Forged LG Letter Case: EOW Kashmir Files Chargesheet Against Pulwama Man
Srinagar, Oct 1: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet in case FIR No. 29/2026 under Sections 204, 319(2), 336(2) and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before the Honble Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar against accused Saqlain Mushtaq Dar, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, resident of Deeri, Pulwama. The case relates to a forged communication purportedly addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Anantnag, in which the sender falsely impersonated the Honble Lieutenant Governor, UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The communication was prepared using a counterfeit official letterhead and forged signature and was intended to unlawfully influence the functioning of the Anantnag District Police Administration. During the course of investigation, the allegations and evidence collected were found to substantiate the commission of offences under the relevant provisions of the BNS. Accordingly, the investigation has been concluded as Proved and the chargesheet has been presented before the Honble Court for judicial determination. The general public is advised to remain vigilant against attempts involving impersonation of public authorities, fabrication and use of forged letters, documents, official letterheads and signatures. Members of the public are urged to verify the authenticity of any suspicious communication purportedly issued by government authorities or public officials and to immediately report any such instance to the Economic Offences Wing, Crime Branch J&K.
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Trump formally replaces Artificial Intelligence with Super Intelligence in an executive order
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the change was appropriate when taking into consideration the promise, potential, and rapidly advancing capabilities of AI technologies
5.3 magnitude earthquake strikes Afghanistan: NCS
Kabul , October 1 : An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck Afghanistan on Thursday morning, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said. According to the NCS, the earthquake occurred at 6:59:20 am IST at a depth of 126 km. In a post shared on X, the NCS said, EQ of M: 5.3, On: 01/10/2026 06:59:20 IST, Lat: 35.981 N, Long: 68.700 E, Depth: 126 Km, Location: Afghanistan. The NCS located the earthquake at latitude 35.981 North and longitude 68.700 East, around 165 km NNW of Kabul. Further details are awaited.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after coach Jorge Jesus confirms rift
Ronaldo says he leaves after coach's press conference and talks with FPF President Pedro Proenca; Portugal's training session resumes without Ronaldo after a brief delay
Art exhibition raises awareness for vulture conservation in Jorhat
An art exhibition titled Colours of Vultures , aimed at raising awareness about vulture conservation, was organised by Aaranyak in collaboration with Universal Creative Point, Jorhat, at Gallery Visio
NTPC Bongaigaon establishes football field for Kokrajhar youth
NTPC Bongaigaon has established a football field for local youth on the western side of the Government Boys Higher Secondary School field in Kokrajhar under its Corporate Social Responsibility
From Folk Roots to a New Beat: Fankar-E-Kashmir Season 4 Puts Young Talent in the Spotlight
Srinagar, Sept 29: From the timeless strings of the santoor and rabab to contemporary folk, Fankar-E-Kashmir Season 4 brought together a vibrant new generation of Kashmiri musicians, culminating in a grand finale at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, on September 28. The fourth edition of the cultural initiative saw nearly 120 young artists register, with 70 making it to the live audition stage and the final 15 performers earning a place at the grand finale. The two-day auditions featured 35 performers each day and witnessed a notable rise in instrumentalists, alongside emerging contemporary voices, including two rappers. Azaan Ayoub Mir of Manasbal was adjudged the Fankar-E-Kashmir 2026 title winner, while Umer Majeed, a young santoor player from Mujgund, HMT, emerged as the runner-up. Organised by Kashmir Rabab Academy, ShowCase Events and The Eagle, Fankar-E-Kashmir has steadily evolved from a folk-music showcase into a wider platform combining live performances, mentorship, knowledge sessions, recording opportunities and professional exposure for young artists. This year, we are seeing a particularly diverse pool of talent, with many instrumentalists and even rappers coming forward. It shows that Kashmirs musical tradition is not static. Young artists are finding new ways to interpret and carry it forward, journalist and of Founder, Kashmir Rabab Academy, Nazir Ganaie, said. Angelina Fernandes, Founder, The Eagle, said the initiative had grown considerably since its inception, with the platform working to connect emerging artists with recognition and professional opportunities beyond Kashmir. Nanni Singh, Chief Executive, ShowCase Events, said Fankar-E-Kashmir was focused on creating sustained opportunities for young talent while contributing to a wider cultural economy around local music. The initiative has also brought together institutional and community partners. The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) supported the initiative, while Sustainnovate Research & Advocacy Foundation (SIRAF) joined as the NGO partner and RAAB Foundation came on board as the Title Sponsor. With its mix of traditional folk voices, instrumentalists and contemporary performers, Season 4 underscored the changing landscape of Kashmirs music scenewhere heritage and experimentation are increasingly finding space on the same stage. As Fankar-E-Kashmir enters its next chapter, its larger ambition remains clear: to keep Kashmirs folk traditions alive while giving its young artists the stage, mentorship and opportunities to take their music forward.
Commissioner of Railway Safety conducts high-level safety review meeting for South Coast Railway
ABSU holds youth motivation programme at Rangia College
The Rangia unit of the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) organised a Get-Together-cum-Youth Motivation Programme at the auditorium of Rangia College on Sunday to motivate students to pursue their
Restoring Forest Food Sources to Address Goalparas Human-Elephant Conflict
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Sivasagar forum protests at ONGC Assam Asset, seeks jobs and flood assistance
The Sivasagar District Joint Struggle Forum of mass organisations staged a sit-in demonstration in front of the ONGC Assam Asset headquarters in Nazira on Wednesday, demanding employment opportunities
Lean arrivals push up tomato prices in Andhra Pradesh ahead of festive season
Madanapalle, Asias largest tomato market, gets 62 tonnes on Wednesday against up to 1,300 tonnes a day in the peak season; traders expect demand for Dasara and Diwali to keep prices high
Muga Field Day promotes scientific silkworm rearing in Kokrajhar
The Central Silk Board (CSB), Muga Eri Silkworm Seed Organisation (MESSO), P-3 Unit, Kowabil, organised a Muga Field Day at Bandarmari, Rainadabri, in the BTC area of Kokrajhar on Tuesday to promote s
Namghar in Pune symbolically unites Maharashtra and Assam: Pitambar Dev Goswami
Recalling how Saint Srimanta Sankardev in Assam and saints Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram Maharaj in Maharashtra awakened society during medieval times through their teachings and writings despite adverse ci
Run for Unity Kashmir Marathon today
Srinagar, Sep 30: Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is all set to witness a major event Run for Unity Kashmir Marathon-2026 on Thursday with a large number of participants including VIPs expected to participate in the event. The marathon will be organised from Police Golf Course Lake View to Duck Park and back, with a number of VIPs and participants expected to attend the event. In view of the Run for Unity Kashmir Marathon-2026, scheduled to be held on October 1 from 6 am to 11 am, the Srinagar Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory, stating that the traffic movement on Boulevard Road from Lalit Ghat up to Habba Kadal will remain restricted from 6 am to 11 am. Traffic coming from R.M. Bagh towards Gupkar and Lalit will be diverted towards Badri Dal Gate for onward movement. No traffic, except participants, will be allowed on Gupkar Road till the conclusion of the event. Motorists travelling towards Nishat, Shalimar and Harwan have been advised to use the alternate route from Dalgate-Rainawari-Hazratbal-Zakura-Burzahama-Tailbal-Chandpora-Shalimar route instead of Boulevard Road. Similarly, motorists travelling from Harwan-Shalimar-Nishat and adjoining areas towards Lal Chowk have been advised to take the Shalimar-Chandpora-Tailbal-Burzahama-Zakura-Chowk route instead of Nishat-Boulevard Road axis. Those travelling from Gulab Bagh-Zakura-Naseembagh-Habbak and adjoining areas have been advised to use Habbak-Dargah-Rainawari route to reach Lal Chowk instead of Foreshore Road. The Traffic Police has advised participants to park their vehicles only at designated parking places and avoid roadside parking. Wrongly parked vehicles will be towed. Emergency vehicles will be allowed to take the shortest route, while citizens requiring assistance have been asked to contact the Traffic Police Control Room at 103. All participants have been directed to park their vehicles at Zabarwan Park and Botanical Garden.
DC Srinagar inspects dev works at Anchaar Soura
Srinagar, Sep 30: In order to expedite the ongoing development works, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Wednesday conducted an on-site inspection of Anchaar Jenab Sahib Soura and reviewed the progress of works being executed for the restoration and preservation of the historic spring at the site. In the occasion, the DC also interacted with local residents and listened to their developmental demands. During the visit, the DC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Probationer, Sai Kiran, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Executive Engineer R&B, Suhail Rashid, Executive Engineer KPDCL 4th, Nissar Ahmad, Executive Engineer, KPDCl 3rd, Abrar Hussain, Tehsildar Eidgah, Mohammad Iqbal Zargar, Administrator Jenab Sahib Soura and other concerned Officers. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner took stock of the ongoing works and reviewed various components aimed at improving and preserving the historic spring while maintaining its heritage and aesthetic character. The DC was informed that the project has been allotted a cost of Rs 1.20 crore and includes major components such as desilting of the pool area, dry boulder stone pitching on the floor bed, construction of a peripheral block with Devri stone tile cladding, and provision of ornamental grills around the periphery of the pool area in panels. The project also envisages reconstruction and realignment of the deck area and steps of the spring using Devri stone, construction of ornamental gates in Devri stone, and installation of ornamental lamp posts around the pool area for illumination. The DC directed the concerned agencies to ensure timely completion of the works while adhering strictly to prescribed quality standards and maintaining the original character and heritage value of the site. He also stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholder Department to ensure that the restoration and development works are carried out in a sustainable, systematic and aesthetically appropriate manner. During the visit, the DC also interacted with members of the Management Committee of Jenab Sahib Soura and local residents, who expressed their gratitude to him for the execution of various developmental works in the area, particularly at the Shrine. Responding to the demands raised by local residents and traders, the DC directed the concerned authorities to facilitate the installation of an ATM at Anchaar Jenab Sahib Soura, aimed at providing greater convenience to the local population, devotees and traders. He also took stock of the various road & water improvement projects and directed executing agencies to complete the remaining works.
SCERT Kashmir hosts National Science Seminar on Indias energy future
Srinagar, Sep 29: Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Nassem Javaid Chowdhury, Director, SCERT-J&K, and under the able guidance and support of Syed Shabir Ahmad, Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, the Divisional Level National Science Seminar-2026 was successfully organised at SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, Bemina, Srinagar, on September 29, 2026. The Seminar was organised by Department of Education, Science and Mathematics (ESM), SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, on the theme Indian Energy Basket 2047: Prospects and Challenges. The event brought together school students from different districts of Kashmir Division, providing them an important platform to present their scientific understanding, ideas and perspectives on Indias future energy requirements and challenges. The programme commenced with the inaugural session, wherein Shakeel Ahmad Bhat Head Academic Unit-II, delivered the welcome address, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Tabasum Khan, who highlighted the significance of the theme and the need for developing scientific awareness and an informed understanding of emerging energy challenges among students. The Seminar witnessed participation from students representing various districts, including Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian and Srinagar. The highlight of the event was the selection of Sareena Shafiq, a Class 9 student of DMPS Pampore, Pulwama, as the winner of the Divisional Level National Science Seminar-2026. Her selection marked the culmination of the academic presentations and evaluation conducted during the Seminar. The official participation record identifies Sareena Shafiq as a Class 9 participant from DMPS Pampore. The Seminar culminated with a valedictory function, which was attended by Syed Shabir Ahmad, Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, and Javid Ahmad Banday, SCERT-J&K Central Office, along with participating students, escort teachers, District Nodal Officers and members of the organising team. Speaking on the occasion, Javid Ahmad Banday emphasised the importance of developing scientific temper and critical thinking among students from the foundational level. He stressed that sustained exposure to scientific activities and inquiry-based learning can help young learners develop curiosity, reasoning and an analytical approach towards issues of contemporary relevance. The Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, Syed Shabir Ahmad, congratulated all the participating students, the winner, escort teachers, District Nodal Officers and the organising team for the successful conduct of the Seminar. He appreciated the efforts put in by all stakeholders in making the event a meaningful academic platform for students. In his address, the Joint Director also stressed the importance of organising similar academic and scientific events on a regular basis, observing that such initiatives can play a vital role in inculcating scientific temper and critical thinking among young and budding students. As part of the valedictory proceedings, the participating students were felicitated with participation certificates and medals, while the escort teachers and District Nodal Officers (DNOs) were also felicitated in recognition of their support and contribution to the successful conduct of the Seminar. The winner, Sareena Shafiq of DMPS Pampore, was presented the winner's trophy by the Joint Director, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir, Syed Shabir Ahmad. The entire proceedings of the Seminar were moderated by Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Senior Academic Officer, SCERT-J&K, who anchored and coordinated the programme throughout the day. He facilitated the inaugural proceedings, introduced the theme and speakers, guided the participating students through the various stages of the programme, coordinated the transition between the written aptitude test and the seminar sessions, and moderated the presentation and Question-Answer segments. Gulzar ensured the smooth and systematic conduct of the proceedings in accordance with the scheduled programme and provided necessary coordination and guidance throughout the seminar sessions. The felicitation ceremony provided an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of students, teachers, DNOs and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful organisation and participation in the Divisional Level National Science Seminar. The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Javid Ahmad Dar, marking the formal culmination of the day-long programme.
CUK celebrates World Tourism Day-2026
Ganderbal, Sept 30: Department of Tourism Studies (DTS), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) celebrated the World Tourism Day-2026 on the theme Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism at the varsitys Green Campus here on Monday. In her welcome address, Coordinator, DTS, Dr. Shahnaz Akhter, emphasized upon how artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital tools are fundamentally reshaping, discovering destinations, managing environmental resources, and customizing the travel experiences. AI can streamline travel, but the heart of tourism shall always remain human rooted in local workers, culture, and physical community connection, she said. In his remarks, Sr. Asst Prof. Dr. Ashaq Hussain Najar, highlighted the role of innovation that is open, inclusive and human-centred, using AI to improve services, empower tourism businesses, support emerging destinations and create new opportunities while ensuring that local communities and tourism workers benefit from the digital transformation. In her keynote address (online), Director-School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, Prof. Suvidhha Khanna, focused on the growing role of technology in creating smarter, more personalized and accessible travel experiences. However, as AI transforms the tourism sector, the human touch remains at the heart of hospitality. Technology can simplify bookings, provide instant information, personalize recommendations and improve efficiency, but it cannot replace the warmth of a genuine welcome, local knowledge, cultural connection and personal interaction. The future of tourism lies in bringing these strengths together by using AI to enhance the journey while keeping people, communities and authentic human experiences at its centre, she added. Threadbare discussion and Q&A session on the theme was held in which faculty members and students participated. Dr. Faizan Ashraf Mir, Sr. Asst. Prof was present. The students later participated in photography and travel documentary competitions. The department is organising many events under the banner of World Tourism Day. Dr. Abid Suhail Nika, Asst. Prof moderated the session, while Dr. Adil Amin Nazki, Asst. Prof. proposed vote of thanks.
Sherpathri FPO explores diversified farming opportunities at KVK Bpora-1
Bandipora, Sep 30: Members of Sherpathri Agro Producers Cooperative Limited, Ganderbal, visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1, SKUAST-K, for exposure to diversified farming practices, innovative crops and emerging agri-entrepreneurship opportunities. The visiting Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) members explored various demonstrations at the KVK, with particular interest in the cultivation of lotus, water chestnut and makhana. They visited the demonstration plots to learn about production practices, crop management and the potential of these crops as alternative livelihood options. The farmers were also introduced to improved vegetable cultivation practices and other crop diversification initiatives being demonstrated at the KVK. A presentation on the activities and achievements of KVK Bandipora-1 highlighted areas including protected cultivation, natural farming, value addition, crop diversification and agri-entrepreneurship. An interactive session followed the presentation, during which the FPO members shared their field experiences and discussed production challenges, market opportunities and the scope for taking up new agricultural enterprises. The interaction also provided a platform for discussing the role of collective action in production, marketing and value addition. Students participating in the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) Programme of the Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K, interacted with the visiting farmers and learned about the functioning of farmer collectives and the practical challenges faced by farmers. The interaction also facilitated an exchange of views on agricultural production, diversification and entrepreneurship. Dr. Tariq Sultan, Programme Coordinator, KVK Bandipora-1, emphasized the importance of crop diversification, adoption of improved technologies, collective marketing and value addition for strengthening farm-based livelihoods. He highlighted the role of KVKs in providing technology backstopping, capacity building and exposure to emerging agricultural enterprises. The visit provided the FPO members an opportunity to observe field-level demonstrations and assess the scope of diversified and value-added agricultural activities for adoption in their respective areas.
No primary school merged in J&K in last 3 years: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that no primary school has been merged or clubbed with another school across the Union Territory during the last three years, while one government primary school in Hiranagar was closed during the period due to zero enrolment. The details were provided in response to an Unstarred Question raised by MLA Vijay Kumar of Hiranagar in the Legislative Assembly regarding the clubbing or merger of government schools. As per the reply, 3,997 schools were merged or clubbed during 2022-23, while no primary school has been clubbed or merged during the last three years in Jammu and Kashmir. The government further that Primary School Nalla Thanger in Zone Sallan was closed during the period because it had zero enrolment. It, however, clarified that no child had been deprived of the right to free and compulsory education because of the closure. On the issue of access to education for children from economically weaker sections, the government said that under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, private schools are required to reserve 25 per cent of entry-level seats for children belonging to economically weaker and disadvantaged sections. The government also said that education in government schools is provided free of cost to children aged 614 years, along with facilities such as free textbooks, uniforms and mid-day meals, besides other entitlements under the RTE Act. Regarding the reopening of schools that have been merged or closed, the government said that opening or reopening of primary schools is considered on the basis of prescribed population, enrolment, distance from existing schools, availability of infrastructure and manpower, as well as the requirements of the local area. It added that proposals for opening or reopening schools would be examined and processed in accordance with prescribed norms and the availability of resources.
Hudh Mata Shrine infra plan yet to take shape: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that no Detailed Project Report (DPR) has so far been prepared or submitted for the development of requisite infrastructure at the Hudh Mata Shrine in Kishtwar district. The information was provided by the Tourism Department in response to an unstarred question raised by Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar in the Legislative Assembly. The Government acknowledged that Hudh Mata Shrine is a prominent religious and pilgrimage destination in Kishtwar, attracting a significant number of devotees and having potential for pilgrimage tourism. However, responding to a query on whether a DPR for infrastructure development at the shrine had been prepared and submitted to the concerned authorities, the Government said that no such DPR had been prepared so far. The Tourism Department said that a project titled Development and Beautification Work at Hud Mata Dachhan had been taken up during 2022-23 at an estimated cost of Rs 15 lakh. The work was subsequently allotted for Rs 13.12 lakh and has been physically completed during the current financial year. On the proposed comprehensive infrastructure development, the Government said the DPR would be processed shortly after an assessment of its feasibility.
MoHUA returns Sgr, Jmu Metro proposals: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 30: The Centre has returned the proposals for Metro projects in Srinagar and Jammu, observing that e-buses could be a more cost-effective mass transport solution for the two cities, the government said on Tuesday. In a written reply to a Question by MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, the government said traffic congestion in Srinagar had increased substantially in recent years due to population growth, rising vehicle ownership and commercial activity, coupled with inadequate road capacity. The government said the feasibility of introducing a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) in Srinagar had been examined and a Srinagar Metrolite Project, envisaged as a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, was proposed. Its Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared, finalised and submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for consideration. However, the Ministry observed that the planned corridors of the Srinagar and Jammu Metrolite projects were fully elevated. As per the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, LRT is generally an at-grade rail-based mass transit system segregated from the main carriageway. The Ministry observed that the cost advantage of Metrolite was likely to be achieved where such systems were planned at grade. It further observed that for cities like Srinagar and Jammu, e-buses may be a more cost-effective transport solution. Accordingly, the proposals of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for the Metrolite Projects in Srinagar and Jammu were returned by MoHUA, the reply stated. Meanwhile, the Government said several locations proposed for improved public transport under the Srinagar plan are already covered under public transport with optimal bus frequencies. Further augmentation of additional buses has been proposed under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. The reply was issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department in response to questions on congestion, feasibility of mass rapid transit and a proposed comprehensive study covering major corridors of Srinagar.
WKH DC orders probe into nurse recruitment after bribery allegations
Shillong, Sep 30: The alleged irregularities in the recruitment for contractual nurses at the Maternity and Child Health Hospital in Nongstoi has triggered a political and administrative row, with the Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills constituting a formal inquiry into the process. Final results of the recruitment process will be withheld until the probe [] The post WKH DC orders probe into nurse recruitment after bribery allegations first appeared on Highland Post .
369 recruitment exams held by JKPSC, JKSSB in 3 years
Srinagar, Sep 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) conducted a total of 369 recruitment examinations involving 15,964 advertised posts during the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 and the period up to April 1, 2026, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. According to the data, the JKPSC conducted 245 recruitment examinations involving 4,961 advertised posts. It received 2,76,065 applications, while 1,85,808 candidates appeared in the examinations. The Commission collected Rs 24.42 crore in application fees. The JKSSB, meanwhile, conducted 124 examinations involving 11,003 advertised posts. It received 18,36,056 applications, with 9,38,777 candidates appearing. The Board collected Rs 89.49 crore in application fees, of which Rs 1.35 crore was refundable. The data covers examinations conducted in 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 and, in the case of JKPSC, examinations up to April 1, 2026. On postponed or cancelled examinations, the government said one JKPSC examination was cancelled, while 38 examinations remained pending. The Commission had collected Rs 28.76 lakh in fees in respect of the relevant cancelled/postponed examinations. The government said JKPSC, with assistance from NIC, is developing an online mechanism for refunding fees in case of withdrawal of posts or multiple payments. The mechanism is likely to become operational shortly. It added that the J&K PSC Conduct of Examination Rules, 2022 provide for refund of fee in cases including death of a candidate prior to the examination and multiple payments. For JKSSB, nine examinations were postponed in 2024-25 and three in 2025-26, with no pending examinations shown in the data. The government said refunds are processed on the Board's formal withdrawal of posts by the concerned department.
Meghalaya Bar to boycott courts from today over AG row
Shillong, Sep 30: Lawyers in Meghalaya will abstain from all judicial work from October 1 till the state government removes Amit Kumar as Advocate General. The Joint Executive Committee of the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and Shillong Bar Association took the unanimous decision at an emergent meeting Wednesday, in pursuance of the August [] The post Meghalaya Bar to boycott courts from today over AG row first appeared on Highland Post .
Labour Dept detects use of fraudulent migrant worker paperwork
Shillong, Sep 30: The Labour Department has detected fraudulent registration certificates and acknowledgement slips under the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers (MIRSS) Act being produced at various check gates and other areas of the state. Labour Commissioner Banteilang Kharshardi said various fraudulent certificates are being generated and passed off as genuine [] The post Labour Dept detects use of fraudulent migrant worker paperwork first appeared on Highland Post .
Social audit flags gaps in Khyndailad hawkers market records
Shillong, Sep 30: A CAG-CRISP pilot social audit of the Khyndailad MUDA Hawkers Market has flagged gaps in vendor records, Certificate of Vending, stall allocation and livelihood support. The findings were placed at a public hearing at Bangiya Sahitya Parishad Hall on Tuesday-Wednesday after field verification from September 25 to 29 by the facilitation team [] The post Social audit flags gaps in Khyndailad hawkers market records first appeared on Highland Post .
Shillong, Sep 30: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) state youth wing today submitted its suggestions on the draft Meghalaya State Agriculture Policy 2026 to Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Timothy D Shira. In a memorandum the VPP youth wing suggested setting up solar-powered cold storage in every district with 80 per cent subsidy [] The post License all middlemen: VPPs suggestion for State Agri Policy first appeared on Highland Post .
Tura Medical College still short 60 teaching staff
Shillong, Sep 30: Tura Medical College is still far from being operationalised as recruitment of teaching staff is well below prescribed norms. The National Medical Commission has prescribed a strength of 97 teaching staff for an annual intake of 50 MBBS seats. However, despite three rounds of advertisements and consultations with local doctors, only 37 [] The post Tura Medical College still short 60 teaching staff first appeared on Highland Post .
Bolarum arms theft accused claims eight others helped him steal the cache
Mallesh allegedly planned to sell the stolen arms and ammunition after the theft. Now police have opened a fresh line of investigation into prospective buyers
Unseemly scenes were witnessed in the Deputy Commissioners office in Nongstoin on Tuesday and Wednesday in a row over the hiring process of contractual nurses. The local MDC,Juristman Iawphniaw, is right as an elected representative to have raised theissue when he came to know about alleged bribery to secure jobs but there is a huge [] The post Nursing Row: DC vs VPP first appeared on Highland Post .
Women Farmers Slipping through Cracks Despite Feminization of Indian Agriculture
ByMeghna Sarma, Rachita Badajena, Prajekta Thakuria & Sonam Kumari Despite the 40% contribution of women to the agri-food systems worldwide, they are not counted at par with their male counterparts in the agriculture sector and here India being on the same page, has miles to go to recognize her daughters in the system. According to [] The post Women Farmers Slipping through Cracks Despite Feminization of Indian Agriculture first appeared on Highland Post .
Editor, I write this not as an expert, not as an academic, and certainly not as someone who has anything against the Meghalaya Public Service Commission. I write this as an aspirant who is tired. Tired after months of preparation. Tired after countless sleepless nights. Tired after reading the Constitution, economics, history, geography, environment and [] The post Dear MPSC, Yours Truly A Disheartened Civil Service Aspirant first appeared on Highland Post .
After 10 years, The F16s return with their new album, All Dogs Go To Heaven
The Chennai indie-rock quartet talks about growing older, going solo, getting naked for an album cover and learning to trust its instincts
U.S. Supreme Court clears way for Tennessee woman's imminent execution
A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court late on September 30 cleared the way for Christa Pike to be given a lethal injection after hours of dramatic legal wrangling up and down the judicial system
Indias river interlinks may carry invasive species to more areas
The Lower Ganga basin hosts 13-15 invasive alien species and could become a major source of invasives for the Mahanadi, home to 69 threatened species; water connections under the river interlinking project could also help aquatic pathogens to spread and flatten the unique biota that individual river basins boast today
Punjab Congress chief Warring set to quit, Vijay Inder Singla frontrunner for post
The announcement of a new Punjab Congress chief is expected soon, party sources said
Former SBS General Manager Arrested in Disproportionate Assets Case
Gangtok, September 30 : Former SBS General Manager has been arrested by the Sikkim Vigilance Police in connection with an investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets, corruption and misappropriation of State Bank of Sikkim funds. According to a release issued by the Vigilance Police, the former bank official was arrested on September 28. Searches were [] The post Former SBS General Manager Arrested in Disproportionate Assets Case appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
New Media Policy 2026 to regulate online news platforms: Govt
Srinagar, Sep 30: The government on Wednesday informed the House that under proposed New Media Policy, 2026, adequate provisions for registration and regulation of the Online News Media Platforms have been incorporated to ensure their accountability. This was stated by Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo on behalf of Minister Incharge Information Department in Legislative Assembly, in response to a question raised by Legislator Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri. The Minister informed the House that the issue was discussed in detail during the previous Budget Session 2026 and MLAs across all political parties, highlighted the issue of dissemination of misleading and false information by unregistered and unregulated Digital/Social Media News Channels and the need to fix their accountability. She added that as per the governments commitment to effectively address the issue, the Information Department is soon going to issue New Media Policy, 2026, wherein, besides Print Media, adequate provisions for registration and regulation of the Online News Media Platforms have been incorporated to ensure their accountability. The Minister also said that as per the instructions given in House Committee on Government Assurances meeting recently, headed by Legislator Ali Mohammad Sagar, the Information Department has been asked to come up with a comprehensive guideline/SOP, mandating maintaining of the detailed lists of all unregistered social media news handles in the districts by the respective District Administration and to file cases under the relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (earlier IPC) She added that these new Laws contain explicit provisions to penalize and manage the spread of misinformation, fake news, and provocative content on social media platforms. The Minister also informed that the J&K Home Department has also established the J&K Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (JK4C) as an independent organization under the overall superintendence and control of the Director General of Police, J&K, for coordinating, preventing, detecting and investigating cybercrimes in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. She also informed the House that to keep a check on fake/ misleading News Items appearing in the Print/Electronic/Social Media, the Social Media Cell of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K regularly tracks and examines such news through its dedicated Cell for monitoring of Fake/ Misleading News. As soon as any news item which is found fake or misleading, the Rebuttal of the same is issued through the Social Media handles of the Department on real time basis. It is also ensured that the Rebuttal of the Fake/ Misleading News items is issued for publication in the immediate next edition of the Newspapers, besides uploading of the same on the official website of the DIPR to keep the public informed, she said. The Minister also informed that the proposed J&K Media Policy, 2026, authorizes the DIPR to monitor content for fake news, plagiarism, and unethical/anti-national activities and to de-empanel the media house or withhold release of any government advertisement to such media entities. Besides, if such entities are registered by the Press Registrar General of India under the Press & Registration of Periodicals Act of 2023, their de-registration is recommended under the said Act, she added. Legislators Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kuloo), Tanvir Sadiq, Saifuddin Bhat, Nazir Ahamd Khan (Gurezi), Waheed ur Rehman Parra, R.S Pathania, Nizamuddin Bhat, Pawan Gupta and Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi raised supplementaries.
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LeT commanders killing big blow to terror network: MHA
Srinagar, Sep 30: A senior and wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba commander was killed in an intelligence-led joint operation in the Gurwatkalan area of Khansahib in Budgam district, security officials said on Wednesday, bringing an end to a sustained hunt for the wanted terrorist. The slain terrorist has been identified as Muhammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, security forces had been pursuing Musa for a considerable period and recently put in place a coordinated plan for his neutralisation after receiving technical and human intelligence about his movement and presence in the area. The operation was carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, it said. In a series of posts on X, based on specific intelligence input, a joint search operation was launched by the army, J&K police and the CRPF in the general area of Korag, Yousmarg. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upoun being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was killed, the post read. In another post, the army said: Further to the ongoing operation, during the search early morning in general area Palmaidan, body of Pakistan based LeT terrorist, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa, was recovered along with war like stores. The operation comes weeks after another encounter in the same district in which Musas close associate Yasir alias Abu Talha was killed. As per the officials, Yasir was neutralised on September 4 during Operation Asdhar in the Budgam forests. The proximity of the two operations formed part of the continuing security forces effort to track the group operating in the forested areas of central Kashmir. The MHA in its official statement said that Musas killing completes the neutralisation of a group of four senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commanders who had been operating in J&K in 2022 and had been linked by security agencies to several major attacks. The other three commanders identified by the government were Junaid Bhat, killed in Dachigam in December 2024; Suleman, killed during Operation Mahadev in July 2025; and Yasir, killed in Budgam earlier this month. The government has linked the group to a series of attacks, including the Halan, DKG, Kandi, Shahsitar, Shiv Khori, Gagangir, Bootapathri and Baisaran attacks. The Ministry described Musas killing as a serious setback to the Lashkar-e-Taiba network in J&K. The latest operation also underscores the continued focus of security agencies on the forest belts of central Kashmir, where difficult terrain and mobility have complicated counter-terror operations. The Ministry said the operation formed part of an ongoing, long-sustained counter-terrorism effort, with different security agencies working in coordination across Jammu and Kashmir. With Musas killing, officials said, the four-member senior LeT command group identified as having operated in the region since 2022 has been neutralised. The operation in Budgam comes against the backdrop of intensified searches and encounters in the district in recent weeks, including the September operation in which Yasir was killed, highlighting the continued security focus on the forested upper reaches of the district.
Speaker unfazed by no-confidence motion
Srinagar, Sep 30: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday sought to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) no-confidence motion against him within the bounds of parliamentary disagreement.He said the opposition members were his friends and not enemies and would have an opportunity to point out his faults when the motion is taken up for discussion. BJP has to highlight my faults when discussion on their vote of no-confidence motion will be taken up. They are my friends, not enemies, Rather told reporters after the conclusion of the autumn session. The BJP moved the motion on September 28, seeking Rathers removal from the Speakers post. The notice was submitted by BJP MLA R S Pathania on behalf of party legislators amid a confrontation over the conduct of proceedings and the Houses handling of the statehood resolution. According to the notice, the BJP invoked Section 19(2)(c) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, read with Rule 215 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assembly. The BJP alleged constitutional transgression and disregard of the binding constitutional position, and questioned whether the Speaker had discharged his responsibilities impartially. The move came after BJP members objected to the statehood resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, particularly its references to the 2000 autonomy resolution and earlier resolutions on special status. The protests spilled into Question Hour, with BJP members entering the Well and demanding that Rather vacate the Chair while the removal motion was pending. The BJP also questioned Rathers continuation in the Chair after the motion was submitted, arguing that he should not preside over proceedings while a resolution seeking his removal was before the House. Rather, however, maintained that the motion would be dealt with according to the prescribed Assembly procedure. Reports from the proceedings said he cited the mandatory 14-day notice period before such a motion could be taken up. The procedural disagreement added another layer to an already tense session, with the Speaker and BJP members repeatedly clashing over the conduct of House business. The BJPs motion effectively placed the functioning of the Chair itself on the Assemblys political agenda. The issue, however, did not come up for substantive discussion during the autumn session. With the prescribed process still to run its course, the motion is expected to be taken up at a later stage, when BJP members will have the opportunity to put their objections on record, and the Speakers conduct can be debated in the House. Rathers remarks on Wednesday came as the session ended on a comparatively peaceful note after several stormy sittings. His message was that the political challenge posed by the motion should be treated as part of legislative proceedings rather than a personal dispute. They are my friends, not enemies, Rather said, signalling that despite the sharp confrontation between the Chair and the opposition during the session, he viewed the forthcoming debate as a parliamentary contest over his functioning as Speaker.
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Autumn session unfortunate: LoP Sharma
Srinagar, Sep 30: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Wednesday termed the autumn session of the House unfortunate, accusing the Omar Abdullah-led government of failing to address the issues raised by legislators and people across Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a press conference here after the conclusion of the Assembly session, Sharma said every section of society had entered the session with expectations that its elected representatives would make the government accountable and that some relief or good news would emerge from the House. Every segment of society had some expectations from the Assembly and the government. There was a hope that MLAs would make the government accountable, but the government miserably failed at a time when every segment was waiting for good news from the session, he said. Sharma said the BJP had collected issues from people before the session, including those concerning daily wagers, daily-rated workers, NHM employees, NYCs, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, besides day-to-day issues from different districts. We had collected issues from people on the first day of the session, but the government did not answer a single question. That is why I term this seven-day session as unfortunate, he said. Taking exception to Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs description of the session as fruitful, Sharma asked what, according to him, had made the session fruitful. The LoP also attacked the government over the resolution seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood, alleging that references to autonomy and Article 370 had been brought into the resolution to dilute what the BJP described as the statehood agenda. By adding autonomy and Article 370, you tried to sabotage the BJPs statehood agenda. Who gave you the right to connect 1953 with statehood? Sharma said. He argued that the constitutional changes of 2019 had ended the earlier arrangement and questioned the inclusion of references to the pre-1953 period in the Assembly resolution. Sharma also questioned the Congress over its support to the resolution, asking how the party could support a resolution which, according to him, went beyond a demand for restoration of statehood. I want to ask Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge how his party supported what we consider an unconstitutional resolution in the J&K Assembly, he said. The BJP leader also questioned Speaker Abdul Rahim Rathers decision to allow the resolution to be taken up, saying the party had moved a motion seeking his removal and that the Speaker should step down on moral grounds. The issue has already deepened the confrontation between the BJP and the Chair, with the no-confidence/removal motion against Rather now awaiting consideration under the Assemblys prescribed procedure. Sharma said the BJP had also prepared a dossier titled Promises vs Performance, which, he said, documented the commitments made by the National Conference government and the issues on which the party believes the government had failed to deliver. We have prepared a dossier titled Promises vs Performance. We will submit it to the government. We have highlighted every unfulfilled promise, he said. The dossier, according to Sharma, would cover issues ranging from employment and public services to healthcare and other areas of governance. He cited what he described as a shortage of around 13,000 doctors and paramedics as one of the issues highlighted in the document. This dossier will expose the NC government, he said. Sharma also sought to portray differences expressed by some members of the treasury benches during the session as evidence of dissatisfaction within the ruling side, alleging that the government had failed to meet expectations even among its own legislators. He further alleged that the Chief Secretary and Law Secretary had raised objections to the statehood resolution, a claim that would require confirmation from the relevant official records. Sharma also accused the Chief Minister of violating the oath of secrecy by referring publicly to what legislators had told him. The Chief Minister has taken the oath of secrecy, which means he should not disclose what MLAs tell him. He makes assertions in the House about what MLAs tell him. He has breached the oath of secrecy, Sharma alleged. Turning to the security situation, Sharma said the killing of a foreign terrorist in Budgam reflected what he described as a change in the character of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. He said terrorism was on its death bed and claimed that while local youth had earlier been drawn into militancy, that trend was no longer visible in the same manner, with security forces now targeting foreign terrorists. Very soon the remaining terrorism will also be crushed, he said. In a broader political attack on the Chief Minister, Sharma alleged that Omar Abdullah had followed the political line associated with his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah, and claimed that it would fail. Omar has toed his grandfather Sheikh Abdullahs line, destined to fail, the LoP said.
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Assembly session ends; Speaker calls it fruitful
Srinagar, Sep 30: From heated exchanges, protests and disruptions to a peaceful conclusion, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assemblys autumn session ended on Wednesday, with the Speaker and legislators describing the brief sitting as fruitful and result-oriented despite a stormy start. The session, which began on September 21, witnessed a politically charged opening, with BJP legislators protesting over the governments position on key political issues and repeated confrontations between the treasury benches and the opposition. The demand for restoration of statehood remained a central theme, with sharp exchanges over a resolution moved by the government. The proceedings turned particularly stormy during discussions on the statehood resolution, as BJP members raised objections and protests disrupted the House. The confrontations brought the big political differences between the ruling National Conference-led government and the BJP into sharp focus, at times forcing the Speaker to intervene to restore order. The opening days also saw heated exchanges over public issues, government policies and the conduct of proceedings, with the treasury benches and opposition members trading accusations. However, the House witnessed a comparatively peaceful conclusion on Wednesday, allowing members to wrap up the scheduled proceedings without the kind of disruptions that had marked the initial days. Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the session, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather described it as a result-oriented sitting despite its short duration. Despite the short session, we have recorded a result-oriented session, Rather said. The majority of the MLAs, including those from the treasury benches, made the government answerable and accountable on various public issues. He said that out of 646 questionsreceived, 625 had been answered by the government, highlighting the role of the Assembly in ensuring accountability and providing legislators an opportunity to seek answers on issues affecting their constituencies. Rather said legislators from the treasury benches, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Independent members had sought answers from the government on constituency-specific issues. In my opinion, it was a fruitful session, the Speaker said. The questions raised by members covered a range of public concerns, while calling-attention motions, cut motions and other legislative business provided additional opportunities to question the government and highlight issues requiring its intervention. MLA Zadibal and National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq also termed the session fruitful, saying that despite its short duration, the government had responded to a large number of questions and members had raised public issues through different legislative instruments. The session was short but fruitful, as the government answered scores of questions, while calling-attention motions and cut motions were also taken up, Sadiq said. It was the BJP that lost precious time. We are satisfied with the House proceedings, he said. MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Gurezi also expressed satisfaction with the proceedings, describing the session as fruitful despite its limited duration. MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami also termed the session as result oriented. At least kuch tou huwa (something happened). I believe the session was result oriented, people's issues were raised and addressed as well if not all, he said. The session provided members an opportunity to raise issues concerning their constituencies, seek departmental responses and question the government on matters affecting different sections of society. Employment, regularisation of casual workers, power tariffs, education, public infrastructure and other governance-related matters featured in the proceedings, reflecting the range of concerns brought before the House. The Speakers figures on questions answered underscored the volume of business conducted during the sitting, even as the political confrontations surrounding the statehood resolution remained a defining feature of the session. While the opening days were dominated by protests and sharp political exchanges, the peaceful conclusion offered a contrasting end to the proceedings. The session closed with the ruling alliance and opposition BJP continuing to hold divergent positions on major political questions, but with legislators across party lines having used the House to seek answers on public and constituency-specific concerns.
LG felicitates Pashmina artisans, pledges support
Srinagar, Sep 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said women artisans are not merely participants in this tradition but its silent creators, custodians and heartbeat. The LG graced the Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026, organised by the Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers and Artisans (PEMA) Foundation in Srinagar. He extended heartfelt congratulations to all award winners and the PEMA Foundation for the initiative. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor said the award ceremony is a celebration of Jammu Kashmir's cultural prosperity. He said the awards honour not merely individuals but an entire artistic civilisation of the country that has captivated the world for generations. He invoked the spirit of Bhagwan Vishwakarma, the divine embodiment of craftsmanship, and emphasised that India has always regarded artisanship as sacred knowledge. Highlighting the extraordinary saga of patience and skill behind the Pashmina tradition, the Lieutenant Governor paid special tribute to women artisans, noting their central role in every stage of production, from refining raw fibre to intricate embroidery. He said empowering women artisans safeguards heritage and strengthens the confidence of future generations. The Lieutenant Governor recalled the success of earlier editions of the awards in 2023 and 2025, describing them as rays of hope for the artisan community. He underlined that this year's awards mark a historic milestone, dedicated especially to women artisans whose artistry has given Kashmir's Pashmina its global prestige. The Lieutenant Governor assured artisans of the Government of India's commitment in four key areas: - Fair remuneration and protection of Geographical Indication (GI) tags - Access to global markets through e-commerce, exhibitions and digital platforms - Skill development and welfare, including healthcare, social security and modern design training - Financial inclusion through schemes like MUDRA, Credit Card Scheme and Karkhandar training initiatives He noted that the handloom and handicrafts sector currently provides economic security to 4.60 lakh artisans and their families in the Union Territory, with 18 crafts granted GI tags and a QR-based system developed for authenticity. The Lieutenant Governor urged the artisan community to embrace modern opportunities while preserving traditional excellence, assuring that the Union Territory Administration and PEMA Foundation will work together to strengthen the sector. You should never feel that your work is ordinary. What you are doing is a form of devotion, an act of creation and a noble effort to keep India's cultural memory alive. Whenever a person anywhere in the world carries an original Pashmina product from Jammu Kashmir on their shoulders, they carry with them a part of India's culture and history, the Lieutenant Governor said. Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Former Chairperson, J&K Khadi Village Industries Board; Masrat-ul-Islam, Director, Handloom & Handicrafts Kashmir; Tariq Dar, President, PEMA Foundation; senior officials, members of PEMA Foundation and artisans attended the felicitation ceremony.
Operation Drishti : Indian Army a force of compassion too: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Sep 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that Operation Drishti has strengthened trust between the Army and communities, proving that the Indian Army is not only a force of defence but also a source of compassion and healing. The Lieutenant Governor made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti in Srinagar, marking another milestone in the Indian Army's healthcare outreach in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the LG expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and commended the Indian Army for its dedication. He also appreciated the selfless service of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team. He said that Operation Drishti is a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage and resolve. Sinha said 144 surgeries were successfully performed at the Srinagar camp, while the Tangdhar camp in Kupwara district marked a historic milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp on the border. Despite challenging terrain and constant threat, doctors and soldiers created an underground operation theatre and restored vision to 220 patients in just two days. Those who have seen Tangdhar's geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst the danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope, he said. The Lieutenant Governornoted that modern surgical tools were airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in a region where such facilities were previously unimaginable. Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella and surrounding villages benefited from the camp. This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubtthat where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by the Indian Army, he said. Sinha underscored that the 364 surgeries performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar represent not just medical statistics but transformed lives. He said that under the leadership of the Army's doctors, every surgery became a story of restored dignity and revived hope. At the national level, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations, and more than 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under Operation Drishti. The LG saluted the courage of support staff, Air Force pilots and soldiers who transported equipment, prepared underground theatres and ensured complex surgeries in adverse conditions. The Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust and togetherness, he said. The Lieutenant Governor affirmed that the 11th camp in Srinagar is not the end but a continuation of the journey. He expressed confidence that Operation Drishti will reach more villages and towns across the country, ensuring that quality healthcare is not confined to big cities. He reiterated that the Tangdhar camp serves as an inspiring example for remote areas across India. The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country. This is the resolve of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is being ensured that no citizen is left behind, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, LG Sinha felicitated the doctors and medical staff of the Defence forces for their valuable services during the camp. He also handed over post-operative kits to the beneficiaries. Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chinar Corps; Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital R&R; Brig B.V. Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital, and senior officials of Defence Forces attended the closing ceremony. Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; and Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, were also present.
Sh. Ashok Koul: The Indomitable Spirit of Political Acumen
Politics is often judged through elections, victories, ministerial positions and public visibility, but behind every successful political organisation are individuals whose contributions are measured differently. They build structures, discover workers, identify emerging leaders and prepare organisations for political challenges that may lie years ahead. Sh. Ashok Koul belongs to this category of political organisers. After a long tenure as BJP General Secretary (Organisation) in Jammu and Kashmir, he has relinquished that responsibility, concluding an important phase of his organisational journey. Perhaps the most striking feature of Sh. Ashok Koul's political functioning has been that he was always on the move. For him, organisation was not something to be managed merely from party headquarters. Districts, constituencies, Mandals and booths constituted the real political field. His frequent interactions with grassroots workers reflected a simple organisational philosophy: political strength has to be created from below and maintained through continuous contact with the people who sustain the organisation. His tenure coincided with BJP's emergence as a much larger political force in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu had traditionally provided the party with its principal electoral strength, but developing a wider footprint required organisational work in politically difficult areas as well. This meant identifying workers, developing local leadership and establishing structures even where immediate electoral rewards appeared distant. Sh. Ashok Koul remained closely associated with this process. Kashmir presented the more difficult part of this exercise. It could not simply be approached as an electoral destination during election time. An organisation had to be patiently developed on the ground. Sh. Ashok Koul's engagements in areas ranging from Pulwama to remote Gurez reflected this approach. His method was essentially grassroots-oriented: travel to the constituency, interact with workers, examine organisational weaknesses and strengthen booth-level structures. There was considerable political realism in such an approach. Organisational presence and electoral victory are not synonymous. BJP has developed a greater political presence in Kashmir, although that has not yet translated proportionately into Assembly seats. Political presence has to develop into social acceptability before substantial electoral conversion can take place. An organisation-builder therefore necessarily works on a longer political timeline than a candidate preparing for the next election. Sh. Ashok Koul appeared to understand the distinction between political cultivation and political harvesting. Elections harvest what organisations cultivate over years and sometimes decades. Where the party was already strong, organisational consolidation remained important; where it was weaker, patient groundwork was required. Such work seldom attracts the visibility associated with electoral campaigns, but it provides the organisational foundation upon which campaigns are ultimately fought. His working style also reflected an understanding of the extraordinary diversity of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu plains cannot simply be equated with the Doda region; Poonch-Rajouri has distinctive social and political characteristics; and Kashmir itself contains considerable local variation. Gurez is different from Pulwama just as Doda is different from Jammu city. A political organisation operating across such diversity cannot rely upon one formula imposed from above. Local concerns, social equations and locally acceptable leadership have to remain central to organisational planning. Another important feature of Sh. Ashok Koul's functioning was his emphasis on the ordinary worker. Political parties inevitably develop prominent public faces, but their durability depends upon thousands of workers who may never contest an election or appear on television. His emphasis on booth organisation and direct public contact placed the grassroots worker at the centre of the organisational structure. A strong leadership can provide direction, but it is ultimately the worker who carries that direction to the electorate. The period of Sh. Ashok Koul's organisational responsibility also coincided with some of the most consequential years in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. BJP participated for the first time in government in the erstwhile State through its coalition with the PDP beginning in 2015 and subsequently won 29 seats in the 2024 Assembly elections. These developments obviously cannot be attributed to any single individual. Electoral outcomes are shaped by national leadership, political circumstances, candidates, workers and ultimately the voters themselves. Nevertheless, organisational machinery forms an indispensable part of electoral politics, and Sh. Ashok Koul occupied a central organisational position throughout this period. An organisation man also has to remain away from the temptation of measuring every political effort through immediate personal advancement. Sh. Ashok Koul's public role was largely organisational rather than electoral. His political importance came from working with the structurecoordinating workers, understanding local equations and maintaining communication between different levels of the party. This behind-the-scenes character of organisational politics is often less visible than public leadership, but it can be equally consequential. The real test of an organisation-builder comes when formal responsibility changes hands. Political personalities move from one responsibility to another, but organisations have to continue functioning. If booth structures remain active, workers stay connected, younger leaders emerge and institutional discipline survives, the organisation becomes larger than the individual who helped build it. That continuity is among the most significant legacies an organisational leader can leave behind. Looking to the long organisational experience and contribution of Sh. Ashok Koul to BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, relinquishing one responsibility need not mean the conclusion of his active political contribution. His accumulated understanding of grassroots organisation, regional complexities, social equations and party functioning represents a considerable reservoir of experience. It would therefore be natural for party workers and political observers to watch whether this experience is utilised in another significant and productive assignment in the future. The nature of any such responsibility would, of course, remain a matter for the party leadership to determine. Sh. Ashok Koul's political journey can ultimately be understood through organisational persistence rather than personal electoral ambition. His strength lay in remaining connected with the ground, travelling extensively, understanding workers and recognising that political organisations cannot remain static. Circumstances change, generations change and voter expectations change; an organisation that does not continuously adapt eventually loses touch with society. That perhaps best explains the indomitable spirit behind his political acumen. For Sh. Ashok Koul, there was always another worker to encourage, another organisational weakness to address and another political challenge to understand. Politics was not merely about the next election; it was about preparing the organisation for the years beyond it. One organisational chapter may have concluded, but the experience accumulated over those years remains available for whatever responsibility the future may bring. (The author is the chief spokesperson of the BJP, J&K UT)
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Sajjad Shafi flags Uris education, health, power issues
Srinagar, Sep 30: MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi on Wednesday highlighted a range of tourism, education, health, power and water-related issues concerning his constituency following the conclusion of the sixth session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Addressing a press conference here, Shafi said several issues affecting the people of Uri were raised during the Assembly session and expressed hope that the government would take concrete steps to address the concerns. On tourism, the MLA thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the steps taken towards promoting Uri as a tourism destination. He said his efforts regarding the Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) at Salamabad had yielded results, with the facility now being handed over to the Tourism Department for tourism-related activities. Shafi said the move could help promote border tourism, eco-tourism and pilgrimage tourism in Uri while also creating livelihood opportunities for the local population. The Tourism Department has indicated plans to utilise the Salamabad facility for promoting border tourism and allied tourism activities, he said. The MLA also said several issues concerning education, health, the Power Development Department (PDD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) were raised during the Assembly session. On education, Shafi said concerns regarding infrastructure and shortage of staff were brought to the governments attention. He expressed hope that the identified gaps would be addressed during the coming year. He also referred to his demand for introducing a scheme on the pattern of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) for filling vacant teaching posts in far-flung and remote areas, saying such a mechanism could help address staffing shortages in difficult-to-reach locations. On the Scheduled Tribe (ST)-II issue, Shafi said concerns related to the processing of applications in Uri had also been taken up with the government. He further said the issue of pending payments to contractors who had completed works under the Jal Shakti Department was highlighted during the session. Those contractors who have completed the assigned works should receive their pending payments, he said, stressing the need for timely clearance of legitimate dues. Shafi said the Assembly session provided an opportunity to raise several developmental and public-interest issues concerning the people of Uri and seek government intervention on matters affecting the constituency. He said he would continue to pursue issues related to infrastructure, tourism, education and basic services in Uri.
Manzoor Rather elected radio taxi body president
Srinagar, Sep 30: The JK Radio Taxi Drivers Association has elected Manzoor Ahmad Rather as its new president following the resignation of former president Shabeer Ahmad Basmatti. The presidential election was held on September 27, with other executive posts excluded from the poll. The new executive body will serve a two-year term. Shaheen Ahmad Sheikh has been elected Vice President, Irfan Ahmad Gojri General Secretary, Inayat Bashir Mir Accountant, Majid Altaf Secretary, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat Organizer and Nasir Mukhtar Bhat Public Organizer. The association said elections for all posts would be held again after completion of the two-year term.
AIP, PDP question fire infrastructure in Warwan
Srinagar, Sep 30: The AIP and PDP have questioned the government over the status of fire stations and firefighting equipment promised for Warwan and Marwah after a major fire tragedy in 2024, following another devastating blaze in Mungli village of Warwan, Kishtwar. AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti asked the government to explain why the promised emergency infrastructure had not been put in place nearly two years after the earlier fire. Inam questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the implementation of the assurances and asked who would take responsibility for the absence of fire tenders when the latest blaze broke out. Mehbooba recalled that during his visit to the fire-ravaged area in October 2024, the Chief Minister had announced fire stations in Warwan and Marwah along with an ambulance. Both leaders said the latest fire had again exposed the difficulties faced by residents of the remote area in accessing firefighting and emergency services. Mehbooba said residents were forced to use earth-moving machinery to create firebreaks and help contain the blaze. Inam demanded immediate relief and compensation for affected families and called for a comprehensive rehabilitation package covering temporary shelter, essential supplies, reconstruction of damaged houses and livelihood support. Mehbooba also sought immediate assessment of losses and compensation, besides prefabricated shelters, food, heating and other relief for families whose homes were destroyed, particularly with winter approaching. The leaders called on the government to disclose the status of the fire stations and other emergency infrastructure announced in 2024 and ensure that the commitments are implemented on the ground
Govt sets up councils to boost apprenticeships
Srinagar, Sep 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a Union Territory Apprenticeship Council (UTAC) and a Union Territory Level Implementation Review Committee (UTIRC) to monitor and strengthen the implementation of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) across J&K. The two bodies have been constituted by the General Administration Department through government order no. 1591-JK(GAD) of 2026. The UT Apprenticeship Council, headed by the Minister in-charge of the Skill Development Department, will function as the apex advisory and coordination mechanism for expanding apprenticeship training in the Union Territory. The Administrative Secretary of the Skill Development Department has been designated as Vice-Chairperson, while the UT Apprenticeship Advisor-cum-Director of the department will serve as Member Secretary. The Council includes senior officials from the Power Development, Tourism, Agriculture Production, Finance, Public Works, Food and Civil Supplies, Housing and Urban Development, Cooperatives, Higher Education, School Education, Industries and Commerce, Labour and Employment and Transport departments. Representatives of universities, the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Assistant Apprenticeship Advisors and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) will also be part of the Council. According to the order, the council will provide policy direction for expanding apprenticeship training and facilitate greater participation of industries, MSMEs, industry associations, PSUs and other establishments. It will also work towards aligning apprenticeship opportunities with emerging skill requirements and sectors having employment potential in J&K. The council has been tasked with promoting On-the-Job Training (OJT), Dual System of Training (DST) and apprenticeship-based learning across Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics and other eligible institutions. It will also encourage industries to use apprenticeships as a pathway for training, assessment and subsequent employment or retention of skilled youth, wherever feasible. The government has also assigned the Council the responsibility of facilitating industrial exposure, workplace training and practical learning opportunities for students and trainees. A key focus will be mobilisation of establishments, particularly MSMEs and emerging industries, for registration and engagement of apprentices. The council will also coordinate with District Skill Committees, Employment Offices, ITIs, polytechnics and industry associations to identify and mobilise apprenticeship opportunities at the district level. It will periodically review apprenticeship targets, establishment-wise engagement, sector- and trade-wise opportunities, completion rates and the transition of apprentices into employment. The Council will also examine issues related to registration, contracts, stipends, assessment, certification and employer participation and recommend remedial measures. The government has further directed the Council to facilitate industry participation in identifying emerging trades, occupational requirements, curriculum inputs and future skill needs. The UTAC will also prepare and periodically review a UT-level Annual Apprenticeship Action Plan with measurable targets disaggregated by district, sector, trade and establishment category. The order said special focus would be given to emerging and high-growth sectors relevant to J&K, including manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, IT/ITES, electronics, renewable energy, construction, logistics, healthcare and automotive sectors. The government has simultaneously constituted the Union Territory Level Implementation Review Committee to coordinate and monitor the implementation of NAPS. The committee will be headed by the Administrative Secretary, Skill Development Department, while the Director, Skill Development Department (UT Apprenticeship Advisor), will be its Member Secretary. The committee has a broad representation of government departments, district administration, public sector undertakings, industries, educational institutions and major employers. Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir and all Deputy Commissioners have been included in the committee, along with senior officials from the Skill Development Mission, Mission Yuva, Employment, Industries, Tourism, Health, School Education, Labour and Transport departments. Representatives of major power companies, J&K Tourism Development Corporation, J&K Cable Car Corporation, NHM, municipalities, MSME-DFO, NHPC, Power Grid Corporation, NTPC, CVPPL, Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation and SIDCO and SICOP will also participate. The committee also includes representatives from Railways, NHAI, NHIDCL, NBCC, oil marketing companies, BSNL, telecom companies, Airports Authority of India, J&K Bank and universities. Principals and superintendents of ITIs, polytechnics and the Food Craft Institute, besides Training and Placement Officers, will also be represented. Industry bodies, including the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Industries, J&K, have also been included. It will also examine reports submitted by District Skill Committees and monitor district-wise apprenticeship engagement and performance. It will review awareness and mobilisation activities, with particular emphasis on MSMEs, priority sectors and emerging industries. The committee will identify implementation challenges and recommend measures to improve apprenticeship engagement, training quality and outcomes. It will also report progress, achievements and challenges to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), as required.
Deputy CM says government acted on issues raised in House
Srinagar, Sep 30: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said the government used the brief Autumn Assembly session to take action on issues raised by legislators and give necessary directions to officers. Speaking to reporters on the concluding day of the session, Choudhary said wherever action was required, the government acted, while directions were issued to officers on matters requiring administrative intervention. The session was very small, and our only attempt was to ensure that the issues of the people and the issues raised by the Honourable MLAs receive proper action, he said. The Deputy Chief Minister also thanked the officers and officials of the Assembly Secretariat for working throughout the session and acknowledged the role of the media in covering the proceedings. He said some issues had also been raised by journalists and assured that efforts would be made to address them. Choudhary said all stakeholders, including the government, legislators and the media, have a role in working for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Asked about allegations by the BJP that MLAs had disrupted the proceedings of the House, Choudhary declined to comment on the issue on the last day of the session. Today is the last day. Let him breathe. I don't want to say anything about him today, he said, adding that the matter could be discussed when the next session is held in Jammu. He said he did not want to respond to the BJP's remarks at this stage, stating that the Assembly session had concluded for now.
SDA clarifies status of Sonamarg settlements
Srinagar, Sep 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has clarified that the Master Plan of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) applies to notified areas including Shutkadi, Nilgrath and Sarbal, while proprietary rights of private landowners remain unaffected. The clarification came in response to a starred question raised by Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali in the Legislative Assembly regarding the status of existing settlements and private properties in the Sonamarg area. The government stated that Shutkadi, Nilgrath and Sarbal are existing villages/settlements falling within the notified area of the SDA and were being treated as such prior to the establishment of the authority. It further informed the House that the SDA has undertaken various development and tourism-related works in and around these areas in accordance with its mandate, approved plans and subject to availability of funds. On the legal status of private land, the government said the SDA exercises planning and development control within its notified jurisdiction under SRO-305 dated September 11, 2003, and provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Development Act, 1970. The Master Plan regulates land use and development within the notified area. The proprietary rights of private landowners remain unaffected, the government stated. However, it clarified that construction, repair, renovation, reconstruction or change of land use on private property must conform to the applicable Master Plan, building regulations, environmental norms and other statutory provisions. Such activities would also require prior permission or approval from the competent authority wherever prescribed under law. Responding to concerns over the rights of existing residents, the government said legitimate proprietary rights of landowners in Shutkadi, Nilgrath and Sarbal are recognised, subject to directions and orders of the High Court and applicable statutory provisions. It further stated that repair, renovation or reconstruction of existing residential structures would be permissible under applicable BOCA regulations, the Master Plan, environmental norms and other statutory requirements, subject to obtaining necessary approvals. The government, however, maintained that no construction or development activity would be permitted in violation of High Court directions or any other applicable law.
Fire destroys 8 structures in Kishtwar village
Srinagar, Sep 30: A massive fire damaged eight residential-cum-cowshed structures in remote Mungli village of Warwan in Kishtwar district, highlighting the challenges of firefighting in the mountainous area. The fire broke out around 12:20 am on the intervening night of September 29 and 30. Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) teams were mobilised shortly after receiving the alert, but the difficult terrain and long distance delayed their arrival. The first teams reached the village around 4:50 am. Fire Headquarters Anantnag dispatched two fire engines and a Quick Response Vehicle, while reinforcements were mobilised from Larnoo, Kokernag and Kawarigam. The teams travelled approximately 125 km, 70 km, 90 km and 110 km, respectively, to reach the site. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and carried out cooling operations to prevent its spread and possible re-ignition. No human casualties were reported, but around 40 sheep and 10 cattle perished. The incident has also highlighted the absence of a nearby dedicated fire station in Warwan. F&ES officials said a proposal to establish a fire station in the area is under process. Director General Fire and Emergency Services Alok Kumar urged residents to avoid storing combustible material, firewood and cattle fodder inside or near residential structures. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fisheries students protest over eligibility criteria
Ganderbal, Sep 30: Students of the Faculty of Fisheries at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Rangil, Nagbal, on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest, demanding changes in the existing eligibility criteria for fisheries-related posts. The protesting students said they want the government to amend the provisions under SRO-172 and SRO-296, alleging that graduates from Zoology are also being considered eligible for posts in the fisheries sector. The students argued that fisheries graduates undergo specialised professional education in areas including aquaculture, fish nutrition, fish processing, conservation and other fisheries-related subjects, and therefore sought exclusive eligibility for professional fisheries posts. Drawing a comparison with other professional fields, the students said that posts such as Medical Officer require an MBBS qualification, and similar professional eligibility should be maintained for fisheries-related positions. We want justice for professional fisheries graduates. If students from other streams are made eligible for our posts, there is little purpose in pursuing a specialised fisheries degree, one of the protesting students said. A PhD graduate from the Faculty of Fisheries said he had spent around 11 years pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies, but was still uncertain about employment opportunities in the field. The students also raised concerns over limited recruitment and sought a review of the existing recruitment and promotion structure in the fisheries department. They demanded increased recruitment opportunities for fisheries professionals and said the government should address vacancies in the sector. The protesters further demanded that Fisheries be introduced as a subject at the 10+2 level, arguing that this could increase student intake, promote fisheries education and create additional employment opportunities, including teaching posts. Another student said the existing eligibility rules were outdated and needed revision, adding that similar eligibility changes had reportedly been made in some other regions. The students maintained that their protest was peaceful and appealed to the government to intervene and amend the relevant SROs to safeguard the career prospects of fisheries graduates.
BIS takes 635 students to Jammu exhibition
Jammu, Sep 30: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO), sponsored exposure visits for 635 students from 25 BIS Standard Clubs to the Gatisheel Jammu & Kashmir 2.0 exhibition held in Jammu from September 28 to 30. The initiative was aimed at providing students from schools across the Jammu region, including far-flung and hilly areas, with firsthand exposure to government departments, public sector undertakings, agencies and other organisations participating in the exhibition. On the third day, 254 students from nine BIS Standard Clubs participated in the exposure visit. The students visited various exhibition stalls and learned about products, technologies, services and developmental initiatives showcased by participating organisations. The students also visited the Jammu & Kashmir Referral Assaying Laboratory at Bari Brahmana, where they were briefed about gold testing, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, assaying, parting and hallmarking processes. The laboratory visit introduced students to scientific methods used to determine the quality and purity of precious metals and highlighted the role of hallmarking in protecting consumer interests. During the exhibition, BIS Scientist-C and Deputy Director Saaqib Raahi interacted with visitors and students and briefed them about the Bureaus activities, including the BIS Standard Club programme and promotion initiatives. The BIS stall was also visited by Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, who appreciated the Bureaus efforts to promote awareness about standards, quality and safety among students. BIS officials Ashish Dwivedi, Standard Promotion Officer, and Sumit Kashyap, Consultant, briefed visitors about standardisation, conformity assessment, BIS certification, hallmarking, consumer awareness and the BIS Care App. The BIS stall displayed information on Indian Standards, the ISI Mark, hallmarking and quality-conscious consumer practices. The three-day programme saw participation from students representing schools in Doda, Rajouri, Ramban, Kishtwar, Kathua and Jammu. BIS said the exposure visits were intended to help students connect classroom learning with practical applications and understand the importance of standards, quality and safety in everyday life.
Over 2.25 lakh added to ration cards
Srinagar: As many as 2,25,360 beneficiaries have been added to the ration card system in Jammu and Kashmir, while 56,664 beneficiaries have been deleted since January 1, 2026 , according to figures provided by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. While providing reply to Starred question raised by the MLA Payare Lal Sharma, the Government said 1,50,211 PHH beneficiaries, 65,260 NPHH beneficiaries and 9,889 AAY beneficiaries added across the Union Territory during the period. Against this, 11,484 AAY, 20,525 PHH and 24,655 NPHH beneficiaries were deleted, taking the total deletions to 56,664. The Jammu division recorded 1,36,939 additions, comprising 1,261 AAY, 90,770 PHH and 44,908 NPHH beneficiaries. The division also recorded 34,950 deletions 8,611 AAY, 11,632 PHH and 14,707 NPHH. Among Jammu division districts, Samba recorded 8,559 PHH deletions, the highest in that category, while Kishtwar recorded 10,426 NPHH deletions**. The Kashmir division recorded 88,421 new beneficiaries, including 8,628 AAY, 59,441 PHH and 20,352 NPHH beneficiaries. The division reported 21,714 deletions, comprising 2,873 AAY, 8,893 PHH and 9,948 NPHH beneficiaries. In Anantnag, 17, 447 beneficiaries were added1,089 AAY, 13,111 PHH and 3,247 NPHHwhile 7,259 beneficiaries were deleted, including 403 AAY, 4,895 PHH and 1,961 NPHH. In its reply, the Department said it had achieved 100 per cent Aadhaar seeding of ration cards. It said verification and correction of beneficiary details are carried out at the beneficiary level and that ration cards are categorised according to prescribed norms. The Department said cards identified as Silent Ration Cards during verification are not deleted outright but are kept under suspension for the prescribed period. Such cards are restored after the concerned beneficiary or family approaches the department and the case is examined on merit. The government also stated that, with special reference to the Inderwal constituency, no ration card had been found fake, duplicate, invalid or cancelled/deleted during the verification process conducted by the District/Kishtwar administration. The official shows that in Inderwal constituency, 3,937 PHH beneficiaries were added, while 128 AAY and 522 NPHH beneficiaries were deleted during the period. Responding to a query on whether deleted ration cards had been replaced by Chulha Parchi, the department said eligibility is determined in accordance with S.O. 389 of 2021 and not on the basis of Chulha Parchi. The department further said that beneficiaries are being identified according to criteria laid down in the NFSA Rules, 2021, notified vide S.O. 389 dated November 16, 2021. It said ration-card targets are determined and assigned by the Government of India and that beneficiary families are identified on the basis of Census 2011, with fresh ration cards issued under newly revised targets.
Speaker sets 15-day deadline for new Car Policy
Srinagar, Sep 30: Taking serious note of the prolonged delay in finalising the new Car Policy, Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday directed the government to ensure that the policy is finalised and notified within 15 days. The direction came after Transport Minister, Satish Sharma presented the status report on the Car Policy, saying that the department would undertake necessary inter-departmental consultations and complete the requisite formalities for finalisation of the policy. It is pertinent to mention that the Speaker had earlier taken note of the prolonged delay in formulation of the new Car Policy and directed the concerned Minister to submit a status report on the matter in the ongoing session The new Car Policy should be finalised and notified within 15 days. This matter should not be allowed to remain pending any further. The complaints regarding misuse of public resources are a matter of serious concern and underscore the need for clear and updated rules governing the entitlement and use of Government vehicles, Speaker said. The Speaker remarked that he would not hesitate to term the use of multiple Government vehicles beyond the prescribed entitlement as misuse of public resources. He, however, clarified that the issue was not against Government officers, who should be provided the vehicles and facilities to which they are legitimately entitled under the prescribed rules. In his observations, the Speaker said that the matter had been moving from one department to another for nearly five years despite the importance of the issue. He stressed the need for expeditious finalisation of the policy, particularly in view of concerns regarding the proper and judicious use of public resources. The Speaker observed that the Government had already accepted in principle the need for introducing a new Car Policy and questioned the repeated movement of the proposal between departments, including the need for sending the matter back to the Finance Department. He emphasised that the entitlement of Government functionaries should be clearly defined under a comprehensive policy and that there should be no further delay in finalising the matter.
Govt forms panel to regularise temporary workers
Srinagar, Sept 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that the issue of regularisation of casual, seasonal, contractual, need-based and other temporary workers is under comprehensive examination, with 1,00,501 workers having their particulars registered through the online Aadhaar-based biometric identification and skill-profiling exercise. The information was provided by the government in response to a starred question raised by MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma in the Legislative Assembly regarding the department-wise and district-wise status of daily-wage workers and their regularisation. According to the government, the registered workforce includes 69,696 casual labourers, 8,534 part-time workers, 8,836 daily-rated/work-charged employees, 3,092 seasonal labourers, 156 CIC operators, 5,757 persons engaged on Hospital Development Funds, 1,929 hamals/drivers of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, 2,153 sweepers and 348 persons working as prison/settlement assistants, among other categories. The government said a committee was constituted through Government Order No. 384-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated March 29, 2025, to examine the issue relating to casual, seasonal and other temporary, contractual and need-based workers engaged across different departments. The committee is examining the nature and duration of engagements, mode of appointment, eligibility of workers, availability of sanctioned posts, applicability of recruitment rules, financial implications and the legal position governing regularisation. The government said the matter involves multiple categories of workers engaged under different terms and conditions over the years and therefore requires a comprehensive approach. Since the issue involves ramifications across a number of Government Departments, the government said, the matter is being examined with the objective of arriving at a uniform, legally sustainable and administratively workable approach. On pending wages and remuneration, the government said different departments have engaged daily-rated workers and other categories based on operational requirements and guidelines of Central programmes. It stated that wages are being paid according to the applicable guidelines and terms and conditions, while daily-rated and casual labourers are being paid as per the minimum wages notified by the Government. Funds for the current financial year have also been released to concerned departments to ensure timely disbursement of wages. On the long-pending demands of workers, the government said it was conscious of the need for a structured and sustainable resolution and that the matter remained under active consideration. However, it declined to provide a fixed timeline for a regularisation policy, citing the multiplicity of categories and the legal, administrative and financial implications involved. The government said a final policy decision would be taken after examination of all relevant aspects and receipt of inputs from departments and authorities, in accordance with the legal and constitutional framework and principles of fairness, transparency and financial sustainability. The district-wise data annexed with the government reply also records the registered casual and other workers across districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Ganderbal, Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Jammu, Srinagar, Kupwara, Pulwama, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Shopian, Ramban, Reasi, Samba and Udhampur, besides Ladakh districts and personnel working in the Civil Secretariat/New Delhi.
Armys Operation Drishti in Kashmirs border areas a milestone: J&K L-G Manoj Sinha
Mr. Sinha said theOperation Drishti was a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage, and resolve
Use It or Lose It: Why Your Phone Is Quietly Dulling Your Mind
Think back to the last time you solved a tough riddle, mastered a difficult song, or spent hours lost in a creative project. Remember that sharp, electric feeling in your chest when everything finally clicked? That was not just satisfaction. That was your brain firing on all cylinders, drenching your neural networks in natural dopamine. The human brain is a masterpiece of biological engineering. With roughly 86 billion neurons firing signals at hundreds of miles per hour, it is built to adapt, solve, build, and conquer. So why does everyday life suddenly feel so remarkably dull? Look around any room, bus, or coffee shop. We have systematically traded high-potency thinking for cheap digital convenience. Instead of letting our minds stretch and work, we have surrendered our cognitive abilities to glowing glass rectangles. We do not memorise phone numbers anymore. We do not navigate by memory or landmark. We open a calculator app to double-check simple addition like 14 + 18. Our brains run on a strict, unrelenting biological rule: use it or lose it. Scientists call this neuroplasticity, but in this case, it is happening in reverse. Every time you outsource a simple calculation, Google an answer instantly instead of thinking it through, or reach for a short video the moment you feel two seconds of boredom, a neural pathway goes quiet. We are actively training our minds to become passive, easily distracted, and mentally soft. Smartphones do not make our brains sharp; they exploit our brain's reward system. Every notification, swipe, and refresh button triggers a micro-dose of dopamine. Because you did not earn it through effort, problem-solving, or creativity, it leaves behind a deep sense of mental fatigue. It is the biological equivalent of eating candy for every meal. It fills you up fast, but leaves your mind starved of real nourishment. Over time, your attention span shrinks, your focus fragments, and even simple mental tasks start to feel like overwhelming chores. The good news is that your brain craves a genuine challenge. It wants to build, figure things out, and be dazzled. You cannot download that feeling, because you have to earn it through real action. Think about hands-on hobbies like painting, playing an instrument, solving complex puzzles, writing, coding, or learning a new physical skill. When you engage in these activities, your brain lights up like a city skyline. Your motor cortex, spatial reasoning, memory, and creative centres are forced to synchronise. Psychologists call this deep engagement the state of flow. It releases a clean, sustainable mix of focus-enhancing neurochemicals. Instead of feeling drained like you do after an hour of endless scrolling, a good session with a real hobby leaves you feeling energised, sharp, and deeply satisfied. Your brain is far too powerful to be relegated to a passive receiver for short-form content and instant calculations. Letting it grow sluggish under the constant glow of a smartphone is a quiet tragedy. The next time you catch yourself reaching for your phone out of pure reflex, pause. Do the quick math in your head. Pick up a sketchbook, an instrument, a challenging book, or a blank page. Give your mind something real to bite into, and watch how fast the spark comes back. (The author is a columnist)
Thiruvananthapuram witnesses tense moments following Youth Congress-SFI clash
Violence erupts during a Youth Congress march towards Statue Junction on Wednesday evening seeking resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. YC, SFI activists blame each other for throwing stones and bottles
PDP moves privilege motion against J&K Chief Secretary, Law Secretary
Martin Luther King Jr. and the Sufi Renaissance of Kashmir
The history of humanity is illuminated by those extraordinary souls who transcend the barriers of religion, race, nationality and social hierarchy to proclaim the inviolable dignity of every human being. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Ded, Hazrat Bulbulshah and Amir-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamdani belong, in their respective historical and spiritual contexts, to a larger civilizational conversation about justice, compassion, equality and the moral transformation of society. Though separated by centuries, geographical distances and distinct religious traditions, their teachings invite us to contemplate a universal truth: no civilisation can attain its highest glory unless it recognises the humanity of every individual. The philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr., the celebrated American civil rights leader, finds meaningful points of convergence with the Sufi conception of Renhumanityand the spiritual renaissance associated with fourteenth-century Kashmir. This comparison is not a claim that King directly inherited his philosophy from Kashmiri Sufis. Rather, it is an exploration of a profound ethical affinity between movements that challenged injustice through moral courage, spiritual conviction, non-violence and an unwavering belief in human equality. King's philosophy drew upon Christian teachings of love, the intellectual tradition of non-violent resistance and, decisively, the example of Mahatma Gandhi. He understood non-violence not as passive submission but as active moral resistance: a disciplined refusal to reproduce the hatred and cruelty of the oppressor. His vision of the Beloved Community represented a society in which reconciliation would overcome racial antagonism, and justice would become the foundation of social relationships. For King, peace without justice was incomplete, and freedom without equality was an unfulfilled promise. It is precisely here that his philosophy resonates with the humanistic traditions of Kashmir. The Kashmiri Sufi and Rishi traditions, expressed through spiritual practice, poetry, service and the rejection of ego, likewise sought to transform human relationships by placing compassion above prejudice and the dignity of the soul above inherited divisions. The humanistic significance of this encounter can be interpreted through the idea of Renhumanitywhich I regard as a foundational principle of Kashmir's spiritual renaissance. Ren signifies the recognition that human worth cannot be determined by religious affiliation, caste, ethnicity, social status or political power. It calls upon individuals to cultivate compassion, humility, mutual respect and a sense of shared human destiny. The concept is especially relevant when studying Kashmir's pluralistic heritage. Its Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions developed through complex historical encounters, sometimes marked by harmony and sometimes by conflict. Yet the region's spiritual literature preserves enduring aspirations towards coexistence and the transcendence of narrow identities. Bulbulshah's legacy, viewed through this framework, becomes part of a broader story of spiritual dialogue: the possibility that religious transformation and social solidarity can coexist without diminishing the humanity of those who follow different paths. Lal Ded: The Poetic Voice of Universal Humanity If Bulbulshah represents an important chapter in Kashmir's Sufi history, Lal Ded, the fourteenth-century mystic poetess, represents one of its most compelling expressions of spiritual universality. Her vakhs, or poetic utterances, transcend the boundaries of formal religious identity and invite humanity to recognise the divine presence in all existence. Her celebrated verse, commonly translated as Shiva dwells in every place, do not discriminate between a Hindu and a Muslim, expresses a spiritual vision in which the divisions created by human beings cannot diminish the underlying unity of existence. Scholars have identified love, compassion, tolerance, equality and fraternity as central humanistic values in the philosophical interpretation of her poetry. Lal Ded's message bears a striking resemblance to the ethical foundations of King's philosophy. Both challenge the human tendency to construct hierarchies of worth and to treat difference as a justification for exclusion. Both invite us to look beyond outward identities and recognise the deeper moral obligations that bind human beings together. In this sense, Kashmir's spiritual renaissance was not merely a religious development. It was also a literary and cultural awakening in which poetry became a vehicle for ethical reflection, social understanding and the articulation of a shared human destiny. Shah Hamdan and the Wisdom of Chihil Asrar Amir-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, affectionately remembered as Shah Hamdan, occupies another important position in Kashmir's spiritual and intellectual history. His arrival in Kashmir in the fourteenth century is traditionally associated with the expansion of Sufi teachings, Persian literary culture, religious learning and ethical discipline. His spiritual legacy, together with the tradition of Chihil Asrarliterally, Forty Secretsinvites reflection on the inward dimensions of faith. The precise authorship and textual history of particular works should be established through manuscript-based scholarship, but the broader ethical significance of the Hamadani tradition is unmistakable: spirituality requires self-discipline, humility, responsibility and the purification of the heart. For Kashmir, these teachings became part of a wider civilizational encounter involving indigenous Shaivite thought, Buddhist inheritances, Sufi spirituality and the Rishi tradition. The ideal of Ren, as articulated in my interpretation of Kashmir's humanistic heritage, offers a conceptual bridge between these traditions. Ren does not require the erasure of religious differences. Rather, it demands that differences never become an excuse to deny another person's dignity. Rinchan Shah, Kota Rani and the Historical Complexity of Kashmir The story of Sultan Sadruddin Rinchan Shah and his association with Bulbulshah provides a powerful point of departure for examining the relationship between spiritual conviction and political authority. Historical accounts identify Rinchan as a ruler of Ladakhi or Tibetan Buddhist background who embraced Islam and became associated with Bulbulshah. His life reminds us that the religious history of Kashmir cannot be reduced to a single narrative of uninterrupted uniformity. It involved individual decisions, changing political circumstances, intellectual exchanges and the interaction of diverse communities. Begum Sultana Kota Rani, remembered in Kashmir's historical tradition as a remarkable queen, also occupies an important place in the valley's political memory. Her story invites us to examine leadership, courage and the role of women in Kashmir's past. A chronological distinction is necessary here: Padmasambhava, the renowned Buddhist master associated with the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet, lived centuries before Rinchan Shah. They should not be identified as the same person. Nevertheless, Buddhist heritage, Rinchan's personal history and the region's Hindu traditions can all be examined within the wider history of Kashmir's civilizational diversity. The ideal society associated with Kashmir's spiritual renaissance should therefore be understood as a humanistic aspiration and a cultural interpretation, rather than as a claim that historical Kashmir was free from conflict or that every community experienced perfect equality. Its enduring significance lies in the possibility of transforming diversity into a source of mutual enrichment. Gandhi's Kashmir Experience and the Ray of Spirit Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Kashmir in August 1947 offers a particularly meaningful connection between Kashmir's humanistic traditions and the modern struggle for communal harmony. India was approaching independence amid Partition, displacement and communal violence. The question of how Hindus, Muslims and other communities could live together peacefully had become one of the most urgent moral challenges of the age. Gandhi's commitment to communal harmony and non-violence provided an ethical response to this crisis. His engagement with Kashmir during this turbulent period can be understood as part of his wider concern for the protection of human life, religious coexistence and the moral responsibilities of political leadership. In interpreting this episode, I see Kashmir's inherited traditions of Ren, Sufiyat and Rishi spirituality as a possible ray of hope: a reminder that the valley's cultural memory contained resources for reconciliation even when contemporary circumstances threatened to divide its people. This is not to suggest that Kashmir had escaped communal tensions or that its historical traditions automatically resolved the conflicts of 1947. Rather, the significance lies in the continuing possibility of drawing upon its pluralistic heritage to oppose hatred and restore trust. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Pilgrimage to India Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, arrived in India in February 1959, accompanied by the American scholar Lawrence Dunbar Reddick. Their visit lasted approximately a month and was intended to deepen King's understanding of Gandhi's philosophy and the methods of non-violent social change. In July 1959, King published his reflections in Ebony magazine under the title My Trip to the Land of Gandhi. The article reveals the depth of his interest in India's experience of non-violent resistance. He recalled how Gandhi had served as the guiding light of the Montgomery bus boycott and expressed concern about economic inequality and the unfinished work of social justice. King's visit was not simply a journey of admiration. It was an intellectual and moral encounter with a method of resistance that sought to confront injustice without surrendering to hatred. Gandhi had demonstrated that non-violence could become a disciplined instrument of political struggle. King adapted this inheritance to the American civil rights movement, where racial segregation and discriminatory institutions denied African Americans equal rights. The connection with Kashmir's Sufi and Rishi traditions is philosophical rather than a documented chain of direct influence. There is no established evidence that King drew his ideas specifically from Bulbulshah or Lal Ded. Yet the comparison remains illuminating: different societies, confronting different forms of division, produced spiritual and ethical traditions that placed human dignity at the centre of social transformation. From Kashmir's Renaissance to a Universal Renaissance of Humanity The lesson connecting King, Gandhi, Bulbulshah and Lal Ded is not that their teachings were identical. Their religious foundations, historical circumstances and methods differed. Their shared significance lies in the moral questions they compel us to confront. Can religion become a force for reconciliation rather than division? Can political authority serve the vulnerable rather than perpetuate exclusion? Can communities preserve their distinctive identities while recognising the equal dignity of others? King's Beloved Community, Gandhi's non-violence, Bulbulshah's spiritual legacy and Lal Ded's poetic universalism offer different approaches to these enduring questions. For contemporary Kashmir, Ren must become more than a historical expression. It must find practical meaning in equal citizenship, respect for religious freedom, the protection of minorities, the rejection of discrimination and the preservation of shared cultural heritage. These principles can also be extended to a global dialogue among Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh and other communities. The renaissance of humanity begins when compassion becomes stronger than prejudice and justice becomes more enduring than revenge. As I, Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, understand Kashmir's spiritual inheritance, the concept of Ren provides a framework through which its diverse traditions may speak to the modern world. It connects the valley's Sufi and Rishi heritage with the universal aspirations embodied in Gandhi's non-violence and Martin Luther King Jr.'s struggle for racial justice. The ultimate message is simple yet demanding: humanity must remain greater than the divisions through which we define ourselves. A civilisation is not measured merely by its monuments, kingdoms, conquests or material achievements. Its true stature is revealed by the dignity it affords the weakest, the justice it extends to the excluded and the compassion it preserves for those who differ from it. That is the enduring promise of Ren. That is the moral horizon of Kashmir's spiritual renaissance. And that is the universal human aspiration that brings Martin Luther King Jr.'s struggle into meaningful conversation with the Sufi wisdom of Kashmir. (The Author is Chairman, Kings Gandhi Foundation, Kashmir)
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