials, guests and well-wishers. Speaking on the occasion, Omar Beigh said the new outlet was aimed at making Hyundai vehicles and services more accessible to customers in Kangan and adjoining areas. We are thrilled to bring the complete Hyundai experience closer to our customers in Kangan and the surrounding areas. This new facility will not only showcase our latest models but also provide a seamless and comfortable buying experience, he said. Beigh said the outlet would serve as an important touchpoint for customers seeking information about Hyundais vehicle portfolio, features and technologies, besides receiving assistance during the purchase process. The facility has been designed to provide customers with a convenient retail environment while maintaining Hyundais customer service standards. The company said the new outlet would enable customers from Kangan and neighbouring areas to access Hyundais latest offerings without travelling to outlets farther away. With the opening of the Kangan facility, Arise Hyundai said it aims to further strengthen its customer network and expand access to its products and services across the region.

IUST holds capacity-building workshop for MBA students

The Centre for Career Counselling and Placements (3CP@IUST), in collaboration with the Department of Management Studies, organised a capacity-building workshop for MBA first-semester students at the Business Lab of the department on September 8. Brand Consultant at Deloitte, Suhail Arif Bhat, was the expert speaker at the session, which focused on career opportunities in consulting and the wider corporate sector. Bhat shared insights into industry expectations, essential professional skills, career planning and emerging opportunities, helping students understand the competencies required to navigate increasingly competitive career environments. The interactive session also encouraged students to make informed career choices and better understand the skills and attributes sought by employers. The programme was attended by Prof. Parvez Ahmad Mir, Dean, School of Business Studies; Dr Amir Dar, Head, Centre for Career Counselling and Placements (3CP@IUST); and Dr Asif Naqshbandi, Head, Department of Management Studies, besides faculty members and MBA students. The workshop was part of the universitys efforts to enhance student employability and strengthen academia-industry linkages by facilitating interaction with industry professionals and exposing students to contemporary career pathways.

Director Health Kashmir unveils brochure for 17th IDA J&K Dental Conference

Director Health Kashmir Dr Nighat Yasmeen, along with Deputy Director Dentistry Kashmir Dr Jahanzaib, on Monday unveiled the brochure for the 17th Annual Conference of the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Jammu & Kashmir State Branch, in Srinagar. The conference is scheduled to be held on November 8 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, and is expected to bring together dental professionals from across Jammu and Kashmir. The conference will feature a scientific programme covering recent advances and emerging trends in dentistry. It will provide dental professionals an opportunity to interact with experts, exchange knowledge and discuss developments shaping contemporary dental practice. An exhibition showcasing modern dental equipment and technologies will also be organised alongside the conference. Speaking on the occasion, the organising team emphasised the importance of continuous professional development and keeping dental professionals abreast of emerging technologies, treatment methods and contemporary clinical practices. Conference Organising Secretary Dr Adil Rasool Malik invited dental professionals from across Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the conference and contribute to its success. The conference aims to provide a common platform for academic exchange, professional interaction and the promotion of modern dentistry in Jammu and Kashmir.

SKUAST-K, Mission Poshan sign MoU to boost nutrition through Poshan Vatika

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and Mission Directorate Poshan, Jammu and Kashmir, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture and establish sustainable Poshan Vatika at Anganwadi Centres across the Union Territory, supporting the implementation of Mission Poshan 2.0, aimed at improving nutritional outcomes among children aged 06 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The MoU was signed in the presence of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who said the collaboration will leverage SKUAST-Ks expertise in agriculture, horticulture and nutrition with the governments extensive nutrition outreach network to provide technical guidance and capacity building on nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The event was attended by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension; Prof. Irfan Bisati, Directorate of Research; Prof. Massarat Shafi, Head, Community Science; Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, Head, Vegetable Sciences; Dr. Sajad Bhat, Head, Food Science and Technology; and Dr. Iffat Ganai, Community Science, along with various officers of the University. Officials from Mission Poshan/ICDS present on the occasion included Sajad Hussain, Mission Director, Poshan/ICDS; Bureeda Majeed, District Programme Officer, Poshan/ICDS, Srinagar; Sobia Fatma, CDPO, Srinagar; and Aqeel Ahmed, CDPO, Batwara. Speaking on the occasion, Sajad Hussain, Mission Director, Poshan/ICDS, said, SKUAST-Ks expertise will provide valuable technical support for establishing and sustaining Poshan Vatika at Anganwadi Centres, while helping promote access to fresh and nutritious local produce for children. We are hopeful that this collaboration will strengthen efforts to address malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers, the Mission Director said. The MoU, signed for a period of three years, provides a framework for collaboration to establish and sustain Poshan Vatika, provide technical guidance and capacity building on nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and enhance awareness regarding balanced diets, micronutrient-rich crops and local food diversity. It will also facilitate research, innovation and mentorship in nutrition gardening. Under the collaboration, SKUAST-K will provide technical expertise in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition gardening and sustainable management of Poshan Vatika. The University will also conduct capacity-building programmes for Anganwadi Workers and field-level staff. Mission Poshan J&K will provide logistical and field-level support for training, demonstrations, exposure visits and awareness programmes.

VC JKLCMA inspects Ashai Bagh area, directs strengthening oflake cleaning measures

Vice Chairman (VC), J&K Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA), Khurshid Ahmad Shah, today visited the Ashai Bagh area to review the ongoing cleaning and maintenance works being carried out in and around the lake. The Vice Chairman was accompanied by the SE, Collector, XEN LD-I, AEEs, JEs and other Revenue and Engineering officials of JKLCMA. During the inspection, the Vice Chairman reviewed the cleanliness of the area and took stock of the ongoing works related to lake cleaning, conservation and maintenance. He appreciated the improvement in the cleanliness and overall appearance of the area following the cleaning activities undertaken by the Authority. The officers briefed him about the ongoing works and the measures being implemented for effective conservation and management of the lake. He also directed the concerned officers and field staff to continue the ongoing cleaning activities and ensure proper upkeep of the lake and its adjoining areas. He stressed the need for regular field supervision and timely execution of the works. The Vice Chairman called for sustained efforts to maintain cleanliness and improve the overall condition of the lake and its surroundings. He further emphasized that close monitoring and coordinated efforts by the field staff are essential for strengthening the conservation and management of the lake.

DC Srinagar visits Ganpatyar Temple; participates in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, today visited Ganpatyar Temple in the Habbakadal area of the City and participated in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, which were marked by deep devotion, spiritual fervour and enthusiasm. During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the arrangements put in place for devotees and the smooth conduct of the celebrations. He interacted with the devotees and extended his warm greetings and best wishes to them on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The DC paid obeisance at the revered temple and extended his warm greetings to devotees on the religious occasion. He interacted with members of the temple Management Committee, devotees and Officers and reviewed the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the celebrations. The event was organised in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere with the active participation of devotees, volunteers and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The DC appreciated the coordinated efforts of all Departments, Police and organisers for ensuring the successful conduct of the celebrations. The members of the organising committee also expressed its sincere appreciation to the District Administration Srinagar for making comprehensive arrangements for the occasion.

Pooling expertise, experience can deliver greaterpublic good: Kashmir University Registrar

A free medical outreach camp was organised at Faqir Gujri by the Directorate of Lifelong Learning and Skill Development (DLL&SD), University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Moul Mouj Foundation, University Health Centre, University of Kashmir, J&K Bank Heart Clinic on Wheels, Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar, BMO Hazratbal and GK Labs. Inaugurating the camp, Registrar, University of Kashmir, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in taking healthcare services to underserved and difficult-to-reach communities. The expertise and experience of different individuals and organisations, when brought together, can help us deliver better and contribute meaningfully to the upliftment and well-being of people, he said. Prof. Iqbal said such initiatives reflected the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisages academic institutions extending their role beyond teaching and research to contribute to community development through healthcare and other social interventions. As many as 146 patients were examined at the camp and provided free medical consultations, medicines and diagnostic investigations. The services included ECG, pulmonary function test (PFT), NT-proBNP, cardiac screening, complete blood count (CBC), kidney function test (KFT), liver function test (LFT), lipid profile and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) testing. Three elderly patients were also identified for the Moul Mouj Privilege Card, which entitles beneficiaries to free medical care for life. Prof. Bashir Ahmad Joo, Director, DLL&SD, said university-led outreach programmes provided an opportunity to translate academic and professional expertise into tangible benefits for communities. Senior Geriatric Consultant Dr Zubair Saleem highlighted the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among patients and stressed the importance of medication adherence. He also cautioned patients against altering prescribed doses without medical advice. Prof. Dr M. Iqbal, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar, emphasised the need to take preventive healthcare and early diagnostic services closer to communities facing barriers in accessing medical facilities. Dr Abdul Majid, BMO Hazratbal, said institutional collaborations could help ensure timely, accessible and patient-centred healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. Those who contributed to the camp included Dr Khalid Nazir, Coordinator, University Health Centre, University of Kashmir; Dr Waseem and Dr Rifat Jan of the Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar; Dr Zeenat, Consultant Gynaecologist; Dr Iram, ZMO Harwan; besides staff members of DLL&SD, the University Health Centre and GK Labs. Waseem Hassan Raja, Project Officer, DLL&SD, coordinated the camp and emphasised the importance of multi-institutional collaboration in delivering accessible and timely healthcare services to underserved communities.

2 J&K cyclists complete Leh-Khardung La ride in 12 hours

Leh, Sep 14:In a remarkable display of endurance, determination and high-altitude cycling, Er. Mushtaq Wani and Jaleed-ul-Mushtaq successfully completed a challenging mountain bike ride from Leh City to Khardung La Top, reaching an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet. The ride, as per a statement issued, started from Leh City at 6:40 am. The two riders steadily made their way towards the world-famous Khardung La. They reached the Khardung La Top at 6:15 pm, after covering a demanding uphill route. After a brief halt, they began their descent at 6:35 pm. The return journey continued into darkness, with the cyclists riding under headlights. They finally reached Leh City at 9:05 pm, completing approximately 80 kilometres in total. Speaking about the experience, the riders said that the initial section of the route up to South Pullu was enjoyable and comparatively smooth. However, beyond South Pullu, the ride became a real test of physical strength, mental endurance and determination due to the steep gradients, thin air and extreme high-altitude conditions. The expedition was monitored by Jammu & Kashmir Mountain Biking Association (JKMBA) President Riyaz Wani, who closely followed the progress of the riders. The successful completion of the LehKhardung La ride highlights the growing spirit of adventure cycling in Jammu & Kashmir and demonstrates the capability of local cyclists to take on some of the most demanding high-altitude cycling routes in the Himalayas.

Downtowns parking problem is now a business problem

The chronic shortage of parking space in Downtown Srinagar is fuelling daily traffic congestion and increasingly hurting businesses in the historic commercial heart of the city, with traders and residents urging authorities to act on long-pending plans for dedicated parking facilities. Roadside parking has become routine across several parts of Shaher-e-Khaas , where narrow roads leave little room for the movement of traffic. Nowhatta, Bohri Kadal, Maharaj Gunj, Fateh Kadal, Khanyar, Nowpora, Gojwara, Khwaja Bazar, Kathidarwaza, Hawal and adjoining areas frequently witness traffic snarls during peak hours. Commuters said vehicles parked along road margins on both sides often reduce the carriageway to a narrow passage, creating bottlenecks and disputes among motorists. Driving through Downtown has become exhausting. There is hardly any place to park, so everyone leaves vehicles wherever they find space. This results in traffic jams almost every day, and minor disputes between commuters have become common, said Mohammad Asif, a commuter. For traders, however, the problem is no longer limited to traffic inconvenience. They say the lack of parking is affecting customer footfall as shoppers increasingly prefer markets where they can park easily. Our customers often call and ask where they can park. Many simply decide not to come after hearing there is no parking facility. We are losing business because people do not want the hassle of searching for space or getting stuck in traffic, said a shopkeeper from Maharaj Gunj. Ayaz Zehgeer of the Beopar Mandal said traders had previously worked with authorities to identify potential parking sites, but the proposals failed to progress. We had even tried to identify a few locations with the authorities, but nothing moved forward. Downtown is one of the oldest and most important markets in Kashmir, yet shoppers are avoiding it because they cannot park their vehicles, he said. If the government talks about developing Downtown under the Smart City initiative and giving it a facelift, then parking has to be at the centre of that vision. Without adequate parking, businesses will continue to suffer, Zehgeer added. Residents said indiscriminate roadside parking was also contributing to wrong-side driving and making it difficult for essential vehicles to move through congested stretches. Delivery vehicles, emergency services and public transport frequently struggle to pass through busy stretches because of indiscriminate parking, while traffic police are left with little room to manage the congestion, said Mudasir Ahmad, a resident of Nowhatta. Authorities have previously acknowledged the difficulty of providing dedicated parking in the densely built-up Downtown area. A senior official of Srinagar Smart City Limited said some sites had been identified for parking projects, but the plans could not move forward because of difficulties in finding suitable land. A few sites were identified for parking projects, but the plans failed to take off as identifying suitable land in the densely populated and congested Downtown remained a major challenge, the official said. The official said the agency remained keen on developing parking facilities in the area and was exploring options to overcome the land constraints, stressing that dedicated parking infrastructure was essential to improving mobility and easing congestion in Shaher-e-Khaas . Traders and residents said the parking crisis had persisted for years and called for a time-bound solution, including identification of suitable sites and development of structured parking facilities. They said improving parking infrastructure should be a priority alongside other urban development work in Downtown, arguing that without addressing the basic problem of vehicle parking, efforts to improve mobility and revive commercial activity in the historic marketplace would remain incomplete.

Machil Premier League draws 72 teams, concludes with thrilling finals

Kupwara, Sep14: The Machil Premier League (MPL) 2026 concluded in the border valley of Machil with exciting finals in the mens and womens categories, drawing large participation from local and outside teams. In the womens final, Himalayan Queens Machil scored 213/4 before restricting BHSS Ring Payeen to 99/5 in 15 overs, securing a comprehensive 114-run victory to lift the championship trophy. In the mens final, Sheikh 11 Dudi posted 116 runs and set a target of 117 for 11 Brothers Dabpal. The latter chased down the target in 11.2 overs to emerge victorious and claim the MPL 2026 mens championship. The tournament witnessed participation from 58 mens and 14 womens teams, providing local players an opportunity to showcase their talent, improve their skills and gain exposure through competition with teams from outside the valley. Beyond cricket, the MPL was aimed at promoting border tourism, strengthening the local economy, encouraging youth engagement and highlighting the sporting potential of Machil Valley. The grand finale was attended by a large number of residents and Indian Army officials, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm, sportsmanship and community participation. Local residents Molvi Abdul Jabbar and Habibullah Harry appreciated the Indian Army for providing young men and women with a platform to showcase their sporting talent. They said such initiatives help youth develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and competitive skills. They also urged the Army to continue and expand such programmes by organising more sports tournaments, training opportunities and youth-oriented activities in the border areas. The residents expressed hope that continued support for sports and community initiatives would contribute to youth empowerment, tourism promotion, local economic growth and overall development of Machil Valley.

NC pioneered landmark Initiatives for women's empowerment: Sadhotra

National Conference additional general secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Monday said that the party pioneered several landmark initiatives aimed at women's education, employment, political participation and social emancipation, providing them a greater dignity, confidence and a sense of pride. He was addressing women workers of the National Conference at Netar Kothey Ward number 67 in Jammu North assembly constituency. The meeting was organized by Ayesha Gupta incharge Jammu North assembly women wing, Kamla Rani and Santosh Rani. Sadhotra said the empowerment of women remained an integral part of the party's political and social philosophy. He said the National Conference consistently worked towards creating opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in education, governance, economic activities and nation-building. Former minister said the National Conference consistently strived to secure a place of honour, dignity and emancipation for women through successive governments led by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr Farooq Abdullah and now Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said sustained commitment showed the party's enduring belief that the progress of Jammu and Kashmir was inseparably linked with the empowerment, education and equal participation of women in every sphere of life. Referring to several initiatives undertaken over the years, Sadhotra highlighted the provision of 50 per cent reservation for girls in medical colleges, 33 per cent reservation for women panchayats, municipalities and other local bodies, besides the promotion of Self-Help Groups and other welfare-oriented schemes aimed at improving women' economic independence. He said all those measures helped women gain greater representation in public life and opened new avenues for education, employment and leadership. When women are empowered, families become stronger, communities progress and society moves forward, he observed. Sadhotra also referred to the free bus service and other incentives extended to women as important steps towards facilitating their mobility, education and participation in economic and social activities. Such initiatives, he said, enabled women, particularly those from economically weaker sections, to access opportunities that earlier were beyond their reach. Recalling the historic contribution of the National Conference in promoting women's education, Sadhotra said the Madr-e-Meharban played a significant role in encouraging female literacy and education in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the initiative demonstrated the party's long-standing commitment to social reform and the advancement of women. He said the efforts of successive National Conference governments and leadership left a lasting imprint on the social development of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in creating an environment where women could aspire for education, employment and leadership without social barriers. Sadhotra urged women workers to remain actively engaged with the people and spread awareness about the party's policies and programmes. He said, Women have always been an important pillar of the National Conference's organisational strength and their participation is essential for strengthening democratic institutions and social harmony. He called upon the women workers with dedication, humility and commitment towards addressing the concerns of common people. He said the party believed in inclusive development and equal opportunities for all sections of society. The former minister expressed confidence that with the active participation of women, the National Conference would continue to strengthen its grassroots presence and contribute towards the welfare and progress of Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar govt trying to revive old political order: LoP Sunil Sharma

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Monday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for, what he described as, putting his government's excessive focus on the statehood issue while basic public services remained a concern in several areas. Sharma also accused the Abdullah family and the National Conference government of making efforts to revive old political order. He was responding to media queries after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday concluded its Jan Samvad programme in Ramban, marking the completion of its public outreach initiative across all district headquarters of the Jammu division. The programme was aimed at directly engaging with people and gathering grievances related to livelihood, basic amenities, public services and other issues requiring government intervention. The BJP said the concerns received during the outreach would be compiled and taken up during the forthcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Addressing reporters, Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma said the initiative was undertaken to reach out to the deprived, aggrieved and victimised sections of society and understand their problems at the grassroots level. He said a large number of delegations and individuals participated in the Ramban programme and raised issues concerning electricity, drinking water, roads, education and healthcare. Demands for improved sports infrastructure, an airport and establishment of a womens college in the district were also brought before the BJP delegation. Sharma said concerns relating to pending salaries and regularisation of PHE employees and daily wagers, the ongoing strike by NHM employees and issues concerning Anganwadi and ASHA workers, VDC members and other sections of society were also highlighted. This was not a programme confined to BJP workers. People from different sections came forward and narrated their problems. We will become their voice in the Assembly and hold the government accountable, Sharma said. He alleged that people across Jammu and Kashmir were facing growing difficulties and claimed that effective grassroots governance was lacking. He also raised concerns of the business community and contractors associated with the Jal Jeevan Mission and civil works. LoP said the BJP, as the principal opposition party, would scrutinise the grievances received during the Jan Samvad programmes and take up genuine public issues during the Assembly session scheduled to begin on September 21. The BJP leader also criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over what he described as the government's excessive focus on the statehood issue while basic public services remained a concern in several areas. Questioning the government's priorities, Sharma referred to reported power shortages, inadequate medical staff in hospitals and vacancies of teachers and other employees in educational institutions. People are facing four to ten hours of power cuts. Hospitals require staff and schools are facing staff shortages, he said. He also questioned the reported proposal to fill around 25,000 vacancies through outsourcing, arguing that such posts should instead be filled through a transparent and merit-based recruitment process to address the concerns of unemployed youth. LoP also criticised the Abdullah family and the National Conference government, alleging that its policies reflected an attempt to revive what he termed an old political order. Sharma also highlighted the long-pending demand for enhancement of the honorarium of Special Police Officers (SPOs). He said the matter had been taken up with the concerned authorities and that several meetings and communications had taken place between Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to Sharma, the formalities for processing the proposal had been completed and Police Headquarters had forwarded a proposal for enhancement of SPO honorarium to the MHA. The proposal is presently under consideration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Very soon, you will hear that the salaries of SPOs have been enhanced, he said. Recalling the previous enhancement in SPO remuneration from Rs 6,000 to Rs 18,000 in 2014, Sharma said the increase had taken into account their period of service. He added that the demand for a hardship allowance for police personnel had also been raised with the authorities and that a proposal in this regard was under consideration. Sharma said the Jan Samvad initiative would now move to the Kashmir division, where the BJP would continue engaging with people, documenting their grievances and taking up issues requiring government intervention. He extended the party's support to striking NHM employees and the daily wagers.

J&K's Shriya Gupta, Vishal Thapar to represent India at 20th Asian Games

Srinagar, Sep 14:In a landmark moment for sports in Jammu & Kashmir, fencers Shriya Gupta and Vishal Thapar have been selected to represent India at the 20th Asian Games, to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. The duo become the first Sabre fencers from J&K to earn selection to the Asian Games. As per a statement, Shriya will compete in the Women's Sabre Individual and Team events, while Vishal will represent India in the Men's Sabre Team event. Ahead of their departure, Tazayun Mukhtar Kawos, JKAS, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, met with the two athletes in person to wish them well and see them off. Speaking after the meeting, Mukhtar said: Meeting Shriya and Vishal before they leave for Japan was a proud moment for all of us at the Sports Council. What they've achieved, becoming the first Sabre fencers from J&K to reach the Asian Games, is the result of years of discipline and hard work. The whole J&K is behind them, and we can't wait to see them compete on that stage. The entire J&K Sports Council family extends its heartfelt wishes to both athletes as they embark on this journey. Stand tall, stay focused and make J&K proud.

LG Ladakh approves draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts

Marking an important step towards strengthening Ladakhs administrative structure and opening up avenues for career progression for serving government employees, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts across 15 departments and services of the Ladakh UT administration. The proposed rules will provide a structured route for eligible officers serving in the feeder cadres to move to higher junior scale posts after completing the prescribed qualifying service. The proposed recruitment rules cover junior scale posts across the 15 departments and services, namely General Administration Department; Cooperative; Employment; Excise and Taxation; Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution; Handicrafts and Handlooms, Industries and Commerce; Information; Labour; Rural Development; Revenue; Social Welfare; Tourism and Transport. The recruitment rules have been framed following the recent amendment by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), dated September 9, 2026, which has empowered the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to frame rules for Group B gazetted services or posts, including posts forming part of a common cadre such as JKAS. Earlier, such posts were outside the rule-making powers of the Lieutenant Governor. This development came after LG Saxena, in July this year, personally raised the issue with the MHA, pointing out that regular promotions were delayed in the absence of the necessary recruitment rules. The Lieutenant Governor has thanked Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, for his constant support in strengthening the governance in Ladakh.The move is expected to contribute significantly to administrative efficiency and institutional strengthening in Ladakh by enabling the UT administration to establish appropriate recruitment and promotion mechanisms for critical Group B gazetted posts according to its own administrative requirements. Strong and efficient institutions are essential for delivering responsive and effective governance. I am thankful to Union Home Minister, Amit Shah Ji, for his continued support and guidance in strengthening governance in Ladakh and fulfilling the aspirations of the people. These Recruitment Rules will provide deserving officers in the feeder cadres a clear and structured pathway for career progression, while direct recruitment will bring fresh talent into the administration, said LG Saxena. The proposed recruitment pattern provides 50 percent direct recruitment and 50 percent promotion for several services. Overall, 79 posts have been identified for direct recruitment and 50 for promotion. The draft recruitment rules will be placed in the public domain for 30 days in accordance with the DoPT guidelines, inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders. After examination of the feedback and necessary modifications, the final proposals will be submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for consultation or approval, as applicable, before notification.

Govt committed to create inclusive sports ecosystem in J&K: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, Sep 14: Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Jammu & Kashmir, Satish Sharma Monday reaffirmed the government's commitment towards the promotion of para sports and empowerment of differently-abled sportspersons, stating that every athlete deserves equal opportunities to excel and bring laurels to the nation. The Minister, as per an official statement, made these remarks while interacting with a delegation of the JK Divyang Welfare Association (JKDWA), which called on him at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. During the meeting, Satish Sharma formally launched the jersey of Hyderabad Hawks, a franchise participating in the upcoming Radiant World Para Cricket League, scheduled to be held from October 6 to 11, 2026, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The delegation was comprised of Sayed Shah Aziz, Captain of the Indian Differently-Abled Cricket Team and Hyderabad Hawks; General Secretary JK Divyang Welfare Association Pirzada Sayed Nissar Hussain Shah and association member Manmohan Singh. Congratulating Sayed Shah Aziz on his remarkable achievements, the Minister described him as a role model for the aspiring athletes and a source of pride for Jammu & Kashmir. He said that Aziz's journey from Poonch to leading the Indian Differently-Abled Cricket Team reflects the extraordinary determination, talent and resilience of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. Extending his best wishes to Hyderabad Hawks for the forthcoming tournament, Satish Sharma expressed confidence that the team would perform exceptionally well and continue to inspire countless sportspersons across the country. The Minister also held detailed discussions with the delegation regarding the development of disability sports in Jammu & Kashmir. Various issues related to the promotion of para cricket and para sports, including infrastructure, training facilities, sporting opportunities, recognition and institutional support for differently-abled athletes, were deliberated upon. Satish Sharma emphasized that the government is committed to create an inclusive sports ecosystem where athletes with disabilities receive the support and facilities necessary to realise their full potential. He said that sports serve as a powerful medium of empowerment, confidence-building and social inclusion. He reiterated that the aspirations of differently-abled athletes would be given due attention. The Minister said that the achievements of para athletes from Jammu & Kashmir have demonstrated that physical limitations can never become barriers to excellence when determination and dedication are coupled with opportunity and support. He stressed the need to further strengthen the initiatives aimed at encouraging greater participation of differently-abled youth in sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir. The JK Divyang Welfare Association appreciated the Minister's keen interest in the development of para sports and thanked him for his encouragement and support.

FCI rice truck overturns, blocks NH-144A

Traffic movement on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway (NH-144A) was disrupted on Monday after a loaded FCI rice truck overturned at Narian Top, completely blocking the highway in both directions. According to Traffic Police Rural Jammu, the truck bearing registration number PB05AK 7021 overturned at Narian Top, bringing traffic movement to a halt on the stretch. Officials said restoration of traffic could take some time and advised commuters to avoid the affected route until the road was cleared. Those travelling to or from Jammu have been advised to use the Kalakote route as an alternative. Traffic Police Rural Jammu has urged commuters to plan their journey accordingly and cooperate with personnel deployed at the spot.

PM Modi congratulates Indian Womens Cricket Team on winning Asia Cup

New Delhi, Sep 14:The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has congratulated the Indian Womens Cricket Team on winning the Asia Cup. The Prime Minister said that the teams confidence, consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament. Shri Modi expressed hope that this triumph would inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine. In a post on X, Shri Modi said; A proud moment for Indian cricket! Congratulations to the Womens team on winning the Asia Cup. Their confidence, consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament. May this triumph inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine.

Altaf Bukhari condoles demise, express solidarity with bereaved family

Jammu, Sep 14:Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, accompanied by J&K Apni Party Jammu Province President and former Minister S. Manjit Singh and several senior party leaders and office-bearers on Monday visited the residence of Partys Provincial Vice President Jammu and ST Wing Vice Chairman Saleem Alam at Sarore Adda, Bari Brahmana, in Samba district to express condolences over the sudden demise of his mother, Bashiran Bibi. As per a party statement, prominent among those who accompanied Altaf Bukhari were Apni Party District President Samba Raman Thappa, Party spokesperson Sahil Bharti, Babu Ram, Bachan Choudhary, Farooq Chouhan, Onkar Singh and Yaqoob Choudhary, besides other party leaders and workers. Bashiran Bibi passed away suddenly, leaving the family, relatives and well-wishers deeply saddened. During the visit, Bukhari met the bereaved family members and conveyed his heartfelt condolences, assuring them of his solidarity and support in this difficult hour. Expressing grief over the loss, Bukhari said that the passing of a mother leaves an irreplaceable void in the family and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. My heartfelt condolences to my colleague Saleem Alam, Provincial Vice President Jammu and Vice Chairman of the Partys ST Wing, on the passing of his beloved mother. May Almighty Allah grant the departed soul eternal peace and a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and may He give the bereaved family the patience and strength to bear this profound loss, Bukhari said. J&K Apni Party Jammu Province President S. Manjit Singh also expressed his condolences to Saleem Alam and his family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. The visiting leaders conveyed their sympathy to the family and prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give the family members patience and courage to overcome the profound loss. The visit also reflected the personal bonds and sense of solidarity among the members of the Apni Party, with senior leadership standing with a colleague and his family in a moment of bereavement.

Statehood essential for effective governance: Showkat Mir

Srinagar, Sep 14:The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Showkat Mir Monday said restoration of statehood is essential to enable the government to function more effectively and without unnecessary constraints, and the Central Government should restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without any further delay. He made these remarks while interacting with public delegations, party leaders and functionaries from different areas at the party headquarters. During the interaction, Showkat Mir, as per a party statement, listened to the issues and difficulties faced by the people and directed that the concerned authorities be approached for their redressal. He also sought feedback from party workers regarding organisational affairs, party programmes and ongoing activities. Provincial Secretary Syed Tauqeer Ahmad, senior party leader and Pulwama District President Mohammad Khalil Band, Ghulam Nabi Wani Tilbali and other party functionaries were also present. Mir said that the government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remains fully committed to providing relief to the people and that serving the public remains its foremost priority. He said the PDP, BJP and their like-minded parties were engaged in false propaganda and deceptive politics against the National Conference but the people of Kashmir are well aware of their true record. He alleged that these parties, acting together, pushed Jammu and Kashmir into a quagmire, dismantled the historic state and left no stone unturned in making its people dependent. He emphasised that party workers must bring public concerns to the forefront and work to further strengthen the bond of trust between the party and the people.

Darul Khair Mirwaiz Manzil provides relief material to affected families

Srinagar, Sep 14: Darul Khair Mirwaiz Manzil Srinagar Monday provided relief material to assist ten families affected by the devastating fire incident that occurred recently at Watalkadal, Srinagar. The relief material was handed over to the local mosque committee for distribution among the affected families. A delegation, as per a statement, led by Mufti Ghulam Rasool Samoon, visited the affected area and handed over essential relief supplies to the local committee for distribution among the affected families, with the objective of helping alleviate their difficulties to some extent. Darul Khair Mirwaiz Manzil reiterated its commitment to its longstanding humanitarian mission. Since its inception, the institution, with financial and material support from its well-wishers and philanthropists, has remained engaged in providing assistance and rehabilitation to people affected by natural and man-made disasters, without distinction of religion or community. The institution once again appealed to philanthropists and people of means to continue extending their generous support to the welfare organisation, as they have done in the past, so that relief and assistance activities for deserving and affected families can be carried out more effectively.

Home composting should be made mandatory for Govt officials

Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Climate Action Group (JKCAG), Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, has welcomed the statement of Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mandeep Kour, wherein she said government officials, especially municipal officials, cannot preach cleanliness unless they practise it themselves through home composting of biodegradable waste. Mandeep Kour made the remarks while speaking to the media on the sidelines of a function organised at Amar Singh College, Srinagar, where the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) launched the Swachhta Internship Programme. The Commissioner Secretary said people keep talking about cleanliness and sanitation, but unless they become serious about managing waste at home, tangible change cannot be achieved. How many of us are managing waste at home? I ask my Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and other officers, are you doing home composting of waste? We can only preach when we practise this, Mandeep Kour said. Dr Raja Muzaffar also hailed the Bandipora district administration's decision to make home composting of biodegradable waste mandatory for households with sufficient space around their homes. He said such decisions are necessary and government officers must start home composting of waste first, after which it can be enforced on citizens. We have been urging home composting for the last 10 years. In fact, I met the then Chief Secretary, B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, in 2018 on this issue and over the last 10 years I have written multiple articles on the subject. The government has woken up late, but it is never too late, Dr Raja Muzaffar said. He demanded that a formal government order be issued making home composting mandatory for all municipal officers, Rural Development Department officials, teachers and other government officials. This can then be followed by citizens as well. If these stringent decisions are not taken, our rivers, streams and open spaces will get choked with trash, he said.

3-day Kashmir Theatre Conference concludes

Srinagar, Sep 14:The three-day Kashmir Theatre Conference culminated on Monday with a vibrant concluding and felicitation function, bringing together eminent theatre practitioners, scholars, writers, artists, cultural enthusiasts and distinguished guests to celebrate Kashmirs rich theatrical heritage and deliberate upon its creative future. The concluding day, as per a statement, commenced at 11:00 a.m. with an academic paper-reading and presentation session, followed by an interactive brainstorming discussion on The Future Prospects of Theatre in Kashmir. The academic sessions throughout the Conference featured paper readings and presentations by eminent theatre scholars, writers and practitioners, including Hasrat Gadda, Gouri Shankar Raina, Bhawani Basheer Yasir, Dr. Aiyash Arif, Ravi Kemmu, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Prof. Farooq Fayyaz, Lalit Parimoo, Majeed Khan, Shaikh Haneef, Shah-e-Jahan Ahmad Bhagat, Javaid Khan, Raees Wathoori, Nisar Naseem, Arshad Mushtaq, Reshi Rasheed, Hassan Javaid, M. Y. Shaheen, Hakeem Javaid, Ameen Bhat, Gulzar Fighter, Shaikh Altaf, Mir Sarwar, S. Humayun Qaisar and Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan. The scholarly deliberations explored the evolution and development of theatre in Kashmir, its contemporary challenges and future prospects. Speakers offered constructive suggestions concerning institutional support, creative experimentation, professional development, audience engagement and the long-term sustainability of theatre in the region. The sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation and a rich exchange of ideas among practitioners, scholars, artists and members of the audience.

Minors body recovered from Bandipora nallah after five days

The body of a 10-year-old boy who drowned in Madhumati Nallah in north Kashmirs Bandipora district was recovered on Monday, five days after the incident. Momin Ahmad Ganie, a fourth-standard student from Ganie Mohalla in Kaloosa, had slipped into the nallah while trying to retrieve a cricket ball. A large-scale search operation was launched following the incident, involving local volunteers, police, SDRF, civil administration, politicians, the Army and other agencies. On Monday, Momins body was recovered several metres downstream from the spot where he had drowned by local volunteers, including Owais Ahmad Dar. Everyone was in pain and worried about how long it would take for the body to be recovered. Although the child has passed away, the recovery will reduce some of the pain in the hearts of the bereaved family, said Tahir Ahmad Dar, a local volunteer involved in the recovery. Momin was the only boy among four sisters. Thousands of people gathered at his residence before his funeral prayers were offered. The incident has prompted residents living along the Madhumati Nallah to call for stronger safety and emergency response measures. Residents urged the administration to provide at least four to five life jackets in villages including Nathpora, Kaloosa, Lankreshipora and Kulhama so that locals can immediately begin rescue efforts during emergencies. This could even help us recover drowned persons alive, so that no time is wasted waiting for the SDRF and other agencies to arrive with machines and equipment, a local resident said. Former MLA Usman Majid called for immediate measures to secure vulnerable stretches of the nallah. I urge the administration to take immediate and necessary measures to properly fence and secure the vulnerable stretches of Nallah Madhumati, so that no more precious lives are lost, he said.

Darakhshan Andrabi unveils shrine upgrade, high-tech ambulance service at Baba Rishi

J&K Waqf Board Chairperson and Minister of State Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Monday inaugurated a shrine upgradation project and a high-tech ambulance service at the Baba Payam-ud-Din Rishi shrine in Baba Rishi, Tangmarg. Andrabi paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir before attending a function organised by the Waqf Board. The upgradation project includes beautification of the shrine complex, improved public facilities and better management. Later, Andrabi reviewed ongoing development works, including those at Gulmarg Jamia Masjid, and interacted with the engineering team to assess progress and ensure timely completion. Senior Waqf Board officials, including Special Officer Auqaf Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat, JKAS, Executive Magistrate and Tehsildar Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin, JKAS, and Executive Engineer Er Qazi Mushtaq were present. Addressing the gathering, Andrabi said the Waqf Board was undertaking development works across its properties and shrines in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on modern infrastructure, public amenities, cleanliness and preservation of spiritual heritage. The Waqf Board is undergoing a historic transformation across Jammu and Kashmir. Our endeavour is to ensure that every shrine and Waqf institution reflects development, dignity, cleanliness and efficient public service, she said. She said the Board was undertaking development initiatives across different regions in a planned and transparent manner to make Waqf properties centres of spirituality, community service and public welfare while preserving their historic character. Andrabi also called for collective efforts by Waqf officials, local communities and devotees to maintain the sanctity, cleanliness and dignity of shrines. She said the Board would continue to undertake projects aimed at improving facilities for devotees and strengthening Waqf infrastructure.

Private enterprise can create jobs, strengthen local economy: Altaf Bukhari

Kathua, Sep 14:President of the J&K Apni Party Altaf Bukhari on Monday inaugurated the Indian Oil petrol pump Aanam Filling Station at Hamirpur (Rajbagh) on National Highway-44 in Kathua. The filling station is owned by Yasar Ali Chowdhary.Bukhari was accompanied by J&K Apni Party Provincial President Jammu, S. Manjit Singh; District President Samba Raman Thappa; party spokesperson Sahil Bharti; and Onkar Singh, among others. Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari, as per a party statement, congratulated Yasar Ali Chowdhary and his family for establishing the new facility and described it as a welcome addition to the growing economic and commercial activity along the important NH-44 corridor.He said that the establishment of a new business venture by a local entrepreneur reflects the growing confidence of people in the economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that such initiatives should be encouraged because sustainable economic development cannot be achieved through government employment alone. We need more young entrepreneurs and investors to come forward and create opportunities for themselves as well as for others. Every new enterprise has the potential to generate direct and indirect employment and contributes to strengthening the local economy, Bukhari said. The Apni Party President said that Jammu and Kashmir possesses enormous potential in sectors such as tourism, transport, hospitality, agriculture, food processing, small industries, services and trade. He stressed the need for an environment in which entrepreneurs can establish and expand their businesses without unnecessary administrative hurdles. Bukhari observed that the expansion and improvement of road connectivity, particularly along major national highways, should translate into greater economic opportunities for local communities. He said NH-44 is an important economic lifeline connecting different parts of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country, and the development of commercial facilities along the highway can provide essential services to commuters while also generating employment and business opportunities for people living in adjoining areas. He said that better connectivity should not remain confined to the movement of vehicles but should also facilitate the movement of goods, services, tourists and investment, thereby creating a wider economic ecosystem. Bukhari called upon entrepreneurs to explore emerging opportunities and urged the government to provide a conducive policy and regulatory environment for private investment. The Apni Party chief stressed that unemployment remains one of the major concerns confronting the youth and said that a comprehensive strategy is required to address it. He said government departments and public-sector institutions have an important role, but the private sector must also become a major source of employment. Our youth possess talent, skills and the ability to succeed. What they need is an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, investment and innovation. When a young person establishes a business, he or she does not merely create self-employment but also opens avenues of employment for others, he said. He appreciated Yasar Ali Chowdhary for taking the initiative and expressed hope that the new venture would grow successfully and become a source of employment for local youth. Bukhari said that Jammu and Kashmir needs a stronger and more transparent business environment where legitimate enterprises can function smoothly. He called for simplification of procedures, timely approvals, improved infrastructure and effective coordination between departments dealing with commerce, roads, power, taxation and other essential services. He said that local entrepreneurs should be given greater encouragement so that capital generated within Jammu and Kashmir is invested back into the local economy. Our objective should be to create an economy in which our youth become job creators rather than only job seekers. For this, the government, financial institutions and the private sector have to work together, he said. Bukhari extended his best wishes to Yasar Ali Chowdhary, proprietor of Aanam Filling Station, and his family, expressing hope that the new facility would serve the people travelling on NH-44 and the residents of surrounding areas efficiently. He also underscored the importance of maintaining high standards of customer service, safety and professionalism at such public-facing facilities. The inauguration concluded with Bukhari interacting with the proprietor, local residents and other guests present on the occasion. The gathering expressed hope that the new commercial facility would contribute to local economic activity and provide convenient services to commuters and residents in the Hamirpur-Rajbagh area. The presence of senior Apni Party leaders, including S. Manjit Singh, Raman Thappa, Sahil Bharti and Onkar Singh, reflected the party's support for local entrepreneurship and initiatives aimed at strengthening economic activity and employment opportunities in the region.

Brother, sister injured in bear attack in Anantnags Dooru

A brother and sister were seriously injured on Monday evening after a wild bear attacked them while they were picking apples in their family orchard in Kralmad area of Dooru in Anantnag district. The injured were identified as 23-year-old Aabid Nazir and his 16-year-old sister Sehrish Nazir, children of Nazir Ahmad Rather, residents of Kralmad, Dooru. According to locals, the siblings were picking apples when the bear suddenly appeared and attacked them. Both sustained serious injuries and were shifted for medical treatment. Wildlife authorities reached the area and launched an operation to trap the animal, officials said. The attack comes amid a spike in bear attacks across Kashmir since the start of apple harvesting. At least two people have been killed and more than 45 injured in bear attacks across the Valley. The increased bear movement near orchards has raised concern among residents as apple harvesting activity has intensified across Kashmir.

Clogged drain near Baramulla graveyard raises concern

Residents of Bagh-e-Islam in Old Town Baramulla have raised concern over a clogged drain running alongside a major graveyard, alleging that prolonged neglect has allowed wastewater to overflow into the burial ground. Locals said the drain has remained blocked for a considerable period due to inadequate cleaning and maintenance. When the water level rises, they said, wastewater spills into the graveyard and reaches the graves. This is not merely a drainage issue. The wastewater is entering the graveyard and, at times, flowing into the graves. It is deeply distressing for families whose loved ones are buried here, said Showkat Ahmad, a local resident. Residents said the problem worsens during heavy rainfall or when the flow in the drain increases, raising concerns over hygiene as well as the sanctity of the burial ground. The graveyard, located in the densely populated Old Town area, is among the largest in Baramulla town, with thousands of people buried there. Even people who have migrated elsewhere remain emotionally connected to this graveyard because their loved ones are buried here. The authorities need to ensure that the drain is properly cleaned, said Altaf Ahmad Dar. Residents urged the Municipal Council Baramulla to inspect the site, clear the blockage and take permanent measures to prevent wastewater from entering the graveyard. They also called for regular cleaning and inspection of the drainage channel, saying temporary clearance would not resolve the problem unless its underlying cause was addressed. The sanctity of the graveyard cannot be compromised because of a neglected drain, another resident said.

J&Ks EV push comes with a winter test

Srinagar, Sep 14:Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for a significant shift towards electric mobility, but the administration is taking a cautious approach, seeking to ensure charging infrastructure, winter performance and after-sales support are in place before electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates. The Draft Jammu and Kashmir Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 proposes that electric vehicles account for 40 percent of new personal four-wheeler registrations within six years of its adoption. The proposed targets are 35 percent for two-wheelers, 30 percent for buses and 25 percent for taxis and shared mobility vehicles. The draft policy has not yet been notified. It was recently reviewed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who directed that the framework follow a reliability-first and fiscally prudent approach. The Law Department has been asked to undertake legal vetting before the policy is finalised. The policy formulation process began nearly four years ago, with the government constituting a committee on October 20, 2022, to examine EV incentives, commercial fleet conversion, charging infrastructure, road safety, research, innovation and skill development. The latest draft has been prepared by the Transport Department with support from the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG). A major focus of the draft is J&Ks winter conditions. Sub-zero temperatures, mountainous terrain and difficult road conditions can affect battery performance, vehicle range and charging efficiency. The proposed policy therefore provides for a dedicated Winter Validation Protocol to assess battery thermal behaviour, low-temperature charging and the impact of cabin heating on vehicle performance. Dulloo has also directed that EV deployment be aligned with J&Ks terrain, climate and operational requirements, particularly on difficult routes, with vehicles and charging infrastructure validated under actual field conditions. A senior government official involved in the policy process said the administration did not want registrations to outpace infrastructure. Electric mobility cannot be driven only by registration targets. In Jammu and Kashmir, consumers need confidence that their vehicles will perform in winter, that charging points will be available and that servicing will be accessible when required, the official said. Charging infrastructure is consequently at the heart of the proposed framework. J&K currently has around 180 public charging stations. The draft proposes increasing this to 450 sites by the third year and 900 by the sixth year. It also proposes 140 priority fast-charging hubs, each expected to maintain at least 98 per cent monthly uptime an indication that the government intends to measure charging reliability rather than merely count installations. For electric two-wheelers, dealers say consumer confidence will be critical. A Srinagar-based electric-scooter dealer, Umar Ahmad said demand was increasing, but buyers remained particularly concerned about winter range, battery life and charging availability. Customers are interested in electric scooters because of the lower running cost, but winter performance is one of the first questions they ask. People want to know how much range they will actually get in cold weather and where they can charge if they travel outside Srinagar, the dealer said. Once customers know that charging is reliable and servicing is available, adoption can increase much faster. At present, infrastructure and confidence are bigger issues than interest in the technology, the dealer said. The proposed targets are ambitious. A 40 percent share for personal four-wheelers would mean two out of every five new cars being electric within six years, while the 35 percent two-wheeler target would mean more than one in three new registrations. The draft also proposes financial support, including interest subvention of up to 3 percent per annum or rolling top-up support, with both benefits not available simultaneously. An annual scrappage exchange bonus has also been proposed for up to three years through authorised scrappage channels. Government fleets are proposed to transition gradually to EVs, although Dulloo has directed that replacements be phased and need-based, taking account of local terrain, climate and operational requirements. The policy also seeks to link EV charging with the power system through Time-of-Day tariffs and charging during solar hours. It proposes 40 percent renewable-energy integration in charging operations during the policy period. Transport Secretary Avny Lavasa said the draft had been structured around eight strategic pillars covering vehicle adoption, charging infrastructure, workforce development, fiscal support, power-system integration and environmental outcomes.

Govt spending alone cant make Srinagar clean: HUUD

Srinagar, Sep 14:Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mandeep Kaur, Monday said cleanliness in Srinagar cannot be achieved through government spending alone, saying citizens must take responsibility for keeping their homes and surroundings clean. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a function here, Kaur said despite substantial expenditure on infrastructure such as Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), garbage collection vehicles and waste-processing facilities, the cleanliness campaign would not succeed unless people change their behaviour at the household level. Until we start from our homes, nothing is going to change, she said. Kaur stressed the need for practices such as home composting and responsible waste disposal, saying the change in waste management must start at the household level and people must start segregation of waste and composting in homes. We all, including the Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), must do it, she said. Kaur said that the SMC has around 3000 to 4000 sanitation workers, while the city has a population of around 16-17 lakh, making it impossible for municipal staff alone to keep every locality clean. She said the administration was particularly focusing on children and schools to create a culture of cleanliness, saying that the Cleanliness Internship Programme had already been started in Jammu. Until children start forcing their parents to keep their house clean and their surroundings clean, nothing will change, Kaur said. She also called for an end to the indiscriminate use of plastic and said the administration aimed to create clean warriors in schools and homes who could lead the fight against pollution. We keep saying no to plastics, but everybody uses it, Kaur said. She said that the objective was to ensure that tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir do not find the region dirty but beautiful. On Srinagars cleanliness ranking, Kaur said the city had witnessed a decline primarily due to inadequate waste processing despite improvements in waste collection. Srinagar is very clean compared to other cities. There is a collection, but there is no processing, she said. The absence of adequate processing infrastructure has emerged as a major challenge, with the long-delayed cleaning operation at the Achan waste site now set to resume. Kaur said for years the solid waste of the city remained piled up at Achan without treatment, adding that the situation was manageable now. Thankfully we have a solution now and it is being implemented on a fast-track, she said. Achan is Srinagars primary landfill and legacy dumping site near Eidgah and has been a recurring subject of official visits, reviews and criticism. In July, a Rs 361-crore remediation project was examined by the Legislative Assemblys Environment Committee. Kaur said work on the required project had now started after remaining pending for a long time, expressing hope that the problem would be addressed. I am hopeful that Srinagar will significantly improve its cleanliness ranking and in two years will at least come in the top three clean cities, she said. The optimism comes amid a decline in Srinagars ranking in national environmental assessments. On September 7, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the fifth Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan (Clean Air Survey), which assessed 130 cities under the National Clean Air Programme and ranked Srinagar 26th among cities with a population above ten lakh. In 2025, Srinagar was placed 25th in the survey, while three years ago, in 2023, it was ranked fourth. Srinagars CPCB score dropped from 184.6 in 2023 to 162.6 this year, while Jammus score rose over the same period. According to the J&K Pollution Control Committee, the survey does not simply measure ambient air quality but also takes into account several variables, including actions taken to control pollution. It measures road dust management, vehicular and industrial emissions, and construction and demolition waste. More importantly, it is heavily dependent on the status of solid-waste and biomass burning in a city, making waste management a key factor in Srinagars environmental performance. Illegal encroachment and dumping around adjoining wetlands, including Anchar and Hokersar, have also been cited as contributors to environmental degradation. With solid waste emerging as a key challenge, officials said better management was possible and was already underway, with the cleaning operation at Achan expected to address a major part of the citys long-standing waste problem.

Plastic, polythene choke J&K despite years of bans

Srinagar, Sep 14:Plastic bottles lie along river and stream banks, polythene bags hang from bushes and food wrappers gather beside roads and open spaces across Jammu and Kashmir. The waste is visible in Srinagar and Jammu, J&Ks two major cities, as well as towns and villages across the Union Territory. In rural areas, collection under the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Rural Sanitation programmes remains poor or mostly absent. Some villages have solid-waste management sheds, but irregular collection leaves garbage piled around them. Many are located near water bodies, allowing waste to find its way into nearby streams and rivers. Kitchen waste is often mixed with polythene, plastic, diapers and other non-biodegradable material. Smaller and bigger towns face similar gaps, with limited segregation, processing and disposal facilities leaving garbage in open areas and near water bodies. Tourist and mountain areas are also bearing the burden. Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Doodhpathri see heavy visitor pressure, while destinations such as Yousmarg, Daksum, Kokernag, Chatapal, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Aharbal, Gurez, Keran, Warwan and Marwa valleys are also seeing plastic waste accumulate along roads, trails and water sources. Rain and runoff carry discarded bottles, polythene and food packaging into streams and rivers. Some eventually reaches the Jhelum and other water bodies. Studies have detected microplastics in Manasbal Lake, raising concerns over plastic pollution in Kashmirs freshwater ecosystems. Banned material still enters J&K J&Ks restrictions on polythene date back to 2006, when the High Court restricted its use and sale at tourist destinations and healthcare institutions. In June 2008, the government issued SRO-182 under the J&K Non-Biodegrad able Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, imposing a blanket ban on polythene carry bags. SRO-45, issued in 2017, expanded the restrictions to the manufacture, stocking, distribution, sale and use of specified polythene and plastic products. In 2018, the High Court directed authorities to enforce the prohibitions and stop banned material at entry points and wholesale stockholding depots. The Centre imposed additional restrictions on identified single-use plastic items in 2022. Yet banned products continue to be in circulation in J&K markets. Assembly panel seeks tougher action The Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, headed by CPI(M) legislator Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami, has called for stronger action. In June, the committee recommended a comprehensive ban on plastic and stricter checks at entry points, tourist destinations, religious places and other environmentally sensitive areas. It also sought action against the illegal transportation, sale and use of prohibited products. The panel asked government departments and public institutions to discourage plastic use at offices, meetings and official functions. We have been submitting our recommendations to the government about the use of polythene and plastic and suggesting measures to curb it and protect the fragile environment of Jammu and Kashmir, Tarigami said. He said the committee would submit another report on the issue during the upcoming budget session. So far, implementation of the ban on usage of polythene and plastic is not seen on the ground, Tarigami said. The committee has also sought details on environmental impact, legacy waste, scientific processing and National Green Tribunal (NGT) compliance at major dumping sites in Srinagar and Jammu that includes Achan landfill and Bhagwati Nagar dumping site. Banned material still enters J&K Lakhanpur, J&Ks main entry point from Punjab, has an anti-polythene check post yet banned material continues to circulate in J&K markets. In 2025, the J&K Pollution Control Committee seized about 1100 kg of banned polythene from a vehicle there. For environmental campaigners, preventing prohibited material from entering J&K is only the first step. Enforcement must continue in wholesale markets, shops and tourist destinations. Waste piles up after use J&K generates more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic and polythene waste annually. More than 2.25 lakh tonnes of plastic waste were generated between 2018-19 and 2022-23. Poor segregation makes recovery and recycling difficult, with plastic frequently mixed with household waste. Environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat said repeated bans would have little effect without sustained implementation. We need a government-led Waste-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign on the lines of the anti-drug drive. Plastic and polythene pollution requires sustained enforcement and public participation, Bhat said. He called for segregation at source and home composting. Nearly 80 percent of municipal solid waste is organic. It should be composted at source instead of being mixed with polythene and other non-biodegradable waste, he said. Bhat also pointed to Ladakh, where authorities have adopted stricter restrictions on identified single-use plastic, intensified checks at entry points and authorised field officials to impose penalties for violations. Regional Director, JKPCC Kashmir, Safeer Hussain Shah said enforcement teams were continuing action against illegal polythene. We recently seized 40 tonnes of polythene in Anantnag, and before those 29 tonnes in Rajbagh, Srinagar, Shah said.

Opposition arms for stormy J&K Assembly autumn session

Srinagar, Sept 14:The 10-day autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, beginning here on September 21, is expected to be stormy as opposition parties plan to corner Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government over issues like job outsourcing, rising unemployment, and the ruling party's failure to fulfil electoral promises. The BJP, the main opposition party in the J&K Legislative Assembly, said the CM Omar-led National Conference (NC) government has failed on all fronts. We will raise the issues about the public in the Assembly. There is an outsourcing scam, corruption is continuing unabated, and the Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies' polls are being delayed unnecessarily, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur told PTI. Thakur said his party MLAs will remind the government of its unfulfilled promises made during the 2024 assembly elections. People were promised 200 units of free electricity. Development works have come to a standstill after the elections, Thakur said. PDP MLA from Pulwama Waheed Para said his party will focus on unemployment, outsourcing, the lopsided reservation policy, and regularising daily wagers in government service. The Session's duration is short, and we will try to raise the maximum number of public issues, especially the electoral promises made by the National Conference on both the governance and political fronts, Para said. NC spokesman Imran Nabi Dar said his party will present its progress report to the people. The issues of the people are of paramount importance to us. The government is doing its best to fulfil its electoral promises. We do not claim that we have done everything, but we certainly are on the way to fulfil them, Dar said. He said he expects the opposition party to play a responsible role in the Legislative Assembly and not create a sensation. Parliamentary democracy envisages that the opposition asks questions about public issues and the government is answerable. We will do our part with sincerity, Dar said. According to the provisional calendar issued by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather, the session will begin with obituary references on September 21, followed by government business the next day. The House will discuss private members' bills on September 24, followed by private members' resolutions the next day. On September 28, the House will again discuss private members' bills, followed by government business on September 29 and 30.

Prioritise gaps, strengthen healthcare: CM Omar

Srinagar, Sep 14:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for prioritising gaps and strengthening healthcare. Chairing a meeting to review the health sector reforms and the roadmap for further strengthening healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir, CM Omar appreciated the Health Department for the steps taken over the last nearly two years to address manpower shortages as well as infrastructure and equipment deficiencies. I appreciate all the steps that the Health Department has taken over the last almost two years, both in terms of addressing infrastructure and equipment deficiencies, he said. The CM advised the department to focus on filling up critical gaps in the system as per the expected budgetary allocations and the report of the Advisory Committee would serve as the roadmap in this direction. He said that the elaborate and extensive reforms plan would require huge funding and the report on the reforms to be undertaken suggest what should our healthcare system look like in an ideal situation but the financial resources required may not be available in one go. CM Omar underlined the need to prioritize and plan which components need more immediate attention besides improving the basic facilities of primary and secondary health-care system. The Chief Minister, who is also holding the Finance portfolio, assured the Health Department of continued support for further strengthening the sector. As I am currently looking after the Finance Department as well, I reassure the department and particularly the Minister concerned that whatever we can do from the Finance Department to continue this improvement in the Health Department, we will do, he said. The meeting was attended by Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta and Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, M Raju. Director SKIMS; Principals of all Government Medical Colleges of J&K; Principal SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Mission Director National Health Mission J&K; Managing Director J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited; Commissioner Food and Drug Administration and other concerned officers also attended the meeting. Officers stationed outside Srinagar participated through video conferencing. Detailed presentations were made by the respective heads of the Advisory Committee on various aspects of the health sector, including healthcare infrastructure, medical education, specialised healthcare services, digital health, public health, and human resource requirements. The meeting reviewed the progress made in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services across J&K and took stock of the requirements and priorities for further improvement in the sector. The meeting also reviewed the functioning and requirements of Government Medical Colleges, SKIMS, and other tertiary and district-level healthcare institutions, with particular focus on improving patient care, infrastructure, equipment, medical education and specialised services. The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including cancer care, medical education and seat capacity, digital health services, oral healthcare, food safety, mental health and drug de-addiction, liver transplant services, nutritional support, and geriatric care.

J&K Bank proposes new director as Chhibbers term ends

Srinagar, Sep 14:Jammu and Kashmir Bank has amended the agenda for its 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM), proposing the appointment of Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS, as a non-executive, non-independent director while also placing the retirement of existing director R. K. Chhibber before shareholders. The bank issued an addendum to its AGM notice on September 14, adding two agenda items to the meeting scheduled for September 22 at 11 am at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Under the first resolution, shareholders will be asked to take note of Chhibbers retirement by rotation and approve a proposal not to fill the resulting vacancy at the ensuing AGM. The bank said the vacancy will subsequently be filled by the Board, subject to shareholders approval. The second resolution seeks shareholders approval for the appointment of Tsewang Tharchin as a director liable to retire by rotation. The bank said it received a written notice from the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh proposing Tharchins candidature for the directorship. Tharchin is currently serving as Commissioner/Secretary, Finance Department, UT of Ladakh. The banks disclosure said its Nomination and Remuneration Committee conducted due diligence on his candidature on August 29 and recommended his appointment. The Board subsequently appointed him as an Additional Director in the category of rotational directors on August 31 and recommended his appointment to shareholders. A 2007-batch officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), Tharchin joined the Ladakh Administration as Commissioner Secretary, Finance Department, on July 6, 2026. Before that, he served as Accountant General (Audit), J&K, from November 6, 2025. He had earlier served as Deputy Accountant General and Senior Deputy Accountant General in J&K and handled government accounts-related responsibilities in Punjab and Chandigarh. His professional experience also includes a stint as Financial Advisor at the National Company Law Tribunal in New Delhi from 2021 to 2024, followed by his role as Principal Director in the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. His CAG assignments included processing audit reports relating to J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, besides the Ministry of Defence. The bank has also highlighted his international audit experience, including a performance audit of the Arbitration and Mediation Centre of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva on deputation to the United Nations. He was also part of UN-related audit assignments and led audits involving Indian diplomatic missions and public-sector entities in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The proposed director holds a BA from Kashmir University and a Diploma in Management from IGNOU. He is also a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), with experience spanning administration, finance, accountancy, information technology, human resources and business management. The bank said Tharchin will not receive sitting fees or other remuneration from J&K Bank as he is currently in full-time employment with the Government of Ladakh. His disclosed shareholding in the bank is nil. For shareholders, remote e-voting on the resolutions will begin on September 19 at 9 am and close on September 21 at 5 pm. The bank has clarified that all other items in the original AGM notice dated August 29 will remain unchanged. The addendum forms an integral part of the original AGM notice and has been issued to place the latest factual position before shareholders ahead of the September 22 meeting.

HC issues notice to Govt on PIL over AGs appointment

Srinagar, Sep 14:The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday issued notice to the government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking judicial intervention for filling up the post of Advocate General which has been lying vacant for nearly two years. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal sought the governments response to the PIL through Chief Secretary and Law Secretary to be filed by October 21, the next date of hearing. During the virtual hearing, the Court observed that the post of Advocate General should, ideally, be filled by the next date of hearing. Jammu and Kashmir Advocate General D C Raina submitted his resignation on October 18, 2024, after a National Conference-led government assumed office in the Union Territory. The PIL, filed by advocate Harsh Dubey through counsel Kannu Karan Prasher, seeking directions to the competent authority to initiate and complete, within a reasonable timeframe, the process for filling the constitutional post, which has remained vacant for a considerable period. Duby, a practicing advocate, has submitted that he approached the court in public interest, as the continued vacancy of the constitutional office was affecting the administration of justice and the discharge of statutory functions attached to the post. The matter involves an important constitutional office having significant responsibilities in relation to the administration of justice, conduct of Government litigation and discharge of statutory and legal functions, the PIL urges. The petition also refers to an earlier order passed by the High Court on June 4, 2025, in Shri Nav Durga Jhaleri Mata Trust versus UT of J&K and Others (WP(C) No 1433/2025), wherein the court had taken note of the prolonged vacancy and observed that it was rendering Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, which contemplates a role for the Advocate General in matters concerning public charitable and religious trusts, practically inoperative. Moreover, the PIL highlighted that the vacancy has affected the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee, as the Advocate General serves as its ex-officio Chairperson under the Advocates' Welfare Fund Act, 2001, and the notification constituting the committee, S O 466 of 2022. The petition seeks courts intervention to direct the authorities to undertake the process contemplated under Section 79 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, for appointment of an Advocate General and complete it within a reasonable period fixed by the court. It also seeks appropriate directions for the smooth functioning of the Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee and asks the government to place on record an affidavit disclosing the reasons for the continued vacancy and the steps taken so far. According to the petitioner, he submitted a representation before the competent authorities, including the J&Ks Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary requesting immediate and effective steps for appointment of a regular Advocate General. As no effective institutional action has been taken to address the issue, he has approached the court by way of the present public interest Litigation under Article 226 of the Constitution of Linda, seeking appropriate directions for expeditious steps towards filling up the office of Advocate General in accordance with law, the PIL says.

Britain planted woodland on farmland; 25 years later, it still differed from ancient woods

Monsoons Festivals

In Indian culture, both Spring and Winter are celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety; Spring almost all over the country and Winter in the warmer regions south of the Himalayas. However, there is another season, the advent of which is a harbinger of happiness and hope ... and that is the rainy season, or the Monsoon as it is also known. It brings happiness because it cools down the troublesome summer heat, and hope because water, especially cool water, on dry earth is always a symbol of hope. And yet, the effect of rains is felt quite differently in the hills and plains. In the hills even a light shower brings down the temperature considerably, adding a chill to the already cool air. In the plains it is an early sign of the onset of Monsoon - which is celebrated with the greatest fervour in the extremely hot and dry northern belt. After the baking temperatures of May and June followed by the itchy humidity of July, vibrant August brings the much-awaited, life-giving rains. In hot, dry, landlocked northern India, the Monsoon - coming after the terrible, relentless Summer heat - is even more welcome than Spring. It is not difficult to imagine the joy of people at the first showers the wonderful hydrating effect of the rain water on parched earth; the filling up of rivers, ponds and wells long dry; the flowering of bushes and shrubs; the sprouting of fresh new leaves; the joyful singing of birds, who have a difficult time looking for drinking water in the hot summer. And above all, the cool, refreshing breezes instead of the devastating loo winds that create desert-like conditions. The Monsoons give Nature a head-to-toe bath, as layers of dust are washed away and every tree gets a clean new look with glistening leaves. Old and young alike, long suffering under the merciless Sun, come out of their homes to meet and greet their neighbours and celebrate the rains together. The biggest Monsoon festival of North India - Teej is celebrated across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The villages of the plains of North India present a picture of health and cheer during Teej, with everyone dressed in bright clothes and brighter smiles! Teej becomes the perfect opportunity to socialise, as the pleasant weather breathes new life into the people. The lush greenery, fresh air and cool weather inspire the village folk to gather together in courtyards and community spaces, singing folk songs to welcome the rains. Groups of village children can be seen taking rain-baths, diving into ponds with gleeful shouts and splashing in out of puddles with abandon. The menfolk express their joy by dancing the energetic bhangra to the peppy beats of the dhol, in their colourful turbans and folk dresses. The festival becomes an occasion for women to travel to their parental homes (peka in Punjabi), reunite with family and childhood friends, and spend time with their parents and siblings. The first Teej of newly-wedded young women becomes even more special as they receive a gift hamper of new clothes and bangles from their maika or peehar (parental home). Both, married women and unmarried young girls put on their best and brightest clothes saree, salwar-kameez or lehenga. Pinks, blues and yellows mix with greens and reds, the traditional Teej colours. Women and girls come out in droves, shining in their attractive attires, chattering and laughing, the palms of their hands adorned with deep red mehndi designs. On the occasion of Teej, rope swings (peeng / jhoola) are hung from strong branches of sturdy trees like mango and peepal, where women and girls take turns swinging in singles or in pairs. What a lovely scene it is: ladies adorned in finery, swinging away merrily under large shady trees, their veils (chunni / odhni) fluttering in the breeze, bangles tinkling rhythmically with the to-and-fro motion ! The days come alive with womenfolk performing lively Giddha dances while reciting traditional boliyan (couplets on village life). Bangle-sellers displaying bright, colourful glass bangles walk through villages with their portable stalls, singing Vangaan chadhaalo kudiyonmerebaba de darbaar diyaan (O girls, put on these blessed bangles). Rajasthani women in their multi-coloured striped leheriya attires and traditional jewellery can be heard singing Aayo Aayo Teej Tyohar (Teej festival has arrived !) and Aayi Sawaniye Ri Teej (The Monsoon has come !). Could any Indian festival be complete without a fair ?! Local Teej fairs (Teeyan da Mela) feature artisans offering intricate henna applications, folk music competitions, and traditional village games. And then, can there be any celebration without sweets ? Families lovingly prepare and share traditional sweets Ghevar (delicately-flavoured sweet shaped like a large disc), Gujia (deep-fried pastry filled with khoya and coconut) and Malpua (small syrup-soaked pancakes sprinkled with dry fruits). To balance the sweet flavour, there is the savoury kachaudi (a thick poori with a spicy potato filling). Not only in the plains and foothills, the Monsoons are also celebrated in mountainous Himachal Pradesh, most notably through traditional harvest and cultural fairs. The most prominent of these is the week-long Minjar Fair in Chamba, which celebrates the ripening of maize crops. Local communities mark the season with folk songs, village rituals, traditional music, and colourful processions, with people dressed in attractive folk dresses. Regional delicacies are prepared and enjoyed daily during the season. Coming after the scorching heat of the torrid summer, the rains soak and soften the cracked earth turning it soft, moist and receptive. In this way, the Monsoon plays a vital role in preparing the hard, dry farmland for the Kharif crop. Rice and maize, sown just before the Monsoon, are heavily dependent on the rains as these crops need plenty of water, especially in areas where artificial irrigation is unreliable or simply unavailable. Thus, to small farmers, the Monsoon comes like Gods gift. Perhaps it would not be wrong to say that in Indian culture, vibrant Monsoon festivals are the most awaited, as these are not just religious or cultural events; but a celebration of the rejuvenating aspect of Nature and Natures gift of life in the form of rainwater. T he author is a free-lance writer, editor and translator.

The Poverty of Economic Thought in Kashmir

Kashmir has produced generations of professionals: doctors who now run hospitals across the country, engineers who have built exceptional architecture, civil servants who occupy some of the most consequential offices in the administration. What it has not produced, in any meaningful number, is economists. This is not a complaint about missing celebrities. It is a statement about the absence of a discipline, an entire way of thinking about scarcity, policy and human behaviour, from the intellectual life of a region that has spent three decades arguing, almost entirely without data, about its own economic condition. The scale of the gap becomes clearer against the regions own institutional record. The University of Kashmirs own doctoral award lists show that in some recent years, the entire university, across every subject combined, produced very few PhDs in economics annually. This number is dwarfed by subjects such as history or sociology. This says how little institutional weight economics has carried here, even within its own flagship university. A place that debates unemployment, horticulture distress, tourism collapse and fiscal dependence almost daily has trained almost no one to study any of it with rigour. Among the handful of names that do exist, one sits well above the rest. Dr Haseeb Drabu is, without any competition, the closest thing this region has produced to a public economist in the full sense of the term. He is a man who has treated economics as a way of reading the world rather than a credential to be filed away. His career moved through banking, journalism, and eventually the finance ministry of the erstwhile state, and at each stage he argued with the fluency of someone who thinks about fiscal architecture as naturally as others think about politics. As Finance Minister, and earlier as Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, he brought an economists vocabulary, built on data and structural reasoning, into rooms long governed by administrative habit. But Dr Drabu did not emerge from a tradition of Kashmiri economic scholarship. He became the tradition itself, and a discipline that depends on one mans trajectory to justify its existence has not yet become a discipline at all. It would be convenient to place the entire blame on the state, and there is genuine substance to that charge. Decades of shutdowns, curfews and communication blackouts have made the sustained, uninterrupted work that research careers require extraordinarily difficult to sustain here. No government since 1947 has established a functioning regional economic research institution in Jammu and Kashmir, nor built a reliable body of local economic data around which scholars could build careers. There has been little institutional appetite, at any level of government, for independent economic critique of its own policy. These are real failures of governance and deserve to be named without softening. But governance failure explains only part of the picture, and stopping there lets the rest of us off too easily. Our educational institutions have taught economics largely as definitions to be reproduced in an examination hall rather as a discipline of genuine inquiry. Kashmir University has economics departments, but failed to create the ecosystem that places like the Delhi School of Economics built decades ago; connecting students to grants and internships, a pipeline that produces people who think about the economy for a living. A student finishing post-graduation in economics from Kashmir today has few such avenues left. The honest advice for such a student is to leave, and hope the region eventually calls them back, as it did to Dr. Drabu. Families here have made their own choices too, and those choices deserve honest scrutiny. For at least two generations, a capable Kashmiri students path has run through medicine, engineering, or the civil services, professions that offered visible respectability and security in a place where instability has been constant. Economics, pursued as a serious vocation rather than a fallback subject, simply did not register as a legitimate ambition in most households. Parents were not being unreasonable; they were responding rationally to genuine insecurity. But the accumulated effect of thousands of such decisions was a generation of capable minds who might have shaped this regions economy, and instead administered or treated an economy they were never trained to understand. Society reinforced the same hierarchy. The doctor one visits and the officer whose signature one needs earn visible, immediate respect. The economists contribution is often unwelcome and rarely rewarded with the same standing, in a society preoccupied with more urgent concerns. That is understandable after decades of hardship, but not a costless response. A society that fails to train people to think seriously about its own economy ends up outsourcing that thinking. So the question this region owes an honest answer to itself is : three decades into our economic crisis that has worsened the economic landscape of our state almost beyond recovery and yet our state has miserably failed to raise a single institution capable of imparting training to its people in the field of economics. This unreasonable silence has exposed the vulnerabilities of our system, which alludes to the fact that the government appears to be complicit in the collapse of our economic structure. So in a run up to build an economic citadel, this state demands an institutional infrastructure of international repute which will likely pave way for our economic revival. Malik Daniyal is an economics honours (research) graduate from Delhi University.

The Battle of Optics and Substance

Diplomacy has a body language of its own, which is seen through two distinct lenses: instant optics that capture the mood of the day, and an enduring aspect debated in the days and weeks that follow. The latter is more profound because it offers a deeper understanding of the strategic alignment behind the clasping of hands or walking in lockstep during high-stakes global events watched closely by the world through multiple prisms. This paradox represents the new dynamic of the emerging world order. Of all the places in the country, Kashmir was watching this more closely than other states and Union Territories, where the focus was primarily on trade, export, and import. Jammu and Kashmir, apart from this focus, was particularly attuned to the course of India-China talks and the direction they would take. Kashmir views these relations in several contextsincluding border defense. Although Ladakh has been geographically and politically separated from it, the psychological and geopolitical impact remains. Many Kashmiri students are studying in China. People were equally focused on how Iran made its presence felt at the summit and the kind of reception it received. Iran stood out, of course, because of the ongoing conflicts in which it is engaged with America, Israel, and the Gulf states. Jhelum continues to define Kashmirs understanding of the world view. The BRICS summit in their own country was closer to their heart and it kept on watching from its tributaries Lidder in Pahalgam to the point it falls into Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in Uri. Third, people wondered whether the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025, would figure in the declaration and in what form. They have suffered a lot and want the international community to realize and recognize their pain, and to hold the perpetrators of the Pahalgam and all other terror attacks accountable. They have made their position clear and want the global community to see and believe them as people standing firmly against terrorism and its backers. The 18th BRICS summit concluded on Sunday with powerful world leadersincluding the Chinese and Russian presidents, and more remarkably, the magnetic presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. It sent multiple messages to the West, particularly the US, showing that BRICS possesses the diplomatic prowess and appeal once wielded exclusively by the world superpower. Diplomacy is the art of guarding and driving national interests without succumbing to hubris. An as usual lengthy BRICS declaration gains meaning only when viewed through the bilateral and multilateral talks that world leaders held both before and behind the cameras. They suggested they were keen to foster a new world order and say goodbye to the disruptions that tampered with peace and security. Who can understand this better than the people of Jammu and Kashmir, whose territory was referenced in the declaration adopted unanimously at the summit? The declaration, read against the backdrop of summit events, has been interpreted in many ways. However, I believe there are four big takeaways. First, apart from what think tanks and diplomats have analyzed or will analyze in the days to come. One thing is clear: although the Western world watched the event very closely, its capitals and media deliberately chose not to acknowledge it as an important event of the Global South. This should spur the grouping and its member countries not to judge the success or failure of such events through a Western prism. It also calls for world-class, credible media organizations in member countries. Unfortunately, these nations have not been able to create that kind of influence and in-depth analysis. Through media and think tanks. The think tanks are weighed down by their self-drawn red lines. Second, it is paramount to understand how Indias futuristic visionagainst the backdrop of all that has been achieved in recent yearsfits into the overall growth and progress of the grouping. Prime Minister NarendraModis clarion call to the leaders was; Let us transform BRICS ambition into action and our collective strength into global solutions. This mantra is universal and represents the best way forward for a world seeking to emerge from the conflicts disrupting its geography and psychology. Third, let us be honest in acknowledging that the most star-studded meeting was between the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister NarendraModi. It had to be, given the status of the two countries and their leaders. They are not only the most populous nations, but also two Asian giants capable of reshaping the new world order. This leads to the premise that both countries must settle their differences to give real meaning to mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. PM Modis three mutuals mantra can form the basis for preventing differences from escalating into disputes. President Xis messaging was equally loud, clear, and reflective of the two countries roles as peace-builders in the service of humanity. He noted the growing bilateral cooperation and trade hitting new highs, while admitting: This situation has not come easily and needs to be cherished. We should draw on each others strengths, support each other, help each other succeed, and develop together. He also outlined tasks for Beijing and New Delhi, stating: In the face of the changing and turbulent international landscape, the worlds two most populous countries and important members of the Global South shoulder important responsibilities. Both sides should keep in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of the people, and work together to promote the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, so as to contribute more positive energy to promoting world peace, stability, development, and prosperity. All of this will be possible only when the boundary disputes between the two countries are resolved in a spirit of mutual sensitivity, as PM Modi emphasized: Peace and tranquility in the border areas remain an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral relations. He made it incumbent upon both sides to observe existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues. The MEA statement noted: The two leaders expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. Finally, Kashmiri leaders met with Iranian leaders, including the President and Foreign Minister. These optics offered a clear hint of what they likely discussed: a shared commitment to peace and opposition to aggression in all its forms and manifestations.

When the Mountains Speak

There was a time when a cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir was spoken about as an extraordinary event,something sudden, localized and difficult to predict, but ultimately rare. Today, that description is becoming increasingly uncomfortable. The frequency with which we are witnessing flash floods, landslides, washed-away bridges and overflowing streams across the region should make us pause. Official figures indicate that J&K witnessed over 35 cloudburst incidents during the summer of 2026 alone. It resulted in tragic loss of life alongside severe damage to roads, homes and agricultural land. While historical data gaps make it difficult to label every event unprecedented, we cannot dismiss what we are witnessing as simply another bad weather season. Something is changing. For those of us who have spent decades studying Kashmirs ecology, water bodies and climate vulnerability, the warning signs are impossible to ignore. HAZARD MEETS VULNERABILITY The first mistake we can make is to view a cloudburst merely as a rainfall problem. A cloudburst is a meteorological event, but a disaster is born when atmospheric extremes collide with human decisions on the landscape. The same volume of rain produces vastly different outcomes depending on forest cover, stream room, slope stability and whether construction has been allowed in natural drainage paths. Hazard becomes disaster when exposure meets it. We cannot control where a storm cell forms.But we can decide where and how we build, how we manage watersheds, protect wetland and warn our people. That is where governance enters the climate conversation. Kashmirs cryosphere is altering rapidly. Snow patterns are erratic, glaciers are retreating. Warming atmosphere holds more moisture, thereby releasing it in intense and localized bursts. Combined with the complex interplay between the Indian summer monsoon and Western Disturbances, atmospheric dynamics are altering the background conditions under which extreme weather occurs. But land-use change remains the real multiplier. Development that ignores ecological carrying capacity is deferred disaster. When vegetation is stripped from fragile slopes and roads are cut without proper drainage, we convert mountain corridors into pathways for erosion. LESSONS FROM THE HIMALAYA Our high-altitude lakes and glacial systems are vital hydrological buffers. Under changing climate dynamics, they also present potential risks downstream. The catastrophic event of August 26, 2026, near the Nepal-Tibet border offered a sobering lesson for the entire Himalayan region. An estimated 1.2 million cubic meters of ice and rock collapsed into a glacial lake, releasing a peak surge roughly five times the normal peak monsoon flow. The resulting torrent swept 32 kilometers downstream in under 45 minutes, destroying 14 bridges and devastating settlements. While satellite sensors detected the initial collapse within 8 minutes, administrative transmission delays meant downstream warnings arrived 38 minutes later leaving a local survival window of less than 7 minutes. Where local communities acted immediately on informal upstream alerts, lives were saved. And where the system relied on top-down processing, tragedy followed. The lesson for Jammu and Kashmir is clear. An early warning system that ends on a departmental dashboard without last-mile community action is an incomplete safeguard. A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR KASHMIRS RESILIENCE To prevent future extreme weather events from turning into human catastrophes, Jammu and Kashmir must shift from post-disaster relief to proactive resilience across four core pillars: Integrated Governance: Establish a dedicated J&K Water & Climate Resilience Authority to break institutional silos, unifying climate science, disaster management, land-use planning and infrastructure design under a single regulatory umbrella. Surveillance & Early Warning: Deploy a Mountain Hazard Early Warning Network that integrates real-time sensors for glacial lake levels, rainfall and seismic activity with direct-to-community emergency alerts to achieve a 5-minute last-mile warning window. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Institute mandatory climate and geomorphological audits, ensuring that all future mountain highways, bridges and culverts are engineered to withstand flash surge discharges exceeding historical thresholds (designed for flows >2,000) Community & Ecosystem Defense: Invest in nature-based solutions to protect wetlands, alpine meadows and natural river corridors, while systematically building and training a corps of Community Resilience Volunteers across high-risk mountain districts. TEN IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES FOR ACTION Establish a Scientific Event Inventory: Systematically map and document every cloudburst and flash flood using spatial and hydrological data. Map Hazard Corridors: Delineate floodplains, debris-flow pathways and landslide-prone slopes, enforcing strict building restrictions within these zones. Monitor High-Altitude Lakes: Pair satellite surveillance with ground verification to continuously track expanding glacial lakes and unstable moraines. Strengthen Last-Mile Warnings: Ensure emergency alerts reach remote villages, schools, shepherds and tourist sites instantaneously in simple language. Mandate Climate Risk Screening: Subject all public works, mountain highways and tourism infrastructure projects to multi-decade climate vulnerability audits. Protect Natural Infrastructure: Formally classify forests, alpine meadows, wetlands and floodplains as essential protective defense assets. Institutionalize Local Preparedness: Train and equip village-level disaster response volunteers across all vulnerable mountain districts. Enforce Carrying Capacities: Set strict limits on vehicle traffic, construction, and waste generation in ecologically fragile high-altitude tourist zones. Build a Spatial Risk Database: Centralize environmental, geological and climate data into a dynamic spatial map accessible to local planners. Shift from Relief to Resilience: Reallocate public funds from repetitive post-disaster rebuilding toward proactive catchment restoration and slope stabilization. WE STILL HAVE A CHOICE We cannot prevent every cloudburst or stop every landslide, but we can control our exposure. The true cost of a disaster is never just the bill for repairing a road.But it is measured in lost lives, ruined crops, displaced families and compounding economic inequality. Relief asks how quickly we can respond after the damage is done. Resilience asks how intelligently we can build before the storm arrives. Kashmirs mountains have always spoken through their rivers, forests, glaciers, and lakes. The cloudbursts of 2026 are their clearest warning yet. The only remaining question is whether our governance systems are finally prepared to listen. Mutaharra A W Deva, Certified Independent Director from Indian institute of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Corporate affairs Government of India.

Srinagars falling air

Three years ago, Srinagar stood proudly among the top four cities in the countrys clean-air rankings: a city whose name was, quite literally, synonymous with mountain air and pristine lakes. Today, in the 2026 edition of the SwachhVayuSarvekshan, it sits at 26th place among cities with populations over ten lakh, trailing even Delhi: a city that has become a byword for toxic winter smog. That is not a small slide. It is a fall that demands honest introspection. To be fair, officials have a point when they say this survey is not a direct measurement of air quality itself, but an assessment of the efforts cities make to control pollution: how well they manage road dust, vehicular emissions, construction waste, and above all, solid waste. The ranking methodology changed since 2023 but this explanation should not become an excuse. If anything, it should worry us more. A city that once excelled specifically in reducing its pollution load is now failing to keep pace with rivals when judged on effort and implementation. What should trouble citizens most is the trajectory, not just the current position. Falling from 4th to 26th in three years is not a plateau, it is a downward slope. If solid waste management remains inconsistent, if road dust mitigation stays patchy, and if the civic machinery continues to treat these survey rankings as a public-relations exercise rather than a diagnostic tool, Srinagar risks sliding further still. The city does not need to wait for smog to choke its skyline before treating this as urgent. Scientific waste processing, stricter construction-site dust controls, better public transport to ease vehicular load, and transparent, verifiable reporting are the basics. Srinagar earned its reputation for clean air once by being deliberate about protecting it. That same deliberateness, not defensive statistics, is what will be needed to reclaim it.

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BRICS Summit a success, we forged consensus in midst of a polarised world: Jaishankar

New Delhi, Sep 14: The BRICS Summit took place in the backdrop of a very polarised world and we forged a consensus in the midst of it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday, as he described the mega event hosted under India's chairship a success. Interacting with mediapersons here, he also spoke about what was definitely the toughest issue of the day, the West Asia conflict, saying, We were able to get out a statement to which everybody agreed. The BRICS members adopted a joint New Delhi Declaration on Saturday after overcoming sharp divisions between the UAE and Iran regarding the West Asia conflict while notably omitting direct mention of the US for its attacks on Iran. The negotiations on the text of the declaration went down to the wire as both Iran and the UAE hardened their positions initially. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration at the end of the opening day's deliberations in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other top leaders of the bloc. The BRICS Summit was taking place in a very polarised world there were two major conflicts, big divides and very strong opinions and interests. Even in the midst of this polarisation, we actually forged a consensus. If you look at it, the toughest issue of the day was the West Asia conflict. But we were able to get out a statement to which everybody agreed, Jaishankar said. A statement urging peace, security, stability, long-term understanding, smooth flow of global trade, of supply chains, of energy, and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, he added. Jaishankar said it wasn't just that we were able to negotiate an understanding in a polarised world, the entire atmosphere and ethos, and the mood of the summit which ended Sunday was such that there were very open and comfortable conversations. Leaders met, who perhaps in other circumstances may not have met. So they met in the course of this summit. And it actually ended up contributing a lot to the global conversation on important issues, Jaishankar said, without naming any country. Several bilateral meetings were held on the sidelines of the summit hosted at the Bharat Mandapam complex. Strategic affairs experts said the bilateral meeting between the Abu Dhabi crown prince and the Iranian president was also significant, pointing to the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Jaishankar said the whole nation and indeed the world saw the success of the BRICS India Summit yesterday. As many as 32 delegations had come for the summit 11 from BRICS member states, 10 partners, four regional bodies and seven international organisations, he added. Noting that it signified the strong convening power of Modi's India, as most of the delegations were represented at the head of state or the head of government level, Jaishankar cited the names of presidents of Russia, China, Iran, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt, as well as the Abu Dhabi crown prince and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia. And all of them, as you also would have seen from the footage and coverage of the event, had very strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi, he said. The summit had its own agenda, which was focused on the economy, development and technology for the Global South, he underlined. Standing up for the Global South that was a very strong message which came out. And the two themes, the two sessions... The first session was on reform, the second was on resilience. And these were uniting themes, themes where countries tended to come together... That was part of the reason why we saw the consensus, Jaishankar said. He also acknowledged the grouping's stand on terrorism and the leaders condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. I also want to say that the consensus was very noteworthy on one issue terrorism. The BRICS was very clear that any act of terrorism is criminal, and it explicitly recognised the unacceptability of the Pahalgam attack of April 2025. They condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and emphasised the zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, and rejected double standards in countering it. Overall, I would say the prime ministers message of dialogue, diplomacy and development resonated around the world, Jaishankar said. In conclusion, he said, Many people said it (the summit) won't happen. It did happen. It happened in New Delhi, and it happened under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

Army commander visits Akhnoor sector in Jammu, reviews operational readiness

Jammu, Sep 14: The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, on Monday visited forward areas in the Akhnoor sector here to assess the existing security dynamics and review the operational readiness of the units, the Army said. The Army Commander commended the troops for their relentless resolve and formidable spirit in safeguarding the Nation, the Northern Command said in a post on X. Lt Gen Sharma encouraged all ranks to pursue excellence in operational capability, remain vigilant, responsive and combat-ready at all times, it said.

Salal Dam spillway gates to open from September 15 for silt flushing

Ramban, Sep 14: The Salal Power Station authorities have issued an advisory to the general public of Reasi district and villages located upstream and downstream of the Salal Dam, warning of a likely rise and fluctuation in the water level of the Chenab River due to the opening of the dams spillway gates for reservoir silt flushing. According to a public notice issued by the Office of the General Manager (Incharge), Salal Power Station, Jyotipuram, the spillway gates of Salal Dam will be opened from September 15, 2026, at 6 pm for silt flushing. The authorities said the discharge in the Chenab River is expected to remain high during the process, which may result in fluctuations in water levels both upstream and downstream of the dam. People living in villages upstream of the dam, including Dharan, Thanpal, Arnas, Sai, Lanjian, Narloo, Gari and Salmot, and downstream areas including Gujjar Kothi, Siyad Baba, Bidda, Kachhi Khera, Talwara, Nambla, Vijaypur, Bara Dari, Patta, Kashi Patta, Jedhi, Panasa, Babber, Chumndian, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur and Seri, have been advised to remain alert. The Salal Power Station has specifically advised the public not to enter or go near the Chenab River, and said that movement of people, vehicles and cattle or other animals into the river could be dangerous during the silt-flushing operation. The authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution and keep away from the riverbanks to avoid any untoward incident. The notice cautioned that anyone violating the advisory or entering the river area during the period would do so at their own risk and responsibility, and that the Salal Power Station management would not be responsible for any consequences. The advisory has also been circulated to the Deputy Commissioner Reasi, police authorities, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, CISF, Tehsildars, Fisheries Department, District Information Office and concerned police stations for necessary action and wider public awareness.

Cement moves by rail from Kathua to Anantnag in first for Jammu division

Jammu, Sep 14: In a first for Jammu railways division, cement has been loaded and transported from one station to another, marking a significant milestone in internal freight traffic in Jammu and Kashmir. The first consignment was dispatched on Monday from Shaheed Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua railway station to Anantnag goods shed following sustained efforts by the business development unit (BDU) of Jammu division, officials said. Around 66 tonnes of cement, comprising approximately 1,320 bags, were loaded in one BCN wagon. The consignment was booked by Ganpati Cement in Kathua. Railway officials said this is the first instance of a new traffic like cement being moved internally within Jammu Division. Earlier, cement consignments meant for the Kashmir Valley were transported by road. The new origin-destination pair is expected to provide an economical, safe and faster mode of transporting construction material to the Kashmir Valley, besides boosting freight revenue of the Railways and promoting environment-friendly transportation. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the development marked a new milestone in rail freight transportation in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, cement was received only as inward traffic at major rail complexes like Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Station, Kathua and Anantnag. As a result of the continuous efforts and robust logistics of Jammu Division, for the first time, outward loading of cement has been successfully started from here, he said. Singhal said the development reflected growing confidence among the industrial fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir in the railway network and would give fresh impetus to economic activity in the region. He said the Jammu division would make efforts to connect more traders and organisations with the Railways so that it becomes a more economical, reliable and eco-friendly transportation option for the trading community.

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NHM employees extend strike for another 72 hours across J&K

Jammu, Sep 14: The Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) has extended its ongoing peaceful protest/strike for another 72 hours across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, beginning September 15. In a formal communication addressed to the Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K, the Association said the decision had been taken due to the continued pendency of its long-standing demands and the absence of a concrete, time-bound resolution from the authorities. The Association said the extended protest would remain completely peaceful, democratic and constitutional, with participating employees directed to maintain discipline and uphold public order. The employees also reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue with the government and expressed hope that meaningful and time-bound measures would be initiated to address their genuine grievances. The communication, issued by the Joint Coordination Committee of the J&K National Health Mission Employees Association, said the extension would remain effective for 72 hours from September 15. The Association has also forwarded the communication to senior authorities, including the Union Ministers for Health and Family Welfare and Labour and Employment, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, the Chief Minister, and the Ministers for Health and Medical Education and Labour and Employment in the Union Territory. The continued agitation is expected to further affect health services, particularly in rural and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where NHM employees form an important part of the healthcare workforce.

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Sunil Sharma listens to public issues in Ramban under public outreach programme

Ramban, Sep 14: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma accompanied by BJP District President Neelam Langeh, and other senior leaders, met several delegations from Ramban as part of the BJPs ongoing mass public outreach programme across Jammu & Kashmir. During the interactions, Sharma held detailed discussions with representatives from different sections of society and patiently heard their grievances, concerns and demands. He assured the delegations that their issues would be taken up with the concerned authorities and directed that necessary steps be taken to ensure their resolution at the earliest. Sharma said that the concerns raised by the people of Ramban would be strongly highlighted by the BJP during the ongoing Assembly Session. He reiterated that the BJP remains committed to raising the voice of the common people and ensuring that their legitimate concerns receive due attention. The people of Ramban have raised several important issues concerning their day-to-day lives and development. We will strongly raise these matters in the Assembly and continue to pursue them with the concerned authorities until they are addressed, Sharma said. He further said that the BJP would continue to stand firmly with the people of Jammu & Kashmir and oppose policies and decisions that are against their interests. BJP will remain the strong voice of the people of J&K. We will continue to expose the anti-people policies and misgovernance of the NC Government and will fight for the rights, development and welfare of every section of society, Sharma asserted. Sharma assured the delegations that the BJP would remain accessible to the people and would continue its public outreach efforts to understand their problems and take them up at the appropriate forums.

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Ladakh LG Saxena approves draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts

Leh, Sep 14: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved draft recruitment rules for 129 junior scale posts across 15 departments and services of the UT administration, opening new avenues for promotion and career progression for serving government employees, officials said. The proposed rules provide a structured pathway for eligible officers in feeder cadres to move to junior scale posts after completing the prescribed qualifying service, they said. The rules cover posts in the general administration, cooperative, employment, excise and taxation, consumer affairs and public distribution, handicrafts and handlooms, industries and commerce, information, labour, rural development, revenue, social welfare, tourism and transport departments. The draft rules have been framed following the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) September 9 amendment empowering the lieutenant governor to frame rules for group B gazetted services and posts, including those forming part of a common cadre such as the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), the officials said. Earlier, such posts were outside the L-Gs rule-making powers. The development follows Saxena's intervention with the MHA in July, when he raised the issue of delays in regular promotions in the absence of necessary recruitment rules, the officials said. Saxena thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his continued support in strengthening governance in Ladakh, they said. Strong and efficient institutions are essential for delivering responsive and effective governance. These recruitment rules will provide deserving officers in the feeder cadres a clear and structured pathway for career progression, while direct recruitment will bring fresh talent into the administration, Saxena said. The proposed recruitment pattern provides for 50 per cent direct recruitment and 50 per cent promotion in several services. Overall, 79 posts have been identified for direct recruitment and 50 for promotions, they added. The draft rules will be placed in the public domain for 30 days, inviting suggestions and objections from the stakeholders. After the examination of the feedback and necessary modifications, the final proposals will be submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for consultation and approval, as applicable, before notification, the officials said.

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Gold slides Rs 500 as oil surge, strong US dollar weigh on bullion

New Delhi, Sep 14: Gold began the week on the back foot, falling Rs 500 to Rs 1,55,400 per 10 gram in the national capital on Monday as a sell-off in global markets gathered pace amid a sharp rise in crude oil prices and the US dollar. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,55,900 per 10 gram on Friday. However, silver bucked the trend and held steady at Rs 2,34,600 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes), according to local traders. Globally, spot gold declined USD 57.22, or 1.3 per cent, to USD 4,291.71 per ounce and silver tumbled nearly 3 per cent to USD 62.82. Gold slipped back to around USD 4,300 per ounce and silver eased to USD 64, marking their third consecutive weekly loss as investors priced in a probable Fed rate hike, Akshat Siddhant, Lead Quant Analyst at investment platform Mudrex, said. Higher oil prices have added to inflation worries, putting further pressure on demand for gold and silver, he said. Crude oil surged to USD 103 a barrel, a fresh four-month high, after Saudi Arabia shut its East-West pipeline following drone attacks, reversing the losses recorded on Friday, Siddhant added. Meanwhile, the oil spike is also complicating the interest-rate outlook, with the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) forecasting three 25-basis-point Federal Reserve rate increases by March 2027. ANZ expects geopolitical developments in West Asia and elevated energy costs to add to inflation, but said persistent geopolitical uncertainty could simultaneously strengthen gold's safe-haven appeal. The bank retained its 12-month gold price target of USD 5,400 an ounce, pointing to recovering gold-backed ETF holdings and speculative positions, institutional demand in China and rising investor participation in India, as factors supporting investment demand for the metal.

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LoP Sunil Sharma visits Ramban; extends support to protesting NHM employees, daily wagers

Banihal, Sep 14: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, visited Ramban district on Monday and extended his support to striking National Health Mission (NHM) employees and dailywage workers, assuring them that their long-pending grievances would be raised in the Legislative Assembly. The visit came as the indefinite strike by NHM employees entered its sixth consecutive day in the district, severely affecting healthcare services at various hospitals, primary health centres and community health units where NHM doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are deployed. The ongoing agitation has disrupted routine healthcare services, including outpatient care and other essential medical activities, particularly in rural and remote areas dependent on NHM personnel. Addressing the media during his visit, Sharma said the BJP had undertaken a political outreach programme to highlight the grievances of common people and workers, irrespective of their political affiliations, religious beliefs or caste. Common people face immense difficulties in bringing their genuine grievances to the notice of the authorities. The Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to stand as their voice, he said. Sharma assured the protesting NHM employees that the party would strongly pursue their demands, including regularisation of services, job security and revision of wages, and take up the issues on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. He also stated that matters falling under the purview of the Central Government would be pursued with the concerned authorities. The striking NHM employees have been seeking regularisation, pay parity with permanent health staff, job security and the timely release of pending stipends and other dues. The BJP leader also criticised the administration for allegedly failing to address the concerns of daily wagers and contractual employees, accusing it of overlooking the difficulties faced by workers who have been awaiting resolution of their demands for a long time.

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DGP Nalin Prabhat reviews ongoing anti-terror operations in J-Ks Poonch

Poonch, Sep 14: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone Tejinder Singh, reviewed the ongoing security and counter-terrorism operations in Poonch district, with particular focus on the threat posed by Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. According to a post shared by District Police Poonch on X, the senior police officers took stock of the ongoing operations being conducted in the district and reviewed the security situation in areas considered vulnerable to terrorist movement. The top police officials were briefed about the latest developments, operational preparedness and coordination among different security agencies on ground. The visit assumes significance in view of recent attempts of infiltration and movement of Pakistan-based LeT terrorists in the Pir Panjal region.

Kahmiri Pandits mark Balidan Diwas in Jammu; reiterate 'genocide' recognition, homeland demands

Jammu, Sep 14: Displaced Kashmiri Pandits on Monday observed 36th 'Balidan Diwas' here, paying homage to members of the community and security personnel who lost their lives to violence and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The community reiterated its demand for legal recognition of the violence against and displacement of Kashmiri Pandits as genocide and called for the establishment of a separate homeland in the Valley under direct Union protection. The programme was organised by Panun Kashmir, a representative body of migrant Kashmiri Hindus, with participants wearing black armbands as a mark of remembrance. A Veer Jyoti, dedicated to the memory of community members and security personnel who laid down their lives, was lit and later taken to the sacred Bhadrakali Temple at Thalwal, on the outskirts of Jammu, where it was installed as the Amar Jyoti. We have been observing this day since 1990 to honour the martyrs and reaffirm our commitment to continue the struggle till the achievement of our goal, which is enactment of a genocide bill and separate homeland as enshrined in the Margdarshan Resolution adopted by the community following mass migration from the valley in early 1990, Panun Kashmir chairman Tito Ganju told PTI. He said the community was not only paying homage to those who lost their lives to terrorism after 1990, but also remembering those who, it believes, suffered during what it describes as seven waves of persecution in Kashmir over the past 700 years. For the past 36 years, there has been a gross violation of our fundamental rights... Our struggle is also about safeguarding the constitutional rights, particularly the rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21, Ganju said. He reiterated Panun Kashmir's demand for reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir and a separate homeland for displaced Kashmiri Hindus, saying legislative and executive control in the proposed homeland should remain with pro-India elements. Without a separate homeland, we believe there is no other way forward, he said. He also called for the enactment of the genocide bill, proposed by the organisation in 2020, stating that the absence of statutory recognition has reduced the issue to a matter of narrative interpretation rather than acknowledgement of a crime of the highest legal order. The failure to name genocide has resulted in a lack of accountability and guarantees against recurrence, he claimed. He said the Constitution places the responsibility on the State to ensure that victims are given priority, which has still ot been achieved to this day. Ganju also raised concerns over the security of Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Valley under the prime minister's employment package. He said the recent threats against employees demonstrated that security concerns remained despite an overall improvement in the situation. Our children who are there are effectively hostages. Imagine the kind of trauma they must be going through, he said, adding that the government measures aimed at rehabilitation would not succeed unless the security environment changed fundamentally. These experiments will not succeed unless there is a separate homeland, and no one can offer a better solution than the victims themselves, he said. Calling for continued resistance, he said, Struggle is the only option we have. If we had not struggled, this chapter would have been closed long back. Chairman of the Jammu State People's Movement, Col (Retd) Ajay Raina linked the Kashmiri Pandits' demand for a separate homeland with the Jammu region's demand for statehood. We want the two demands to come together -- the demand of the Kashmiri Pandits (for separate homeland) and our demand for a separate state of Jammu, because neither side can truly move forward without the other, he said. He said a strong Jammu would also be important for the security of Kashmiri Pandits returning to the Valley. Panun Kashmir convenor Agnishekhar said September 14 had a particular significance for the community, linking the observance to the killing of Kashmiri Pandit leader Tika Lal Taploo in the Valley on September 13, 1989. He said the day was meant not only to remember the martyrs but also to reflect on the circumstances that led to their killings and displacement of the community. We remember why they were killed, who killed them, what the purpose was and what the intent behind it was. Our struggle is rooted in confronting that intent, he said. He said the community wanted conditions in which Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs who identify with India and Indian civilisation could return to the Valley and live with security and dignity.

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High Court issues notice to J&K govt in PIL seeking appointment of Advocate General

Srinagar, Sep 14: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday issued a notice to the government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the immediate appointment of a regular Advocate General for the Union Territory. A bench comprising Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued the notice to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir through its Chief Secretary and law secretary by October 21, the next date of hearing. The PIL, filed by advocate Harsh Dubey through counsel Kannu Karan Prasher, in Jammu, seeks a direction to the competent authority to take immediate steps for filling the constitutional post of Advocate General, which has remained vacant for a considerable period. During the virtual hearing, the Court observed that the post of Advocate General should, ideally, be filled by the next date of hearing. The petitioner, a practicing advocate before the High Court, stated in the plea that he has no personal interest in the matter and is approaching the Court in public interest, given that the continued vacancy of the constitutional office has affected the administration of justice and the discharge of statutory functions attached to the post. The petition draws attention to an earlier order dated June 4, 2025, passed by the High Court in Shri Nav Durga Jhaleri Mata Trust v. UT of J&K & Ors (WP(C) No. 1433/2025), in which the Court had already taken note of the prolonged vacancy and observed that it was rendering Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 which contemplates a role for the Advocate General in matters relating to public charitable and religious trusts practically inoperative. The petitioner also highlighted that the vacancy has affected the functioning of the Jammu & Kashmir Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee, since the Advocate General serves as its ex-officio Chairperson under the Advocates' Welfare Fund Act, 2001 and the notification constituting the Committee (S.O. 466 of 2022). The petition seeks directions to the respondents to initiate and complete, within a reasonable time frame fixed by the Court, the process contemplated under Section 79 of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, for appointment of an Advocate General. It also seeks directions for the smooth functioning of the Advocates' Welfare Fund Trustee Committee, and for the respondents to place on record an affidavit disclosing the reasons for the continued vacancy and the steps taken so far. The petitioner has clarified that the plea does not seek the appointment of any particular individual to the post, and is confined to seeking expeditious action in accordance with law.

If situation in J&K has improved, its benefits should reach people: Tanvir Sadiq

Srinagar, Sep 14: Senior National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday said the BRICS summit was an important development, but argued that any improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir must translate into tangible benefits for its people. Sadiq was responding to questions about the BRICS summit and recent statements by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, including his remarks on the situation following the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in 2019. If we are only talking about the BRICS summit, then it is a good thing that economies from different parts of the world have come together, and that it happened in India, Sadiq said. However, he said the summit should not be used in isolation to assess the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. But if you are relating it to how the situation has been in Jammu and Kashmir, then if the situation has improved, I would like to raise that point again: its dividend should reach the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Sadiq said those who had contributed to the improvement in the situation should be the beneficiaries of its gains. The benefits that come from this dividend should go to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the people who have participated wholeheartedly, he said. He also argued that the administration should respond to public demands if the situation in the region was indeed normal. If the situation has become better and people today come out on the roads and make their demands, then those demands should be fulfilled, Sadiq said. The NC leader also questioned whether the concerns and expectations of Jammu and Kashmirs elected government were being adequately addressed by the Centre. Where the BRICS summit is important, the BJP and the government in Delhi also need to see whether the representation and the sentiments of their elected government in Jammu and Kashmir are being fulfilled, he said. Sadiq said the Centre had yet to deliver on commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, despite two years having passed since the current elected government took office. Because it has been two years now, and what was promised to us by this very government in Delhi has still not been fulfilled, he said. I feel that while other things are important, this is also very important, Sadiq added.

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Imran Reza Ansari urges accountability over Brari Nambal landfilling

Srinagar, Sep 14: Former minister and senior political leader Imran Reza Ansari has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take strict action over alleged landfilling at Brari Nambal, saying partial demolition of the structures would not be enough to address the damage caused to the waterbody. In a statement, Ansari said the action at Brari Nambal risked becoming an eye wash if it ended with partial demolition alone. Referring to a report by Greater Kashmir, he said landfilling had allegedly continued for nearly 15 days. The bigger question is: who brought the material, who carried out the filling, and how was it allowed to continue? he asked. Ansari called for identification of those responsible, removal of the entire filling and restoration of the waterbody at the encroachers cost. He also demanded a proper investigation into the alleged violation and said that wherever offences were established, FIRs and prosecution should follow. Partially demolishing what was built after allowing the damage to happen is not enough. We need accountability for the original act as well as for any failure of monitoring, he said. Ansari stressed the need to protect Kashmirs remaining lakes, wetlands and other waterbodies for future generations. We need to keep something for our generation. Our children deserve to inherit clean lakes, wetlands and water bodies, not filled-up land and concrete, he said, adding that the remaining natural water systems must be protected from further destruction. He further said that protecting waterbodies and enforcing existing laws did not require statehood, but required political will, administrative seriousness and responsible citizenship. Quoting the Quran, Ansari said, And We made from water every living thing. (Quran 21:30) Water is a trust and a source of life. Protecting it is not merely an environmental responsibility; it is a moral responsibility, he said. Ansari urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take cognisance of the matter.

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Chowdhary Ramzan flags J&K development gaps, invites parliamentary panel for on-ground assessment

Chandigarh, Sep 14: Member of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday highlighted development gaps and infrastructure challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee in Chandigarh and invited its members and senior Central government officials to visit the Union Territory for an on-ground assessment. During the meeting, which reviewed the overall development scenario of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, Ramzan raised issues relating to connectivity, public infrastructure, essential services and the need for greater investment and institutional support for Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need for a focused assessment of the challenges facing the Union Territory and stronger infrastructure to address its development requirements. Ramzan also invited the committee members and senior officials of the Government of India to visit Srinagar and Jammu to assess the functioning of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) system, particularly foodgrain storage and distribution arrangements. The invitation was accepted by the committee members and concerned officials, who expressed their willingness to visit Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. The date and programme of the proposed visit will be finalised separately. Senior officials, including secretaries, CMDs, directors and other officers from the Government of India, Punjab, Haryana and the Chandigarh administration, attended the meeting, which took stock of infrastructure, public services and other key areas of development.

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