J&K rains, flash floods: Lieutenant Governor directs officials to intensify rescue operations
Srinagar, July 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday assessed the ground situation in districts affected by heavy rains, flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, and directed officials to intensify rescue operations. The LG Sinha also spoke with Deputy Commissioner Ramban regarding the tragic shooting stone incident in which two precious lives were lost, and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. Taking to micro-blogging site X, LG Sinha said: I spoke with senior officials today to assess the ground situation in districts affected by heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides across Jammu Kashmir. During the review, I was briefed on ongoing relief efforts by district administrations, SDRF, NDRF, J&K Police, the Indian Army, BRO, NHAI, Health, PWD, and Jal Shakti departments. Directed teams to intensify rescue operations. Joint operations continue in Poonch and Rajouri and over 400 damaged roads in Jammu Division have already been restored. I've instructed Officials to position manpower and machinery at safe, strategic locations near vulnerable areas for immediate response and issued directions to disseminate timely advisories to the citizens discouraging unnecessary travel in high-risk zones. I also spoke with DC Ramban regarding the tragic shooting stones incident in which two precious lives were lost. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. I have directed the district administration to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care and to provide all necessary support to the affected families during this difficult time.
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir registered 887 cases of crimes against children in 2024, with 444 cases chargesheeted and 537 cases pending investigation at the end of the year, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The figures were provided in response to an unstarred question on crimes against children and implementation of []
Teenager Found Dead in Bandipora Nallah
Bandipora, July 22: A 14-year-old boy was found dead in a nallah in the Guzarbal area of north Kashmir's Bandipora district on Wednesday, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Amir Khatana (14) , son of the late Mehboob Khatana and a resident of Bonibal Tangath. According to officials, the boy's body was recovered from the nallah and shifted to District Hospital Bandipora for medico-legal formalities. Police have initiated legal proceedings and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the exact cause of death.
Over 1,000 OGWs picked up across Kashmir after Anantnag terror attack
Srinagar : Security forces have picked up over 1,000 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) from across the Kashmir Valley after a cop was killed in a terror attack in south Kashmirs Anantnag district, officials said. A top official said that following the attack security forces along with Jammu and Kashmir police launched Valley-wide raids. He said []
Body of 13-Year-Old Boy Recovered From Guzerbal Nallah in Bandipora
SRINAGAR: The body of a 13-year-old boy was recovered from the Guzerbal Nallah in north Kashmirs Bandipora district on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Quoting officials, news agency GNS reported that the identity of the deceased had not been established at the time of filing this report. Police and other concerned authorities rushed to the spot []
14-year-old found dead in Bandipora nallah
Bandipora: A 14-year-old boy was found dead in a nallah in the Guzarbal area of Bandipora district on Wednesday, officials said. Officials said that the body was recovered from the nallah and shifted to District Hospital Bandipora for medico-legal formalities. The deceased was identified as Amir Khatana (14), son of late Mehboob Khatana and a []
Kashmiri Healthcare Worker Returns Home After Three-Month Detention in Saudi Arabia
SRINAGAR: A healthcare professional from Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district has returned home after spending nearly three months in detention in Saudi Arabia over a Facebook post, with his release reportedly secured following diplomatic intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Amjad Ali, a resident of Pattan in Baramulla, arrived home last week after []
Mirwaiz Reviews Restoration Work at Historic Jama Masjid
SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and President of the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Auqaf to review the ongoing restoration and conservation of the historic Jama Masjid, Srinagar, while expressing concern over drainage failures, recent waterlogging and alleged building violations around the heritage site. The meeting assessed the []
Railways Adds Four New Train Services in Jammu Division, Including Two Vande Bharat Pairs
SRINAGAR: The Centre on Wednesday said four pairs of new train services, including two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, have been introduced in the Jammu Division during 2025-26 to strengthen rail connectivity across the region. Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new services include []
CM Omar Abdullah Condemns Anantnag Militant Attack
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday condemned the militant attack in south Kashmirs Anantnag district in which Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the 3rd Battalion, India Reserve Police (IRP) was killed while on duty, describing his death as the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. In a post on X, the Chief []
CM Omar Abdullah condemns Anantnag terror attack, offers condolences to slain cops family
Srinagar, Jul 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of the IRP 3rd Battalion of the J&K Police, who was killed in a terror attack in the Anantnag area of South Kashmir. In a post on X, Abdullah said, Deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of IRP 3rd Battalion J&K Police. HC Hussain made the ultimate sacrifice in a cowardly terror attack in Anantnag area of South Kashmir. I unequivocally condemn this attack & send my heartfelt condolences to the members of his family. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat. Deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain of IRP 3rd Battalion J&K Police. HC Hussain made the ultimate sacrifice in a cowardly terror attack in Anantnag area of South Kashmir. I unequivocally condemn this attack & send my heartfelt Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 22, 2026
Jhelum Water Level Well Below Warning Mark, No Need to Panic: Flood Control Department
SRINAGAR: Amid continuous rainfall across Kashmir, the Flood and irrigation (I and FC) department on Wednesday said there is no need to panic as the Jhelum river is flowing well below the warning and danger levels at key gauge stations. A top official said that the water level at Ram Munshi Bagh is 7.91 feet, []
Security Tightened on NH-44 in Qazigund After Anantnag Attack
SRINAGAR: Kulgam Police have intensified security along the JammuSrinagar National Highway (NH-44) in the Qazigund area following the recent militant attack in neighbouring Anantnag in which a police personnel was killed during a search operation. Officials said the enhanced security measures have been implemented under the directions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam, Anayat []
Srinagar: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and President Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, Dr. Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, chaired an important meeting of the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar and took stock of the ongoing restoration and conservation work at the historic Jama Masjid. During the meeting, the progress of the restoration work was reviewed, and the need to ensure []
Police warn against sharing unverified content on Anantnag attack
Srinagar: Anantnag Police on Wednesday cautioned the public against sharing unauthorised photographs, videos and unverified information related to the terror incident in Lal Chowk area, warning that violators will face legal action. A senior police officer said that several social media users and platforms were circulating fake photographs, edited videos and unverified content linked to []
LG Sinha condemns Anantnag terror attack, says perpetrators will be brought to justice
Srinagar, Jul 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said he spoke with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the terror attack in Anantnag, in which Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi was killed. In a post on X, Sinha said, My heartfelt condolences to the family of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. The whole country stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the family of martyr. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack. This heinous act will not go unpunished. J&K Police and our security forces are on the ground and will bring those responsible to justice. I spoke with DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the terror attack in Anantnag. My heartfelt condolences to the family of Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. The whole country stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 22, 2026
2 killed, 5 injured after shooting stone hits tempo in Ramsoo
Ramban, July 22: Two persons were killed and others injured after a shooting stone hit a passenger tempo on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Ramsoo in Ramban district on Wednesday, officials said. Officials told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the shooting stone struck the tempo amid continuous rainfall, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. They said several passengers were injured in the incident and were immediately rescued and shifted to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Ramsoo and other nearby hospitals. Officials said two of the injured later succumbed to their injuries, while the condition of the remaining is being monitored. Rescue teams, assisted by police and local volunteers, carried out the evacuation operation. The identities of the deceased are being ascertained. Meanwhile, police have taken up an investigation into the incident.(KNO)
LG Manoj Sinha Condemns Anantnag Terror Attack, Vows Culprits Wont Go Unpunished
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday condemned the terror attack in Anantnag that claimed the life of a police personnel and said those responsible will be brought to justice. In a post on X, the LG said he spoke with DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat to review the situation following the attack. I strongly condemn []
LG Sinha visits Voluntary Medicare Society, lauds work for persons with disabilities
Srinagar, Jul 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Voluntary Medicare Society, which has been serving Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for over five decades. In a post on X, Sinha said, It was inspiring to see their dedicated work in empowering specially-abled individuals, particularly through para-sports. During an interaction with our brilliant para-athletes, I reminded them that their unique abilities and contributions to society are truly immense. He said the society has been working in the areas of healthcare, education, livelihood and community inclusion. Visited the Voluntary Medicare Society today, which has been serving Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh for over five decades through healthcare, education, livelihood, and community inclusion. It was inspiring to see their dedicated work in pic.twitter.com/BJsWzziAjE Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 22, 2026
Shooting stone hits tempo in Ramsoo, several injured, rescue underway
Ramban: Several passengers were injured after a shooting stone hit a tempo on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Ramsoo in Ramban district on Wednesday, officials said. Officials said that the shooting stone struck the passenger vehicle amid continuous rainfall, leaving several occupants injured. They said one of the injured sustained critical injuries and was shifted []
NC normalising post-2019 changes by limiting J&K issue to statehood: Mehbooba Mufti
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said the ruling National Conference (NC) is normalising the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019 by reducing Jammu and Kashmirs political discourse to the demand for statehood alone. She said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should have convened an all-party meeting before approaching the Centre on []
Mirwaiz chairs Jama Masjid Auqaf meet, reviews restoration, drainage concerns
Srinagar, July 22: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and President Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, chaired an important meeting of the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar and took stock of the ongoing restoration and conservation work at the historic Jama Masjid. In a statement, he said the progress of the restoration work was reviewed, and the need to ensure that it is carried out carefully, efficiently and in keeping with the historic and architectural character of the mosque was emphasised. He said the meeting also reviewed the situation arising from the recent waterlogging in Srinagar, particularly in and around the historic Jama Masjid and Nowhatta area. Auqaf General Secretary Haji Ahmad apprised the Mirwaiz of the concerning condition of the drainage system surrounding Jama Masjid. He informed him that the surface drain around the mosque has largely become non-functional, remains clogged at several points and is not properly connected to the deep drainage system. The Auqaf members further said that rainwater from the surrounding Nowhatta area flows towards the mosques drainage network, resulting in water accumulation around the mosque during spells of rain. The members expressed concern that repeated waterlogging could gradually affect the historic structure if the issue is not addressed in time. The meeting was also informed that the matter had previously been taken up with the concerned departments through written communications, seeking cleaning, restoration and proper connectivity of the drainage system. Jama Masjid Srinagar is one of Kashmirs most important religious, historical and architectural landmarks and has remained central to the religious and social life of the people for centuries. The meeting stressed the need to ensure that the mosque and its surroundings are protected through timely maintenance, proper conservation and effective civic planning. The Auqaf also informed the Mirwaiz about building violations and unauthorised constructions in the immediate vicinity of Jama Masjid. Four to five multi-storey buildings and shopping complexes raised in violation of norms have affected the traditional character and appearance of the surroundings of the historic mosque. The members said that the issue had already been brought to the notice of the concerned authorities and stressed that such violations should be examined on a priority basis and dealt with seriously in accordance with law. They also emphasised the need to prevent any further unauthorised construction around the heritage mosque. The Mirwaiz instructed the Auqaf to take up both matters at the earliest with the concerned departments and authorities and pursue them in a coordinated manner so that the drainage system is restored, the mosque is protected from further waterlogging and the historic character of its surroundings is preserved.
Police Personnel Critically Injured In Firing Incident On Kokernag Side Road, Anantnag
Anantnag:A police personnel was critically injured in a firing incident on the Kokernag side road in Anantnag district on Wednesday. The injured cop was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is said to be critical, official sources said. Soon after the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a []
Peaceful protest is soul of democracy; excessive state power must invite accountability: Ashok Bhan
Srinagar, Jul 22: Senior Supreme Court Advocate and Distinguished Fellow, International Law Centre, Ashok Bhan has said that peaceful protest is the soul of democracy and any excessive use of state power must invite accountability. Speaking at a meeting of young lawyers organised by Lawyers Guild, Bhan said the reports surrounding the police response to the peaceful protest organised by youth and students in Delhi had once again brought into sharp focus the question of whether democratic dissent was being accorded the constitutional respect it deserved. The Constitution of India does not merely permit peaceful protestit protects it. Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), and 19(1)(c) guarantee every citizen the freedoms of speech and expression, peaceful assembly, and association. These rights are the bedrock of our democratic Republic. While they are subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests recognised by the Constitution, such restrictions must always be lawful, necessary and proportionate, he said. If a peaceful demonstration is met with disproportionate police action, arbitrary detention, or excessive use of force, it raises serious constitutional concerns. Such allegations should be examined promptly through a fair, impartial and transparent inquiry. Accountability is not directed against the police as an institution; rather, it is essential to preserving public confidence in the rule of law, Bhan said. The police are guardians of the Constitution, not instruments of political partisanship. Their duty is to facilitate peaceful democratic expression while maintaining public order. The use of coercive powers must remain an exception, never the norm. A democratic State demonstrates its strength not by suppressing criticism but by responding to it through dialogue, restraint and adherence to constitutional values, he said. Bhan said the Supreme Court of India had repeatedly affirmed that dissent was the safety valve of democracy, adding that peaceful disagreement could not be equated with disorder merely because it challenged those in authority. Governments derive legitimacy from the Constitution, and that legitimacy is reinforcednot weakenedwhen they respect the rights of those who hold opposing views, he said. He said the issue transcended partisan politics, adding that the constitutional principles involved applied equally to every citizen, every political party and every civil society organisation. The erosion of democratic freedoms for one inevitably threatens the freedoms of all, Bhan said. Indias freedom movement was built upon peaceful public mobilisation, civil disobedience and moral courage. It would be a profound irony if independent India were to narrow the very democratic space that inspired its own struggle for liberty. Governments change, but constitutional freedoms must remain constant, he said. At the same time, Bhan said organisers of public demonstrations bore a corresponding responsibility to ensure that protests remained peaceful, disciplined and respectful of the rights of others. Democratic engagement must always reject violence and damage to public property, he said. As a constitutional democracy, India must never permit the normalisation of excessive state power against peaceful civic participation. Public confidence in democratic institutions depends upon an impartial police force, an independent judiciary, a free press and an unwavering commitment to fundamental rights, Bhan said. He emphasised that the need of the hour was constitutional statesmanship. The Government should reassure citizens that peaceful dissent will be protected. Police authorities should continue strengthening professionalism, restraint and accountability. Civil society and political leadership across the spectrum must reaffirm their shared commitment to democratic values, he said. Indias democracy has earned global respect because it has historically embraced diversity of opinion and constitutional dialogue. That democratic legacy must not be diminished, Bhan said. The true measure of a democracy lies not in how it treats those who support the government, but in how it protects the rights of those who peacefully disagree with it. Preserving that principle is essential to safeguarding the constitutional promise of liberty, justice and equality for every Indian, he said.
Opposition parties hold protest in Parliament premises; demand resignation of Shah, Pradhan
NEW DELHI: Wearing black clothes, leaders of several Opposition parties on Wednesday staged a protest outside Parliament to express solidarity with students protesting against the NEET paper leak issue. The opposition MPs raised slogans against the government and demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for the police action []
MP Mian Altaf escapes unhurt after landslide hits vehicle on Jammu-Poonch highway
Jammu: Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad on Wednesday escaped unhurt after a landslide hit his official vehicle while he was inspecting rain and landslide-affected areas along the Jammu-Poonch National Highway, officials said. Officials said that rocks and debris suddenly rolled down from a hill and struck the MPs vehicle during the inspection. However, Mian []
Govt ready to discuss NEET Paper leak issue: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Lok Sabha
New Delhi, July 22: Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that the government is ready to discuss the issue of the NEET UG paper leak. Addressing the Lower House, Rijiju said, For three days, the government has formally offered that discussions be held. Government is ready to discuss NEET paper leak issues. The discussion will happen based on rules; its duration will be. A discussion with floor leaders of all parties should be held on when and how the discussion should take place. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the government is ready to discuss the issue and invited opposition parties to discuss the agenda for discussion. Following Rijiju's remark, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the discussion on NEET paper leak is bigger than the interests of political parties. These are our students, and we are fighting for them; they will hit the roads. The issue is not merely restricted to resignation. It is more of action taken against them. PM Modi should make a statement in the House, he said Amid uproar by the opposition, the House was adjourned till 2 pm. Earlier, Congress MP KC Venugopal said the Opposition had unanimously decided to continue pressing for a discussion on the alleged NEET and CBSE examination paper leak issue through an adjournment motion, while reiterating its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Speaking to reporters inside the Parliament premises, Venugopal said Opposition parties had held discussions on the issue and agreed to seek a debate under the adjournment motion.Today morning, we had discussions with opposition parties. We decided very clearly--day before yesterday, yesterday, and today--for the last three days, we have been continuously giving adjournment motions on this NEET-CBSE exam leakage issue, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the Education Minister, and a proper action plan for stopping this leakage issue, he said. Venugopal said the Opposition was willing to hold a discussion if the government accepted the adjournment motion. The opposition MPs held protests wearing black clothes against the government on the Parliament premises.The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi among others were present at the protest.Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said students have genuine demands and are asking for their rights. (ANI)
Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended for fourth consecutive day amid adverse weather
Katra, July 22: Katra, the base camp of the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, wears a deserted look as the Yatra remained suspended for the fourth consecutive day due to prevailing adverse weather conditions in the region. The pilgrimage has remained suspended as a precautionary measure amid inclement weather, affecting the movement of devotees towards the holy cave shrine. The suspension has resulted in a significant decline in pilgrim movement across Katra, which otherwise remains bustling with devotees throughout the day. Pilgrims have been advised to remain updated with official advisories and avoid proceeding towards the Yatra routes until the pilgrimage is formally resumed. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is expected to resume once weather conditions improve. Meanwhile, traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) has been suspended due to heavy and incessant rainfall, triggering mudslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along the highway. No vehicles are being allowed to proceed from either Qazigund in Kashmir or Udhampur towards Ramban amid the adverse weather conditions. The region has been witnessing rainfall for the past two days. Heavy rainfall also lashed Bhalesa in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, causing rivers, streams and drains to swell and damaging houses, crops and agricultural land. Amid flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides, the administrations of Doda and Kishtwar have urged people to avoid high-altitude, landslide-prone and riverbank areas until weather conditions improve. Meanwhile, thick fog enveloped the mountains of Ramban following heavy rainfall across the region, causing a noticeable drop in temperature. The continuous rain has transformed the surrounding hills into mist-covered vistas, while low-hanging clouds and dense fog reduced visibility in several areas. The continuous rainfall in Reasi and upper catchment areas has triggered a surge in water inflow into the Salal reservoir, prompting authorities to open all gates of the dam to regulate the rising water level. (ANI)
Vehicular movement halted on Jammu-Srinagar NH due to heavy rain, mudslides
Srinagar, Jul 22: Vehicular movement on both sides of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been stopped due to heavy rainfall along the highway and multiple incidents of shooting stones and mudslides, J&K Traffic Police said. In an update posted on X, the Traffic Police advised commuters not to undertake any journey on NH-44 until the weather improves and the road is declared safe for traffic. It also advised commuters to check the status of the highway through the Traffic Polices X handle, Facebook page and Traffic Control Units (TCUs). For updates, commuters can contact TCU Jammu at 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732 or 103; Srinagar at 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091 or 103; Ramban at 9419993745 or 1800-180-7043; and Udhampur at 8491928625. Jammu-Srinagar NHW update at 0930 hrs. @JmuKmrPolice @JKTransportDept @OfficeOfLGJandK @Divcomjammu @DivComKash @ZPHQJammu @igp_jammu @diprjk @ddnews_jammu @ddnewsSrinagar @ddnewsladakh pic.twitter.com/eOgLfyMVXB J&K Traffic Police (@Traffic_hqrs) July 22, 2026
Govt approves two Unity Malls in Srinagar, Jammu at Rs 255 crore: CM
Srinagar, Jul 22: The Government has approved the construction of two Unity Malls, one each in Srinagar and Jammu, at a cumulative cost of Rs 255 crore, the Chief Ministers Office said in a post on X. Chief Minister J&K said, These landmark projects will provide a dedicated platform for local artisans, handloom and handicraft products, GI-tagged goods and regional entrepreneurs, while creating vibrant commercial spaces that will promote tourism, trade and employment across Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has approved the construction of two Unity Malls, one each in Srinagar and Jammu, at a cumulative cost of 255 crore. These landmark projects will provide a dedicated platform for local artisans, handloom and handicraft products, GI-tagged goods and regional Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) July 22, 2026
Central Kashmir: Body of Man Swept Away in Budgam Floods Recovered
SRINAGAR: The body of a newly married man, who had gone missing after being swept away by a swollen nallah amid the prevailing flood situation in Budgam district yesterday, was recovered from Ashrea Nallah in the Khag area on Wednesday morning following an extensive overnight search operation. The deceased was identified as Shabir Ahmad Paswal, []
Heavy rain swells Chenab River as all gates of Salal Dam opened in Reasi
Reasi, July 22: Continuous rainfall in Reasi and upper catchment areas has triggered a surge in water inflow into the Salal reservoir, prompting authorities to open all gates of the dam to regulate the rising water level. The increased inflow and release of water from the dam have caused the Chenab River to swell, with strong currents and elevated water levels being witnessed downstream. Heavy rainfall has been lashing the Reasi region for the past several hours, leading to a significant rise in water inflow into the Chenab River and Salal Dam reservoir. Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and the river's water level. People, particularly those living in low-lying areas and along the banks of the Chenab, have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid venturing close to the river. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall lashed Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district from early Tuesday morning, prompting the district administration and Rajouri Police to issue advisories urging residents to remain alert amid fears of rising river water levels, flash floods, landslides and waterlogging. The district administration advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during the ongoing spell of heavy rain and stay away from rivers, streams and flood-prone areas. Residents were also urged not to attempt crossing flooded roads or bridges and to follow weather updates and instructions issued by the administration. People have been asked to remain indoors unless travel is essential and cooperate with the administration. In case of an emergency, residents have been advised to immediately contact the local administration or emergency services. Rajouri Police also issued an urgent advisory, warning that continuous heavy rainfall could lead to a rapid rise in the water level of rivers in the district. With heavy rainfall going on in areas of Rajouri, there is apprehension that the water level in rivers will increase rapidly, the advisory said. (ANI)
EOW Kashmir files charge-sheet against four in airport job fraud case
Srinagar, Jul 22: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of Crime Branch J&K has filed a charge-sheet before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, in connection with FIR No. 36/2018 registered under Sections 420 and 120-B RPC, read with Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. The EOW said in a statement that the charge-sheet has been filed against four accused persons for their alleged involvement in a job fraud racket. The accused persons have been identified as Mohit Sharma alias Bhardwaj, son of Subash Chand Sharma, resident of 96-B, Baraula, Sector-49, near Government Primary School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Mukesh Kumar, son of Harday Ram, resident of P/S Sadar Thana Road, Bara Tooti, New Delhi; Mehmood Khan, son of Wakeel Khan, resident of H. No. 95, Hadoo Mohalla, H-Block, Madanpur Khadar, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi; and Ram Lakhan, son of Ram Milan, resident of H. No. 2862/I-B, Singharas Nash, Karim Paharang, Tehsil Dumariyaganj, New Delhi. The case pertains to complaints received from several districts of the Kashmir Valley, alleging that the accused duped unsuspecting job seekers of lakhs of rupees on the false promise of securing employment in the Airports Authority of India. Following a thorough investigation, the allegations were established and the case has been charge-sheeted in the court of law. The Crime Branch has advised the public to remain vigilant against such economic frauds and report any suspicious activities to the SSP, EOW Kashmir. Victims may also lodge complaints through email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in .
EOW Kashmir Files Charge-Sheet in Airport Job Scam, 4 Accused Named
Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch, Kashmir, has filed a charge-sheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrates Court in Srinagar in connection with a job fraud racket linked to fake appointments in the Airports Authority of India. In a handout, the CBK said that the charge-sheet pertains to FIR No. 36/2018 registered under []
SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a charge sheet before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against four accused in connection with an alleged job fraud racket that purportedly duped job seekers by promising employment in the Airports Authority of India. The charge []
Army Rifleman dies after fall at Rajouri forward post
Rajouri: An Army rifleman died after slipping while on duty at a forward post in the Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, officials said. An official said that the deceased, a rifleman of the 19 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (19 JAK Rifles), was deployed at the forward location. []
Former MLA Shoaib Lone set to join PDP
Srinagar: Former MLA from Sangrama, Shoaib Nabi Lone, is joining the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday, sources disclosed. Sources said that Shoaib is joining the PDP today. Shoaib is likely to be PDPs candidate from the Baramulla Assembly segment, where the party had fielded Rafiq Rather in the 2024 assembly elections. Riding on a sympathy []
Former MLA Set to Join Peoples Democratic Party
SRINAGAR: Former MLA from Sangrama, Shoaib Nabi Lone, is joining the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday, sources disclosed. Sources said that Shoaib is joining the PDP today. Shoaib is likely to be PDPs candidate from the Baramulla Assembly segment, where the party had fielded Rafiq Rather in the 2024 assembly elections. Riding on a sympathy []
25-Year-Old Man Found Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances in Ganderbal
Ganderbal: A 25-year-old man was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his residence in Wayil Wudder area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district during the intervening night of July 21 and 22. The deceased has been identified as Farhan Ahmad Khan, son of Haroon Rasheed Khan, a resident of Wayil Wudder. Officials said that the body []
Fresh Snowfall Recorded in Ladakhs Higher Reaches
SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall was reported at the high-altitude Wari La and Pensi La passes in Ladakh on Wednesday, as an unusual weather system affected the region, prompting authorities to advise motorists to exercise caution while travelling. The snowfall, which occurred in July, has been reported across several high-altitude mountain passes, an uncommon development during the []
Mudslides, Shooting Stones Disrupt Traffic on Jammu-Srinagar Highway
SRINAGAR: Heavy rainfall during the early hours of Wednesday triggered mudslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), disrupting traffic movement in the Udhampur and Ramban sectors, officials said. According to officials, the affected stretches include the uptube in Udhampur district and the downtube in Ramban district, where continuous rainfall []
RCFC NR-II, NMPB organises training-cum-awareness program at Shopian
Shopian, Jul 21: Regional Cum Facilitation Centre, Northern Region-II (RCFC NR-II) National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, SKUAST-K, organized a Training-cum-Awareness Programme on Opportunities in Cultivation of Medicinal Plants of Kashmir Valley at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Shopian. The programme focused on promoting conservation, scientific cultivation and entrepreneurship development in medicinal plant sector, aiming to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers, youth, and aspiring entrepreneurs of the region. Addressing the participants, Dr. Zaffar Afroz Badri, Head, KVK Shopian, emphasized the growing economic importance of medicinal plants and highlighted the initiatives undertaken by RCFC NR-II for the conservation and promotion of medicinal plants in the valley. He encouraged stakeholders to adopt medicinal plant cultivation as a means of livelihood diversification and income generation. Dr. Sofi Imtiyaz Ali, Project Manager, RCFC NR-II, delivered a detailed lecture on conservation strategies, package of practices, post-harvest management, value addition of commercially important medicinal plants, thereby stressing the importance of quality and standardization to meet market demand. A special emphasis was laid on Rheum emodi (locally known as Pambei Tchalan) a high-value Himalayan medicinal species, with a caution against its unsustainable extraction from the wild. Stakeholders were encouraged to adopt its scientific cultivation to promote conservation while enhancing income opportunities. The session also covered economics and emerging opportunities in herbal-based enterprises. The programme witnessed active participation from farmers, youth, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, along with scientists and technical staff of KVK Shopian and RCFC NR-II team. The event concluded with a strong call to adopt scientific cultivation practices, reduce dependency on wild collection, explore entrepreneurship avenues in the medicinal plant sector, and effectively utilize the technical guidance and institutional support provided by RCFC NR-II for building sustainable livelihoods.
Resident Commission organizes awareness program on Dogra tradition Rutt Raahde at New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Resident Commission, New Delhi, organized an awareness programme on the forgotten Dogra tradition Rutt Raahde in collaboration with the Dogra Welfare Association, Delhi-NCR and J&K Bank Limited, to promote awareness about the regions rich cultural heritage and encourage its preservation among the posterity. The programme was attended by members of the Dogra community, cultural enthusiasts and officials. It aimed to revive awareness about the forgotten Dogra tradition Rutt Raahde and highlight its cultural, environmental and social significance, particularly among the younger generation. Speaking on the occasion, Anil Sharma, Additional Resident Commissioner, said that Rutt Raahde is not merely a seasonal tradition but a reflection of the scientific wisdom and practical knowledge of earlier generations, promoting harmony with nature, environmental consciousness and community bonding. He emphasized that preserving such traditions strengthens the cultural identity, fosters inter-generational learning and social cohesion. It immensely contributes towards mental and emotional well-being by keeping people connected to their roots, he asserted. The Resident Commission reiterated its commitment to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. It expressed gratitude to the Dogra Welfare Association, Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited and all the participants for their support in making the programme a success.
Div Com Kashmir reviews flood preparedness in Kulgam
Kulgam, Jul 21: In view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Kulgam to assess the preparedness for potential weather-related emergencies and evaluate the readiness of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, presented a detailed overview of the district's preparedness, highlighting department-wise mitigation strategies and the operational readiness of relief, rescue, and rehabilitation mechanisms. Reviewing the flood protection and mitigation measures undertaken by various departments and agencies, the Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned officers to maintain a high level of preparedness and ensure the immediate deployment of field teams to effectively respond to any emergency. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of water levels, vulnerability mapping of flood-prone villages, strategic deployment of manpower and machinery, and ensuring the full operational readiness of the disaster response system and the district control room. The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the status of essential public services, including telecommunications, healthcare, drinking water supply, electricity, and the availability of essential commodities across the district. He instructed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted services during any adverse weather situation. Highlighting the importance of timely communication, he stressed the need for issuing public advisories and strengthening awareness initiatives among vulnerable communities to minimize the impact of any potential flood situation. The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Additional Commissioner Revenue, Additional Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner Development, and other district and sectoral officers. Earlier, the Divisional Commissioner visited Mata Kulwagishori Temple at Bungam and Mata Katyani Temple at Kakran to review the arrangements for the smooth and successful conduct of the upcoming Annual Maha Yagya.
87 drug peddlers arrested in Budgam during 100-day drive
Budgam, Jul 21: District Administration Budgam and Police on Tuesday said it has achieved success under the 100-Day Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, intensifying its crackdown on drug peddlers and strengthening preventive, enforcement and rehabilitation measures across the district. During the 100-day drive, launched by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha across J&K on April 11 this year, as many as 87 drug peddlers were arrested, while nine notorious offenders were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act. During the crackdown, six properties, both movable and immovable, worth Rs 1.50 crore belonging to drug peddlers were attached, while six illegally constructed properties were demolished. During the campaign, 89 cases under the NDPS Act were registered against drug peddlers in the district. Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan said the fight against the drug mafia will continue with full vigour. He appealed to parents, educational institutions, community leaders and society at large to actively contribute towards making Budgam a drug-free district. He said that the campaign received massive public participation, with rigorous, a million awareness cum outreach activities including seminars, essay, painting competition, interactive sessions, door-to-door campaigning, debates, plantation, cleanliness drives, sports events etc, were conducted by various departments across the district on day basis during the 100-day programme. The Pad Yatra organised on May 5 further re-energised the anti-drug campaign and reinforced the message of collective responsibility. The campaign launched under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor saw massive public participation across Budgam District, with people from different walks of life volunteering to contribute to curb the drug menace in the society. Among other strict administrative measures taken during the campaign, 136 Aadhaar numbers were recommended for flagging, two passports were recommended for cancellation, one arms licence and one driving licence were suspended, while 20 vehicle registrations were suspended or blacklisted. To curb the illegal sale of narcotic substances through medical outlets, 47 pharmacy licences were suspended, 30 unlicensed medical shops were sealed, and three drug licences were cancelled. Besides, four FIRs were registered for serious violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. In its drive against illegal cultivation of narcotic crops, the administration registered six FIRs against poppy cultivators and destroyed illegal poppy and cannabis cultivation spread over more than 56 kanals of land across the district. On the rehabilitation front, the Deputy Commissioner said 48 patients are currently undergoing treatment through OPD and IPD services at the Drug De-addiction Centre, while 12 recovered individuals have been rehabilitated under various self-employment schemes during the campaign. At the Addiction Treatment Facility, 93 patients were registered, and 3,450 psychological and clinical follow-up sessions were conducted. The DC further said that nearly 100 CCTV cameras have been installed at identified drug hotspots jointly by the civil administration and police to strengthen surveillance. Intensive awareness campaigns were also conducted through eight Nasha Mukt Panchayats, five Urban Local Bodies, 296 Youth Clubs and 285 Mahila Samitis, ensuring widespread community participation in the movement against drug abuse. The Deputy Commissioner reiterated that the administration, in coordination with all stakeholders, will continue its efforts against drug trafficking while simultaneously focusing on awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to build a drug-free Budgam.
Dulloo participates in Murti Pratishthan Divas celebrations at Uma Bhagwati Shrine Anantnag
Anantnag, Jul 21: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Tuesday visited Mata Uma Bhagwati Shrine at Umanagri, Brariangan, Shangus, to participate in the celebrations of Murti Pratishthan Divas, being observed with religious fervour through a two-day Yagya and other spiritual programmes organised by the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust here. The Chief Secretary, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, paid obeisance at the shrine and sought the blessings of the deity for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also participated in the Kalash Pooja and the sacred rituals performed as part of the Murti Pratishthan celebrations. Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, along with senior officers of the district administration and a large gathering of devotees and members of the Trust, was also present on the occasion. Referring to the ongoing heritage conservation initiatives at the shrine, the Chief Secretary said that the Government remains committed to safeguarding such places of immense historical and spiritual importance. He added that the project being undertaken for the shrine would be incorporated with additional works required for improving facilities and preserving the sanctity of the shrine in a holistic manner. On this occasion, the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust expressed its gratitude to the Chief Secretary for sparing time to participate in the celebrations and for his assurance of continued support towards the preservation and development of the historic shrine. The Trust also placed on record its appreciation for the proactive role played by the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, in ensuring effective coordination among all concerned departments for making comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and successful conduct of the religious function.
US military identifies 3rd service member believed to have been killed in Iranian attack
RALEIGH: The US military has confirmed that a third service member is believed to be dead in Fridays attack on a base in Jordan and identified them as Sgt Angel S Rampersad, 28, of New York. The confirmation brings the death toll to 18 US service members killed since the war began. On Monday, the []
SKUAST-K trains IFS officers from 14 states in AI-led forest & wildlife conservation
Srinagar, Jul 21:Thirty senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers from 14 states are undergoing a five-day national training program at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies for forest and wildlife conservation, reinforcing the University's growing role in technology-driven environmental governance. The program, Smart Conservation: Technological Solutions for Forest and Wildlife Protection, is being organized by the Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with the Research & Training Division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. Held from July 20 to 24, it brings together senior forest administrators, including Principal Chief Conservators of Forests (PCCFs), Conservators of Forests, Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) and Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs), for training in AI, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, satellite monitoring and other digital tools for sustainable forest governance. The inaugural session was presided over by Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, while Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Sarvesh Rai, IFS, attended as the Guest of Honor. Welcoming the participants, Course Director Prof. Javeed Iqbal Ahmad Bhat said the program marks the third consecutive batch of IFS officers being trained at SKUAST-K under the aegis of the MoEFCC, reflecting the University's emergence as a national capacity-building partner in environmental governance. He said the program integrates advanced technologies with ecological principles and policy frameworks to address climate change, biodiversity loss and habitat degradation through technology-enabled conservation. Addressing the gathering, Shri Sarvesh Rai, IFS, highlighted the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department's use of geospatial mapping, smart forest surveillance systems, and community-based conservation models to protect forests and wildlife. He urged participants to actively engage in the practical sessions and replicate successful conservation practices in their respective states. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai stressed that conservation in the 21st century requires the convergence of forestry, agricultural sciences, climate science, data analytics and digital technologies. Highlighting SKUAST-K's strengths in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, drone technology, precision agriculture and remote sensing, he said these innovations are transforming wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, forest health surveillance, climate-risk prediction, forest fire management and ecosystem restoration. Emphasising the vulnerability of the Himalayan region, Prof. Ganai said mountain ecosystems require science-based, technology-enabled management and called for stronger collaboration among universities, forest departments, research institutions and policymakers to accelerate climate-resilient conservation. The program combines expert lectures, laboratory demonstrations and field-based learning. Participants will visit the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML), the SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (SKIIE) and the Faculty of Forestry, besides undertaking field visits to Dachigam National Park and Wildlife Rescue Center, Wular Lake conservation projects, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve and the protected forests of the Zabarwan Hills to gain first-hand exposure to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity management and smart conservation practices. Sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the program aims to strengthen collaboration among scientists, policymakers and forest professionals while equipping senior officers with advanced technological tools to address emerging conservation challenges across India's ecologically sensitive landscapes.
2581 drug traffickers arrested, 1431 kg narcotics seized in 100 days: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Jul 21:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said 2581 drug traffickers had been arrested, nearly 1431 kg of narcotics, including 23.29 kg of heroin seized, and assets worth over Rs 188.89 crore confiscated during the first 100 days of the drug-free J&K campaign. Addressing an event organised by the Department of Social Welfare to mark the completion of 100 days of the campaign, LG Sinha said the government was determined to dismantle drug cartels and narco-terror networks targeting the youth. While this milestone marks significant progress, our mission is far from complete. We are determined to neutralise the drug cartels and narco-terror networks that target our youth, he said. The LG said the administrations priorities included dismantling illicit trafficking networks, strengthening public awareness and providing rehabilitation to help affected people reintegrate into society. The first 100 days of the campaign laid the foundation for the rigorous path ahead. The road ahead will certainly be tough, but our resolve to completely wipe out narco-terrorism is stronger than ever, he said. LG Sinha said he had travelled across all regions of J&K during the campaign, connecting with communities in all 20 districts through Padyatras. He said the campaign had witnessed unprecedented public support, adding that the Padyatras had sent a strong message that the youth and future of J&K would not be allowed to be stolen. Over the past 100 days, we backed that resolve with decisive action. By revoking hundreds of driving licences and vehicle registrations, recommending suspension of hundreds of passports and taking action against non-compliant pharmacies, we have sent a clear message that no offender is above the law, the LG said. He said thousands of young people had received treatment and were rebuilding their lives in the mainstream. LG Sinha said rehabilitation transformed lives, restored families and secured the future, announcing that the administration would soon launch the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The scheme will initially be piloted in two sensitive districts, one each from the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, he said. The LG said the initiative would follow a structured three-year cycle, with medical care and therapy in the first phase, education and employment in the second, and long-term relapse prevention and community support in the third phase. The past 100 days have awakened a new consciousness among the people of Jammu Kashmir, and with their cooperation narco-terrorists will be wiped out and their networks dismantled link by link, he said. LG Sinha warned drug traffickers of stringent action, saying those responsible for ruining the future of young people would face severe punishment. My message is absolutely clear: if you ruin others lives, the law will not spare your future either, he said. Calling for greater community participation, the LG urged citizens to report drug-related activities and support those affected by addiction. If someone in your community is suffering, dont walk away. Guide them towards treatment, support their recovery and help them start afresh, he said, stressing that young people trapped by addiction needed support rather than ostracism. LG Sinha said the government was working to establish more rehabilitation centres, strengthen counselling services and provide skill development and employment opportunities to youth who complete rehabilitation. He appealed to young people not to sacrifice their dreams to drugs and urged parents to remain alert to signs of drug use among their children. We must remember that seeking help in time is wisdom. History bears witness that whether it was terrorism or narco-terror, silence has caused the greatest harm to society. So, break the silence and spread awareness so we can save millions of lives, the LG said. He also urged teachers and religious and social leaders to sustain the momentum of the campaign and help create awareness among youth about the harmful effects of drugs. Let us pledge to dismantle every drug cartel that spreads poison in society and together create a Jammu Kashmir that is drug-free, terror-free and full of hope, development and trust, LG Sinha said. He thanked the civil administration, police, law enforcement and security agencies, volunteers, social and religious organisations, youth and Nari Shakti and other stakeholders for their contribution to the campaign. The LG felicitated outstanding performers and released a DIPR-compiled coffee table book highlighting the impact of the NashaMukt Jammu Kashmir campaign. The event featured a documentary screening by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), a short skit by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), and presentations by J&K Police and the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), J&K Chapter. A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of those who lost their lives in recent natural calamities in J&K. Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination PHQ S J M Gillani, Principal Secretary Home Chanderkar Bharti, Principal Secretary to the LG Mandeep K Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare SarmadHafeez, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, public representatives, heads of educational institutions, senior officials, civil society members, representatives of social organisations, prominent citizens and youth attended the ceremony in person and virtually.
Statehood key to restoring J&Ks special status: CM Omar
Delhi protest beginning, not end of campaign; rivals skipped, didnt want to annoy BJP Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the restoration of statehood remains the essential foundation for regaining the regions constitutional rights, while launching a scathing attack on political opponents for skipping the NCs Delhi protest and refuting []
Massive flash floods ravage Beerwah, Khag; man swept away
Srinagar: Torrential rains triggered massive flash floods in Beerwah and Khag areas of Central Kashmirs Budgam district on Tuesday, sweeping away a man and causing widespread damage to markets and residential areas, while rescue teams intensified the search for missing persons in the flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu division. An official told []
All depts on high alert, 247 control rooms activated: Div Com Kmr
Kulgam: The Kashmir administration on Tuesday placed all departments on high alert and activated round-the-clock control rooms across the Valley in view of the adverse weather forecast, with Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg saying the entire administrative machinery has been mobilised to respond to any emergency. Talking to reporters in Kulgam, Garg said []
Will ensure no more people die in flood-ravage districts: CM
Announces 6 lakh ex gratia for victims families Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said his government will ensure no more people die in the flood-ravaged Poonch and Rajouri districts of the Union Territory. There has been devastation in Poonch-Rajouri. Some lives have been lost and our efforts will be to []
LG urges citizens to follow safety advisories
Says 356 of 435 damaged roads restored Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the damage caused by heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides in Rajouri and Poonch. He held discussions with senior officials and Deputy Commissioners to assess the impact on property and public infrastructure. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized ongoing monitoring of the situation and directed []
Power restored on war footing Poonch, Rajouri: In the wake of devastating flash floods caused by heavy rainfall, top officials from Jammus administration and police have intensified rescue and restoration efforts across Poonch and Rajouri districts. Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti visited flood-affected areas in Poonch, including Sangla village, where []
First 100 days laid foundation; mission far from complete: LG
Drug-Free J&K campaign 2,581 drug traffickers arrested, 1,431 kg narcotics seized Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday addressed an event organized by the Department of Social Welfare, commemorating the successful completion of 100 days of the Drug-Free J&K campaign, saying while this milestone marks significant progress, our mission is far from complete. Speaking on []
Er Rashid begins barefoot march from Tihar to Parl
Observes hunger strike Srinagar: Jailed Baramulla Member of Parliament Er Rashid on Tuesday began a symbolic barefoot march from Tihar Jail to Parliament while observing a day long hunger strike, pressing for a meaningful, time bound and result oriented dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir. AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the protest is aimed []
Govt extends school holidays till Jul 26
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday extended the school holidays in the valley till July 26 in view of the prevailing weather conditions. The summer vacations have been extended in view of heavy rainfall in most parts of J-K since Sunday. Keeping the safety and well-being of students, teachers and their families as []
Shopping complex collapses in Beerwah as Sukhnag swells
Budgam, Jul 21: A shopping complex collapsed in Beerwah, and one person was reported missing in Khag after incessant rainfall caused the water level in Nallah Sukhnag to rise sharply, triggering panic in central Kashmir's Budgam district on Tuesday. Officialssaid there were no immediate reports of casualties or injuries in the collapse ofthe shoppingcomplex,which housed more than 15 shops.However, the incident caused significant property damage as floodwaters eroded the structure. According to officials, heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of Budgamled to a sudden surge in the water level of Nallah Sukhnag,affecting normal life across the area.Traffic movement at Beerwah was disrupted after the temporary diversion across the nallah was damaged by the strong water current.A new bridge is currently under construction at the site. The shopping complex collapsed after the swollen waters of Nallah Sukhnag struck its foundation, an official said. Authorities also reported that several embankments along the nallah have developed cracks, raising concerns about further damage if the water level continues to rise. As a precautionary measure, the district administration, police, and the Sub-Divisional administrationhaveappealed to residents living near the nallah to remain alert and, if necessary, shift to safer locations. Meanwhile, a man from Khag tehsil has gone missing afterhe reportedly venturedout to search for his cow during the adverse weather. Officials said the Civil Administration Khag and Police have launched a rescue operation to trace the missing person. The heavy inflow has also damaged water supply infrastructure in several villages, disrupting potable water supply. Officials said restoration work will begin immediately once the water level recedes and conditions become safe for repair teams. Following thecollapse of the shopping complex,shopkeepers, assisted by local residents and police personnel, rushed to salvage merchandise from nearby shops to minimize losses. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to avoid venturing near the banks of Nallah Sukhnag until the water level returns to normal.
Yatra decisions strictly based on weather advisories: Div Com
Srinagar, Jul 21: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, AnshulGarg on Tuesday saidall decisions regarding the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will be taken strictlyon the basis ofweather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with the safety of pilgrims remaining the administration's foremost priority. Speaking to reporters, Garg said the pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended following the latest IMD weatheradvisory, and thedecision to resume the Yatra will be taken only aftera comprehensive assessment ofweather conditions in consultation with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and the district administrations. We are taking every decision regarding the Yatra solely on the basis of IMD weather advisories. The pilgrimage has been suspended due to the prevailing weather conditions, and the next call will also be taken in accordance with the weather advisory after reviewing the ground situation, he said. Despite repeated weather-related interruptions since thecommencement of the57-daypilgrimageon July 3, the Div Com said the Yatra has witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees across the country. He informed that nearly 3.90 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine so far. Highlighting the administration's preparednessto deal with the prevailing weather situation,he said authorities are maintaining constant surveillance across Kashmir, particularly in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding. Referring to reports of flash floods and cloudbursts in parts of north Kashmir, the Divisional Commissioner said the overall situation remains under control and is being monitored round the clock. As of now, there has not been any major requirement for rescue operations. However, preventive evacuations have been carried out in vulnerable locations wherever necessary. In Anantnag district, people were shifted from some areas of Kokernag as a precautionary measure, while similar preventive evacuations were also undertaken in certain localities of Baramulla, he said. He acknowledged that incidents of cloudbursts in some areas had created localized flooding, but stressed that the administration has responded promptly and continues to keep a close watch on all vulnerable regions. Garg said all district administrations have already identified relief and rescue centres and have mapped vulnerable populations living near rivers, streams and flood channels to ensure swift response in case the situation worsens. Nearly 7.5 lakh people residing in vulnerable areas across Kashmir have been identified and mapped. If the need arises, rescue resources will be mobilised immediately and all necessary relief measures will be activated without delay, he said. The Divisional Commissioner appealed to the public and pilgrims to follow official advisories and avoid paying heed to rumours, assuring that the administration remains fully prepared to respond to any weather-related emergency while ensuring the safety of residents and Amarnath pilgrims.
Summer vacation extended; schools to reopen Jul 27
Srinagar, Jul 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday extended the summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools across the Union Territory till July 26 due to the prevailing bad weather, with schools now scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 27. Initially announced for the Kashmir Division and the winter zones of Jammu Division, the minister later clarified that the extension would also apply to all schools in the summer zones of Jammu Division, making the order applicable across J&K. Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, in a post on X, said the decision had been taken keeping the safety and well-being of students, teachers and their families as the foremost priority. Keeping the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and their families as our foremost priority, the summer vacation for all Government and recognised private schools is hereby extended up to 26th July, 2026. Schools across J&K will now reopen on Monday, 27th July, 2026, the minister said. The extension comes amid continued rainfall and adverse weather conditions in several parts of J&K. Heavy rains in recent days have triggered landslides, flash floods and disruption of road connectivity in many areas, affecting normal life and prompting the government to adopt precautionary measures. The minister also appealed to the public to remain cautious and follow all advisories issued by the concerned authorities. I request everyone to stay safe, remain vigilant, and follow the advisories issued by the concerned authorities. Wishing everyone good health and safety, she said. The government has advised parents, students and school authorities to remain updated through official announcements and cooperate with the administration until weather conditions improve. The decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and school staff in view of the continuing spell of inclement weather across the Union Territory.
Rain lashes Kashmir; relief from heat
Srinagar, Jul 21: Moderate to heavy rainfalllashedKashmir Valley and its higher reaches on Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief from the recent spell of scorching heat, as forecast by the Meteorological Department (MeT). The MeT said the wet spell is expected to continue until the afternoon of July 23, after which weather conditions are likely to improve. Director of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that there is no immediate flood threat, though intense showers could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and on roads. There is no flood threat at present. However, heavy rainfall may cause waterlogging and temporary inundation in several areas, Ahmad said, adding that Jammu has witnessed heavy rainfall, which is expected to decrease significantly in the coming days. According to the MeT, Gulmarg recorded the highest rainfall at 46.2 mm between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, followed by Jammu (42.5 mm), Katra (37.6 mm), Bhadarwah (20.5 mm), Batote(16.9 mm),Pahalgam (12.1 mm), while Srinagar received 3.3 mm during the same period. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall triggered waterlogging in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Reports and visuals from Tangmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district showed floodwater entering several houses after local streams overflowed, causing hardship to residents. In Jammu, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police issued a flood alert for people residing near the Tawi River and Tawi Bridge, urging them to shift to safer locations as a precaution due to the rising water level. The Pir Panjal region also witnessed incessant rainfall throughout the day, resulting in a sharp rise in the water levels of rivers and streams. Meanwhile, police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams continued search operations to trace six persons who went missing following recent flash floodsinSurankote area of Poonch district. ReportssaidPoonch district remained without electricity in several areas, while a number of houses were damaged due to heavy rains and associated incidents. The recent spell of landslides and flash floods has claimed 21 lives across the affected districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Doda, according to official reports. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg said all district administrations have activated their emergency teams and control rooms, while helpline numbers and weather advisories are being widely circulated among the public. He said special advisories have been issued for South Kashmir, urging residents to stay away from the tributaries of the Jhelum and other vulnerable water bodies. He said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing weather advisories over the past three days, and the administration has made all necessary preparations based on these forecasts. He said several review meetings have been held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, with all concerned departments directed to remain on high alert. Garg added that essential departments, including the Power Development Department, Jal Shakti Department and Health Department, have also been placed on high alert to respond promptly to any emergency arising from the prevailing weather conditions.
LG for reviving ancient knowledge systems
Srinagar, Jul 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the deliberation on the spiritual heritage of the 51 Shakti Peethas over the next four days will allow us to reconnect with the ancient Sanatana consciousness that has long defined India's soul. Addressing the Shakti Mimamsa nationalsymposium, a collaborative initiative by the Central Sanskrit University (Jammu Campus), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University,the LG said, Shakti is the very heartbeat and sustaining consciousness of the cosmos. It manifests in all motion and creation, shining through compassion, knowledge, love, patience, and life itself. From Vedic hymns and Upanishadic philosophy to the Devi Mahatmya, every facet of India's spiritual heritage highlights that the Supreme Reality and Shakti are eternally inseparable. Sinha saidIndian philosophy and spirituality are not just found in ancient texts but live in everyday traditions. One can see this in village prayers, household Navaratri rituals, and our natural respect for motherly power. In our villages, countless women who have never read a word of Sanskrit embody the true spirit of Shakti through their daily lives. This is the heartbeat of India's cultural and spiritual continuity, he said. The LGsaidthat Shakti Peethas are powerful symbols of our national unity and beacons of our shared cultural consciousness. A nation's unity is built from shared memories, shared faiths, and shared cultural journeys. The Shakti Peethas have carried out this work for centuries. They have united India not merely geographically but emotionally and spiritually as well, he said. The Lieutenant Governor outlined four key goals driving the academic focus on Shakti Peethas: 1. Reviving ancient knowledge systems: Youth need to realise that these sacred sites are living libraries of Indian philosophy, architecture, art, music, science, and history. Our ancestors chose these locations not just for spiritual reasons, but for their natural and cultural importance. 2. Renaissance of feminine consciousness: The whole world knows that from ancient times India has revered women as goddesses. Yet we must ask ourselves whether our social systems are providing every daughter, every sister, and every mother the respect that our culture teaches. True worship of Shakti lies in ensuring equality, safety, dignity, and opportunities for women in society, he said. 3. Preserving heritage: The Lieutenant Governor observed that many ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, folktales, and architectural wonders are fading away, and without proper documentation, future generations will lose this priceless legacy. 4. Building national confidence: While many societies worldwide face an identity crisis, India stands strong with its unique cultural unity. The network of Shakti Peethas has kept our nation connected through shared faith and culture for centuries. Our youth should take immense pride in this, he said. The symposium was attended by Padma Shri Prof Vishwa Murti Shastri, Central Sanskrit University Vice Chancellor Prof. Shrinivasa Varkhedi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Vice Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar, SMVDSB Additional CEO Alok Kumar Maurya, Central Sanskrit University Registrar Prof R.G. Murali Krishna, Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus Director Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, distinguished scholars, and students.
CM announces Rs 6 lakh ex gratia for Poonch landslide victims
Srinagar, Jul 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed profound grief and anguish over the tragic loss of seven lives in a landslide at Domail Dhok in the Nandichool area of Loran, Poonch district, conveying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and praying for eternal peace to the departed souls. The CM said the tragic incidenthascaused immense sorrow and expressed solidarity with the affectedfamilies in this hour of grief,prayingfor strength and courage to the bereaved familiesto bear the irreparable loss. As an immediate measure of support, the Chief Minister announced an ex gratia relief ofRs 6 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. The assistance will compriseRs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) andRs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). To ensure close supervision of relief and rehabilitation measures, the Chief Minister has deputed Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Satish Sharma to visit the affected areas in Rajouri and Poonch. The Ministers will assess the ground situation, oversee the ongoing relief efforts, and ensure that all necessary assistance reaches the affected families without delay.
Srinagar, Jul 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday spoke to senior officials and the Deputy Commissioners of Rajouri and Poonch to assess property and public infrastructure damage caused by heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides. He directed all district administrations and departments to work around the clock in close coordination to lead rescue, relief, and restoration efforts. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, I spoke with senior officials and the DCs of Rajouri and Poonch to assess the damage to houses and key public infrastructure caused by heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides. The Divisional Commissioner and IG Jammu are currently on the ground, and I have instructed all departments to work around the clock in close coordination to manage rescue, relief, and restoration efforts. The LG informed that the main focus is reopening key roads and restoring power and water supplies. He said that out of 435 damaged roads, 356 have already been restored. I urge citizens to avoid non-essential travel in vulnerable areas and strictly follow safety advisories issued by local district administration, he added. Teams from the SDRF, NDRF, Army, BRO, NHAI, J&K Police, and Civil Defence are working together, while Quick Response teams are deployed in vulnerable areas. LG Sinha expressed deep anguish over the tragic loss of lives in this natural calamity, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the swift recovery of all those injured. The Lieutenant Governor is continuously monitoring the situation and has directed all district administrations and departments to maintain close coordination.
Rajouri, Poonch landslides : Govts priority is to prevent further casualties : CM Omar
Srinagar, Jul 21: Reacting to the situationthat arose afterheavy rainfall across Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Minister OmarAbdullah on Tuesday saidthat the governments immediate priority is to prevent any further casualties by shifting vulnerable families to safer locations and restricting movement on landslide-prone roads in Rajouri and Poonch districts. Reacting to queries in Srinagar, Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and property caused by heavy rains in the border districts of Rajouri andPoonch, sayingthat these placeshad suffered extensive damage, with several precious lives lost due to therecent weather-related incidents. There has been significant loss in Rajouri & Poonch and precious lives have been lost. Our priority now is to ensure that no more lives are lost, he said, adding thathe has directed the administration to identify all vulnerable locations and families living in high-risk areas so thatthey can be shifted to safer places as a precautionary measure. He also instructed officials to suspend traffic for the next three to four days on roads vulnerable to landslides and mudslides until weather conditions improve and the routes are declared safe. The CM said two of his Cabinet colleagues would immediately proceed to the affected districts and remain there until the situation stabilises. My two ministers will reach the affected areas and stay there until the situation improves. The relief and rehabilitation process will be taken up thereafter, he said. Moreover, responding to a query on waterlogging in Srinagar areas, Omar said that this question should have been asked to those who brought and implemented the Smart City project, leaving the remaining 10 per cent of the work to his government as a legacy. Except for the Jhelum riverfront, where did the rest of the Smart City funds go?, he asked, adding that in the last Cabinet meeting, they discussed the gap between theobjectives of the Smart City projectand what has actually been achieved. The Cabinet decided that a third-party audit should be conducted to assess its effectiveness. Unfortunately, that order has not yet been issued, he said. At the same time, we are utilising all the resources available to us to improve the drainage system. However, this is not something that can be fixed overnight, he said. He informed that even the Civil Secretariat premises witnessed waterlogging. Let the weather improve, and we will conduct an inquiry to determine what corrective measures need to be taken, he added. As far as compensation is concerned, the losses suffered by affected people will first be assessed. Relief and compensation will then be provided in accordance with the applicable guidelines based on that assessment, Omar said.
Our resolve to wipe out narco-terrorism stronger than ever: LG Manoj Sinha
Srinagar, Jul 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the administration is determined to neutralise drug cartels and narco-terror networks that target youth, and while the first 100 days of the campaign laid the foundation for the rigorous path ahead, the resolve to completely wipe out narco-terrorism is stronger than ever. Addressing an event organised by the Department of Social Welfare commemorating the successful completion of 100 days of the 'Drug-Free J&K campaign', the LG said while this milestone marks significant progress, the mission is far from complete. Sinha said that during this 100-day campaign, he travelled across every region of the Union Territory, connecting with communities in all 20 districts through Padyatra. Over the past 100 days, we backed that resolve with decisive action. 2,581 drug traffickers arrested, nearly 1,431 kg of narcotics including 23.29 kg heroin seized, and overRs 188.89 crore in assets confiscated to cripple narco-terror financing. By revoking hundreds of driving licences, vehicle registrations, recommending suspension of hundreds of passports and by taking action against non-compliant pharmacies, we have sent a clear message that no offender is above the law. Most importantly, thousands of young people have received treatment and are now rebuilding their lives in the mainstream, he said. The LG said that rehabilitation transforms lives, restores families, and secures ourfuture, andannounced that the administration will soon launch the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims,2026,starting with a pilot in two sensitive districtsone from Jammu and one from Kashmir Division. The initiative, built on a structured 3-year cycle, guides individuals through medical care and therapy in Phase 1, education and employment in Phase 2, and long-term relapse prevention with community support in Phase 3. The Lieutenant Governor also called upon people to speak up against drug abuse, saying the government needs the support of the entire community. We need every citizen to speak up, report local drug activity, and help those affected by addiction. If someone in your community is suffering, don't walk away. Guide them toward treatment, support their recovery, and help them start fresh. Young people trapped by addiction are victims of circumstances and therefore need support, not ostracism, and they need the trust of society. LG Sinha called upon youth to never sacrifice their dreams to drugs and urged parents to never ignore any signs of drug use in their children. Seeking help in time is wisdom. History bears witness that whether it was terrorism or narco-terror, silence has caused the greatest harm to society. So, break the silence and spread awareness so we can save millions of lives. The event featured an impactful documentary screening by DIPR, an engaging short skit by JKAACL, and presentations by J&K Police and Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) J&K Chapter. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of citizens who lost their lives in recent natural calamities. The event was attended by J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination S.J.M. Gillani, Principal Secretary Home Chanderkar Bharti, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafeez, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, public representatives, heads of educational institutes, senior officials, members of civil society and various social organisations, prominent citizens, and a large number of youth from across the UT, both in person and through virtual mode. The Lieutenant Governor felicitated outstanding performers and released a special DIPR-compiled Coffee Table Book highlighting the widespread impact of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign.
Disaster by Design, Not Just by Rain
The tragedy unfolding across Jammu and Kashmir, with at least 27 lives lost in just a few days of rain, is not an act of fate alone. It is a grim reminder that our mountains and rivers are sending warnings we continue to ignore. The deaths of seven members of a single family in Poonchs Loran Dumilan, buried in their mud house, are not isolated casualties; they are symbols of a widening failure of governance and planning. From Rajouri to Poonch, Doda to Ramban, the pattern is painfully familiar. Homes have been swept away along surging rivers like the Suran and Darhali, vehicles washed off bus stands, and communication lines snapped in entire belts. Power infrastructure, mobile towers and optical fibre networks have crumbled with the first serious test of the monsoon, cutting off vulnerable communities precisely when they need the state the most. The immediate response has, as always, relied heavily on the courage of local volunteers, police and Army personnel. Rescue teams have worked through difficult terrain to recover bodies and move hundreds to safer ground after the India Meteorological Department issued its warnings. The suspension of the Amarnath Yatra from Pahalgam and Baltal was a necessary step, underscoring the seriousness of the threat. But beyond emergency orders and highprofile visits, the deeper questions remain unaddressed. Why do families continue to live in fragile riverine belts and on unstable slopes without adequate safeguards, despite repeated disasters? Why are early warning systems still limited to official advisories, instead of being translated into locallevel drills, evacuation routes and safe shelters known to every household? Why do basic protections such as restrictions on construction in floodplains, slope stabilisation, and robust rural housing schemes remain poorly enforced or unevenly implemented? The devastation in Kargil, Gurez and Ramban shows that this is not a localised crisis. Flash floods, mudslides and cloudbursts are becoming more frequent across the Himalayan arc, in step with a changing climate. Scientific assessments have long warned that intense, shortduration rainfall events will increase, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Our planning, however, still behaves as if these are rare, freak occurrences. This recurring gap between knowledge and action is costly. Every new highway, settlement and township carved into fragile slopes without proper assessment magnifies the risk. Every ignored drainage channel and encroached floodplain becomes a future disaster site. Meanwhile, the poor families in mud houses, slum dwellers along rivers, small farmers on precarious land pay the highest price. The present spell of rain will pass. Water levels will recede, roads will reopen, and political attention will move on to the next headline. What must not recede is the resolve to treat these events as a turning point. The administration needs to move from postdisaster compensation to predisaster planning: mapping highrisk zones, relocating the most vulnerable households, strengthening housing and infrastructure, and building communitycentred warning and response systems. If yet another flood season ends only with condolences and surveys, Jammu and Kashmir will walk into the next monsoon even more exposed. The mountains have spoken clearly this time. It is the UTs responsibility to listen and act before the next cloudburst writes another obituary of neglect.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhas announcement on the successful completion of the first 100 days of the Drug-Free J&K campaign is both reassuring and sobering. Reassuring, because it signals that the administration finally recognises narcotics and narco-terror as an existential threat to Jammu and Kashmirs social fabric. Sobering, because every parent, teacher and doctor in the Valley knows that 100 days, however energetic, can only scratch the surface of a crisis that has been years in the making. The LG has spoken of dismantling drug cartels, neutralising narco-terror networks, and strengthening rehabilitation and public awareness. These are the right pillars. But the language of war must now translate into a durable framework that survives beyond photo-ops, review meetings and social media posts. The scale of addiction, especially among the youth, demands nothing less than a sustained, institutional response that outlives political tenures and bureaucratic reshuffles. If the first phase was about signalling intent, the next must be about deepening capacity. Cracking cartels requires more than periodic raids; it needs long-term intelligence work, airtight investigation, and successful prosecution. Each FIR has meaning only if it leads to conviction and disruption of the financial networks that fund both drugs and terror. The administration must therefore be judged not by arrest numbers alone but by how far it climbs up the supply chainfrom peddlers on street corners to handlers across borders. Equally crucial is what happens after a young person is rescued from addiction. LGs emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration is welcome, but rehabilitation centres in J&K remain uneven in quality, access and staffing. Families often encounter stigma, high costs and long waiting lists. A credible anti-drug campaign must guarantee affordable, professionally run de-addiction and mental health services in every district, backed by trained counsellors and sustained follow-up, not just a one-time detox. Prevention, too, cannot be reduced to occasional rallies and slogans. Schools, colleges, mohalla committees, mosques and civil society groups need to be partners, not spectators. Young people must be given safe spaces, constructive engagement and honest information about addictionnot simply fear-based messaging. Mothers and women, whom the LG rightly highlighted, can be powerful sentinels, but they need support systems, not just appeals from the podium. The administration has chosen to describe these 100 days as the foundation for a rigorous path ahead. That phrasing sets the bar. The coming months will reveal whether this is a passing campaign or the beginning of a long, difficult but necessary transformationone that treats drug abuse not merely as a law-and-order problem, but as a public health emergency and a societal reckoning. J&K cannot afford another short-lived drive. It needs a sustained war, and an equally sustained healing.
The Letter that can Change the Classroom Transaction
PERSPECTIVE We often look to schools to build brilliant minds through rich content and effective pedagogies, but a timeless piece of literature in the form of a letter- popularly attributed to Abraham Lincoln, though modern historians consider it apocryphal- remains the unique blueprint for building a strong character among children. For its educational purposes and philosophy, it still finds its place in the curriculum of various countries. Its universal message on holistic education is deeply profound and relevant. The letter begins with a father's concern as his son enters school for the first time. The writer tells the teacher to treat the child with patience, kindness, and understanding because everything in school will be unfamiliar- new place, new people, new world of experience. He recognizes that starting school is the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. Addressed to his sons teacher, the legendary letter completely bypasses the rigid world of grades, figures, numbers and textbooks. Instead, it serves as a gentle masterclass in raising his son as a resilient and empathetic human being. In a broader spectrum, it actually shifts our perspective from mere academic instruction to the quiet, vital cultivation of human goodness. Balancing Realism with Radical Hope The letter writes with an honest and unvarnished look at the world, acknowledging that not all men are just or true. Yet, it refuses to succumb to cynicism. Instead, it immediately offers a powerful counterweight, instructing the teacher to show the child that for every wicked person, there is a hero. He wants the child to see the good alongside the bad. Good people exist next to scoundrels. Statesmen always exist alongside selfish leadership. Light ultimately conquers darkness. The letter reads, He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him for every enemy there is a friend. The Dignity of Earned Success In an era often dominated by shortcuts, the letter champions the profound value of struggle and personal effort. It beautifully states that a little earned money is better than a good money found on the ground. By anchoring the soul in the dignity of hard work, it teaches a child to value the journey over the destination. Further, it courageously declares that it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat, preparing a child to face life with clean hands. The author of the letter writes to his son's teacher, Teach him, if you can, that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found. Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning... In the school, give him, teach him, it is far honourable to fail than to cheat. Cultivating the Inner Sanctuary True education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom and the text on a page. While the letter strongly advocates for the wonder of books, it beautifully reminds us to give children quiet time too. They need to observe nature. Birds, bees, and flowers teach deep lessons. Stillness nurtures the imagination. With this, certain tough skills are necessary for making life disciplined because true toughness helps a child grow strong. The letter reads, Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books... but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hillside. Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Developing An Independent Moral Compass Among the most significant hurdles a student encounters is the overwhelming compulsion to fit in with their peers. The letter implores the educator to instil in the youth the exceptional courage required to stand apart, even as the masses rush to follow the latest trend. It calls for cultivating an intellect capable of weighing every perspective, yet discerning enough to filter those ideas through the lens of truthretaining only what is genuinely good. Ultimately, this fosters a resilient, independent conscience capable of standing firm against the pressures of a dissenting crowd. The letter again reads Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to all men... but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good that comes through. The Architecture of Emotional Resilience True strength isn't about hiding behind an unbreakable mask; it's about accepting our shared human flaws and emotions. The letter movingly asks the teacher that the child be taught to find joy even during tough times, gently reminding us that crying is nothing to be ashamed of. It aims to build a resilient spirit- one that is willing to sell its talents and hard work to the highest taker, but will never put a price tag on its heart, conscience, or soul. The father further writes, Teach him if you can, how to laugh when he is sad. Teach him there is no shame in tears... Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. The Ultimate Triumph of Faith Ultimately, this profound message is an enduring reminder that the true purpose of education is transformation, not just information. It asks the teacher to help the child develop sublime faith in himself, because only then will he have sublime faith in mankind. It is, indeed, a big order for any teacher. Yet, it remains a timeless beacon, guiding us to create classrooms that do not just teach subjects, but actively nurture the little but beautiful souls. The letter concludes, Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind. This is a big order, but see what you can do. He is such a fine little fellow, my son! (The author is a regular columnist of Rising Kashmir and can be reached at: reyazmir58@gmail.com )
Mirza Ghalib: A Rebel Heart in a Ruined Century
There are poets who decorate a language, and there are poets who reinvent it. Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib belongs firmly to the second category. To call him merely a master of the ghazal is to diminish his place in our collective imagination. Ghalib did not just polish Urdu; he stretched it to breaking point, forcing it to carry the weight of metaphysics, history, and an unending interrogation of God and self. In a subcontinent that today wears its certainties loudly on its sleeve, Ghalibs stubborn uncertainty feels more radical than ever. Ghalib wrote from the rubble of a collapsing order. The Delhi of his youth was already in decline; by the time 1857 arrived, the last illusions of Mughal sovereignty lay in ashes. He witnessed executions, exile, and famine, and saw an entire culture reduced to a case file in the colonial archive. Most poets in such an age turn nostalgic or bitter. Ghalib did something more dangerous: he converted the death of an empire into a philosophical question. If the world is this unstable, he seems to ask, what can we trustGod, fate, reason, or nothing at all? This is why his couplets oscillate between prayer and protest. One moment he is pleading with the divine, the next he is almost cross-examining it. His God is not the distant sovereign of theology but an intimate adversary, a presence to be argued with. It is this insolent intimacy that still unsettles conservative readings of faith. Ghalib refuses to be the obedient believer; he insists on being the wounded friend. In an age when religion is too often reduced to slogans and laws, his restless spirituality offers a badly needed antidote. Yet it would be wrong to trap Ghalib only within the boundaries of religious doubt. At the centre of his poetry stands a human being torn apart by longing. Love, for him, is not a sweet sentiment but an incurable illnesssometimes a joke, sometimes a form of worship, and at times a slow suicide. He mocks himself, mocks the beloved, and even mocks the whole institution of romance, but never quite escapes it. This mixture of irony and helplessness is what keeps his verse alive for young readers who may know little of his historical Delhi but recognise, instantly, the storm of desire and self-mockery. Much like Kashmir today, Ghalibs universe is one where beauty and violence co-exist. He could look at a garden and see both the delicacy of a rose and the threat of a storm tearing it apart. That tensionbetween the urge to praise and the impulse to questionruns through his entire work. It is what makes him feel closer to our fractured present than many contemporary commentators. Where we are pressed to choose sides, Ghalib insists on sitting in the uncomfortable middle, acknowledging that suffering rarely has a single author and that the heart is never fully innocent. There is also a political lesson in his refusal to flatter power. Ghalib sought patronage, of course; he needed it to survive. But in his letters and verses, he did not spare either the decaying nobility or their new colonial masters. Both appear, at different times, as objects of quiet ridicule. In an era when intellectuals often bend with every wind from the capital, this gentle stubbornness matters. Ghalib teaches us that one can be dependent without becoming servile, that dignity is not a luxury but a discipline. To read Ghalib today is therefore not a literary hobby; it is a civic necessity. He reminds us that doubt is not the enemy of faith, that humour can coexist with heartbreak, and that language can still be a home when the city outside feels lost. At a time when slogans grow louder and thought grows thinner, returning to Ghalib is an act of resistance. In his hesitant prayers and ironic sighs, we may yet find the courage to ask harder questions of ourselvesand of the world we are hastily building over our own ruins. (The Author is a researcher and columnist)
From Policy to Practice: How Far Has NEP Reached Our Schools?
A few weeks ago, while facilitating a teacher training programme, I asked the participants a simple question. How many of you have implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in your schools? Almost every hand went up. The response was immediate and confident. I then asked another question. Can you mention five observable indicators that would convince an outsider that your school has actually implemented NEP? The discussion that followed was revealing. While several participants responded, only a few could identify clear and observable indicators that reflected the policy in practice. That moment prompted a deeper reflection. Perhaps we have been asking ourselves the wrong question. Instead of asking whether we have implemented NEP, perhaps we should ask whether its implementation is visible in our schools. Educational reforms are not implemented when new terminology enters our vocabulary; they are implemented when new practices become visible in our classrooms. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has rightly been described as one of the most transformative educational reforms in independent India. It envisions a shift from rote learning to competency-based education, from teacher-centred instruction to learner-centred classrooms, from examination-driven schooling to holistic development, and from content coverage to meaningful learning. Over the past few years, teachers have attended numerous orientation programmes, workshops and capacity-building initiatives. The language of reform has undoubtedly reached our schools. The more important question, however, is whether the reform itself has. Perhaps the most meaningful way to answer this question is not through reports, presentations or training certificates, but through observable indicators. If a visitor unfamiliar with NEP were to spend a day in our school, what would they notice? Would they see children learning differently? Would classrooms reflect curiosity, collaboration and creativity? Would assessment look different? Would the school culture embody the spirit of the policy? These are the indicators that deserve our attention. One of the first indicators is the sound of the classroom itself. For decades, silence has often been mistaken for discipline. A classroom where children quietly listen while the teacher speaks has traditionally been considered an ideal classroom. NEP invites us to rethink this assumption. Learning is a social process. Children learn by asking questions, discussing ideas, explaining concepts, collaborating with peers and learning from mistakes. This does not mean classrooms should become noisy or chaotic. Rather, they should become voice-rich classrooms, where purposeful dialogue replaces passive listening, where children feel safe to express themselves, and where questioning is encouraged rather than discouraged. Another important indicator is our understanding of the foundational stage. NEP makes an unequivocal statement that unless universal Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) is achieved, the rest of the policy will remain largely irrelevant. It is perhaps the strongest message contained in the policy, yet one wonders how many schools have truly reorganised their practices around this priority. The National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS 2022) envisages learning across five developmental domains: physical development, cognitive development, language and literacy, socio-emotional and ethical development, and aesthetic and cultural development. These domains are interconnected and are expected to develop through play, stories, conversations, music, art, exploration and joyful experiences. Yet, in many classrooms, the foundational stage continues to resemble the upper primary grades, with children spending long hours completing written exercises and preparing for tests. A related misconception also deserves attention. Since textbooks at the foundational stage are available mainly for languages and mathematics, many assume that Environmental Studies begins only in the preparatory stage. This is not the intention of the curriculum. At the foundational stage, children learn about their surroundings through stories, conversations, observations, local experiences, family interactions, nature walks and play. Environmental learning is not absent; it is integrated into children's daily experiences rather than taught as a separate textbook subject. Another visible indicator is the implementation of the ten bagless days recommended for the middle stage. These days were not envisioned as holidays from academic work, nor merely as occasions for sports or cultural programmes. They were intended to expose children to vocational experiences by interacting with local artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, craftsmen and professionals. Such experiences help children appreciate the dignity of labour and prepare them for vocational education in the secondary stage. If bagless days remain confined to official records or lose their intended purpose, we miss an important opportunity to translate policy into practice. The heart of NEP, however, lies inside the classroom. For years, teaching has often been judged by how much of the syllabus has been completed. NEP shifts the focus to what children are actually able to do with what they have learned. Are they analysing, applying, creating and solving problems? Can they relate classroom learning to real-life situations? Are they encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas and work collaboratively? These are the competencies that define meaningful learning. Naturally, this demands a corresponding change in assessment. If examinations continue to reward memorisation alone, classroom practices are unlikely to change. NEP advocates competency-based assessment that values understanding, application, creativity and communication. Classroom observations, portfolios, projects, presentations, peer assessment and timely feedback become integral to the learning process. Assessment is no longer an event conducted after teaching is completed; it becomes an ongoing process that informs and improves learning. Equally significant is the policy's emphasis on helping children learn how to learn. In an age where information is readily available, education cannot remain confined to transmitting facts. Schools must nurture curiosity, critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration and the confidence to learn independently throughout life. Preparing children for an unpredictable future requires more than preparing them for predictable examinations. The indicators of NEP implementation extend beyond the classroom. They are reflected in the overall culture of the school. Do staff meetings focus on improving teaching-learning practices or remain confined to administrative routines? Are teachers encouraged to reflect on their classroom experiences and learn from one another? Are parents treated as partners in their children's learning rather than merely recipients of examination results? Is the local community seen as a valuable educational resource? These questions reveal as much about implementation as any policy document. Ultimately, implementation is not determined by what a school possesses but by how effectively it uses what it has. A government school can transform its local environment into a learning laboratory. A private school can enrich learning through technology and innovation. Both can succeed if they remain faithful to the philosophy of the policy rather than merely its terminology. Every year, schools review enrolment, attendance, examination results and infrastructure. These are undoubtedly important indicators. Perhaps it is now time to count another set of indicators. Are our classrooms becoming more participative? Are children asking better questions? Are foundational classrooms nurturing all five developmental domains? Are bagless days providing genuine vocational exposure? Are assessments measuring competencies instead of memory? Are schools helping children learn not merely what to learn, but how to learn? Looking back, I often think about that discussion during the teacher training programme. The responses were thoughtful, yet they also reminded me that identifying observable indicators of change is often more challenging than affirming our commitment to reform. Perhaps that is precisely where the journey of implementation begins. Educational reforms are remembered not for the policies they announce, but for the classrooms they transform. When every school can confidently point to visible changes in the way children learn, teachers teach, and schools function, we will no longer need to ask whether NEP has been implemented. The answer will be evident to anyone who walks through the school gates. (The author is a teacher educator and resource person in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. He regularly writes on NEP 2020, school education and educational reforms. Email: abuaalim@gmail.com )
Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability: Can Humanity Prosper within Planetary Boundaries?
The twenty-first century presents humanity with one of the most profound policy dilemmas in modern history: how can societies continue to improve living standards while preserving the ecological systems upon which life itself depends? Climate change, biodiversity loss, depletion of natural resources and increasing pollution have intensified concerns about whether continuous economic growth is compatible with a planet possessing finite ecological limits. The concern is neither new nor unfounded. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that global temperatures are rising, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, sea levels continue to increase, and natural ecosystems are under unprecedented stress. Fossil fuels still dominate global energy consumption, while the extraction of minerals, metals and other natural resources has expanded dramatically over the past five decades. These realities have prompted many scholars to question whether the prevailing economic model can remain sustainable in the long run. However, an equally important question deserves careful consideration: Does the existence of finite natural resources necessarily imply that economic growth itself must come to an end? The answer depends upon how economic growth is understood. Economic growth is often misunderstood as merely producing and consuming larger quantities of physical goods. While this description broadly characterised the Industrial Revolution, the structure of modern economies has undergone a remarkable transformation. Increasingly, economic value is created through knowledge, innovation, digital technologies, healthcare, education, financial services, scientific research, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and intellectual property. These sectors generate wealth with far lower material intensity than traditional heavy industries. Consequently, it is essential to distinguish between growth in material consumption and growth in economic value. A nation may continue to become wealthier through improvements in productivity, technology, human capital and innovation without proportionately increasing its extraction of natural resources. History itself provides compelling evidence that technological progress repeatedly alters perceived resource constraints. Improvements in energy efficiency, precision manufacturing, digital communication, advanced materials, recycling technologies and renewable energy have substantially reduced resource intensity in many sectors. Modern LED lighting consumes only a fraction of the electricity required by incandescent bulbs. Digital documents have displaced enormous quantities of paper. Electric arc furnaces recycle steel rather than relying exclusively upon newly mined iron ore. Precision agriculture enables higher crop yields while reducing water and fertiliser consumption. Such developments demonstrate that technological innovation frequently enables societies to produce greater economic value from fewer physical resources. This does not imply that technology alone can solve every environmental problem. The well-known ebound effect reminds us that gains in efficiency may sometimes encourage greater overall consumption. Nevertheless, the appropriate policy response is not to abandon economic growth altogether but to ensure that technological advancement is accompanied by sound regulatory frameworks, effective pricing of environmental externalities, resource efficiency and responsible consumption. Equally important is recognising that economic growth remains indispensable for many developing countries. Millions of people continue to lack access to adequate housing, sanitation, healthcare, education, clean drinking water and reliable electricity. For these societies, sustained economic growth is not merely an economic aspiration but a prerequisite for reducing poverty, improving public health and expanding human capabilities. Environmental sustainability should therefore complement development rather than replace it. The challenge before policymakers is not whether economies should grow, but how they should grow. Future development must increasingly rely upon renewable energy, cleaner production methods, circular economy principles, resource-efficient technologies and sustainable urban planning. Circular economic models that encourage repair, reuse, remanufacturing and recycling can significantly reduce dependence upon virgin raw materials while maintaining economic productivity. Similarly, investments in public transport, green buildings, energy-efficient industries and ecosystem restoration can simultaneously generate employment and reduce environmental pressures. For rapidly urbanising countries, improving rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, wastewater recycling and integrated water-resource management may substantially reduce pressure on freshwater sources. Sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient infrastructure and ecological restoration should become central components of national development strategies. Economic performance itself also requires broader measurement. Gross Domestic Product remains an important indicator of production and income, but it does not capture environmental degradation, public health, educational attainment, social equity or ecological resilience. Complementing GDP with indicators measuring natural capital, environmental quality, human development and social well-being would provide governments with a more comprehensive understanding of national progress. Ultimately, humanity's greatest renewable resource is neither coal, oil nor mineralsit is human knowledge. Scientific discovery, engineering innovation and institutional reform have repeatedly expanded the boundaries of what societies considered possible. While the Earth's physical resources are finite, human creativity continues to generate new solutions that improve productivity while reducing environmental impact. The objective, therefore, should not be unlimited material expansion, nor deliberate economic contraction. Rather, it should be sustainable prosperityan economic system that continuously improves human well-being while respecting ecological limits. The real challenge of this century is not choosing between economic growth and environmental protection. It is designing a model of development in which economic progress is increasingly decoupled from excessive resource consumption, fossil fuel dependence and environmental degradation. Human civilisation has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing circumstances through science, innovation and prudent public policy. The transition toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient and knowledge-driven economy offers an opportunity to reconcile prosperity with planetary stewardship. Countries that successfully integrate technological innovation, environmental responsibility, social equity and sound governance will not merely survive the coming decadesthey will define the future of sustainable development. (The Author is B.E. (Mech.), B.O.E., ASME. Former Deputy Director of Boilers, Mysuru)
Er Rashid stages barefoot protest in Parliament, seeks dialogue
New Delhi, July 21: Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid on Tuesday staged a symbolic barefoot protest after being brought from Tihar Jail to Parliament under judicial custody to attend the ongoing Monsoon Session. Rashid observed a day-long hunger strike, demanding a time-bound dialogue between the Union Government, elected representatives and stakeholders of Jammu and Kashmir to address political issues concerning the region. According to a statement, he reiterated demands including restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, release of political prisoners, revocation of AFSPA and protection of democratic and constitutional rights. During the proceedings, Rashid entered the Well of the Lok Sabha three times while remaining barefoot and raised concerns over unresolved issues of Jammu and Kashmir, urging the government to initiate a political process. His protest drew attention from several MPs across party lines, with some parliamentarians approaching him during the proceedings and expressing support for his peaceful mode of raising issues.
Politics over humanity: BJP targets NC amid flood devastation
Jammu, July 21: The BJP on Tuesday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the National Conference leadership over their protest in New Delhi, alleging that the party was focusing on politics while Jammu and Kashmir was dealing with a major rain-related disaster. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma, along with BJP leaders, accused the NC of choosing political theatrics over relief and rescue efforts amid flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides that affected several parts of the Union Territory, particularly Poonch and Rajouri. Sharma said the Chief Minister should have remained in Jammu and Kashmir to supervise rescue and relief operations and ensure assistance reached affected families. The BJP leader demanded an ex-gratia of 20 lakh for families who lost members in cloudbursts and flash floods, besides six months ration, rehabilitation support, temporary shelters and restoration of damaged religious institutions in affected areas. He also sought compensation for those killed in shooting stones at Ragi Nullah in Doda and for structures damaged in Kishtwars Kyar Dachhan area. Sharma said a BJP team led by former party president Ravinder Raina had been sent to Loran Mandi after reports of another cloudburst to assess the situation and provide assistance. Alleging that the NC government had failed to prioritise relief operations, Sharma said affected families were still waiting for help while the Chief Minister was participating in political activities in Delhi. The BJP leaders also said party workers across flood-affected districts were preparing a report on damages to houses, commercial establishments, crops, livestock and agricultural land, which would be submitted to the party leadership for further action with the government.
Dr. Farooq , Omar pay tribute to Syed Muzaffar Aga
Srinagar, July, 21 : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday expressed profound grief over the passing of former Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Muzaffar Aga, paying rich tributes to his distinguished career in public service and his enduring contribution to the administration of the erstwhile State. In his condolence message, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said, The passing of Syed Muzaffar Aga marks the end of an illustrious chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. A civil servant of rare integrity and exceptional distinction, he served the people with unwavering dedication across different phases of our history, leaving behind a legacy of honesty, wisdom and public service that will continue to inspire generations. I pray that Almighty Allah grants him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and gives strength and patience to his bereaved family. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while expressing deep sorrow over the veteran administrator's demise, said, Syed Muzaffar Aga Sahib belonged to a rare generation of public servants whose professionalism, integrity and institutional wisdom left a lasting imprint on the governance of Jammu and Kashmir. He served the people with distinction through periods of profound political and administrative transition, always upholding the highest standards of public duty.
Apni Party welcomes new members in party fold
Srinagar, July 21: Apni Party on Tuesday welcomed new entrants into its fold during an event held at the party headquarters in Srinagar. According to a party statement, the new members included Safina, Parveena, Lali, Zubaida and others from Parimpora area of Srinagar. The event was organised by Apni Party leader Sumaira Ji and was attended by Kashmir Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Womens Wing president Dilshad Shaheen, Central Kashmir organiser Mohammad Shafi Mir and other party leaders. Welcoming the new members, Ashraf Mir said the Apni Party has a clear vision for the political, social, educational and economic empowerment of women. He assured the new entrants that the party would continue to work towards addressing public concerns and strengthening its grassroots presence.
PDP reviews Srinagar organisation, gears up for ULB polls
Srinagar, July 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday held an organisational meeting of its Srinagar district unit to review party affairs and discuss measures to strengthen grassroots activities ahead of upcoming political programmes. The meeting, chaired by PDP General Secretary (Organisation) Adv. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, was attended by senior party leaders, including General Secretary Mohammad Khursheed Alam, Additional General Secretary Adv. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, District President Abdul Qayoum Bhat, constituency in-charges and other office-bearers. Addressing the gathering, Hanjura stressed the need to strengthen the party organisation through increased public outreach and better coordination among workers. He urged functionaries to intensify the membership campaign and encourage greater participation of youth in party activities. Khursheed Alam called for maintaining regular contact with people and addressing their concerns, saying a strong organisational structure was essential for taking the partys message to the public. Adv. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat urged party leaders and workers to remain united and maintain organisational discipline while preparing for upcoming programmes. PDP spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo said the partys strength lies in its cadre and public connect, stressing the need to expand grassroots structures and improve coordination among workers. The meeting also discussed preparations for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, the ongoing membership drive and arrangements for the partys Foundation Day programme scheduled later this month. Participants resolved to strengthen the party organisation across Srinagar district.
PDPs Zaffer Mir flags civic woes in Chadoora
Srinagar, July 19: PDP senior leader Zaffer Mir (Lasjan) on Monday accused the government of neglecting the Chadoora Assembly constituency and raised concerns over drinking water shortages, poor road conditions, farmers distress and inadequate public services. Addressing a PDP delegates convention at Gowharpora, attended by party delegates from several areas of the constituency, Mir said residents had been facing prolonged civic issues due to what he termed administrative apathy. He highlighted the drinking water crisis, deteriorating infrastructure and lack of basic facilities, saying these issues required immediate attention. Mir also raised concerns over the hardships faced by farmers, particularly vegetable growers and orchardists, citing rising fertiliser costs and losses due to adverse weather conditions. He demanded a comprehensive relief and compensation package for affected farmers. During the convention, delegates adopted a resolution seeking immediate release of compensation to landowners and affected families through the administration by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Mir also demanded improvements in healthcare services, including better facilities at health centres and regular availability of medicines. Calling upon party workers to strengthen grassroots engagement, he urged them to prepare for the upcoming Panchayat elections and participate in the PDP Foundation Day programme scheduled in Srinagar on July 28.
Dr. Farooq seeks audit of Smart City works
Srinagar, July 21: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday called for an independent audit of Srinagar's Smart City Project following widespread waterlogging after recent heavy rains, while urging the Centre to announce a special relief package for flood-hit areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the inundation of several parts of Srinagar had raised serious questions over the planning and execution of the Smart City Project. He called for an independent, impartial technical and financial audit to examine the project's planning, execution, quality of work and adherence to prescribed engineering standards, saying the people have a right to know whether public funds were utilised efficiently and whether any lapses contributed to the city's vulnerability to heavy rainfall. A thorough inquiry must ascertain whether public funds were utilised efficiently and whether deficiencies in planning or execution contributed to the city's inability to withstand heavy rainfall. If lapses are found, responsibility must be fixed and corrective measures undertaken without delay, he said. The NC chief also expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the recent torrential rains, flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Pir Panjal region. In a statement issued from the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Dr. Farooq said the unprecedented rainfall has triggered a humanitarian crisis, claiming many lives in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and other districts, while causing extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, public infrastructure, agricultural land and livelihoods. Flash floods inundated residential localities and markets, swept away vehicles, and landslides disrupted connectivity, severely affecting rescue and relief operations the statement reads. Describing the scale of devastation as enormous, Dr. Farooq said the financial burden of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction cannot be borne by J&K government alone. He urged GoI to announce a comprehensive and generous special relief package to facilitate the rehabilitation of affected families and the restoration of damaged infrastructure. Recalling the inadequate assistance extended after previous flood disasters in Jammu, he expressed hope that the Centre would respond more generously this time, commensurate with the magnitude of the present calamity. Dr. Farooq appreciated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his swift and hands-on response to the unfolding crisis. He said the Chief Minister immediately cut short his Delhi engagement to personally supervise relief efforts, remained in constant touch with the administration and local representatives, closely monitored rescue operations, announced 6 lakh ex gratia for the families of those who lost their lives, and directed officials to ensure expeditious rescue, relief, rehabilitation and restoration of essential services. He also noted that assessments of damage to homes, crops and other property are underway to facilitate further compensation.
MP Mian Altaf visits Poonch, seeks faster relief
Poonch, July 21: Member of Parliament (Anantnag-Rajouri) Mian Altaf Ahmad on Tuesday visited flood-affected areas of Poonch district to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rainfall and flash floods and urged the government to expedite relief, rehabilitation and search operations. According to a statement, the MP toured several affected areas, including Sangla, Loran, Surankote and Mendhar, where he met affected families, local elders and community representatives to assess the losses to homes, crops, livestock and public infrastructure. Despite inclement weather, Mian Altaf walked to several affected villages and assured residents of all possible assistance. Describing the devastation as deeply concerning, he said many families had lost their loved ones, several people were still missing and extensive damage had been caused to houses, farmlands and livelihoods. He stressed that the immediate priority should be to trace the missing persons and ensure timely relief for every affected household. The MP also called for the early restoration of essential services, including damaged bridges, roads, power supply and water supply schemes, to ease the hardships faced by the affected population. He urged the government to intensify rescue and search operations and ensure prompt rehabilitation of the affected families.
Pir Panjal floods : Relief, restoration top priority: Govt
Rajouri, July 21: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Tuesday undertook an extensive visit to the flood-affected areas of Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by the recent flash floods, review the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures, and take stock of the restoration of essential public services. Reaffirming the Government's commitment to ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation of every affected family, the Minister said that the administration has been directed to leave no stone unturned in extending immediate assistance and restoring normalcy in the affected areas. The Minister began his visit by inspecting the flood-ravaged Baila Bus Stand, one of the worst-affected locations in Rajouri town. He took stock of the extensive damage caused to the bus stand infrastructure and inspected several vehicles that were severely damaged after being caught in the flash floods. He directed the concerned officers to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses and expedite restoration measures to ensure the early resumption of public transport services. Interacting with local residents and transporters, Satish Sharma expressed deep concern over the hardships faced by them due to the natural calamity. He assured them that the Government is closely monitoring the situation and all genuine cases of damage and loss would be addressed in accordance with the established norms. Subsequently, the Minister visited the Relief and Rehabilitation Centre established by the District Administration at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS), Rajouri, where families displaced by the floods have been provided temporary shelter. The Minister spent considerable time interacting with the affected families, listening to their concerns and enquiring about their immediate requirements. He assured them that the Government stands shoulder to shoulder with them during this difficult period and that every possible measure would be taken to ensure their safety, welfare and dignified rehabilitation. During the visit, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma briefed the Minister on the rescue operations conducted immediately after the flash floods, the ongoing relief measures and the rehabilitation plan being implemented by the district administration. He informed that the administration has made comprehensive arrangements at the relief centre, including safe accommodation, nutritious food, clean drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, medicines, counselling support and other essential amenities to ensure the well-being of the displaced families. The Minister also conducted a comprehensive review of the availability and restoration of essential public services in the affected areas. He assessed the status of ration supply, drinking water, electricity, road connectivity, transport services, healthcare facilities and other civic amenities. He directed the officers of the concerned departments to work in close coordination to restore all damaged infrastructure and public utilities on a priority basis while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services to the affected population. Emphasising the importance of coordinated disaster response, Satish Sharma instructed all departments to maintain close coordination, remain on alert and ensure prompt redressal of public grievances. He stressed that relief efforts should continue until every affected family is adequately rehabilitated and normal life is fully restored. The Minister appreciated the dedicated efforts of the District Administration, Police, SDRF, Civil Defence, volunteers and all line departments for their swift response in carrying out rescue and relief operations despite challenging conditions. He observed that their timely intervention helped minimise the impact of the disaster and ensured the safety of many residents. The Government is fully committed to providing every possible assistance to the flood-affected families. All departments have been directed to work with urgency and compassion so that relief reaches every deserving person without delay. Restoration of essential services and rehabilitation of affected families remain our highest priority, the Minister said. MLA Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed and MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Ahmad Khan accompanied the Minister during the visit and interacted with the affected families and local residents. Senior district and sectoral officers were also present and briefed the Minister on the prevailing situation, the progress of relief operations and the measures being taken to restore normalcy across the affected areas.
Govt to distribute three months' ration in advance
Srinagar, July 21: In a significant step to ensure uninterrupted availability of foodgrains to beneficiaries during the forthcoming monsoon season, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), J&K has decided to undertake the advance lifting and distribution of foodgrains allocated under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Non-Priority Household (NPHH) schemes for the months of August, September and October 2026. The decision, as per a statement, has been taken as a precautionary measure to address any logistical and transportation challenges that may arise during the rainy season and to ensure uninterrupted food security across the Union Territory. Accordingly, the Department has made advance allocation of foodgrains for the three months, enabling the beneficiaries to receive their entitled ration through a single transaction. The entire distribution process has been targeted for completion on or before 31st August, 2026. To facilitate smooth implementation of the initiative, the NIC, J&K has been requested to enable the one-time transaction facility in the e-PoS devices for distribution of foodgrains pertaining to the months of August, September and October 2026. The Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, while speaking in this regard, said that the advance lifting and distribution of foodgrains would strengthen the departmental preparedness and enable an effective response to any situation arising during the monsoon season. He said that the initiative would ensure uninterrupted availability of foodgrains and safeguard the food security of eligible beneficiaries throughout the Union Territory. The Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, reiterated that the advance lifting, transportation and distribution of foodgrains shall be undertaken in close coordination with all the stakeholders, including the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) and the district administration. Necessary instructions were passed on to the Director, FCS&CA, Jammu and the Director, FCS&CA, Kashmir to personally monitor the lifting, transportation and distribution of the allocated foodgrains. This will ensure that the exercise is completed within the stipulated timeline and that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of his or her entitlement, he added. The Department issued necessary directions to all concerned officers, Fair Price Shop dealers and other stakeholders to ensure timely lifting, transportation and distribution of the allocated foodgrains, with the entire exercise to be completed by 31st August, 2026, in the interest of public convenience and uninterrupted food security.
Ganderbal gears up for Hazrat Qamar-ud-Din Bukhari Urs
Ganderbal, July 21: Ganderbal district has geared up for the annual Urs of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Qamar-ud-Din Bukhari (RA), popularly known as Qamar Shah Sahab (RA), which will be observed from July 21 to July 26 at the historic shrine. Thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir are expected to participate in the six-day religious gathering, marked by prayers, Qur'an recitation, spiritual discourses and special night-long congregations. According to the shrine management, the Urs will commence with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an, followed by a series of religious programmes every day from Asr to Maghrib prayers. On July 25, a special Isha prayer will be offered at 10:30 pm, after which Khatmah Sharif and Tabligh programmes will continue throughout the night until Fajr prayers, forming the spiritual highlight of the annual observance. The shrine management expressed gratitude to the district administration for extending full cooperation in ensuring smooth arrangements for the Urs. They said the administration had left no stone unturned in facilitating the event and praised the coordinated efforts of various departments. They specifically appreciated Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore,other officials who personally visited the shrine to inspect the preparations, interacted with the shrine authorities and reviewed the facilities being put in place for devotees. The management said that departments including Public Health Engineering (Water Works), Health, Municipal Committee, Sanitation Wing, and other district offices have actively participated in making the necessary arrangements. They added that all essential civic services, including drinking water, cleanliness, medical assistance and other public amenities, have been strengthened to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for pilgrims. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore conducted an on-site inspection of the shrine premises and reviewed the overall arrangements for the annual Urs on Tuesday. He directed the concerned departments to ensure seamless coordination and the availability of all essential facilities so that devotees can participate in the religious event without inconvenience. The shrine management once again thanked the Deputy Commissioner and the district administration for their continued support and appealed to people from across the Valley to participate in the annual Urs in large numbers. They said special prayers would be offered during the gathering for peace, prosperity and the well-being of all, praying that Almighty Allah showers His blessings upon everyone.
Budgam on alert as Sukhnag swells after heavy rain
Budgam, July 21: Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, on Tuesday appealed to residents living along the banks of Nallah Sukhnag and other vulnerable areas to immediately shift to safer locations as a precautionary measure following a sharp rise in the water level, while directing all emergency response agencies to remain on high alert. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, the Deputy Commissioner said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and urged people to stay away from Nallah Sukhnag and other flood-prone areas. He said that a shopping complex in Beerwah town collapsed due to the high water level, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. DC Budgam said that Station House Officers (SHOs), Tehsildars and other field officials have already advised residents living close to the nallah to evacuate their homes until the water level recedes. He added that Police, SDRF, Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, district administration and other line departments have been deployed across vulnerable locations to prevent people from venturing near the nallah and to ensure prompt assistance wherever required. We have already directed all the concerned departments to immediate activation of all rescue and emergency response teams and instructed officers to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of nallahs, drains and other vulnerable areas to ensure a swift response to any eventuality, Athar Aamir said. DC Budgam said that SHOs, field officers and rescue teams are continuously monitoring the situation and advising residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate wherever necessary as a precautionary measure. Appealing for public cooperation, DC Budgam urged people to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and avoid visiting nallahs, embankments, breached spots and other flood-prone areas. He also cautioned against gathering near water bodies out of curiosity, warning that such actions could endanger lives. Reiterating that the district administration is maintaining constant vigil, the Deputy Commissioner said all departments are working in close coordination to safeguard lives and property. He assured the public that every possible measure is being taken to deal with the situation effectively and urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and strictly follow official advisories until the situation improves.
Artists pitch for revival of Kashmirs performing arts
Srinagar, Jul 21: The revival of Kashmirs theatre tradition emerged as the central theme on the fourth day of the third Chinar Book Festival at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on Tuesday, with playwrights, actors, directors and scholars calling for renewed efforts to preserve the valleys rich dramatic heritage while encouraging young talent to shape its future. The session, titled Theatre in Kashmir: Reviving a Living Tradition, brought together eminent theatre practitioners on a common platform to reflect on the evolution of Kashmiri theatre, the challenges it has faced over the decades and the need to cultivate a new generation of playwrights, actors and audiences. Opening the discussion, Dr Farooq Fayaz traced the roots of Kashmiri theatre to the regions ancient Sanskrit traditions, describing Kashmir as one of the foremost centres of learning in philosophy, literature, aesthetics and dramatic arts. Referring to historical texts such as the Nilamata Purana and Rajatarangini, he said archaeological and literary evidence points to a flourishing tradition of playwriting and performance in the valley. Veteran theatre personality Nisar Naseem described the period between 1970 and 1989 as the golden era of Kashmiri theatre, when original productions in Kashmiri and Hindi flourished. He noted that while theatre across the world initially revolved around religion before evolving into stories of kings and wars, its greatest strength lay in portraying the lives and struggles of ordinary people. Actor Kusum Tikoo stressed that meaningful theatre does not require elaborate auditoriums and can thrive through street plays, neighbourhood performances and community spaces. She also encouraged young artists to experiment with contemporary formats, including short theatrical reels on social media and rooftop performances. We respect our golden history, but we cannot remain confined to it, she said, urging students to write original scripts and become the next generation of playwrights and performers. Rohit Bhatt proposed the formation of theatre groups in schools and colleges, where students could write, direct, perform and manage productions before competing at inter-institutional events. He also highlighted the importance of independent cultural initiatives, noting that his organisation had staged nearly 1,500 plays despite receiving government support for only a small fraction of them. The discussion, moderated by Rashid Nizami, also explored the impact of conflict on theatre in Kashmir and emphasised the need for sustained efforts to revive the Valley's vibrant performing arts tradition. Earlier in the day, the festival hosted an engaging session, From Soil to Soul: Culinary Traditions and Sustainability, where speakers explored the relationship between food, culture and sustainable living. Moderated by Tripurari Singh, the session featured Chef Yaseen Reshi, Rajni Wanchoo and Khair Ull Nissa Sheikh. The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) organised two literary sessions at the Authors' Corner on Urdu in the Digital Age and the release of the book Mir Taqi Mir ki Ghazaliya Shairi Ka Ghinai Pahlu. Speakers stressed the importance of integrating Urdu with digital platforms, preserving manuscripts through technology and making the language more accessible to younger generations. The Childrens Corner witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 4,000 students throughout the day. Activities included an interactive storytelling session titled Kabir for Kids, a Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya quiz competition, a financial literacy workshop conducted by Chartered Financial Analyst Amit Mawai under SEBI, and Harf-o-Hunar, an Arabic calligraphy workshop led by Malik Mukhtar. The cultural segment showcased theatre performances by Gulistan Bhagat Theatre, Azad Dramatic Club, Mehak Dramatic Club and Yusmarg Folk Theatre, reflecting the richness of Kashmir's dramatic traditions. The audience also enjoyed a Dastangoi performance that revived the classical art of oral storytelling, followed by musical performances by Aijaz Sahir, Zubaida Ali, and the duo Asif and Tanzeeb.
Israeli national booked under NDPS Act in Zanskar
Zanskar, July 21: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Zanskar Police arrested an Israeli national after recovering suspected narcotic substances from his possession during a routine vehicle check at the Police Check Post Kargyak/Gonbo Rangjon in Zanskar of UT Ladakh. The accused has been identified as Adir Yemini (24), a resident of Israel, who was travelling in a private Alto car (Registration No. UK11A-1621) from Manali towards Zanskar. During routine checking, police intercepted the vehicle and conducted a search of the passenger's belongings. According to police, the search led to the recovery of 104 grams of a charas-like substance, 16 grams of a ganja-like substance, and a negligible quantity of a heroin-like substance. The recovered contraband was seized and sealed on the spot after all mandatory legal formalities were completed. Following the recovery, Police Station Zanskar registered FIR No. 23/2026 under Sections 8/20/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source and intended destination of the seized substances. Police said the action forms part of the district's sustained campaign against narcotics and reiterated its commitment to curbing drug trafficking in the region. The public has been urged to assist law enforcement agencies by sharing any information related to narcotics with the nearest police station or by dialling 112, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
Organ Donation Month : No corneal donations in Kashmir despite rising transplant demand
Srinagar, Jul 20: As July is observed as Organ Donation Month, the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization, Jammu & Kashmir (SOTTO J&K) has launched a month-long awareness campaign to encourage people to pledge for organ and tissue donation, as organ donations continue to remain low in the Union Territory. As part of the campaign, SOTTO J&K recently organised an awareness programme in Srinagar where corneal transplant recipients shared their experiences, highlighting how the procedure restored their eyesight and transformed their lives. The programme also featured a painting competition aimed at creating awareness among the younger generation about the importance of organ donation. Dr. Irfan Lone, Transplant Coordinator at SOTTO J&K and resource person for the campaign, said the organisation is striving to reach every district of Jammu and Kashmir to spread awareness and motivate people to come forward for organ and tissue donation. He said that more than 150 corneal transplants have been performed in various government and private hospitals across Kashmir. However, all the corneas used for these procedures were procured from other states as no corneal donations have taken place in Kashmir. In contrast, corneal transplants performed at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, are supported by donations from local donors, Dr. Lone said, underlining the need to promote a culture of organ donation in the Kashmir Valley. The awareness programmes are being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Elias Sharma, Nodal Officer, SOTTO J&K and Head of the Department of Urology, GMC Jammu, and Dr. Poonam Mahajan, Joint Director, SOTTO J&K, with the aim of highlighting the critical need for organ and tissue donation. Quoting government figures, officials said more than 500,000 people across India are currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants due to organ failure, underscoring the urgent need to increase voluntary organ donation. Our objective is to educate the public about the importance of both living and deceased (cadaveric) organ donation. For many patients suffering from organ failure or corneal blindness, organ and tissue donation offers a new lease of life and restored vision, officials said. Recognising the progress made in recent years, Jammu and Kashmir was conferred the Best Emerging Union Territory in Organ Transplant award by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2024. At present, kidney transplant services are available at Government Medical College Jammu, Government Medical College Srinagar, and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar. Corneal transplant facilities are also available in both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, with GMC Srinagar and GMC Jammu among the leading centres. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recently written to all States and Union Territories, urging them to intensify the nationwide organ donation awareness campaign, Angdaan Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyaan. The Ministry noted that significant progress has been achieved in organ donation and transplantation across the country. According to official records, 3,475 deceased-donor transplants were performed during 2025, while nearly 1.87 lakh organ donation pledges have been registered on the online portal of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) since the launch of the campaign. The Ministry has called upon States and Union Territories to organise workshops, awareness talks, exhibitions, social outreach programmes, and other public engagement activities to encourage voluntary organ donation. It has also urged authorities to work closely with their respective Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations (ROTTOs) and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations (SOTTOs) to strengthen awareness and participation in the national campaign.
Fash Floods Inundate Homes in Central Kashmir Village
SRINAGAR: Heavy rainfall across Kashmir led to a flood-like situation in parts of Budgam district on Tuesday, with flash flood waters entering residential houses in Kharin Mohalla of Mazhama village. Local residents said that the swollen Nallah Sukhnag breached its banks and gushed into the locality, forcing families to evacuate and salvage their belongings as []
Dr Farooq Seeks Smart City Audit After Srinagar Waterlogging
NC president also urges Centre to announce a special relief package for rain- and flood-hit areas of Jammu and Kashmir
