Baltal Transforms into Festival of Faith
Baltal, Pahalgam: The second day of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra witnessed Baltal transform into a vibrant hub of devotion, celebration and economic activity, as thousands of pilgrims continued their journey to the Holy Cave Shrine of Baba Barfani amid pleasant weather and elaborate arrangements. From the Baltal Base Camp to the Holy Cave, and along the traditional Pahalgam route beginning at Nunwan Base Camp, an unmistakable festive atmosphere has taken over. The chants of devotees, bustling camps, busy markets and smiling faces of people associated with the pilgrimage together paint a picture of faith blending seamlessly with livelihood. For thousands of local residents, the annual pilgrimage is much more than a religious eventit is their most important source of income. Pony owners, pithoo (porters), palki and dandi carriers, tent operators, shopkeepers, food vendors and volunteers running free community kitchens (langars) are all witnessing brisk activity as the number of pilgrims steadily increases. The administration has stated that more than 20,000 pilgrims have already paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji in the initial days of the pilgrimage, with the figure expected to rise further in the coming days. The growing influx of pilgrims has brought renewed optimism among locals whose livelihoods depend on the Yatra. Mohammad Afzal, a tent operator at Baltal, said he sets up his tents every year because the pilgrimage is the primary source of livelihood for his family. He expressed happiness over the increasing number of devotees and hoped the pilgrimage would continue peacefully with a larger turnout. Similarly, Noor Mohammad, a pithoo working along the Baltal route, said the Yatra provides employment to hundreds of local youth every year. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities created by the pilgrimage and wished for even more devotees to visit the Holy Cave this season. Not only Baltal, but the surroundings of the Holy Cave itself are witnessing remarkable activity. Tent accommodations, free langars and essential services are operating round the clock to ensure pilgrims receive food, shelter and assistance during their spiritual journey. The Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam and the entire traditional route leading to the Holy Cave are also witnessing a similar festive spirit, with pilgrims moving enthusiastically towards the sacred shrine amid favourable weather conditions.
DGP orders heightened vigil during Amarnath Yatra
Stresses people-friendly policing for pilgrims Srinagar, July 4: Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Saturday directed security forces to intensify surveillance and maintain a close watch on anti-peace elements across Jammu and Kashmir to prevent any attempt to disrupt peace during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Chairing a Union Territory-wide security review meeting at the Police Control Room in Srinagar, the DGP also reviewed the security and logistical arrangements for the annual pilgrimage and stressed the need for heightened vigilance and seamless coordination among all agencies. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the J&K Police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies, Traffic Police, Railway Police and other security organisations. During the meeting, officers reviewed security deployment, traffic management plans and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The DGP directed all agencies to maintain a high level of operational preparedness, strengthen inter-agency coordination and intensify area domination and night patrolling along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, critical road corridors and the Yatra routes. He also asked field formations to enhance surveillance and maintain close watch on anti-peace elements across the Union Territory. Prabhat instructed officers to ensure strict verification of pilgrims' credentials and effective use of the RFID-based tracking system for real-time monitoring of registered yatris. He also directed authorities to deal with unregistered pilgrims in coordination with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board while ensuring adherence to prescribed registration protocols. Reviewing disaster preparedness, the DGP stressed the need to keep contingency plans and adequate resources in place to respond to weather-related emergencies, including evacuation, shelter and medical assistance for pilgrims. He also called for people-friendly policing and directed officers to remain accessible and responsive to the needs of pilgrims and tourists throughout the Yatra. Expressing confidence in the coordinated efforts of all security agencies, the DGP said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 would continue to be conducted in a safe, peaceful and secure manner.
FIR filed over woman's death at IVF centre
Investigation underway; records seized from centre: Officials Srinagar, July 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the death of a 35-year-old woman from Baramulla who died on July 1 during a medical procedure at Harkaar IVF & Maternity Centre in Hyderpora. Health officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered and that police are investigating all aspects and circumstances that led to the woman's death. The deceased, a resident of Darwa village in Wagoora, Baramulla, had visited the IVF centre for treatment. Her death sparked massive protests by her family members, who accused the treating doctor of gross medical negligence and demanded an investigation into the incident. According to family sources, the woman was originally from Bandipora and was married in Wagoora. She had been admitted to Harkaar IVF & Maternity Centre for a uterine procedure. Her husband and other family members alleged that her condition deteriorated soon after she was administered anaesthesia during the procedure. They further claimed in their statement that instead of informing them about her critical condition, the doctors shifted her to Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Srinagar. The woman's husband alleged that doctors at Shireen Bagh informed the family that she had died before being brought to the hospital. The incident has raised serious concerns over the functioning and regulation of private medical institutions performing specialised procedures. Following the woman's death, the IVF centre was locked, and its staff allegedly fled the premises. The family has demanded strict legal action against those found responsible and has held Dr. Sajad Wani, the owner of the centre, accountable for the woman's death. Officials investigating the case said the matter is under probe and that all relevant records and documents of the centre have already been seized as part of the investigation. Meanwhile, health officials revealed that the facility had been operating as an IVF centre without obtaining mandatory registration from the competent authorities. They said registration for IVF centres is granted by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, and the Hyderpora-based facility had been functioning without the required approval. Officials also confirmed that the centre remained locked after the incident and that its staff had left the premises. A preliminary inquiry has been initiated jointly by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Srinagar, to examine the circumstances surrounding the woman's death and ascertain whether any violations of medical protocols or regulatory norms had occurred.
Beating heat : Polluted water bodies pose risk to children: Experts
Doctors warn of vacation drownings, infections Polluted water can cause Hepatitis A, typhoid: Dr Naik Srinagar, July 4: As Kashmir braces for the summer vacation period from July 6 to July 19, doctors and environmental experts have issued a strong warning against children bathing in rivers, lakes and streams across the Valley, saying polluted water bodies are posing serious health and safety risks during the peak summer season. With temperatures soaring in recent weeks, children across Srinagar and other districts have increasingly been seen swimming in the Jhelum, Dal Lake and local streams to escape the heat. Riverbanks and canals often turn into makeshift swimming spots during school holidays, drawing large groups of children every afternoon. However, health experts caution that the seasonal trend is increasingly leading to drowning incidents and water-borne infections. Renowned child specialist Dr Suhail Naik told Rising Kashmir drowning cases involving children witness a sharp rise during summer vacations when many youngsters venture into deep or unsafe waters without supervision. Every year, several drowning incidents are reported during the summer break. Children are naturally attracted to water, but many fail to understand the depth, current and hidden dangers in these rivers and lakes, he said. Dr. Naik said polluted water bodies are also exposing children to serious diseases and infections. Bathing in contaminated water can lead to illnesses such as Hepatitis A, typhoid, skin infections and colitis. Many children later require hospitalization because of infections contracted from unsafe water, he said. He urged parents to keep children away from polluted water channels, particularly the Jhelum and Dal Lake, which continue to face increasing environmental degradation and sewage contamination. Environmental expert Dr Tanveer Ahamd Khan said Kashmirs natural water sources are largely clean at their origin, but pollution intensifies as streams and rivers pass through populated areas. The contamination begins because of human activity, sewage discharge, waste dumping and environmental neglect. These pollutants severely affect the quality of water flowing through our lakes and rivers, he said. Dr. Khan warned that children remain particularly vulnerable to bacteria and pollutants present in contaminated water due to their relatively sensitive immune systems. Environmentalists say years of unchecked waste disposal, encroachments and shrinking ecological safeguards have significantly deteriorated the condition of Kashmirs water bodies despite repeated awareness campaigns. As the Valley enters the peak summer break season, doctors and environmental experts have appealed to parents to remain vigilant, warning that a moment of relief from the heat should not turn into a preventable tragedy.
Farooq greets people on Guru Hargobind Jis Prakash Purab
Srinagar, July, 04 : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday extended warm greetings to the people, especially the Sikh community, on the sacred occasion of the annual Prakash Purab of Shri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji Maharaj. In his message, Dr. Farooq Abdullah paid rich tributes to Guru Hargobind Singh Ji Maharaj, describing him as a beacon of courage, compassion, justice, and spiritual enlightenment. On this sacred Prakash Purab, I offer my humble tributes to Shri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji Maharaj, whose life and teachings continue to inspire humanity to uphold truth, righteousness, selfless service, and the courage to stand against oppression. May this auspicious occasion strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, and peace, and bring happiness, prosperity, and well-being to all, he said. Among others MP Rajya Sabha and the Party Treasurer Shami Oberoi, and Minority wing Convenor Sardar JS Azad have also extended warm greetings to people hoping the day augurs well for the increased prospects of peace and prosperity in J&K, Ladakh and the country.
Dialogue between Ind-Pak must for lasting peace: Hakeem Yaseen
Srinagar, July 4: President of the People's Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Saturday said that calls being made by various sections of society for dialogue between India and Pakistan are a welcome development, asserting that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always longed for peace, stability and a better future. In a statement issued here, Yaseen said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered the consequences of prolonged uncertainty and tensions for decades and, therefore, any sincere effort aimed at promoting peace deserves appreciation. The overwhelming majority of people in Jammu and Kashmir want peace. They want their children to grow up in a peaceful environment, free from fear and uncertainty. Dialogue has always been regarded as the most effective and civilized way of resolving differences, and it remains the way forward, he said. Yaseen observed that in recent times, several political leaders, intellectuals, retired officials and members of civil society have been advocating the need for renewed engagement between India and Pakistan through seminars, conferences and public discussions held in Kashmir. While welcoming such initiatives, he said these voices should not remain confined to the Valley alone. It is encouraging that people are speaking about peace and dialogue. However, those who genuinely believe that engagement between India and Pakistan is necessary should also raise these issues in New Delhi. The national capital is the country's principal policy-making platform, and such appeals are likely to have greater relevance and impact there, he said. He added that repeatedly raising the issue only in Kashmir could create unrealistic expectations among the people or lead to misunderstandings regarding where crucial policy decisions are made. Those who organize seminars and workshops in Kashmir should also organize similar programmes in New Delhi and present their views before policymakers, opinion makers and national institutions. That would strengthen the credibility of their efforts and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the cause of peace, Yaseen said. The PDF President said that lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through mutual understanding, confidence-building measures and sustained diplomatic engagement. He stressed that promoting dialogue should not be viewed through a political lens but as a humanitarian necessity that serves the interests of millions of people living on both sides.
Tarigami seeks crackdown on substandard pesticides
Srinagar, July 04: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, has urged the government to act against the sale of substandard pesticides in Kashmir and to tighten checking at Qazigund for all pesticides, fertilisers and hybrid plants entering the valley from outside. Tarigami said fruit drop was reported last month in Sugu, Sugu Handhama and Kachdoora villages of Shopian, where growers alleged apples fell prematurely from trees within days of spraying a fungicide containing Mancozeb. He added that complaints spread from the initial villages to adjoining areas, and the Enforcement Wing has since approached the District Court Shopian seeking sanction for prosecution against two dealers under the Insecticides Act, 1968. He said the Shopian incident is not an isolated one. He added that enforcement drives against spurious pesticide and fertiliser dealers have been carried out in the past across Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Budgam and Srinagar districts as well, and that a 2025 sampling exercise found the overwhelming majority of non-standard samples traced to Kashmir division rather than Jammu. He also cited the government's own enforcement data. He said 149 prosecutions have been registered over spurious pesticides and 110 over fertiliser samples across Jammu and Kashmir, with Rs 1.31 lakh recovered as fines, and added that the scale of these numbers points to a problem spread across the valley rather than confined to one district. Tarigami said the check post at Lower Munda, Qazigund, was set up to intercept unauthorized movement of agricultural inputs into the valley, and plant material brought from outside is required to undergo quarantine at Post Entry Quarantine facilities for up to two years before release. He added that this system needs to be enforced without gaps, particularly during peak spraying season, when demand pressure increases the risk of diversion and sale of unverified stock.
Sakeena promises phased redress of public demands
Visits Nandimarg, announces new projects Kulgam, July 04: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena on Saturday visited Nandimarg in Kulgam district, where she held a Public Darbar to directly engage with the people and listen to their grievances and developmental concerns. During the interaction, people from the area projected several developmental demands and highlighted issues requiring immediate attention. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the public and assured them that all genuine demands would be addressed in a phased and time-bound manner. Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo said that the present dispensation is committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable development across all regions. She emphasised that public outreach programmes and direct interactions with people remain central to the government's approach towards delivering responsive, transparent and accountable governance. The Minister urged the concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure the timely completion of developmental projects and reiterated that the welfare and development of the people would continue to receive the highest priority. Sakeena Itoo also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Government for the welfare of the people and outlined measures being implemented to ensure the holistic development of the region. During her visit, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a road project in the area, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity and promote socio-economic development in Nandimarg and its adjoining villages. On the occasion, the Minister also announced several new developmental projects for Nandimarg and neighboring villages.
MLAs call on CM Omar, discuss constituency issues
Srinagar, July 04: Several Legislators called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Raabita here on Saturday and apprised him of various developmental and constituency-specific issues requiring the governments attention. Among those who met the Chief Minister were MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, and MLA Banihal, Sajad Shaheen. The legislators highlighted a range of issues concerning infrastructure development, public services and other matters related to their respective constituencies. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the legislators and discussed the issues raised by them in detail. He assured them that all genuine concerns projected during the meetings would be examined on priority and addressed in a time-bound manner. Reiterating his governments commitment to equitable development and responsive governance, the Chief Minister said that the concerns and aspirations of the people from every region of Jammu and Kashmir would continue to receive focused attention to ensure balanced and inclusive development.
Book Controversy: Academic jihad against country: LoP Sharma
Schools cannot be used for anti-national propaganda Seeks probe into approvals and action against officials Srinagar, July 4: Senior BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Education Department over the circulation of a controversial book in government school libraries, terming the episode an academic jihad against the country. He demanded the immediate dismissal of the Education Minister Sakeena Itoo from the cabinet. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sharma alleged that the book titled Personalities & Legends of J&K contains anti-national content and glorifies separatists, terrorists and stone-pelters while portraying India and its security forces negatively. Calling the publication academically dangerous, the BJP leader said educational institutions should not be used to poison young minds through what he described as ideological propaganda disguised as literature. This is not education; this is academic jihad against India. Such content cannot be allowed in schools where children are meant to learn patriotism, truth and history based on facts, Sharma said while demanding an immediate ban on the book. The LoP alleged that the publication had been approved by a committee constituted by the Education Department before being supplied to government school libraries across Jammu and Kashmir. He demanded a judicial or high-level probe into the entire approval and distribution process to identify those responsible. Sharma further sought strict action against the authors, publishers, distributors and officials allegedly involved in clearing the book for circulation. He also called for legal proceedings against all those found responsible during the investigation. Accusing the Education Department of committing a serious lapse, Sharma said accountability must extend to the ministerial level and demanded the removal of the Education Minister from the cabinet. Referring to decisions taken during the Lieutenant Governors administration, Sharma said nearly 25 books containing similar content had earlier been withdrawn or banned and urged the present government to take immediate corrective measures. Responding to questions from reporters, Sharma alleged that the publication refers to individuals accused or convicted in terror-related cases as martyrs while ignoring the sacrifices of security personnel and civilians killed in militancy-related violence. He urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration and investigating agencies to act swiftly, saying the issue concerns not only education but also national integrity and the future of coming generations.
Jammu Kashmir HC Orders JMC to Survey All Hotels, Commercial Buildings
High Court orders JMC to survey hotels, coaching centres and commercial buildings for violations of building permissions, parking norms
DGP Reviews Security Arrangements for Amarnath Yatra, Calls for Heightened Vigil Across J&K
DGP directs heightened vigilance, seamless coordination among security agencies to ensure safe and smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra 2026
Court says preventive detention was legally justified despite pending criminal cases, finds no violation of procedural or constitutional safeguards under the Public Safety Act
Gunshots heard during CASO in Shopian village; searches intensified
Over 5,000 J&K farmers have shifted to high-value aromatic crops under CSIR's Aroma Mission, with lavender boosting rural livelihoods and the bioeconomy
Gunshots heard during search operation in Shopian; CASO underway
Shopian, July 04 : Gunshots were heard during a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Saidpora area of south Kashmirs Shopian district on Saturday evening. A senior police officer told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that a joint team of the Police and Army launched the operation in Saidpora following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists He said that during the search operation, a few gunshots were heard, prompting the security forces to further tighten the cordon around the area. The search operation was continuing when this report was filed(KNO)
Parliament Monsoon Session From July 20; Key Bills In Focus
25-day session to run till August 13, with 19 sittings and key legislative business on the agenda
KPDCL Announces Power Shutdown in Kashmir Parts
SRINAGAR, JULY 04: Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the Shutdown of 33 kV Potushai Gurez line will be observed due to which power supply to Wanpora, Dawar, NHPC, Tragbal, Peerbaba, Kanzalwan, Razdantop and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 07 & 09 July 2026. Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Bugoo Tapline of Nowpora line will be observed due to which power supply to Bugoo, Gulabad, Hyder Colony, ADC Sopores office and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 09 July 2026. Likewise, shutdown of 33 kV Tujjar Tapline of Amargarh-Bandipora line will be observed due to which power supply to Tujjar, Harwan, Shrine and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 07, 11 & 18 July 2026. Further, shutdown of 33 kV Panzipora and Shair Colony line will be observed due to which power supply to Panzipora, Tarzoo, Hygam, Haritar, Shair Colony, Maharajpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 14 July 2026. Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Wanpoh-Ashajipora/ Malaknag Double Circuit line will be observed due to which power supply to Ashajipora, Dialgam, Rohu, Mirbazar, Schichen, Brinty, Malaknag, Reshi Bazar, Janglatmandi, Shirpora, BB Nowgam, Thajiwara, Brakpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 06 & 09 July 2026. Likewise, shutdown of 33 kV Wanganpora Safal Kadal line will be observed due to which power supply to Noorbagh, Safakadal, Eidgah, Rathpora, Saidapora, Baghwanpora, Ganderpora, De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre will be affected from 08 AM to 12 Noon on 06 July 2026.
PARAS Health Srinagar To Hold Free Cancer Screening Camp Tomorrow
The initiative aims to promote early detection, preventive healthcare, and timely treatment by offering free cancer screening and expert consultations to the public
MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi inaugurates Smart Classroom at GHS Pahoo
Pampore, July 4: JKNC senior leader and MLA Pampore, Justice Hasnain Masoodi, on Saturday inaugurated a Smart Classroom at Government High School (GHS) Pahoo, Kakapora Zone to advance local educational infrastructure in alignment with the latest pedagogy. GHS Pahoo is the second of 50 schools across the constituency to start smart classroom installations, first being the High School Kakapora. School staff, students, school education department officials, the local auqaf committee, and residents accorded Hasnain Masoodi, presently MLA Pampore and a former Member of Parliament South Kashmir a warm welcome, praising his ongoing development efforts throughout the constituency. During the event, Justice Masoodi distributed prizes to high-performing board examination students. He announced a special 10,000 cash reward for a student who achieved an exceptional score of 499 out of 500 marks. Addressing the gathering, Justice Masoodi stated that education and healthcare remain his top priorities in the developmental works and utilisation of Constituency Development Fund. He expressed hope that integrating digital technology would make lessons more interactive, urging teachers to use the new tools to prepare students for a technology-driven world. He reaffirmed his commitment to upgrading school facilities and assured residents that all required infrastructural works would be undertaken by him.
Baramulla Strikers Enter KCFL Final After 3-1 Win Over Bandipora Blasters
Shafqat Ahmad scores twice as Baramulla Strikers defeat Bandipora Blasters 3-1 to set up KCFL title clash with Srinagar United
13-Year-Old Boy Drowns in River Jhelum Near Srinagar's Lasjan
Srinagar, July 4 : A 13-year-old boy drowned in the River Jhelum near the Lasjan area of Srinagar on Saturday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the boy was bathing in the River Jhelum when he accidentally drowned. He was identified as Lukman Javed (13), a resident of Lasjan, Srinagar. Meanwhile, rescue teams of the SDRF, along with police have rushed to the spot. Police have taken cognizance of the incident.(KNO)
Div Com chairs Airfield Environment Management Committee Meeting
SRINAGAR, JULY 04: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Saturday chaired a meeting of the Airfield Environment Management Committee to review critical issues concerning aviation safety and environmental management around Air Force Station (AFS) Srinagar. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director Airport Authority, senior officers of Indian Air Force, and representatives of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). A comprehensive review was conducted on a range of issues impacting airfield safety and operational preparedness, including the construction of an emergency access road, regulation of brick kilns in the vicinity of the airfield, scientific management of solid waste, removal of unlit obstructions affecting flight operations, and measures to curb the menace of stray dogs in and around the airport. During the meeting, officials informed the chair that Air Force Station Srinagar has three designated emergency exit gates for launching search and rescue operations in the event of an aviation emergency. However, one of the emergency gates on the north-western side does not meet the operational requirements for the movement of Crash Fire Tenders. Taking note of the issue, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner Budgam to convene a coordination meeting with all concerned departments to expedite the development of connectivity between the Ring Road and the airport. He also instructed that the feasibility and construction of an emergency access road be taken up on priority to strengthen emergency response capabilities. Reviewing the issue of brick kilns operating within an eight-kilometre radius of AFS Srinagar, the Divisional Commissioner observed that a standard operating procedure is already in place under which brick kilns remain closed from November to March to maintain visibility and ensure safe aircraft operations during the winter season. The meeting also assessed the progress of the solid waste management project at the Achan-Soura dumping site, a key initiative aimed at reducing bird activity that poses a significant hazard to aircraft. The Commissioner, SMC, informed the meeting that work on the project is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by June 2028. Emphasising the need for a coordinated approach to waste management, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner Budgam to strengthen solid waste collection and disposal mechanisms in villages surrounding the airfield, noting that indiscriminate garbage dumping attracts birds and adversely impacts aviation safety. The committee further reviewed the issue of unlit obstructions that pose risks to safe flying operations. It was decided that telecom service providers would be directed to ensure proper illumination of communication towers, while a detailed survey would be undertaken to identify and rectify other unlit structures in the aircraft operational area. Addressing the growing menace of stray dogs within and around the airport, the Divisional Commissioner described the issue as a serious threat to both air operations and public safety. He instructed the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to get the issue addressed at the earliest.
Govt Suspends 8 Education Officials Over Controversial School Books, Authors Blacklisted
Authors, publishers blacklisted; inquiry officer asked to submit report within 30 days
J&K Govt Withdraws Controversial Book From School Libraries, Orders Probe
Inquiry launched to fix responsibility over selection and distribution of Great Personalities and Legends
JK Congress chief writes to CM, demands strict action over alleged manhandling of MLA
JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday wrote to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding a thorough probe over the alleged assault on party MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat by some National Conference workers. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and expressed hope that the chief minister would intervene promptly to []
Srinagar, July 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the overall management and ground situation of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026. The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; S.J.M.Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; Pankaj Thakur, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB); Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; senior officers of the Civil Administration, Police, Security Forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and other concerned departments. The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the movement of pilgrims, traffic management, security arrangements, accommodation, registration status, and other logistical aspects to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra. During the meeting, it was observed that an unusually large number of pilgrims have been arriving without valid registration, which is causing long waiting time for pilgrims to conduct Yatra. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the Yatra is being conducted in accordance with the prescribed ceiling of pilgrim movement on the Yatra tracks, in pursuance of Honble Supreme Courts orders. Therefore, adherence to the registration schedule is imperative for ensuring the safety, security, and convenience of all pilgrims. It was reiterated that only pilgrims possessing valid registration for the designated date shall be permitted to proceed on the Tracks leading to the Holy Cave Shrine. The Lieutenant Governor appealed to the intending unregistered pilgrims to defer their travel for next few days in order to avoid any inconvenience upon reaching Jammu Kashmir. The administration has, therefore, asked all intending pilgrims to complete the mandatory registration process and obtain a valid Yatra Registration Permit for their allotted date before commencing their journey to Jammu Kashmir. Pilgrims are requested not to travel without confirmed registration, as they shall not be permitted to proceed on the Yatra. The Lieutenant Governor further reviewed the security and logistic arrangements for the Yatra. He directed all departments and security agencies to keep working in close coordination and to maintain continuous liaison with all stakeholders, including Langar organizations, service providers and other NGOs for a safe, seamless, spiritually enriching and fulfilling Yatra.
Over 26,000 Pilgrims Visit Amarnath Shrine in First Two Days: Div Com Kashmir
Srinagar: More than 26,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine during the first two days of the annual pilgrimage, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said on Saturday. Addressing a joint press conference with IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Garg said the Yatra, which commenced on July 3 via the twin routes of []
Amarnath Yatra: Authorities Urge Pilgrims To Avoid Travel Without Registration
Authorities ask devotees to follow registered travel dates, say daily pilgrim limit mandatory for safety and smooth conduct of Yatra
LG Sinha Reviews Amarnath Yatra Arrangements
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the overall management and ground situation of the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, directing all departments to ensure seamless coordination for the safe and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The meeting, was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director []
Centre Declares 23 JeM, LeT Operatives as Individual Terrorists under UAPA
Centre Declares 23 JeM, LeT Operatives as Individual Terrorists under UAPA
by Wajeeha Hajirah A serene Anantnag park blending chinar-lined greenery, a trout-breeding stream, and family-friendly facilities, all framed by nearby historical landmarks near Pahalgam Along the Khanabal-Pahalgam road, popularly known as KP road, lies Akad Park. Known for its greenery, clear mountain stream and relaxing environment, it is a perfect spot for a peaceful family []
Four Children Rescued After Being Stranded In River Tawi
Police, SDRF teams launch swift operation after sudden rise in water level near Peer Kho Temple
How to Choose the Right Term Insurance Plan for Your Family in 2026
Choosing a life insurance plan depends on your financial responsibilities and long-term goals. In 2026, selecting the right cover is an important step to support your familys financial stability. The right sum assured and policy term can help your dependents manage daily expenses and future commitments without disruption. Many individuals consider a 1 Crore term []
Ban controversial book, probe its approval: LoP Sunil Sharma
Jammu: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Saturday demanded an immediate ban on a controversial book allegedly circulated in government school libraries, accusing the Education Department of promoting anti-national content and seeking a high-level investigation into its approval and distribution. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Sharma,, alleged that []
Jammu Academic Is First VC of Ladakhs Sindhu Central University
SRINAGAR: The President of India, in her capacity as the Visitor of the newly established Sindhu Central University, has appointed Prof Rajeev Rattan Sharma, a senior academic from the University of Jammu, as the first Vice Chancellor of the Central University in Ladakh. He will serve a five-year term from the date he assumes office []
Let Amarnath pilgrims visit markets, boost Kashmir economy: CM Omar
Srinagar: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah on Saturday said Amarnath pilgrims should be allowed to step out of their buses and visit local markets so they can contribute to Kashmirs economy during the annual pilgrimage. Speaking to reporters, CM Omar said he hoped a large number of devotees would undertake the Amarnath []
Dual MRP Not Illegal before 2018, Jammu Kashmir HC Court Quashes Criminal Case Against Hindustan Coca-Cola
PM Modi inaugurates new Jodhpur airport terminal, launches Modified UDAN scheme
PM Modi arrived in Jodhpur and was received at the airport by Governor Haribhau Bagade, Union Minister and Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma
Srinagar Airport withdraws proposed weekly runway closure, flight operations to continue daily
Srinagar: Srinagar Airport on Saturday withdrew the previously proposed Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) envisaging full runway closure on Mondays and Tuesdays, announcing that flight operations will continue on all days this year. In an operational update posted on X, the airport said there will be no full airfield closure, while operational/watch hours will remain from []
MHA designates 23 operatives as individual terrorists under UAPA; 11 are J&K natives
Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday designated 23 operatives linked to banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), The Resistance Front (TRF) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) as individual terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In a series of notifications, the MHA said the designated individuals were involved in terror attacks, recruitment, infiltration, []
JK Police Head Constable Dies After Falling Unconscious at SKPA Udhampur
Udhampur: A Head Constable of J&K Police died after he fell unconscious at the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy in Udhampur on Saturday. Officials said that the cop suddenly fell unconscious and was immediately shifted to a hospital. Doctors there declared him brought dead. The deceased has been identified as HC Bashir Anjum, resident of Gursai in []
Boating Facility Opens at Tawi River Front In Jammu
Boating service launched with paddle boats, rafts, motor boats and shikaras; officials say the initiative aims to boost tourism and enhance visitor experience during Amarnath Yatra
Amarnath Yatra: Third batch of over 4,800 pilgrims leaves Jammu for Kashmir amid tight security
Over 4,800 devotees, including 966 women, head towards Kashmir as Amarnath Yatra continues amid tight security arrangements
SKUAST-Kashmir Scientist Secures 13th Patent for Eco-Friendly Apple Scab Control Technology
Dr Khalid Zaffar Masoodi-led team develops eco-friendly solution against apple scab; SKUAST-K patent portfolio reaches 126
Third batch of 4,812 pilgrims departs Jammu for Amarnath Yatra
Jammu: Amid tight security arrangements, the third batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra left the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu early Saturday. According to official data,a total of 4,812 pilgrims departed for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam in a convoy of 259 vehicles. 2,041 pilgrims are travelling via []
Div Com Kashmir visits Nunwan Base Camp, Inspects facilities, interacts with pilgrims
ANANTNAG: In order to take the stock of facilities along Pahalgam Axis of Yatra, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Friday visited various facilities including the Frisking Point, Nunwan Base Camp, Hikers Park and the Club to inspect overall arrangements during the departure of first batch of Yatris through the route. Accompanied by Deputy []
NC gears up for Delhi protest, finalises Jul 11, 13 programs
Sagar chairs provincial committee meeting, reviews arrangements SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Kashmir Provincial Committee Friday held a special meeting at the party headquarters to finalise preparations for the proposed protest in New Delhi, the observance of the death anniversary of Madar-e-Meherban Begum Akbar Jehan on July 11, and Martyrs Day on []
Dr. Farooq, Omar condole demise of Maqbool Shadad
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Honble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief over the demise of Muhammad Maqbool Shadad of Bulbul Lankar, Nowakadal, presently residing at Boulevard Road. The duo conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to []
SRINAGAR: Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, IT, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, met various public delegations across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, reaffirming the governments commitment to responsive and transparent governance. He listened patiently to grievances concerning industrial development, public services, and civic amenities, assuring timely redressal. A []
Outsourcing jobs further increasing unemployment: Bukhari
SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday blamed the government for further increasing unemployment by outsourcing jobs and undermining democracy and democratic institutions by centralising power in the hands of one man at the helm of the government. He made these remarks while addressing workers conventions at Khanabal and Achabal in south []
Preventing Aga Hassan from attending Ayatollah Khameneis funeral heartbreaking: Anjuma
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian has expressed anguish and strongly condemned the decision of immigration authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, to prevent its President, Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safvi, from travelling to the Islamic Republic of Iran to attend the funeral ceremonies of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei (RA). Addressing a press []
Commissioner SMC holds high-level review to fast-track CAPEX works Directs timely tendering
SRINAGAR: In a significant move to accelerate infrastructure development and ensure the timely execution of public works, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb, on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting to comprehensively assess the tendering status of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) works across the city. The meeting was attended by the Financial Advisor/Chief Accounts []
SRINAGAR: Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the Shutdown of 33 KV Budgam lchgam line will be observed due to which power supply to Barwah, Ichgam,ichkoot, Choon, Kanir, Hushur, Zuhamma, Hanjora, Dadompora and Adjoining Areas will be affected from 08 AM to 02 PM on 06 July 2026. Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Nowbugh []
JKSA spokesperson selected for Nuremberg Summer Academy in Germany
Association congratulates Umar Masoodi, says Kashmiri students continue to excel across diverse fields SRINAGAR: Kashmiri student and Spokesperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Umar Masoodi, has been selected for the prestigious 11th Anglophone Edition of the Nuremberg Summer Academy, a globally competitive and fully funded international training programme organised by the International []
PAHALGAM: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra conducted an extensive tour of the Pahalgam Axis of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra to review the water supply infrastructure and flood mitigation measures for the ongoing Holy Yatra. During the visit, the ACS inspected key transit and base camps, including Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Zojibal, Sheshnag, []
Electoral democracy faces gravest threat from Modi-Shah regime: Opposition
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday said democracy faces the gravest of threats from the current dispensation, days after opposition parties urged the Supreme Court to take steps to restore the integrity and accountability of the electoral process. In a letter to the Chief Justice of India, leaders of several Opposition parties had written, saying []
Dangerous conspiracy to tarnish Indias democracy: BJP slams oppn over letter to CJI
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday hit out at the Congress and other opposition parties over their letter to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on the SIR and other issues, calling it a dangerous conspiracy to tarnish Indias democracy and spread anarchy in the country. With this, they have made another unsuccessful attempt to []
One person missing from Ali Khameneis funeral will be his own son & successor
NEW DELHI: Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend the funeral ceremonies of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, because of security concerns, according to Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, the current leaders representative in India. The announcement comes as tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States remain high following the death of Ali []
Ram Temple donation case hurts devotees faith: RSSs Hosabale
Says guilty must face severe punishment NAGPUR: RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday said that the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society, and called for ensuring that anyone found guilty after the investigation faces severe punishment. Asserting that anti-Hindu []
El Nino declared in Pacific Ocean by WMO, warns it will become powerful
NEW DELHI: The Pacific Ocean is running a temperature. And this time, scientists have confirmed it. On July 3, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that El Nino conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific and are forecast to strengthen rapidly over the coming months. The United Nations weather agency warned that the event increases []
Swift telescope crashing: Nasa launches Link spacecraft to catch, dock, and push it
NEW DELHI: After two delays in two days, Nasa has finally launched the Link spacecraft tasked with preventing one of its most successful space telescopes from gradually falling back to Earth. The agencys Swift Boost mission sent the LINK robotic spacecraft into orbit at around 2 pm on Friday, July 3. The spacecraft will now []
DPS Srinagar girls earn national selection in Rugby & Pencak Silat
SRINAGAR: Five student athletes from Delhi Public School, Srinagar, secured coveted positions to represent the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at upcoming national athletic championships. The selections across rugby and martial arts mark a major milestone for the institutional sports program as these young women athletes prepare to compete on the grandest domestic stage. []
PEAK HARVEST SEASON : Growers demand hassle-free movement of fruit trucks
Say perishable fruits cant wait, seek daily movement on NH 44 Srinagar, Jul 03: With the harvesting of plums, early varieties of apples, pears, and other seasonal fruits reaching their peak in Kashmir, fruit growers and traders have urged traffic authorities to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway amid ongoing restrictions on the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. A delegation of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGDU), led by Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer, met Inspector General of Police (Traffic) M. Suleman Choudhary (IPS) in the presence of DIG Haseeb-Ur-Rehman (IPS) to discuss the situation on NH44 in view of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra convoy. Basheer informed officials that plum, early varieties of apple, pear, and other fresh fruits are presently in full swing and are extremely perishable, requiring transportation to various destinations across the country on a war-footing basis. However, only one-way traffic on NH44 is currently being allowed due to the Amarnath Yatra convoy. The delegation said the same situation applies to the transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables arriving from outside J&K to the Valley, which also needs uninterrupted movement. The Amarnath Yatra pilgrims arrive in the Valley annually, and we warmly welcomethem, but at the same time, the transportation of fresh fruits, which are extremely perishable, if not allowed on a daily basis, will getfully damaged, causing heavy losses to poor fruit growers. Not to think of a one-day halt, these fresh fruits cannot be stopped even for the shortest interval, Basheer said. The fruit growers expressed gratitude to the traffic authorities for making suitable arrangements during previous Yatraconvoys forthe uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks. Basheer informed the IGP and DIG that until the commencement of the Yatra convoy, fruit-laden trucks were allowed to ply uninterruptedly, and requested that the same practice be continued in the interest of the horticulture industry and poor fruit growers, who have already suffered losses due to recent climatic changes and natural disasters. IGP M.SulemanChoudhary and DIG Haseeb-Ur-Rehman gave a patient hearing and informed the delegation that the Traffic Department will discuss further measures for the smooth transportation of fruit-laden trucks. They directed that all fruit-laden trucks carrying perishable fruits must have a signboard on the front window indicating the truck number and variety of fresh fruits, with a stamp of the concerned Fruit Association. The IGP further informed that all fruit-laden trucks shall be parked at one particular place initially and then allowed to move forward together towards their respective destinations. A WhatsApp Group will be created by the Traffic Authority, and all Fruit Growers Associations have been urged to remain updated on the group regardingthe transportation of fresh fruits, providing details of truck numbers, contact numbers, and stamps of the concerned Fruit Association.
Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 :Spend on Kashmir, protect Himalayas: PM Modi to Yatris
Urges pilgrims to reserve 10% for local products Links pilgrimage to five sacred resolutions Terms Yatra eternal chapter of Indias spiritual tradition Srinagar, Jul 03: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon devotees undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra to contribute towards Kashmirs local economy and safeguard the fragile Himalayan environment, while linking the sacred pilgrimage with five national resolutions rooted in spirituality, sustainability and social responsibility. In an official statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office, Modi extended his greetings to pilgrims and described the Yatra as an eternal chapter of Indias spiritual tradition and cultural unity. The Amarnath Yatra connected with the darshan of Baba Barfani is an eternal chapter in our spiritual tradition and cultural unity.Myprayers are that this sacred pilgrimage of Shiv devotees remains safe and auspicious in every way, the statement said, quoting PM Modi The PM urged devotees to spend at least 10 per cent of their travel budget on locally made products and services so that the economic benefits of the pilgrimage directly reach Kashmiri families dependent on the Yatra season. Officials said the appeal aims to strengthen the livelihoods of ponywalas, transporters, artisans, hoteliers, traders and small vendors across Kashmir. Modi also emphasised environmental responsibility during thepilgrimage and appealedto pilgrims to maintain cleanliness, reduce plastic waste and protect the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region through responsible tourism practices. On the occasion of the commencement of the Yatra, the Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam dedicated to Lord Shiva and greeted devotees across the country. Explaining the verse, the Prime Minister said, I daily worship the merciful Lord Amarnath, whose nature cannot be comprehended through speech, intellect, mind, the senses, or even through severe penance, who is easily attainable through devotion, and who is the refuge of those who bow before him. Modi posted the message on X as the annual pilgrimage formally commenced from the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam amid elaborate security and administrative arrangements. Officials said the Prime Ministers five resolutions associated with the Yatra revolve around environmental protection, cleanliness, supportforlocal economy, social harmony and national unity. The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra remains one of the countrys most revered spiritual journeys and also serves as a crucial economic lifeline for thousands of families in Kashmir. From Srinagar to the high-altitude routes leading to the holy cave shrine, the pilgrimage season witnesses intense economic activity and cultural interaction. Modis message this year seeks to blend devotion with sustainable development by encouraging pilgrims to become active participants in preserving Kashmirs ecology and supporting its people while seeking the blessings of Baba Barfani.
Northern Army Commander visits forward posts
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma assesses security situation in Krishna Ghati, Poonch Idrees Bukhtiyar Srinagar, Jul 03: Northern Army commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Friday visited the forward areas of the Krishna Ghati and Poonch sectors to review the operational preparedness and security measures along the border. During the visit, the Army Commander assessed the prevailing security situation and reviewed the preparedness of troops deployed in the strategically important forward areas. The Northern Command said that while interacting with the soldiers, Lt Gen Sharma commended them for their vigilance, dedication and relentless efforts in maintaining a high level of operational readiness under challenging conditions. He appreciated their professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the nation's frontiers. The Northern Army Commander urged all ranks to remain mission-focused and continue upholding the highest standards of operational excellence while carrying out their duties in service of the nation. The visit comes as the Army continues to maintain heightened vigilance along the border, with senior commanders regularly reviewing operational preparedness to ensure effective response to any security challenges.
MLAs, trade, tourism stakeholders call on CM
Omar assures of action on infrastructure, economic issues Srinagar, Jul 03: Several public representatives, delegations, and various stakeholders called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Raabita on Friday, during which a wide range of issues relating to development, public welfare, trade, tourism, and business were discussed. MLAs Rajiv Jasrotia (Jasrota), Shamima Firdous (Habba Kadal), and Mehraj Malik (Doda) apprised the Chief Minister of the developmental priorities and public welfare concerns of their respective constituencies, highlighting issues requiring government attention, including infrastructure development, delivery of public services, implementation of ongoing projects, and other constituency-specific matters. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing and assured them that all genuine issues would be examined for appropriate action. A delegation led by President of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), Mohammad Yaseen Khan, met the Chief Minister and raised issues concerning the trade and business community. Another delegation, led by Chairman of the Tourist Trade Interest Guild, Zahoor Ahmed Karnai, discussed measures for the promotion of tourism in Kashmir, including initiatives aimed at boosting tourist inflow, expanding outreach, and strengthening the tourism sector. The Chief Minister appreciated the constructive suggestions put forward during the meetings and reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining regular engagement with public representatives, trade organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure responsive governance, inclusive development, and sustained economic progress across Jammu and Kashmir.
First batch departs from Baltal, Nunwan base camps
Baltal, Jul 03: Amid chants of Bam Bam Bhole and Har Har Mahadev, the first batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra departed for the Holy Cave from the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps early Friday morning under a multi-layered security cover, marking the formal commencement of the 57-day pilgrimage in Kashmir. The annual pilgrimage to the Holy Cave Shrine, situated at an altitude of around 13,500 feet above sea level in the Himalayas of south Kashmir, will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, when the traditional concluding rituals and special prayers will be held. According to official sources, the first batch of pilgrims from the Baltal base camp in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district was flagged off at around 4:00 a.m. by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama. The yatris began their journey from Domail towards the Holy Cave amid tight security arrangements. Simultaneously, the first batch of pilgrims from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, located in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, also commenced their pilgrimage towards the revered shrine. Sources said both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes had already been fully secured and placed under the control of security agencies well ahead of the Yatra. Elaborate three-tier security arrangements have been put in place to thwart any possible threat and ensure the safe passage of pilgrims. Security deployment extends from the Jammu base camps up to the Holy Cave Shrine, with personnel from the CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, BSF, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF and other security agencies stationed along the entire route to provide comprehensive security and emergency assistance to the pilgrims. Officials said extensive arrangements have also been made for the convenience of devotees. Essential facilities, including medical aid, emergency response teams, shelter, sanitation and other services, have been established from Baltal to Panchtarni and cave to ensure that pilgrims complete the arduous journey without facing any inconvenience. Authorities have expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of the civil administration, security forces and rescue agencies will ensure the smooth, safe and successful conduct of this year's Shri Amarnath Yatra.
The Long Journey of Human Thought
From myth and metaphysics to modern doubt, the history of philosophy is really the story of how we learned to question everything To speak of the history of philosophy is to speak of the restless history of the human mind itself. Long before we had laboratories and satellites, we had questions. Why is there something rather than nothing? What makes an action right or wrong? How should we live together? These questions first surfaced not in textbooks but in stories around the fire, in hymns to unseen gods, in myths that tried to make sense of the sky, the seasons, and the certainty of death. This is where philosophy begins: in wonder and in fear. The earliest thinkers of ancient India, Greece, China, and the Islamic world did not yet draw a sharp line between religion, science, and philosophy. A Vedic sage meditating on the self, a Chinese scholar reflecting on harmony in society, a Greek thinker searching for the basic substance of the world, or a Muslim polymath debating free will and fate each was trying, in a different idiom, to ask the same thing: what is real, and what does it demand of us? Over time, these questions took a more disciplined form. In classical Athens, Socrates walked the streets, harassing respectable citizens with simple-sounding questions that led to unsettling conclusions. He wrote nothing, but he left behind a method: probe every assumption, expose contradictions, push relentlessly toward clarity. It is no accident that the city condemned him to death. Philosophy, when practised honestly, is rarely comfortable for power. Plato and Aristotle, his intellectual heirs, tried to build complete systems. They dreamed of a universe that was rationally ordered and of a human soul that could be educated into virtue. Their influence, carried through centuries by commentators and translators, entered Christian, Jewish, and Muslim thought. In Baghdad, Cordoba, and later in the universities of medieval Europe, monks and scholars copied, argued, and reworked these texts. The questions became sharper: can reason and revelation coexist? Does morality depend on God, or can it stand on its own? The modern age did not abandon these questions; it only changed their tone. When Descartes doubted everything, even the evidence of his senses, he was not indulging in mere scepticism. He was trying to rebuild knowledge on foundations that no authority king, church, or tradition could shake. The Enlightenment extended this project. Philosophers turned their attention to the rights of individuals, the limits of government, and the idea that ordinary people, through reason, could govern themselves. Yet the same modernity that liberated also unsettled. The 19th and 20th centuries gave us philosophers who dismantled old certainties with a vengeance. Marx looked at history and saw class struggle, not divine purpose. Nietzsche declared that God is dead and challenged Europe to live with the consequences. Existentialists, writing after two world wars, asked how one could find meaning in a world that seemed absurd, violent, and indifferent to human suffering. Today, philosophy is sometimes dismissed as a luxury, overshadowed by the hard edges of technology, geopolitics, and survival. But this is precisely when we need it most. Artificial intelligence, genetic editing, surveillance capitalism these are not just technical developments. They are moral and political choices in disguise. They force us to revisit very old questions: what is a person, what is freedom, what kind of society do we want to build? The history of philosophy, then, is not a museum of dead ideas. It is a living archive of struggle a struggle to see more clearly, to act more justly, to live more meaningfully. Each generation inherits the same ancient questions and adds its own twist. Whether we read a Greek dialogue, an Upanishadic hymn, a Sufi poem, or a modern essay on democracy and rights, we are entering a conversation that began long before us and will continue after we are gone. We can choose to stand outside that conversation, numbed by the noise of the moment. Or we can step into it, with humility and courage, and let it sharpen our own thinking. The history of philosophy is not just about how people once thought. It is a reminder that we, too, are responsible for what comes next in the long journey of human thought. ( The Author is a research scholar and columnist)
Why the Space Economy Matters to Kashmir
While space technology already shapes everyday life, its greatest impact may still lie ahead BEYOND THE HORIZON A summer morning in Kashmir begins like any other. Some people check the weather before leaving home. Others open a map to find the quickest route, make a digital payment, connect with family and friends or simply begin their day online. These everyday moments may seem routine, but they are made possible by technologies that often go unnoticed. Much of this invisible support comes from space. Satellites orbiting high above the Earth help us predict the weather, navigate with GPS, access the internet, make phone calls, watch television and respond more effectively to natural disasters. Quietly and reliably, they have become an essential part of modern life. For generations, people associated space mainly with astronauts, rockets and missions to the Moon. Today, it has become much more than that. Space is now an important part of the global economy, supporting agriculture, healthcare, banking, transport, communication, education and scientific research. Experts believe this sector will continue to expand strongly. According to a joint report by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company, the global space economy was valued at about 630 billion US dollars in 2023 and is projected to reach around 1.8 trillion US dollars by 2035. Lower launch costs, rapid technological progress and growing private investment are driving this remarkable expansion. The benefits of space already reach almost every sector of society. Farmers use satellite images to understand crop health and water needs. Scientists observe rivers, forests, glaciers and coastlines from space. Weather experts rely on satellite data to improve forecasts and issue timely warnings. Communication satellites connect cities as well as remote communities. A large share of the information used to study Earth's changing climate also comes from satellites. Without them, understanding weather patterns, changing temperatures, and the health of the natural environment would be far more difficult. This has special significance for Kashmir. The Valley is known for its mountains, rivers, lakes and changing seasons. Satellite technology helps scientists observe snowfall, glaciers, forests, water resources and environmental changes across the region. This information strengthens scientific research, improves understanding of the natural environment and supports informed planning for the future. As space technology continues to advance, its value for environmental research, disaster preparedness and sustainable development is expected to grow even further. The future of space is being shaped by collaboration between leading universities, space agencies and private companies. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Harvard University, the California Institute of Technology, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and the University of Colorado Boulder continue to advance work in space science, engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence. Major space agencies, including NASA, the European Space Agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, continue to expand scientific knowledge through research and international cooperation. Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Planet Labs and Maxar Technologies are also helping reduce launch costs and accelerate innovation across the global space sector. India is becoming an important part of this global story. According to the Government of India, the country's space economy is currently estimated at about 8.4 billion US dollars, with nearly 400 startups working in satellite technology, launch vehicles, propulsion systems and space electronics. The opening of the sector to greater private participation has encouraged innovation, investment and entrepreneurship. Alongside ISRO, private companies are strengthening India's space ecosystem and creating new opportunities for scientific research, advanced manufacturing and technology-driven businesses. This progress is expected to support economic growth and inspire a new generation of innovators. The opportunities created by the space economy extend far beyond becoming an astronaut. Engineers, software developers, computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists, environmental scientists, electronics specialists, data analysts and entrepreneurs all have an important role to play. For young people in Kashmir, this opens exciting new possibilities. Success in tomorrow's space sector will depend not only on rockets but also on knowledge, creativity, research, critical thinking and problem solving. These skills can be developed in schools, colleges, universities and research institutions, preparing students for careers that combine science with real-world impact. While space technology already shapes everyday life, its greatest impact may still lie ahead. Scientists are using the unique conditions of space to develop new medicines, stronger materials and advanced optical fibres that could improve healthcare, communication and industry. Researchers are also exploring space-based solar power, where large solar panels placed in orbit could one day transmit clean energy back to Earth. Another promising field is asteroid resource utilisation. Scientists believe some asteroids contain water and useful minerals that could support future space missions by providing fuel and construction materials. Although these technologies are still under development, they demonstrate how rapidly scientific ideas are becoming practical innovations with benefits that extend far beyond space itself. These advances are possible because reaching space is far less expensive than it was only a few decades ago. Reusable rockets, better engineering and new technologies have transformed access to space, making it easier for universities, research organisations, startups and private companies to participate. Leading global organisations, including the World Economic Forum, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, continue to study how this growing sector can support scientific progress, innovation and sustainable development. Their research is helping shape international cooperation and expand the practical benefits of space technologies for people around the world. For the Valley, these developments represent more than technological progress. They create opportunities to learn, innovate and contribute to one of the world's fastest-growing industries. Many future careers will involve developing software, analysing satellite images, building sensors, studying climate data, designing advanced technologies and solving practical problems that improve life on Earth. As universities, research centres and technology companies continue to expand their work, young people with strong foundations in science, mathematics, engineering and computer science will find increasing opportunities to contribute to this rapidly evolving field. Success in this new economy will depend as much on curiosity, creativity and lifelong learning as on technological expertise. Every generation witnesses a technological breakthrough that changes the world. The internet transformed communication. Smartphones reshaped everyday life. Artificial intelligence is changing how people work and learn. Space technology is becoming the next great chapter in that journey. The night sky above Kashmir has always inspired wonder. Today, it reminds us that the future belongs to those who continue to ask questions, pursue knowledge and imagine what is possible. (The Author writes on science, technology and innovation. Feedback: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com )
Harwan Drowning Exposes Our Collective Failure
How many more young lives before J&K takes water safety seriously? The tragedy at Harwans Dachigam Nalla, where two young boys drowned while bathing, one now battling for life, is not an isolated mishap. It is the latest entry in a grim and predictable pattern that unfolds every summer across Jammu and Kashmir. Each year, as temperatures rise, our rivers, streams and canals silently turn into death traps for the young, while authorities respond with the same ritual statements and routine cognisance. Nothing changes on the ground. What happened in Theed is heartbreakingly familiar. Teenagers, seeking respite and recreation, step into an unregulated, unsupervised body of water. There are no clear warning boards, no barricades at dangerous stretches, no lifeguards, no designated safe zones for swimming. When disaster strikes, it is locals and police who rush in, risking their own lives to retrieve bodies or pull out the drowning. We then wait for further details, a few days of shock, and then collective amnesiauntil the next obituary. This is not fate. It is a governance failure. Dachigam Nalla is not a hidden stream in some uncharted wilderness. It flows along the outskirts of the summer capital, in an area that sees regular foot traffic from locals and tourists alike. If such a tragedy can unfold here without any visible preventive infrastructure, what does it say about safety in remote and less accessible stretches of our rivers and streams? The administration cannot continue to hide behind post-incident legal formalities. FIRs and inquiries do not save lives; foresight and systems do. Where is the comprehensive water-safety policy for J&K? Where is the mapping of high-risk spots, the mandatory installation of danger signs in local languages, the fencing of hazardous stretches, the deployment of trained rescue teams during peak summer, and the integration of basic water-safety education into school curricula? Parents and people at large, too, cannot absolve themselves. Allowing unsupervised children to venture into deep or fast-flowing waters is an invitation to disaster. But the burden of blame cannot be shifted onto grieving families while the UT shrugs off its duty to create safe public spaces and regulated recreational options. The Harwan incident must be treated as a turning point, not another statistic. The government must immediately order a time-bound audit of all major water bodies across J&K, publicly notify high-risk zones, and install visible warnings and barriers. District administrations should be tasked with drawing up and enforcing local water-safety plans before more lives are lost. If the loss and suffering in Harwan do not jolt our institutions into urgent action, we will be complicit in the next drowning, not as helpless bystanders, but as willing accomplices of negligence.
Another probe after buscar collision, but still no roadmap for safer highways in J&K Another life lost, three more hanging in the balance. A bus from Rajouri to Jammu and a car from Lamberi to Nowshera collide in the RajalBagnoti stretch of Nowshera sector; a 25-year-old (approx) is killed on the spot, and three co-travellers are rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Police say cognisance has been taken, a probe is underway, and the cause is yet to be ascertained. We have heard this script far too many times. This is not an accident in the sense of the unforeseeable. It is the predictable outcome of a lethal mix: crumbling road infrastructure, indifferent enforcement, overworked commercial drivers, and a system that wakes up only to count the dead, not to prevent the next funeral. The RajouriJammu corridor, like many arterial roads in Jammu and Kashmir, has become a moving graveyard. Every few weeks, there is another crash in Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar or Udhampur. Committees are formed, reports promised, strict action vowed. Then the headlines fade, the file gathers dust, and the same road, with the same blind curves, broken shoulders and absent signage, is handed back to fate. Why, in 2026, are we still dependent on cognizance has been taken as the highest form of accountability? Where is the district-wise, publicly available road safety audit? Where are speed-calming measures on known black spots like RajalBagnoti? Why are passenger buses allowed to barrel down narrow, damaged stretches without functional speed governors, GPS tracking, or meaningful checks on over-speeding and driver fatigue? The administration cannot hide behind the fig leaf of a detailed probe every time metal meets metal and a young man does not return home. Probes must lead to prosecutions, penalties, and permanent engineering fixes, not just another bland paragraph in a police communiqu. This death should trigger at least five immediate, time-bound actions: Declare and publish black spots on all major routes in Rajouri and adjoining districts, with a clear remedial plan and deadlines. Mandatory technology-based enforcement speed cameras, automatic challans, and GPS tracking for all commercial vehicles on the RajouriJammu axis. Quarterly driver fitness and training audits for bus operators, with suspension of permits for repeat violations. Independent crash investigation for every fatal accident, with findings tabled in the Legislative Assembly and placed in the public domain. Victim support protocols so that families are not left to navigate compensation and medico-legal formalities alone. A society that normalises road deaths as mere mishaps is complicit in them. The Rajouri accident must not become just another line in the growing ledger of avoidable tragedies on J&Ks roads. The government must either deliver a measurable reduction in crashes, or admit that on road safety, it has chosen convenience over human life.
Of Myths and Manipulators: The Grip of Superstition in Kashmir
Kashmir is a land where breathtaking beauty coexists with a deep-seated culture of myths and folklore. While some of these beliefs are harmless relics of the past, others cast a darker shadow over society. From everyday cultural anxieties to the deeply predatory practices of faith healing, superstition continues to hold a powerful grip on the innocent, often making them victims of fear and greed. The Anatomy of Faith Healing Fraud The most heartbreaking manifestation of this mindset is the phenomenon of the fraudulent pir (faith healer). These charlatans weaponise superstition for financial gain, turning deep-seated anxieties into a lucrative business. 1. Preying on Vulnerability: These fraudsters rarely target the secure; instead, they cast their nets over those experiencing profound distress. Their most frequent targets are desperate or curious individualsparticularly womenseeking relief from chronic, invisible ailments such as severe migraines, mental exhaustion, or prolonged health issues that modern medicine has yet to resolve. When a person is exhausted by pain, they become vulnerable to alternative explanations. The fake pir quickly diagnoses the issue not as a medical condition, but as a spiritual affliction, confidently claiming the victim has been targeted by jadoo (black magic) or shar (evil forces). 2. The Illusion of Proof: The Live Demonstration. The trap closes entirely through the use of calculated, theatrical deception. To convince a desperate mind, these fraudsters perform live demonstrations that mimic spiritual exorcisms but are entirely rooted in sleight of hand. Right before the victims eyes, the pir will magically extract a taweez (amulet), charred needles, or knotted threads from a hidden placesuch as from beneath an undisturbed rug, out of a handful of clay, or from inside a household cushion. To an innocent observer, this physical manifestation of evil feels like undeniable proof of the curse. 3. The Cost of Deception: Once the illusion succeeds, the psychological dependency is absolute. Duped by the live demonstration, the victim willingly pays exorbitant sums for neutralising rituals, protective amulets, and continuous spiritual cleansing. Tragically, while the fraudsters pockets fill with the rewards of their greed, the victims actual medical conditions go entirely untreated. Everyday Omens, Shig, and Cultural Myths Beyond the dark world of exploitative pirs, everyday life in Kashmir has long been woven with smaller, persistent superstitions that dictate daily behavior. These omens, passed down through generations, reflect a subconscious desire to ward off bad luck or foresee the future: The Fragrance of Isband: No Kashmiri milestone is truly complete without the aromatic smoke of isband (wild rue seeds). Historically known to grow in wild abundance across the ancient Malkha area of Srinagar, this sacred herb remains irreplaceable. To this day, during marriages, engagements, and other joyful celebrations, a dynamic swirl of isband smoke is carried through rooms and passed over guests to ward off Nazar (the evil eye) and ensure a blessed beginning. The Bulbuls Announcement: While a cawing crow is noted in some circles, in Kashmir, it is often the bulbul (nightingale) chirping continuously at a door or window sill that serves as a cheerful myth, widely believed to be a sure sign that guests are about to arrive soon. The Ritual of Shig: In the Kashmiri minority community, the concept of Shig (omens) governed the morning routine of the household's breadwinner. If the office-going head of the family crossed paths with a femaleeven if it was his own daughterwhile walking out of the main gates, it was viewed as an unfavourable interruption. To reset his fortune, he would turn back, re-enter his room, and start his journey for the day all over again. The Sudden Sneeze: Even a simple, involuntary bodily function could completely derail a morning routine. If a gentleman was just stepping out for office work or attending to his business and someone in the family happened to sneeze, it was instantly treated as an ill omen. The traveller would immediately turn back, return to his room, sit down to reset the day's energy, and only then restart his journey from the beginning. The Crossing of the Cat: Some superstitions cross continental borders effortlessly. Much like in European countries where a black cat crossing one's path is famously believed to bring bad luck, a cat darting across the road ahead of a Kashmiri traveller carries a similar psychological weight. For many, it commands an involuntary pause, a moment of hesitation, or a silent prayer to ward off whatever misfortune the crossing animal is believed to represent. The Twitching Eye: A sudden involuntary twitch in the eye is often interpreted through a gendered lensa twitching right eye might signify good fortune or impending good news for a man, while a twitching left eye brings anxiety, believed to foretell bad luck or sadness. The Turned Slipper: Seeing a shoe or slipper lying upside down is instantly met with discomfort, as it is believed to invite domestic discord, arguments, or bad luck into the home until it is flipped right side up. Conclusion: The Need for Awakening Ultimately, there is a profound difference between the colourful tapestry of our folklore and the predatory traps of absolute blind faith. The quirky rituals of our elderswhether pausing for a sudden sneeze, respecting the quiet boundaries of Shig, or smiling at the hopeful chatter of a window-side bulbulbelong to a gentler, nostalgic era of collective innocence. They are the harmless eccentricities of a society trying to navigate the uncertainties of daily life, much like the fragrant, crackling embers of isband that bring comfort and blessing to our celebratory halls. However, when this innocence is twisted into a weapon of fear, we must draw a firm line and remember that everythingour health, our trials, and our destiniesrests entirely in the hands of God. In this landscape, genuine, God-fearing souls are true assets to our society. These righteous individuals do not trade in fear or greed; instead, they light the way with wisdom and compassion, consistently advising the faithful to walk the right path and look to divine grace alone to ward off evil and superstitious acts. To protect our communities from the theatre of the greedy, we require a collective awakeningone that embraces the sincere guidance of these true mentors, balances our cultural roots with rationality, and unmasks the manipulators who prey on the innocent. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. Email:nisargilani57748@gmail.com)
Amarnath Yatra: Where Faith Climbs Higher Than Fear
The path to the Holy Cave is narrow, but the path to spiritual wisdom is even narrower. It demands humility, patience, compassion, and responsibility Every year, when the sacred Amarnath Yatra begins, the Himalayas awaken to an extraordinary spectacle of faith. Men and women from every corner of India, irrespective of age, language, or social background, leave the comforts of their homes to undertake one of the world's most arduous pilgrimages. They walk through steep mountain trails, unpredictable weather, and thin mountain air, driven not by adventure but by an unwavering spiritual conviction. For them, the destination is not merely the holy cave housing the naturally formed ice Shivling; it is an inner journey where devotion rises above physical hardship and faith triumphs over fear. This year's Yatra assumes even greater significance. It comes at a time when Kashmir continues its determined march towards normalcy while still carrying the memories of difficult years. Every successful pilgrimage is therefore much more than a religious event. It becomes a powerful message that the Valley remains a land where spirituality continues to flourish despite every challenge that history has imposed upon it. Yet, every pilgrimage also presents a profound testnot merely of faith, but of governance, civic responsibility, and collective discipline. The true success of the Amarnath Yatra cannot be measured only by the number of pilgrims who reach the holy cave. It must also be measured by how safely they travel, how respectfully they treat the fragile Himalayan environment, how efficiently the administration manages the enormous logistical burden, and how responsibly every devotee conducts himself throughout the journey. The administration shoulders an enormous responsibility. Managing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims through narrow mountain roads, difficult terrain, and unpredictable weather demands planning of the highest order. The highways leading to both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes often witness massive traffic congestion. Long traffic jams not only inconvenience pilgrims but also disrupt the daily lives of local residents whose mobility becomes severely restricted during the Yatra season. Traffic management, therefore, deserves the highest priority. Intelligent scheduling of convoys, timely dissemination of travel advisories, designated parking facilities, and real-time monitoring can significantly reduce unnecessary congestion. Coordination among the police, traffic department, transport authorities, and disaster management teams must function seamlessly because a minor lapse can quickly escalate into a major crisis in mountainous terrain. Medical preparedness remains another critical pillar of the pilgrimage. The high-altitude environment poses serious risks even for physically fit individuals. Sudden breathlessness, dehydration, cardiac emergencies, hypothermia, and altitude sickness can strike without warning. Medical camps should therefore be adequately staffed with experienced doctors, paramedics, oxygen support, ambulances, and emergency evacuation facilities. Helicopter rescue services must remain ready for rapid deployment whenever required. In such a demanding landscape, every minute saved can mean a life saved. Accommodation is equally important. Pilgrims who have travelled thousands of kilometres deserve basic dignity and comfort. Clean resting places, hygienic toilets, safe drinking water, proper sanitation, uninterrupted electricity wherever feasible, and sufficient shelter from rain and cold should remain priorities. Temporary facilities should never become temporary excuses for inadequate management. Equally significant is the challenge of cleanliness. The Himalayas are among the world's most delicate ecological zones. What appears as a small piece of discarded plastic today can remain there for decades, polluting mountain streams, harming wildlife, and permanently scarring nature's beauty. The mountains have silently preserved their purity for thousands of years. They deserve better than becoming victims of human negligence. Plastic and polythene pose perhaps the greatest environmental threat during the Yatra. Every year, enormous quantities of disposable bottles, food wrappers, carry bags, and other waste accumulate along pilgrimage routes despite repeated appeals. The administration must strictly enforce restrictions on single-use plastics, provide adequate waste collection points, ensure timely disposal of garbage, and impose meaningful penalties on those violating environmental norms. However, no amount of governmental effort can succeed unless pilgrims themselves become conservation partners. True devotion begins with respectfor the deity, for fellow pilgrims, for the local population, and for nature itself. A pilgrim who throws plastic into a mountain stream while chanting sacred hymns contradicts the very essence of spirituality. Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as the eternal ascetic residing amidst snow-clad mountains, hardly needs offerings wrapped in plastic. The greatest offering to the Himalayas is to leave them as pristine as we found them. The role of volunteers, civil society organisations, religious groups, security personnel, healthcare workers, sanitation staff, and local service providers also deserves heartfelt appreciation. Thousands work tirelessly behind the scenes so that pilgrims may concentrate solely on their spiritual journey. Their contribution often goes unnoticed, yet without them, the Yatra would simply not be possible. Security remains another indispensable dimension. Given the history of attempts to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir, the enormous deployment of security forces reflects both necessity and preparedness. Their presence should reassure pilgrims while ensuring that the sanctity of the pilgrimage remains protected from any threat. Behind every peaceful Yatra stand contless men and women in uniform who spend sleepless nights safeguarding those they have never met. Climate change has added a new layer of uncertainty. Erratic rainfall, flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and rapidly changing weather patterns have made Himalayan travel increasingly unpredictable. Continuous weather monitoring, early warning systems, emergency shelters, and rapid communication networks must therefore become integral components of pilgrimage management rather than emergency responses after disasters occur. Technology can also become an invaluable ally. GPS-enabled monitoring, digital registration, health tracking, live traffic updates, weather alerts, mobile medical assistance, and integrated control rooms can substantially improve efficiency while reducing risks. Faith belongs to eternity, but its management must embrace modernity. Above all, the Amarnath Yatra calls for discipline. Pilgrims must recognise that spirituality is not measured by impatience, crowding, or disregard for rules. Maintaining queues, following official advisories, respecting convoy timings, avoiding unnecessary risks, and cooperating with authorities are themselves acts of devotion. The path to the Holy Cave is narrow, but the path to spiritual wisdom is even narrower. It demands humility, patience, compassion, and responsibility. When the final pilgrim returns safely home, when no mountain stream is polluted, when no life is lost because of negligence, when local communities feel respected rather than burdened, and when every visitor carries back not only divine blessings but also cherished memories of Kashmir's warmth and hospitality, only then can the Amarnath Yatra truly be called successful. Faith has always climbed higher than fear. Now it must also rise above carelessness, pollution, indiscipline, and indifference. The sacred cave of Amarnath teaches humanity the timeless lesson of eternity. It is for us to ensure that our conduct during this pilgrimage reflects the same reverence that draws millions to those majestic Himalayan heights year after year. For the greatest pilgrimage is not merely the ascent to a holy shrine; it is the ascent of human character. (The Author is RK Columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
Govt mulls lifting Jhelum water to revive Kashmirs only olive belt
29-kanal plantation hit by irrigation shortage since 2005 earthquake Srinagar, July 3: To revive Kashmirs only olive cultivation belt, the Horticulture Department is planning to draw water from the Jhelum River to irrigate the olive plantation at Salamabad in Uri area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Officials said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared for lifting river water to the plantation, which has suffered declining productivity over the years due to the absence of a reliable irrigation system. They said the 29-kanal plantation, established under an Indo-Italian collaboration in 1987, has seen a steady fall in output as rainfall remains its sole source of moisture following the damage of its original water supply system in the 2005 earthquake. Since there is no irrigation facility in the area, we are exploring the possibility of using water from the Jhelum River. We will prepare a DPR and submit it to the higher authorities. Lifting water from the river is the only viable option available to restore irrigation to the plantation, a senior Horticulture Department official told Rising Kashmir. The growth and productivity of olive trees have reduced considerably. Without a dependable source of irrigation, sustaining the plantation has become increasingly difficult, another senior official said. Officials said the plantation had access to a natural stream before the devastating 2005 earthquake. Water from the stream was stored in a tank and used to irrigate the orchard. The department also explored alternative options. In 2024, the Irrigation Department inspected the site to assess the feasibility of developing a groundwater source. They had proposed digging a borewell, but the plan could not be implemented because of the areas higher elevation, which makes groundwater extraction technically infeasible, another official said. The decline in irrigation has not only affected fruit production but has also impacted olive oil extraction, one of the key objectives of the plantation project. Olive cultivation in Kashmir is unique to the Uri region, where the comparatively warmer climate and suitable soil conditions support the Mediterranean crop. The plantation was established in Salamabad in 1987 under an Indo-Italian collaboration after a British team conducted soil studies and identified the area as suitable for olive cultivation. Local residents and growers have expressed concern over the future of the plantation, saying timely intervention is essential to preserve the valleys only olive-growing region. Irrigation is the lifeline of olive cultivation. The trees require timely watering for healthy growth and better yields. Without a proper irrigation system, the plantation will continue to suffer, said 80-year-old Azad Khan, a resident of Shadra village in Kamalkote area.
Birth planning can save Mothers, newborns: Experts
Preparedness strategy aims to reduce delays in accessing emergency healthcare Srinagar, Jul 3: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR), a strategy that aims to ensure safe pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care, has the potential to improve maternal and child health indicators in J&K by reducing delays in accessing timely healthcare, health experts have said. In an advisory, Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, highlights that BPCR enables pregnant women, their families and healthcare workers to jointly plan for a safe birth and respond quickly during emergencies. The initiative carries the message, Better Planning Today, Safer Motherhood Tomorrow, Healthier Children Always. BPCR is a comprehensive birth plan prepared by the pregnant woman in consultation with her family and healthcare workers to ensure safe pregnancy, institutional delivery and appropriate newborn care, Dr Khan said. He said that the approach focuses on anticipating potential complications and making necessary arrangements well in advance to prevent avoidable maternal and neonatal deaths. The preparedness plan emphasizes early registration of pregnancy, regular antenatal care (ANC), identification of the preferred health facility for delivery, recognition of danger signs during pregnancy, labour, the postpartum period and in newborns, transportation, availability of a skilled birth attendant and encouraging active participation of family members. Dr. Khan noted that BPCR is particularly important for Jammu & Kashmir due to the region's unique geographical and healthcare challenges like difficult terrain, remote habitations, harsh winters, seasonal road closures, long travel distances to referral hospitals, delays in ambulance access etc. The advisory said implementation of BPCR can substantially improve maternal health outcomes by increasing antenatal care coverage and ensuring more women complete at least four or eight ANC visits with appropriate screening. It can also increase institutional deliveries where skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care are available, facilitate early identification and referral of high-risk pregnancies, and reduce obstetric complications such as haemorrhage, eclampsia, sepsis and obstructed labour. It said that the strategy can help reduce the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) through skilled care at birth, newborn resuscitation, thermal care and early initiation of breastfeeding. It is also expected to lower Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) by strengthening newborn care, promoting timely immunization and ensuring early identification and management of sick newborns. It said that initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth improves nutrition and immunity, while timely birth-dose vaccinations enhance protection against preventable diseases. The advisory also underlines the critical role of community health workers in implementing BPCR. Their responsibilities include counselling families during home visits, preparing individualized birth preparedness plans, identifying high-risk pregnancies, coordinating referrals and transportation, and promoting postpartum and newborn care. Dr. Khan said the impact of BPCR follows a clear pathwayfrom a prepared family to timely access to healthcare, quality treatment at health facilities, healthier mothers and babies, and ultimately improved maternal and child health indicators. He stressed that planning ahead and acting promptly can save lives, urging families to recognize danger signs, avoid delays in seeking care and work together to build a healthier future for every mother and child in Jammu & Kashmir.
Legacy waste clearance gains momentum across Kashmir
1.58 lakh MT legacy waste treated; work underway in 18 municipalities Srinagar: The Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Kashmir has completed the bio-mining of 0.79 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of legacy waste at five municipal dumping sites, marking a significant step towards scientific solid waste management and the reclamation of old dumping grounds across the Valley. An official from Urban Local Bodies Kashmir said the department has undertaken large-scale bio-remediation of legacy waste in municipalities to eliminate decades-old dumps and improve environmental conditions. The bio-remediation of approximately 2.98 lakh MT of legacy waste has been taken up in 18 municipalities across Kashmir. So far, 1,58,343 metric tonnes of legacy waste has been remediated by the executing agency, while work on the remaining legacy waste is in progress, official said. He said that 12 Solid Waste Management (SWM) Centres are currently operational in different municipalities, where municipal waste is scientifically segregated and processed. Municipal committees across Kashmir have stopped using open dumping sites after the Solid Waste Management Centres became functional. Waste collected from households is now being processed through these facilities in a scientific manner, the official said. To strengthen the door-to-door waste collection system, the department has procured 245 garbage hoppers, which have been distributed among municipal committees across the Valley. We have already supplied 245 garbage hoppers to municipal committees across Kashmir for door-to-door collection of waste. The collected waste is segregated at the SWM Centres. Wet waste is processed through compost pits, while dry waste is treated at Material Recovery Facility (MRF) plants, the official added.
1,114 Brick Kiln Children Vaccinated in Budgam
Budgam, July 3: In a focused effort to ensure complete immunization coverage among vulnerable populations, the Health Department in Budgam district has administered Pulse Polio Immunisation (PPI) to 1,114 children residing in 118 brick kilns across the district. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Budgam, Dr Shahid, said special teams were deployed to ensure that every child in the age group of 05 years, particularly those belonging to migrant labour families, receives vaccination. Our field teams visited 118 brick kilns across Budgam district, where 1,114 children of migrant labourers were administered Pulse Polio drops, Dr Shahid said. He added that health officials, along with field teams, also conducted visits to brick kilns and temporary settlements to ensure complete coverage of migrant populations in line with government directions. In addition to brick kiln settlements, 208 children living in slum areas of Chadoora and Sumerbugh were also vaccinated. Officials said Chadoora has two identified slum clusters, while Sumerbugh has multiple such settlements where migrant families from other states are currently residing. Dr Shahid further informed that the district-wide immunization drive was carried out in phases between June 28 and June 30. On June 28 alone, 115,209 children were vaccinated at designated booths. This was followed by house-to-house coverage on June 29, during which 6,246 children were reached. On June 30, an additional 966 children were administered polio drops.
Rescue teams provide medical aid to Yatris
Srinagar, July 3: Rescue and security agencies remained on high alert as the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra commenced on Friday, with personnel providing medical assistance, oxygen support and physical help to pilgrims along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and other agencies were deployed at vulnerable and high-altitude points to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees undertaking the pilgrimage. Throughout the day, SDRF personnel administered oxygen therapy to several pilgrims who developed breathing difficulties at Sangam Top and Rail Pathri, while JKP teams provided similar medical assistance to yatris at Nagakoti. Rescue personnel also assisted elderly, exhausted and physically challenged pilgrims in negotiating the steep staircase leading to the Holy Cave. In one instance, a Jammu and Kashmir Police rescuer carried a devotee on his back to help him reach the shrine for darshan. In a separate incident, a joint rescue team of the JKP and SSB rescued an injured labourer following a stone-fall incident at Mid Rail Pathri. The injured labourer was provided first aid before being shifted to the nearest medical camp for further treatment. Officials sources said SDRF teams stationed at Sangam Top, Rail Pathri and the Holy Cave continued to assist pilgrims by providing oxygen support, first aid and other emergency services, ensuring the yatra progresses in a safe, smooth and well-coordinated manner.
Pre-registered Yatris to get priority: Div Com
Urges online registration; 80,000 pilgrim capacity, token system in place Pahalgam, July 3:- Urging devotees to complete online registration before undertaking the Shri Amarnath Yatra, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com), Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Friday said priority is being given to pre-registered pilgrims, while the administration has made accommodation for nearly 80,000 pilgrims at transit camps and introduced a token system for those arriving without prior registration. Speaking to reporters at the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, Garg said the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has been issuing repeated advisories through social media, radio, public address systems and registration counters, informing pilgrims that the number of devotees allowed on the yatra each day is governed by the carrying capacity fixed under the directions of the Supreme Court. He said pilgrims who have completed advance registration, e-KYC and RFID formalities are being given first priority, followed by those arriving from Jammu in escorted convoys. The remaining quota available for a particular day, he said, is being allotted through on-spot registration. Garg said the administration had arranged a token system for devotees arriving without registration because of the large response to this year's pilgrimage. He said pilgrims are being issued tokens sequentially for the next two to five days so they can report on the date allotted to them instead of waiting at the base camp every day. He said around 2,500 pilgrims stayed at the Nunwan base camp on Thursday night and similar arrangements had been made for pilgrims arriving with Friday's convoy from Jammu. He added that accommodation and langar facilities had been expanded, while district administration teams and security agencies were working continuously to ensure that pilgrims did not face any inconvenience. The carrying capacity is limited and no pilgrims can be allowed beyond that number. However, if the number of online-registered pilgrims comes down in the coming days and we have more scope, we will register more pilgrims on the spot. For example, we registered only 1,000 pilgrims on the spot yesterday, while nearly 2,000 are being registered today. We expect an increasing trend in the on-spot registration quota in the coming days, which will help us accommodate pilgrims who have arrived without registration, Garg said. Appealing for patience, Garg said faith and patience were integral parts of the pilgrimage. He assured devotees that the administration was making every effort to ensure they did not face inconvenience while facilitating the yatra within the prescribed carrying capacity. He said advance registration had been open across the country since March and advisories had repeatedly urged pilgrims to register before travelling. However, he acknowledged that some devotees had arrived without registration, while others who had come to Kashmir as tourists later decided to undertake the pilgrimage. Garg said the administration had increased the capacity of transit hubs and maintained accommodation capacity for nearly 80,000 pilgrims across transit camps in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Anantnag, keeping various contingencies in view. He said every effort was being made to facilitate the pilgrimage of every devotee and send them for Baba Barfani darshan at the earliest within the prescribed carrying capacity. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Chief Executive Officer of the Pahalgam Development Authority, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pahalgam and other senior officers during the inspection of the frisking point, eKYC verification and RFID registration counters, where he reviewed pilgrim facilitation arrangements and interacted with yatris to obtain first-hand feedback on the facilities and services being provided.
Europe Heatwave Turns Deadly: Over 3,700 Excess Deaths Reported in France, Belgium and Netherlands
SRINAGAR: A record-breaking heatwave that swept across Europe in late June has claimed at least 3,700 excess lives in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, with authorities warning that the toll is expected to rise as more data becomes available. France has been the worst affected, recording 2,025 excess deaths during the week of June 22 []
Former DDC chairperson Safina Baig to join NC on July 8
Srinagar, July 03 (KNO): Former chairperson of district development council Safina Baig is joining National Conference on July 08. Sources told news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that Safina Baig will join the party on 8th of this month in presence of NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah. Safinas induction in NC is expected to strengthen the party in Baramulla district as well as in other Pahari-majority areas of Jammu & Kashmir. Wife of former deputy CM Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Safina Baig has played a key role in development of Baramulla district during her tenure as DDC head(KNO)
First batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 pilgrims flagged-off from Baltal Base Camp
GANDERBAL, JULY 03: The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 commenced today with the ceremonial flagging-off of the first batch of pilgrims from the Baltal Base Camp in Ganderbal district amid an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm. The flag-off ceremony was led by Rahul Yadav, Managing Director, J&K Power Development Corporation and Nodal Officer for the Baltal [] The post First batch of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 pilgrims flagged-off from Baltal Base Camp appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
J&K Bank MD & CEO chairs Customer Meet at Leh
Srinagar, July 03: Reinforcing its commitment to customer-centric banking and direct stakeholder engagement, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee today chaired a Customer Meet in Leh, where a cross-section of customers from across the district participated and shared valuable feedback on the Banks products, services, and operational requirements. The meet was attended by Zonal Head (Ladakh) [] The post J&K Bank MD & CEO chairs Customer Meet at Leh appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Terror associate booked in J-Ks Pulwama under Public Safety Act
SRINAGAR: Police in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district booked a terror associate under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978 and a notorious drug peddler under the PIT-NDPS. In a sustained drive against terrorism and drug trafficking, police in Awantipora have booked a terror associate under the PSA and a notorious drug peddler under the []
BJP National President Nitin Nabin to visit Jammu-Kashmir on July 6-7
New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin will undertake a two-day organisational visit to Jammu and Kashmir on July 6 and 7, during which he will participate in a series of party programmes and hold organisational meetings with leaders and workers across the Union Territory. The visit will be Nabin's first to the Union Territory since assuming charge as the party's national president. On July 6, Nabin will attend a programme commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at Majestic Grand Palace in Jammu. The event will be attended by senior party leaders, office-bearers, public representatives and BJP workers. He will also address a Karyakarta Sammelan-cum-public rally and chair a meeting of the BJP's Core Group to review the political and organisational situation in Jammu and Kashmir and discuss the party's future strategy. On July 7, the BJP president will interact with young people during a Yuva Samvaad programme in Jammu. He will also hold separate meetings with the party's Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to review organisational activities, strengthen coordination and discuss the party's roadmap in the region. The visit is aimed at strengthening the BJP's organisational network in Jammu and Kashmir and enhancing coordination between the party leadership, elected representatives and grassroots workers. (ANI)
Man killed, three injured in bus-car collision
SRINAGAR: A man was killed and three others sustained injuries after a bus they were travelling in collided with a car in the Rajal-Bagnoti area of the Nowshera sector in Rajouri district on Friday, officials said. Quoting an official the news agency KNO reported that the accident occurred when a bus bearing registration number AR-20D-1122, []
Tarigami-led committee inspects Achan waste management site and Kashmir wetlands, calls for scientific waste processing and time-bound restoration plan
NC Finalises Plans For Delhi Protest, July 11 and 13 Observances
NC backs Farooq Abdullah's call for Delhi protest, says statehood restoration cannot be delayed
Amarnath Yatra: Div Com reviews Nunwan arrangements, seeks seamless facilities
Reviews facilities at Pahalgam axis, stresses seamless coordination and uninterrupted services for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims
