Lieutenant Governor Addresses Harbah Festival at Anantnag
Srinagar, July 26, 2026: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the sacred Harbah festival at Anantnag and paid obeisance to Mata Sidh Lakshmi. He also extended greetings to all the devotees who participated in the annual Hawan. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the Harbah festival is a profound moment of devotion, [] The post Lieutenant Governor Addresses Harbah Festival at Anantnag appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
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Srinagar-Jammu Highway Remains Closed as Clearance Continues
SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained closed for traffic on Sunday as restoration work continued at the landslide-hit Gangroo stretch in Banihal, officials said. Traffic movement has been suspended after a massive landslide blocked the highway on Saturday evening. Road clearance operations are in progress, but the highway has not been reopened due to []
Srinagar, Jul 26: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today attended the sacred Harbah festival at Anantnag and paid obeisance to Mata Sidh Lakshmi. He also extended greetings to all the devotees who participated in the annual Hawan. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the Harbah festival is a profound moment of devotion, gratitude, and inner experience. He emphasized that Teerathraj Lok Bhawan at Anantnag, with its tranquil and divine surroundings, stands as a living symbol of Indias eternal spiritual tradition. Every stone, every stream, and every breath here conveys the immortal consciousness of our sanatan culture and spiritual heritage which has guided humanity for centuries along the path of truth, compassion, and dharma, he said. Highlighting the historical significance of the sacred temple, he recalled its ancient name Lokpunya as mentioned in Kalhanas Rajatarangini. The Lieutenant Governor noted that the annual Hawan and flag hoisting are rekindling the flame of devotion, service, sacrifice, patience and social harmony. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the challenges of modern life, observing that while science and technology have brought the world closer, they have also led to rising loneliness and division. He stressed that spiritual values must remain the foundation of society and underlined the importance of unity, compassion, and respect for all. The Harbah festival reminds us that true devotion manifests as service to humanity, mutual respect, and selfless love, the Lieutenant Governor said. He also laid out his vision for a peaceful and prosperous society and made three key appeals to the people. The Lieutenant Governor said spiritual values must guide individual and institutional conduct to build trust and prosperity. He said mental and spiritual health must be given equal importance alongside physical strength in todays fast-paced life and youth responsibility must be nurtured through selfless action and dedication to the nation. Calling upon the younger generation of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to remain connected not only with modern education but also with cultural and spiritual values. True knowledge is realized through humility, and its strength becomes sacred when used in the service of others, the Lieutenant Governor said. Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat; Swami Sriram Charana Aravinda Dasa, Director Projects, ISKCON; Shri Javid Iqbal Mattoo, DIG South Kashmir; Shri Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP Anantnag; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; Shri Sanjay Koul, President, All Minority Employees Association Kashmir; senior officials of Police and Civil Administration, members of Teerathraj Sidh Lakshmi Peeth Trust, prominent citizens and devotees in large numbers were present.
Merchant Ship Carrying Four Indians Attacked in Ukraine
SRINAGAR: The Embassy of India in Ukraine on Sunday said it is closely monitoring the situation after the merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck at the Port of Odesa on July 25, with four Indian nationals among the crew. In a statement posted on X, the embassy said two of the four Indian crew []
PM Modi Highlights Kashmirs Traditional Wagoov in Mann Ki Baat
Prime Minister praises Srinagar artisan Ghulam Hussain and his daughter Tanzeela for reviving the traditional reed mat craft, urges support for local products
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Kargil War Soldiers on Vijay Diwas
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, saying their extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation would forever remain a source of pride and inspiration. In a message on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Prime Minister said the nation was []
IMD forecasts widespread rainfall, thunderstorms till August 1
Srinagar, July 26: The India Meteorological Department, IMD, has forecast that the ongoing wet spell across J&K will continue throughout the week, with widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and isolated heavy showers expected in several parts of the Union Territory. According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, scattered light rain and thundershowers are likely across J&K during the next 24 hours. Weather activity is expected to increase gradually over the coming days, bringing fairly widespread rainfall across most districts. The seven day forecast indicates scattered rainfall in Kashmir on July 26 and 27. Rainfall is expected to become fairly widespread from July 28 to August 1. In the Jammu division, widespread rainfall has been forecast on most days during the same period. The IMD has also warned of isolated heavy rainfall in parts of the Jammu division between July 28 and August 1. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also likely during this period. The department has advised residents and travellers to remain alert, as heavy rain could trigger landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, flash floods and waterlogging in vulnerable areas, particularly along hilly roads and low lying locations. Meanwhile, the weather office said maximum temperatures remained well below normal during the past 24 hours. Temperatures were 6 to 10 degrees Celsius below normal in several parts of Kashmir and 1 to 7 degrees Celsius below normal across most areas of the Jammu division. Authorities have urged people to follow weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and exercise caution in landslide prone areas.
12 Escape Unhurt as House Collapses in North Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A residential house collapsed in Barnate village of Boniyar in north Kashmirs Baramulla district after days of heavy rain, officials said on Sunday. The house, owned by Noor Din of Barnate, caved in during the intervening night, apparently after continuous rainfall weakened the structure. Quoting officials, news agency GNS reported 12 members of the []
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Short: SKUAST-K becomes Kashmirs first university to conduct paperless PG exam
Short: True education is putting knowledge into practice: LG Sinha
Short: NEET paper leak : Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union Education Minister
Short: Govt to introduce strict anti-paper leak amendments in LS tomorrow
Hajj 2027: Jammu Kashmir Receives 4,691 Applications Against Quota Of 7,981
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has received 4,691 applications for Hajj 2027, significantly lower than its expected quota of 7,981 pilgrims, following the closure of the registration process. Quoting Executive Officer of the J&K Hajj Committee, Shujaat Ahmad, news agency GNS reported the applications include 2,566 men and 2,125 women. Among them, 24 women have applied []
Economic Offences Wing Cracks Fake Government Recruitment Racket, Chargesheets Three*
EOW Cracks Fake Government Recruitment Racket, Chargesheets Three* The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 01/2026 under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B RPC before the Honble Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against three accused persons for their involvement in []
Wet Spell To Continue Across Jammu Kashmir, IMD Warns Of Heavy Rain Ahead
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds likely from July 28; Jammu division faces risk of landslides, flash floods and waterlogging
Crime Branch Chargesheets Three in Rs 23 Lakh Fake Government Jobs Scam
EOW says forged appointment orders, identity cards and verification documents were used to dupe job seekers.
Man Injured in Bear Attack in Central Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A man was injured after being attacked by a bear in the Zilsidara area of Brenwar in Chadoora area of central kashmirs Budgam district, on Saturday evening, triggering concern among local residents over increasing movement of wild animals. According to local residents, the man was returning home after offering the Isha prayer when the []
19th Batch of 4,474 Pilgrims Departs Jammu for Amarnath Yatra
SRINAGAR: The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra continued on Sunday with 4,474 pilgrims departing from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Baltal base camp under stringent security arrangements, officials said. According to the Joint Police Control Room, Base Camp Bhagwati Nagar, the 19th batch left at 2:42 a.m. in a convoy of 166 []
Their valour will remain a source of national pride: PM Modi lauds bravehearts on Kargil Vijay Diwas
New Delhi [India], July 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, expressing the nation's gratitude for the extraordinary courage and commitment shown by the soldiers in securing the country. In a post on X, the Prime Minister stated that the bravery of the soldiers in the face of extreme challenges remains an enduring source of pride for the nation. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, our nation expresses gratitude to the brave soldiers for their extraordinary courage and commitment towards securing India. Their valour in the face of the most formidable conditions will forever remain a source of national pride, PM Modi posted. He further added that the dedication of the heroes of the 1999 war would serve as an inspiration for future generations. Their unwavering patriotism and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations, the Prime Minister said. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, is a day of profound significance for every Indian. It commemorates the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War of 1999. On this day, we pay tribute to the valiant soldiers who laid down their lives to protect our nation's sovereignty and integrity. The conflict that came to be known as the Kargil War began in May 1999 when intruders stealthily crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges. Their sinister aim was to sever National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh. But they underestimated the will of a nation. India responded with Operation Vijay, a mission that combined meticulous planning, steely determination, and the indomitable spirit of its soldiers. For more than two months, our forces fought inch by inch across the harshest terrain, until every intruder was driven out and every post restored to Indian control. (ANI)
Rajnath Says Army Ready To Foil Infiltration, Hails Troops at Kargil Vijay Diwas
SRINAGAR: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that the threat of infiltration and proxy warfare remains unchanged since the 1999 Kargil conflict, while expressing confidence that the Indian Army is fully equipped and prepared to counter any challenge along the countrys borders. Addressing Army personnel during a Shaurya Bhoj organised in Dras as part []
Tehran [Iran], July 26 : Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday accused the United States of deliberately violating the Iran-US memorandum of understanding by establishing an unauthorised alternative shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz and redirecting commercial vessels away from corridors designated by Tehran. Citing the Foreign Minister's remarks from an interview with the Iran daily, Press TV reported that Araghchi emphasised that Article 5 of the memorandum was unambiguous and that Washington's actions went beyond a simple misunderstanding. It appeared that they insisted on creating other routes alongside the one Iran had designated to ensure safe and free passage [through the Strait of Hormuz], Araghchi said, according to Press TV. The foreign minister stated that American forces actively directed vessels away from the safe transit corridor specified by Iran, encouraging them instead to navigate the US-established alternative route. Detailing the agreement, Araghchi clarified that Article 5 explicitly grants Tehran the authority to oversee shipping arrangements during the transitional post-war period. When Article 5 says that 'Iran will make arrangements', it means that Iran determines the required route and mechanisms to restore traffic to pre-war levels within a month, Araghchi said. According to the foreign minister, the designated one-month timeline was required to perform critical mine-clearing operations and implement essential safety measures before full commercial maritime operations could resume safely. The framework also stipulates that maritime services in the strategic waterway will be provided free of charge for 60 days, after which Iran and Oman will enter discussions regarding future waterway management and service protocols, he added. Araghchi reiterated that setting up a separate route unilaterally was fundamentally inconsistent with the terms of the memorandum. He noted that under Article 5, any modifications or additions to shipping corridors required prior consultation with Iranian authorities. Article 5 explicitly stipulates that responsibility for demining lies with Iran, Araghchi affirmed, adding that U.S. deployment of a southern route roughly 10 days after reopening the strait was ruly a spiteful move. Addressing broader regional relations following the conflict, Araghchi emphasised that Iran holds no hostility toward neighbouring nations and remains committed to building mutual trust. While noting that diplomatic contact with regional neighbours remains continuous, Araghchi criticised countries that made their facilities available to US forces during the hostilities. There is no doubt that tensions currently exist in relations [with some regional countries] and this issue is quite natural and clear given the conflicts that have taken place, Press TV cited Araghchi as saying. The Foriegn Minister further defended Iranian strikes against regional US bases and military installations, reiterating that we believe this action was carried out entirely within the framework of our right to self-defence. Looking forward, Araghchi highlighted the need for a period of trust-building, asserting that lasting regional stability must be achieved collectively rather than through reliance on external military powers. They also seek stability and economic progress, and we too seek a stable region. In fact, a collective understanding has now formed in the region that security and stability must be ensured collectively, Araghchi stated, adding that he presence of US bases has not brought them greater security and stability, but has in some cases become a factor against security. However, US Central Command said earlier in the day that the American naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect, emphasising that two ships that didn't comply with orders were disabled, while two others were boarded o ensure total compliance. In a post on X, CENTCOM disclosed that coalition forces have redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to breach the perimeter as part of an ongoing effort to restrict unauthorised maritime transport bound for Iranian ports. (ANI)
CJP Withdraws Agitation After Centre Accepts Key Demands on Protesters, Exam Reforms
SRINAGAR: The CJP on Saturday withdrew its nationwide agitation after the Centre accepted several of its key demands, including a commitment not to take action against protesters and to withdraw any FIRs already registered in connection with the protests. The decision followed the third round of talks between Union Ministers J P Nadda and Dr []
Govt to introduce strict anti-paper leak amendments in LS tomorrow
New Delhi, Jul 25: Against the backdrop of high-voltage political drama, nationwide protests, and the recent resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Central Government is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh will move for leave to introduce the legislation. The Bill introduces seven key amendments designed to plug enforcement loopholes, establish dedicated judicial mechanisms, and accelerate criminal trials following widespread irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The legislative push comes after a complete washout of the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament, which commenced on July 20, as opposition parties and student groups maintained unrelenting pressure on the Centre over paper leaks. The proposed legislation seeks to significantly overhaul the original 2024 framework by instituting strict time bounds for both investigations and judicial proceedings. State Governments and Union Territory Administrations will be empowered to designate Courts of Session as Special Fast Track Courts dedicated exclusively to trying offences under the Act. Proceedings in Special Fast-Track Courts must be conducted on a day-to-day basis, with trials mandated to conclude within three months from the date the chargesheet is filed. The Centre retains the authority to constitute a dedicated Special Task Force to handle high-stakes or cross-state examination fraud. Investigations into offences under the Act must be completed within two months to prevent procedural delays. State Governments and UT Administrations will be authorised to appoint specialised legal counsel specifically for prosecuting examination malpractices. Enhanced terms of imprisonment and heavier financial penalties for individuals, coaching centres, and service providers found guilty of organised paper leaks. The introduction of the amendment bill follows weeks of intense turmoil in the Capital. A 37-day-long demonstration spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alongside activist Sonam Wangchuk culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a series of high-level negotiations with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. While the CJP announced the formal withdrawal of its sit-in at Jantar Mantar in good faith after reaching an understanding with the Centre, all eyes now turn to Parliament. The passage of the 2026 Amendment Bill will serve as a crucial test for the Centre as it attempts to restore institutional credibility, safeguard the future of competitive exam aspirants, and rebuild public trust in national testing agencies.
NEET paper leak : Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as Union Education Minister
Srinagar, Jul 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, taking moral responsibility for the NEET UG paper leak controversy that triggered one of the largest student movements in recent years. His resignation came after days of nationwide protests demanding accountability and sweeping reforms in the country's examination system. Pradhan announced his decision through a public statement and submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his resignation message, he said his decisionwasaimed at protecting the interests of students and ensuring that the ongoing unrest did not affect their future. Pradhan also said he wanted to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation and allow students to return to their studies without uncertainty. The protests began after allegations of large-scale irregularities and a paper leak in the NEET UG examination. The controversy affected nearly 20 lakh medical aspirants across the country, raising serious concerns over the credibility of the National Testing Agency and the conduct of national level entrance examinations. The issue soon developed into a nationwide movement, with students, parents and civil society groups demanding a transparent investigation and fixed responsibility. Thousands of students gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and in several other cities, calling for the Education Minister's resignation. Police used tear gas and detained several protesters during demonstrations, drawing criticism from opposition parties and rights groups. The protests intensified over the past week, putting increasing pressure on the government. Soon after Pradhan stepped down, protest leaders declared the agitation successful and announced that the demonstrations would end after the Centre accepted their principal demands. The government assured that no action would be taken against protesters and promised reforms in the examination system, including stronger safeguards to prevent future paper leaks and improve transparency in the functioning of the National Testing Agency. Celebrations broke out at Jantar Mantar as students hailed the resignation as a victory for accountability. Opposition leaders described the development as a reminder that governments must respond to public concerns, while education experts stressed that restoring trust in India's examination system would require long term institutional reforms beyond a change in leadership. Pradhan's resignation is only the second ministerial exit during the Modi government's tenure following sustained public protests, making it one of the most significant political outcomes of the NEET controversy. The Centre is expected to announce a new Education Minister in the coming days as efforts begin to rebuild confidence in the country's examination process.
Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan : Sgr Police attach properties worth over Rs 4 crore under NDPS Act
Srinagar, Jul 25: Continuing their sustained crackdown on drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan - a 100-day campaign aimed at eradicating the drug menace - Srinagar Police on Saturday attached immovable properties worth approximately Rs 4.09 crore belonging to drug peddlers under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. In three separate actions, police attached properties including residential houses and land in different parts of the city, targeting assets illegally acquired through proceeds of narcotics trafficking. Property worth Rs 2.74 crore attached in Soura In the first case, police attached a double-storeyed residential house along with 12 marlas of land beneath and appurtenant to the house, worth approximately Rs 2.74 crore, belonging to the accused Mubashir Ahmad Hakeem, son of Abdul Hamid Hakeem, a resident of Awanta Bhawan, Soura, Srinagar. The attachment has been carried out in connection with FIR No. 142/2025 registered under Sections 8/22 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Safakadal. Property worth Rs 70 lakh attached in Hyderpora In the second case, police attached a double-storeyed residential house situated at Nadir Gund, Pir Bagh, Hyderpora, Srinagar, worth approximately Rs 70 lakh, belonging to Aqib Farooq, son of Farooq Ahmad, resident of Nadir Gund, Pir Bagh, Hyderpora. The attachment has been made in connection with FIR No. 16/2025 registered under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act. Property worth Rs 65 lakh attached in Hazratbal In the third case, Police Station Rainawari attached a single-storeyed residential house constructed on five marlas of land, situated at Inderhama Gassu, Batapora, Hazratbal, Srinagar, worth approximately Rs 65 lakh, belonging to Azan Parvaiz Giltsaaz, son of Parvaiz Ahmad Giltsaaz, originally a resident of Kani Mohalla, Rainawari, and presently residing at Inderhama Gassu, Batapora, Hazratbal, Srinagar. The attachment has been carried out in connection with FIR No. 09/2023 registered under Sections 8/21/29 of the NDPS Act. During the course of investigation, all three properties were found to have been illegally acquired from the proceeds of narcotics trafficking and drug peddling. Consequently, the properties have been attached under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, including Section 68-F, subject to confirmation by the Competent Authority. A police spokesperson said these actions reflect the unwavering commitment of Srinagar Police to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networks by targeting assets acquired through illicit proceeds. Such measures are intended to deter individuals involved in narcotics-related activities and reinforce the rule of law, the spokesperson said, adding that by targeting illegally acquired properties, Srinagar Police aims to deprive drug peddlers of the economic benefits of their criminal activities and send a strong message that narcotics-related offences will invite stringent legal and financial consequences. Srinagar Police reiterated their resolve to continue stringent action against drug peddlers and appealed to the public to actively support the fight against drugs by sharing any information related to narcotics trafficking with the nearest police station or through official helplines. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, the spokesperson said. Srinagar Police remains firmly committed to the vision of a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir and will continue to take decisive action against individuals involved in the narcotics trade.
LG reviews Yatra track repairs after heavy rains
Srinagar, Jul 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with Camp Directors and senior officials to review ongoing repair and restoration work along the Shri Amarnathji Yatra tracks in the wake of recent heavy rainfall, assessing damage on tracks, safety railings, and essential infrastructure. The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Additional CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Rahul Singh, SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure Ashok, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama, Camp Directors, and senior officials of civil administration, Police, Army, Security forces, Shrine Board, BRO, Health, Meteorological, and other line departments. The Lieutenant Governor directed executing agencies and officials to prioritize vulnerable zones prone to mudslides and shooting stones. To ensure safety of pilgrims, he directed the deployment of additional Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) and stressed the importance of sharing real-time weather updates with the Yatris proactively. He also instructed officials to ensure that essential services, including power, water supply, communication, and healthcare, remain fully operational. The Yatra, which was suspended for six consecutive days due to inclement weather, is likely to resume on Saturday subject to favourable weather conditions. Officials continue to closely monitor the weather and road conditions along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
True education is putting knowledge into practice: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Jul 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week to celebrate six successful years of the National Education Policy. Addressing thousands of students from colleges and universities across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significance of the reading marathon as a symbol of collective learning and social responsibility. Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds, social spaces, and become a way of life. Today's Reading Marathon is a powerful example of that vision, he said. The reading marathon carried the message Run for a Green Future. The LG described this motto as a life philosophy, saying that both knowledge and environmental conservation require patience, discipline, and sustained collective effort. Reading enriches our thoughts, running strengthens our bodies, and caring for nature awakens our conscience. Together, they prepare society to face future challenges, he said. Sinhaaurged young participants to take three important pledges: make reading a daily habit, adopt environmental conservation in everyday life, and transform the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong commitment to bring positive change in society. Let the spirit of doing something good for society become a lifelong commitment. I believe that merely reading books is not enough. True education is to put what you have read into practice. Today you all have chosen the path of change, and that is the greatest success of the Chinar Book Festival, he said. On the eve of Vijay Diwas, the Lieutenant Governor invoked the courage of young soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, reminding the youth of Jammu and Kashmir that discipline, leadership, and a Nation First attitude can create new history. Most of the soldiers and officers who defended the country in the Kargil War were young people aged 20 to 25. The stories of heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Manoj Kumar Pandey, and Captain Anuj Nayyarmakeyoung people realise that with the right direction and spirit, the youth can create new history. I want the Reading Marathon to spread the thinking of 'Nation First,' a 'Never Give Up' attitude, and the spirit of discipline and leadership, and to kindle the flame of national service in the heart of every youth in Jammu and Kashmir, he said. The flag-off ceremony was attended by Chinar Book Festival Chief Convener Dr Amit Wanchoo, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. CEO Dr Angelo George, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, senior officials, members of the National Book Trust, heads of educational institutes, eminent literary personalities, teachers, and a large number of students.
Can AI, RPA and Currency-Grade Security Finally End Indias Paper Leak Epidemic?
by Faisal Kawoosa An AI- and RPA-driven, decentralised examination system with currency-grade security could eliminate paper leaks by removing human intervention and strengthening end-to-end exam integrity. Indias paper leak issue has become an epidemic. Its no longer an ordinary challenge and has become much more than what is seen as an administrative or system failure. []
Education must reach playgrounds, social spaces, become a way of life: LG Manoj Sinha
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of the National Education Policy. Addressing thousands of students from colleges and universities across the UT of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor, as per an official statement, highlighted the significance of the reading marathon as a symbol of collective learning and social responsibility. Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds, social spaces, and become a way of life. Todays Reading Marathon is a powerful example of that vision, he said. The reading marathon carried the message Run for a Green Future. The Lieutenant Governor described this motto as a life philosophy. He emphasised that both knowledge and environmental conservation require patience, discipline, and sustained collective effort. Reading enriches our thoughts, running strengthens our bodies, and caring for nature awakens our conscience. Together, they prepare society to face future challenges, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor also urged young participants to take three important pledges. He asked the youth to make reading a daily habit, adopt environmental conservation in everyday life, and transform the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong commitment to bring positive change in the society. Let the spirit of doing something good for society become a lifelong commitment. I believe that merely reading books is not enough. True education is to put what you have read into practice. It is easy to read a book about climate change. But after reading those words, deciding that I myself will run five kilometres, spread the message of nature conservation, and bring changes into my life, is real transformation. Today you all have chosen the path of change, and that is the greatest success of Chinar Book Festival, the Lieutenant Governor said.
Education must reach playgrounds: LG Sinha at Reading Marathon
Discipline, leadership & nation first can create new history Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of []
LG receives Defence Minister in Sgr
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha received Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the airport on Saturday in Srinagar. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor wrote: Welcomed Honble Raksha Mantri, Shri @rajnathsingh Ji at Srinagar airport today.
Heavy rain disrupts life across J&K
Woman dies in house collapse, several roads shut MeT warns of more rain, flash floods, landslides Srinagar: Heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, triggering landslides, flash flood concerns and a house collapse that claimed the life of a woman in Rajouri district, while disrupting road connectivity across the Union Territory. []
From Cockroach to a peoples movement
How a student protest grew beyond its founders New Delhi: It ended where, in many ways, it had begun. Moments after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), thanked Chief Justice Surya Kant. It was Surya Kants cockroach remark during a Supreme Court hearing that []
LG pays homage to Kargil War brave hearts
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid homage to the brave hearts of the Kargil War on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs who made supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty and honor of Maa Bharti during Operation Vijay. The []
SANJY: LG reviews repair, restoration work along Yatra tracks
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting today with Camp Directors and senior officials to review the ongoing repair and restoration work along the Shri Amarnathji Yatra tracks in the wake of recent heavy rainfall. The meeting was attended by Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri Rahul Singh, Additional CEO Shri Amarnathji []
SKUAST-K becomes Kashmirs first university to hold paperless PG exam
Shalimar, July 25: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has become the first university in the Kashmir Valley to conduct a completely paperless postgraduate semester examination, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of higher education in the region. On July 25, the University successfully conducted a tablet-based digital examination []
AI and Modern Teaching: Between Promise and Peril
Artificial Intelligence has quietly walked into our classrooms. It sits in the phones of our students, in the lesson plans of our teachers, and in the dashboards of school administrators tracking every mark and every absence. For many, AI feels like the latest in a long line of educational fadsanother buzzword that will fade like smart boards and e-learning portals. But this time is different. AI is not just a tool; it is a way of seeing, measuring, and even shaping learning itself. That is precisely why, especially in a society like ours, we have to ask harder questions about what it means for teaching. In Kashmir and beyond, education has always carried a weight larger than textbooks and exams. It is a route out of conflict, a bridge to opportunity, a fragile promise to our children that their future can be more stable than our past. When AI enters this space, it does not do so into a vacuum. It enters classrooms already marked by inequality, exam pressure, and an education culture that often values memory over understanding. The way we adopt AI, then, will determine whether it deepens these problems or helps us rise above them. At its best, AI can help teachers do what they have always wanted to do but rarely had time for: understand each child as an individual learner. An AI-driven platform can track where a student struggles in mathematics, how often they get stuck on a concept in science, which passages they skim past in an English text. It can then recommend practice questions, explanations, or videos tuned to that students level. In theory, no child is left behind simply because the teacher has forty or fifty faces to manage in a single period. For overburdened teachers, this promise is seductive. Instead of staying up late manually checking notebooks and exam scripts, they can use AI to generate quizzes, summarise readings, or even draft feedback for students. This can free time for what no machine can do: listening to a student who is anxious about an exam, noticing the quiet child who has suddenly become withdrawn, or encouraging a teenager who has begun to believe that science is not for people like us. The real gift of AI, if we choose to use it wisely, could be that it returns teachers to the human core of their profession. Yet the same technology that can liberate teachers can also quietly replace them in the minds of students and policymakers. When an app explains a concept more clearly than a tired lecturer, when a chatbot answers doubts instantly at midnight, it is tempting to ask: why invest in teachers at all? Why not simply put all our faith in personalised learning platforms and AI tutors and imagine that the problem of quality education has been solved with a subscription fee? This is a dangerous illusion. A large language model can produce a competent answer to a textbook question, but it cannot read a classrooms mood after a disruptive week. It cannot adapt its pace because it senses that students are not just confused, but demoralised. It cannot understand the social realities that shape a childs silencethe fear of speaking in English, the weight of family expectations, the trauma of growing up amid conflict. Teaching is not only about transferring information; it is about forming minds and nurturing citizens. No algorithm, however advanced, can replace that complex human relationship. There is another, quieter risk. AI systems are only as fair as the data on which they are trained. If that data carries biasesabout language, region, gender, or classAI-driven assessments and recommendations will quietly reproduce those biases at scale. A Kashmiri students accent on a speech-recognition app, a local idiom used in a written answer, or a different cultural reference in an essay can all be misread by a system trained primarily on Western examples. The result is that students may be judged not for what they know, but for how closely they resemble a narrow, invisible standard. In regions like ours, where connectivity is uneven and schools are unequally resourced, we must also confront the very real danger of a new digital divide. Well-funded private institutions may deploy sophisticated AI platforms, while government schools struggle with basic infrastructure. If AI becomes the new marker of quality education, children who already stand on the margins will be pushed further out. The irony would be bitter: a technology with the potential to personalise learning for every child may instead deepen the gap between those who can afford it and those who cannot. So what should a sensible path forward look like? The first step is to reject the false choice between AI schools and traditional schools. The real debate is not man versus machine, but what kind of partnership we allow between them. We should treat AI as an assistant, not an authority. It can help design practice papers, analyse patterns in learning, and suggest resourcesbut the final judgment about what is good for a particular child must remain with a responsible, trained teacher. Second, we need a deliberate public conversation about ethics and regulation. Education departments, school leaders, teacher unions, and parents should all have a say in how AI is procured and used. What data is being collected on our children? Who owns it? How long is it stored? Can parents opt out if they are uncomfortable? These are not technical questions; they are questions about rights, dignity, and trust. Third, we must invest in training teachers, not bypassing them. An AI-literate teacher is not one who simply knows how to click through a dashboard, but one who can question the output it gives. Why is this student being flagged as low performing? Is it because of genuine struggle, or because the system fails to recognise regional language use? Why is one type of answer rewarded over another? A confident teacher will use AI as a mirror to reflect on practice, not as a master to obey. Finally, we must keep our eyes on the true purpose of education in a place like Kashmir: not simply to produce employable graduates, but to cultivate resilient, thoughtful, and compassionate human beings. AI can help a student master algebra, learn scientific facts, or practice a new language. It cannot teach them how to sit with a grieving friend, to question injustice, or to imagine a future beyond fear. Those capacities are shaped by human relationshipsby teachers who model integrity, courage, and care. AI and modern teaching are now inseparable; the question is not whether we will use these tools, but how. If we allow market hype and administrative convenience to lead the way, we may wake up to find that our classrooms are more efficient but less humane, more data-rich but poorer in wisdom. If, however, we insist that technology must serve the human, that algorithms must answer to teachers and communities, then AI can indeed become an ally. In the end, the measure of any educational innovation is simple: does it help our children become more fully human? If AI in the classroom merely trains them to perform for a machine, we will have failed them. But if it frees our teachers to listen more, to guide more, and to build deeper connections, then this new era of learning may yet be worthy of the hopes we place on it. (The author is a researcher and columnist)
Thriving Radicalization vs Inadequate Counter Narratives in J&K
CROSS ROADS The face of Islamist radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir has changed over the past two decades, capitalizing on accelerating developments and trends in the realm of communication technologies that have rendered information and digital content almost ubiquitously accessible. These processes have transformed some of the channels through which radicalization of the individual and broader communities as a whole can take place, in particular raising the dangers of self-radicalization. Whilst this raises new concerns for intelligence and security services, especially concerning the early detection of at-risk individuals, it cannot be deduced that the ultimate character of radicalization, namely its social and normative dimension, has changed as well. Radical messages and those espousing them continue to speak to those who perceive themselves marginalized by societies and their institutions, providing a framework to them that provides sense, meaning and context to the suffering of the individual and the individuals partially transnationally imagined social community. Put differently, cyber radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir has shifted aspects of how radicalization technically takes place without fundamentally shifting the underlying reasons for why radicalization takes place. The advent of a globally accessible digital space has not undermined the role and significance of previously more dominant channels of radicalization, including the work of the ever-growing radical Islamist parallel institutions that have increasingly become integrated and accepted into the educational and social fabric of Jammu & Kashmir. Contemporary Islamist radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir can consequently be treated as a hybrid in which both dimensions of radicalization, in-person and online, serve complementing rather than competing functions. Unlike in-person radicalization, cyber radicalization operates more independent from interpersonal linkages and the physical access to extremist ideas or individuals and groups espousing these ideas. Owing to its existence as a networked entity, cyberspace defies boundaries and is hence theoretically open to anyone connected to the internet. As such, advancements in cyberspace have subsequently allowed terrorist organizations to circumvent many of the physical anti-terror measures put in place. In addition, digital access and proficiency have become less coupled to economic income than it has been in previous decades, with the internet now being more accessible to people of lower socio-economic-educational standing as well. Radical thoughts and materials readily and globally available, allow young individuals to radicalize themselves without necessarily being exposed to prior integration into radicalized social contexts, further facilitating the radicalization of these youngsters that have been born and bred in social environments without the degree of violent inter-communal conflict which previous generations in Jammu & Kashmir witnessed and lived through. Although cyber radicalization operates in a territorially less bound and constrained manner, its basic purpose and message overlaps with that of in-person versions of radicalization. Online forms of radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir also engender stories and narratives that situate the perceived experience of the youngsters in Jammu & Kashmir in the struggle of Muslims elsewhere, like Iran, Palestine, Afghanistan, the US and Europe. Cyber radicalization therefore also speaks to sentiments of degradation and exclusion - as such, it is the mode of engagement rather than the underlying messages that manifests the most palpable difference between in-person and cyber radicalization. It goes without saying that cyber radicalization as such is coupled with developments in and the expansion of cyberspace more generally, meaning that as cyberspace expands both in societal use and significance, so will its use by terrorist organizations. Crucial for the purposes of radicalization, both online and offline, is how social narratives situate the struggles and experiences of the to-be-radicalized individual in a grander, more global context. Narratives, regardless of how they are created and disseminated, consequently mark a way of making sense of the world and the individuals place, past, present and future in it. They shape the way individuals think of, and live, their lives. Radicalizing narratives therefore appeal to different cognitive frameworks to incentivize alignment with the radical cause. These narratives rest on mainly Political, Moral, Religious and Social-psychological foundations. It is clear that both online and offline narratives play onto caveats that, at least in Jammu & Kashmir, are connected to perceived feelings of exclusion, marginalization and humiliation. Radical narratives target these negative feelings and re-write them into a radicalized identity that seeks vengeance for the perceived experienced victimization, indicating that radical ideas are enabled by perceived social environments of exclusion. The emergence of cyberspace as a security space manifests new challenges for security and intelligence communities. Previous forms of surveillance, for instance in the form of focusing on at-risk individuals and communities, emerge as an increasingly inefficient mode of operation as with cyber radicalization the essential danger is self-radicalization. This does not mean that necessarily more people will become radicalized but that those that are at risk of radicalization may become radicalized more quickly and more easily. Security and intelligence services would consequently do well by acknowledging that radicalization derives its functioning from situating the individual, and by implication, their broader community, in a narrative that speaks to their sentiments, whereby the main focus of security agencies must lay on identifying these sentiments, understanding them and their root causes, and, ultimately, addressing the perceived social structures that incentivize radicalization, both online and offline. As cyber radicalization fosters more opportunities for at-risk individuals to radicalize themselves quicker and easier and facilitates the access to radicalizing materials without necessarily accelerating public radicalization as such, it raises the stakes for security services to detect early stages of radicalization. This phenomenon of cyber radicalization will require policy responses that consistently account for technological, methodological and procedural changes. Assessing the role of cyber radicalization in relation to in-person radicalization reinforces the analysis that radicalization as a phenomenon is a distinctly social development that consequently requires predominantly social responses. This is not to say that short-term solutions, such as removing content from social media platforms or blocking accounts that disseminate radical narratives, do not matter or should not be continued. That said, radicalization is an issue that must be addressed in its root cause, namely the perceived feeling of exclusion and marginalization. Any other policy response will be a mere short-term fix that does not provide a sustainable way of addressing the issue at hand. Developing independent counternarratives thus differs from other tactical policy approaches such as content removal or blocking accounts by seeking to address the social dimension of radicalization. At present, terrorist organizations have proven effective in winning the contest of socio-political narrative, appealing to sentiments and capitalizing on the echo chamber effect. To reclaim some of the lost control, societies such as Jammu & Kashmir, faced with rampant subterranean Islamist radicalization must seek to reclaim control over the narrative and the normative assumptions of what it means to live in a pluralist society. Scholars identify four key caveats that must be included in any efficient counter narrative: (i) Disparage the idea that Western countries and societies are fighting Islam, (ii) Counter the idea that Muslim terrorists protect the values of Islam and or Muslim societies, (iii) Delegitimize the notion that terrorist attacks on Western civilians or fellow Muslims - in this context viewed as collateral damage - are valid forms of political resistance and expression and (iv) Discourage the idea that non-terrorist Muslims are morally and religiously obliged to aid and or support terrorists in their activities or terrorist narratives. The arguments provided here generate a comprehensive framework through which to counter the way in which terrorist narratives make sense of the societies that surround them. However, it is critical that the creation of counternarratives must not seem imposed in a top-down manner. Although the State and its institutions inevitably will have to play a key role in facilitating these narratives, it is paramount that the narratives are coordinated with, organized and supported by the communities they seek to speak to. In this context, governments and their agencies must work closely with non-state actors within the community to ensure the legitimacy of the narrative and, thus, the legitimacy of the operation. In this context, it is paramount for governmental institutions as well as civil society in Jammu & Kashmir to reclaim the narrative regarding the advantages, rather than the disadvantages, of living in pluralist, heterogeneous and democratic community. Independent counternarratives, created in accordance and engagement with the needs and desires of the Kashmiri community most affected by radicalization, can and should serve a useful practical strategic approach towards this process of reclaiming the narrative and, thus, making sense of the said community in a different way. However, reclaiming a social narrative will be insufficient to generate long-lasting change without an accompanying attempt to genuinely integrate these youngsters and address the perceived structural issues underlying their very radicalization. Only if the emotive roots of radicalization are addressed, namely that of individual and group-based perceived experiences of marginalization and exclusion, counternarratives will be capable of serving their ultimate strategic purpose. Anti-radicalization and de-radicalization are multipronged and multidimensional strategic approaches which require determination, sensitivity and patience by the state. There are, regrettably, no overnight solutions. (The Author is the Director of European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) and can be reached at: j.qureshi@efsas.org )
From Protest to Policy: The Success of the Students Movement and the Road Ahead
The recent student-led protests in Delhi have emerged as one of the most significant democratic movements witnessed in contemporary India. What began as an expression of anguish over systemic failures has evolved into a nationwide call for accountability, transparency, and institutional reform. The movement has demonstrated that Indias youth, particularly Generation Z, are not indifferent spectators but active stakeholders in the nations democratic journey. Their courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to constitutional values have reaffirmed that peaceful protest remains one of the strongest pillars of a vibrant democracy. The immediate success of the movement lies not merely in drawing national attention but in compelling institutions and governments to respond. Public discourse shifted from routine political rhetoric to serious questions about governance, justice, accountability, and citizens rights. Students succeeded in transforming isolated grievances into a broader conversation on the quality of public institutions and democratic governance. Equally important was the unprecedented solidarity displayed across campuses. Students from diverse educational institutions, social backgrounds, and regions stood together, transcending ideological, linguistic, and cultural differences. Lawyers, teachers, academics, parents, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens joined hands in support of the students democratic right to peaceful dissent. Such solidarity reflects the resilience of Indias constitutional culture. One of the defining achievements of the protests was the maturity displayed by the student leadership. The movement largely rejected violence and embraced peaceful marches, sit-ins, public discussions, legal advocacy, and social media engagement. This reaffirmed Mahatma Gandhis enduring principle that peaceful resistance possesses immense moral strength. It also reminded the nation that democratic dissent is not anti-national but essential to preserving constitutional democracy. The movement also highlighted the growing political consciousness of Generation Z. Unlike previous generations, todays youth are digitally connected, globally informed, and deeply aware of constitutional rights. They demand transparency rather than patronage, accountability rather than slogans, and performance rather than political spectacle. Their aspirations reflect a modern India that seeks efficient governance, equal opportunities, social justice, and institutional integrity. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the protests has been the restoration of faith in collective civic action. In recent years, many believed that public participation had become passive and fragmented. The students disproved that perception. They demonstrated that constitutional methods of protest continue to have the power to influence public policy and shape national conversations. However, every successful movement must now confront its greatest challenge: sustaining momentum without losing direction. History teaches us that protests succeed only when public mobilisation is transformed into long-term institutional reform. Emotional energy alone cannot deliver lasting change. Organisation, dialogue, policy engagement, and constructive participation must now replace street mobilisation as the principal strategy. The first priority should be the establishment of structured dialogue between student representatives, educational institutions, governments, and civil society. Democratic governments must recognise students not merely as beneficiaries of policy but as legitimate participants in policy formulation. Regular consultation mechanisms should be institutionalised to address issues affecting higher education, employment, research, campus governance, and student welfare. Second, the movement should evolve into a nationwide campaign for strengthening constitutional literacy. Many young Indians participated because they instinctively valued justice and fairness. That commitment can be deepened through greater awareness of the Constitution, fundamental rights, fundamental duties, democratic institutions, and the rule of law. Universities should become laboratories of constitutional citizenship rather than arenas of political polarisation. Third, student organisations should broaden their agenda beyond immediate grievances. Issues such as quality education, affordable higher education, employability, mental health, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, gender equality, digital rights, judicial accessibility, and electoral reforms deserve sustained attention. By engaging constructively with these issues, the movement can mature into a positive force for nation-building. The legal fraternity also has an important responsibility. Lawyers and bar associations should continue providing legal assistance wherever constitutional freedoms are threatened. Equally, they should mentor young citizens on constitutional methods of advocacy, mediation, and peaceful dispute resolution. The alliance witnessed between students and lawyers during the protests demonstrated how different sections of society can work together to strengthen democracy. Political parties must also draw lessons from these events. Rather than viewing student movements through partisan lenses, they should appreciate them as expressions of democratic participation. Young citizens seek responsive governance, ethical leadership, and inclusive development. Their aspirations should be met through constructive engagement rather than confrontation. The media, too, has a vital role. Responsible journalism should amplify genuine public concerns while avoiding sensationalism or misinformation. A well-informed citizenry is indispensable to the health of any democracy. Most importantly, the students themselves must remain united, disciplined, and focused. Every movement faces attempts to divide, politicise, or delegitimise it. Its credibility will depend upon maintaining peaceful methods, respecting constitutional institutions, rejecting violence, and remaining committed to democratic values. True leadership is measured not merely by the ability to mobilise crowds but by the capacity to transform public aspirations into meaningful reforms. Indias constitutional democracy has always evolved through the participation of its people. From the freedom movement to contemporary social reforms, young citizens have consistently played transformative roles. Todays students are writing the next chapter in that democratic tradition. Their movement has reminded the nation that democracy is strongest when citizens actively participate, question authority respectfully, and demand accountability within the framework of the Constitution. The success of the recent student protests, therefore, should not be measured only by immediate governmental responses. Their real achievement lies in rekindling democratic participation, restoring confidence in peaceful constitutional action, and inspiring a new generation to engage responsibly in public life. If this spirit is sustained through dialogue, institutional reform, and civic engagement, the movement will leave a lasting legacy far beyond the campuses where it began. The way forward is clear: transform protest into policy, convert public awakening into institutional reform, and channel the energy of Indias youth towards building a more just, inclusive, transparent, and constitutionally vibrant Republic. In doing so, the students of today will not merely shape their own futurethey will strengthen the future of Indian democracy itself. (The author is a noted Senior Advocate and a political analyst)
Beerwah traders seek flood compensation
Budgam, July 25: Owners of a shopping complex and traders who lost their businesses in the recent flash floods in Beerwah have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to provide adequate compensation, waive bank loans and allow reconstruction of the damaged complex at the same site. The shopping complex, located in the heart of Beerwah town, was completely destroyed after flash floods swept through the area, causing extensive damage to more than 32 shops and leaving dozens of families without a source of livelihood. Ghulam Mohammad Wani, one of the owners of the shopping complex, said the entire structure was reduced to ruins in the disaster. The complex housed 32 shops, all of which have suffered extensive damage. We urge the government to provide suitable compensation and grant us permission to reconstruct the complex at the same location so that business activities can resume, Wani said. Among the affected traders is Mohammad Akbar, whose mobile phone business was completely destroyed in the floods. He said the disaster has pushed many families into financial uncertainty. More than 32 shops have been completely damaged. We had established these businesses to earn a livelihood and support our families. We hope the Jammu and Kashmir Government will provide financial assistance, fair compensation, and facilitate reconstruction so that we can restart our businesses. the government intervention is essential to help them recover from the losses, restore their businesses, and bring normalcy back, he said Another affected shopkeeper, Abdul Aziz Sofi, said his son's medical shop was among those badly damaged in the flooding. According to Sofi, more than 40 people were running businesses from the shopping complex before it was destroyed. The families of the affected shopkeepers are facing a severe financial crisis as they have had no source of income for the past five days. They are anxiously waiting for government assistance, compensation, and permission to rebuild their shops at the same location, Sofi said. The affected shopkeepers said immediate government intervention is essential to help them recover from the losses, restore their businesses, and bring normalcy back to their lives following the devastating flash floods.
Two killed, five injured in separate road accidents
Srinagar, July 25: Two persons were killed and five others injured in two separate road accidents reported from Doda and Baramulla districts on Saturday. Officials said two persons lost their lives after a Tempo Traveller met with an accident near Shoonsh on the DodaMahalla Road in Doda district. According to officials, the vehicle reportedly went out of the drivers control and skidded off the road, resulting in the fatal accident. Soon after the incident, police personnel, along with local residents, launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment. Officials said the condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, five persons were injured after a sumo and a tipper skidded off the Baramulla-Handwara road and plunged into a deep gorge near Nadihal in Ladoora area of Baramulla district on Saturday afternoon. Officials said continuous rainfall had rendered the road slippery, causing both vehicles to lose control before falling into the gorge. An immediate rescue operation was launched by Sopore Police, Armys 32 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and local volunteers, who worked in difficult weather conditions to evacuate all the injured. The injured were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for treatment.
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations begin in Drass
Drass, July 25: The two-day commemorative events marking the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commenced on Saturday at Drass in Ladakh, with the nation remembering the unparalleled courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The Kargil War Memorial, the focal point of the celebrations, has been adorned with special decorations in preparation for the annual tribute, symbolising the nation's gratitude towards the Bravehearts of Operation Vijay. Veterans, next of kin of martyrs, senior Army officers, civil administration officials and invited guests are participating in the commemorative events. The opening day's programme featured Yudh Sansmaran at Lamochen View Point, Gauravmay Sanskriti at Vishwanathan Stadium, Vijay Bhoj, and Shaurya Sandhya at the Kargil War Memorial. The events highlighted the extraordinary bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and celebrated the spirit of patriotism that defined India's victory in the Kargil conflict. Observed annually on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India's victory in Operation Vijay, during which the Indian Armed Forces successfully recaptured strategic mountain peaks occupied by Pakistani intruders after weeks of intense high-altitude warfare. The commemorative programme will conclude on Sunday with the Shradhanjali Samaroh at the Kargil War Memorial, where tributes will be paid to the fallen heroes. The ceremony will also include interactions with the families of martyrs, inauguration of the Virtual Walkthrough Portal, and the flagging off of the Shaurya Vijay Yatra motorcycle rally.
Hakeem Yaseen backs NEET aspirants, seeks accountability
Srinagar, July 25: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Saturday expressed support for protesting NEET aspirants, saying their concerns should have been addressed before the situation escalated. In a statement, Hakeem said the grievances raised by students regarding the NEET examination were not addressed in time, leading to distress among lakhs of aspirants and their families. He said the alleged use of force against protesting students could have been avoided through timely intervention and responsible decision-making by authorities. Calling for accountability in the education system, Hakeem said responsibility must be fixed wherever lapses occur. He added that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had become necessary in view of the concerns raised by students across the country. Hakeem urged the government to ensure a transparent and fair examination system where student grievances are addressed promptly. The youth are the future of the nation. Their voices should not be ignored, and every effort must be made to protect their rights, dignity and aspirations, he said.
CPI(M) hails student protests, demands NTA overhaul
Srinagar, July 25: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Polit Bureau on Saturday congratulated students and youth across the country for their protests demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks, saying their movement reflected the strength of Indian democracy. In a statement, the CPI(M) said the protests were driven by the determination of students and youth, supported by sections of society, despite facing repressive measures by authorities. The party welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but said it should be followed by the disbanding of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which it held responsible for repeated paper leak controversies. The CPI(M) reiterated its demand for decentralisation of examinations and called for scrapping the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, alleging that it promoted commercialisation, centralisation and communalisation of education. The party said unless structural reforms were introduced, issues related to paper leaks and denial of opportunities to students would continue. The CPI(M) also urged student and youth organisations to continue campaigning for reforms concerning the future of young people.
Sagar reviews Hazrat Hamza Urs preparations
Srinagar, 25 July: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar Saturday asked the district administration to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth observance of the annual Urs of Hazrat Mehboob-ul-Aalam, Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), scheduled to be observed in the coming days. In a statement issued from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar said that thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir are expected to visit the revered shrine at Makhdoom Sahib, Srinagar and called upon the administration to make all necessary arrangements well in advance to facilitate people visiting the revered shrine. He stressed the need for uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply, sanitation, adequate healthcare facilities, proper traffic regulation, parking arrangements, security and cleanliness in and around the shrine precincts. He also urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, PHE, PDD, Health, Traffic Police, and other line departments to work in close coordination to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience during the Urs. Sagar said the annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) is a spiritually significant occasion that attracts devotees from every corner of the Valley, reflecting the revered saint's enduring message of piety, compassion, communal harmony, and service to humanity.
Former actress Mateena Jeelani joins Apni Party
Srinagar, July 25: Former actress, model and social media influencer Mateena Jeelani joined the Apni Party on Saturday along with her associates during a function held at the party headquarters. Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with senior party leaders, welcomed Jeelani into the party and extended their best wishes. Jeelani, a native of Rajwar in Handwara, has a background in acting, modelling and social media, and enjoys a significant public following. Welcoming the new entrants, Bukhari expressed confidence that Jeelani's induction would strengthen the party's organisational base in Rajwar and enhance its outreach among the people. The joining programme was attended by senior party leaders and party workers.
After winning polls, Srinagar MLAs forgot people: Bukhari
Srinagar, July 25: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday accused Srinagar MLAs of neglecting public issues, alleging that elected representatives had failed to fulfil promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. Addressing a gathering at the party headquarters in Srinagar, organised to felicitate newly elected District President Srinagar Zaffar Habib, Bukhari said the citys residents were facing several challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inadequate housing and civic issues. He alleged that the ruling party leaders had made several promises during the elections, including free electricity, LPG cylinders, additional ration quota, government jobs and regularisation of daily wagers, but had failed to deliver after coming to power. How do you sleep while the people who voted for you continue to suffer? Bukhari asked while targeting Srinagar MLAs. He said the Apni Party remained connected with people at the grassroots and would continue to highlight their concerns at every forum. He particularly flagged issues faced by youth, including unemployment and alleged harassment. Bukhari assured that the party would work towards addressing public grievances through immediate relief measures and long-term solutions. Congratulating Zaffar Habib on his election as Srinagar district president, Bukhari expressed hope that his appointment would strengthen the partys organisational base in the city. Apni Party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir also congratulated Habib, saying his election through a democratic process reflected the partys commitment to internal democracy. He assured him of full support in carrying out his responsibilities.
NC hits out at opposition, highlights Omar govts flood response
Srinagar, July 25: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir on Saturday accused opposition parties of indulging in political gimmickry and said the Omar Abdullah-led government was focused on governance, development and addressing public concerns. In a statement issued from the party headquarters at Nawa-e-Subha, Mir alleged that the PDP, Apni Party and Peoples Conference were raising issues unrelated to the aspirations and day-to-day problems of the people. He said the NC government was working on multiple fronts, including strengthening civic infrastructure and pursuing the constitutional demand for restoration of statehood. Mir said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken the issue of statehood to New Delhi through a peaceful and constitutional battle, while the government continued development and public welfare initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the recent flash floods, landslides and heavy rains, Mir said the natural calamity had tested the administration but the government responded with resolve and compassion. He said the Chief Minister and his cabinet members were personally monitoring rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, adding that ministers had visited affected areas despite difficult conditions. Mir also mentioned that MP Mian Altaf Ahmad and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had a narrow escape while visiting flood-hit areas, saying it reflected the governments commitment to stand with affected people. He said restoration work was being expedited and urged opposition parties to rise above political differences and contribute constructively during the crisis instead of spreading propaganda and misinformation.
Flood-hit areas lack basic amenities: Khatana
Srinagar, July 25: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the recent flash floods and landslides in Rajouri, Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Khatana conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the calamity. Expressing concern over the disruption of electricity, drinking water supply and road connectivity, he said many flood-affected villages continue to face severe hardships in the aftermath of the disaster. Khatana urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the concerned departments to restore essential services on a war footing and ensure that no affected village remains cut off. He also called for expediting relief and rehabilitation measures, timely compensation for the families of those who lost their lives, and adequate assistance to all affected households. Reaffirming his solidarity with the people of the affected areas, Khatana said every possible effort should be made to restore normalcy and support communities recovering from the disaster.
CULTURE In the bustling streets of Kashmir, amidst the clamour of modernity, there exists a relic of our cultural richness, a symbol of our culinary tradition that refuse to be forgotten the customary Chochvor or telvora traditional savoury yeast-leavened local bread that thrives even today in the vibrant culinary delights. Compared to other kinds of local bread, Kandar Tchot like bakirkhani, lawasa, sheermal, kulcha, etc, Chochvor serves as reminder of the importance of preserving our rich cultural roots. Chochvor is more than just a kind of local bread; it is a symbol of antiquity, sustainability, community and resilience. As we cherish the aroma of the freshly baked bread and savor the flavors of tandoori delicacies, Chochvor keeps the flame of local bread baking custom burning bright even today. Although Chochvor is small in size; it is famous all over the Valley for its taste. Compared to a dense doughnut, it is soft in texture, savory in taste usually with a hole in the middle and stretchy with a crusty top with sesame seeds Til, sprinkled over it during baking that gives it another name Telvor. Best served with traditional Nun Chai or Kahwa as a morning or evening tea snack, Chochvor in Kashmir is a gift to have, straight journeyed from Iran with Shah-e-Hamadan (RA) where it too is baked in tandoor. Unlike other kinds of local bread, Chochvor hold a special place in the hearts of Kashmiris. It gets sold like hot cakes, and people love to take it fresh for breakfast. It is a stomach-friendly bread that is in great demand everywhere in the valley. Chochvor is one of the most loved breads from our bakers. Its more than breadit carries our culture, taste, tradition, hospitality, community life and is symbol of our heritage. In the past, when people traveled anywhere, they carried Chochvor along because it stayed fresh and satiated their hunger. Back then, only the Kandar community baked it in tandoors. But, now, it is baked at home too. I recall, when in childhood, I had fever. My parents would give me Chochvor with Nun Chai. They believed it helped cure us. Every Friday at our village Madrasa, we were served Chochvor with Kahwa. We sip Kehwa with Chochvor even today. But, honestly, the unique taste, and aroma in the Kehwa of that Darasgah with Chochvor won't be found anywhere. Each district of Kashmir has its special bread. While Pompore is famous for Sheermal, Shopian for Kripan, Anantnag for Katlum, Baramulla for Kulcha, Srinagar for Bakirkhani & GirdaSopore & Bandipora is famous for the best quality Chochvor in the whole valley.Today, Chochvor isnt just baked in the Valley.Our women abroad carry the sweet tradition forward, baking it in their home ovens. One often misses Kashmiri bread, especially Chochvor outside, because it symbolizes Kashmiriyat. It is our identity, and happens to be a significant part of Kashmiri culture. As far as the other kinds of local bread, Chochvor is the crown. It is everyone's favorite, says Dr Rafiq Masoodi, noted writer, erstwhile secretary, cultural academy & ADG Doordarshan. Come; lets pass on our age-old flavors and keep the tradition of baking bread that ties us to our culinary heritage. (The author is an educator and can be reached at: manzurakash@yahoo.co.in )
Beyond Apples: Kashmir's Blueberry Opportunity
Few fruits have shaped the destiny of a region the way the apple has shaped Kashmir's. For decades, orchards stretching across the Valley have sustained an entire economy, providing employment, income and identity to hundreds of thousands of families. Yet this very success has bred a vulnerability of its own. A warming climate, shrinking and increasingly degraded land, rising input and labour costs and a market that swings between glut and scarcity have all combined to remind growers and planners alike that an economy built around a single crop is an economy perpetually at risk. The search for alternatives that can sit alongside, not replace the apple, has therefore become urgent. Among the contenders, one small, dark fruit is quietly making a strong case for itself: the blueberry. Turning a Soil Constraint Into an Opportunity Apples do best in soils that are neutral in pH, precisely the conditions that define most of Kashmir's traditional orchard belts. Blueberries, by contrast, are unusually adapted to acidic conditions and require soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, a range that is unsuitable for many conventional fruit crops. This apparent limitation is, in fact, a major opportunity for Kashmir. The Valley contains substantial areas of acidic and degraded lands, including certain Karewa uplands, brick-kiln-affected sites, eroded hill slopes, and other marginal lands with poor soil fertility and low suitability for traditional horticultural crops. Many of these areas remain underutilised or are left fallow because crops such as apple perform poorly under such conditions. Blueberry cultivation offers a unique opportunity to bring these lands into productive use. By exploiting the crop's natural adaptation to acidic soils, these otherwise unproductive areas can be transformed into economically viable horticultural enterprises, thereby expanding Kashmir's horticultural area without competing with the prime agricultural lands already devoted to apple production. A Small Fruit with an Outsized Market What makes the proposition genuinely attractive is the blueberry's standing in the global marketplace. Marketed worldwide as a superfood on account of its rich antioxidant, anthocyanin and vitamin content and linked to benefits ranging from better heart health to sharper cognitive function, the blueberry has ridden the global wellness wave to become one of the most sought-after fruits on supermarket shelves. The numbers reflect this appetite. The global blueberry market, valued at well over three billion dollars in 2025, is projected to nearly double within a decade, while worldwide production crossed two million tonnes for the first time only recently. India's own import bills for the fruit have risen sharply over the past year, a clear sign that domestic demand is racing ahead of domestic supply. For Kashmiri growers, this gap represents an opening: fresh blueberries routinely command prices well above those of conventional fruit, and the potential rewards multiply further when linked to organised retail, the hospitality sector and processing units producing jams, juices and dried berries. Easier on the Farmer, Kinder to the Land Beyond economics, blueberries bring agronomic advantages that matter in a Valley where farm labour is becoming scarcer and costlier by the year. Unlike apple trees, which demand intensive pruning, canopy management and elaborate training systems through much of the growing season, blueberry bushes are naturally compact and far less labour-intensive to maintain. Once established, they ask for comparatively modest care, a quality that could make them especially attractive to smallholders and to families where younger members are increasingly reluctant to take up the demanding routines of traditional orchard work. Two Roads Into Cultivation Kashmir's geography offers growers more than one way in. Where field soils are unsuitable, blueberries can be grown in grow bags or containers filled with specially prepared acidic media; a method that has gained popularity worldwide precisely because it allows precise control over soil acidity, drainage and nutrition, sidestepping the limitations of native soil altogether. Where naturally acidic mountain soils already exist in the upland regions, direct field planting becomes a real possibility. Combined with the Valley's temperate climate, its reliable winter chilling essential for the plant's fruiting cycle and access to irrigation water, several upland pockets could emerge as genuine commercial cultivation zones, not merely experimental plots. Getting the Basics Right None of this potential will be realised without attention to fundamentals. Healthy, true-to-type planting material from reputable nurseries is the starting point; poor-quality stock, whether from seeds or unreliable sellers, can doom a plantation before it begins. Growing media rich in organic matter like pine bark, peat moss, cocopeat and similar acidic substrates need to be incorporated to recreate the conditions blueberries demand. Mulching helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds and stabilise root-zone temperatures, while regular irrigation is non-negotiable given the plant's notably shallow root system, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Planting more than one compatible variety, even where some cultivars are self-fertile, can noticeably improve pollination, fruit set and berry size, details that, taken together, separate a thriving plantation from a struggling one. Comparative Advantage of Blueberry Cultivation Blueberries possess significant comparative advantages as a high-value fruit crop for Kashmir. Under suitable management, blueberry plants start bearing fruit in the second year after planting, producing approximately 0.5 kg of berries per plant. As the plants attain full bearing at around 45 years of age, yields can increase to 2-3 kg per plant. The plants can be spaced at 0.7 m x 1.5 m accounting for approximately 482 plants/kanal (9500 plants/ha), keeping a minimum yield of 1-1.5 kg/ plant, we could harvest around 14000 kg/ha. With a modest farm gate price of Rs 1000/kg, we are looking for a revenue of more than a 50 lakh/ha. Financial Feasibility and Initial Costs Blueberry is emerging as a promising alternative fruit crop in Kashmir, particularly as growers seek diversification beyond traditional apple cultivation. Several private companies and progressive farmers have already started commercial blueberry plantations in the valley, indicating increasing interest in the crop. While rabbiteye blueberries are predominantly cultivated in many parts of India due to their lower chilling requirements, they generally produce lower yields and are considered inferior in flavour and fruit quality compared to highbush blueberries. In contrast, Kashmir's temperate climate provides adequate winter chilling required for highbush blueberry cultivars, enabling their successful cultivation. Highbush blueberries are known for their superior taste, higher yields, larger berry size and greater antioxidant content, making them more desirable in both domestic and premium markets. These favourable agro-climatic conditions, coupled with the crop's high market value and nutritional benefits, make blueberry an excellent candidate for large-scale cultivation and commercialisation in Kashmir. Recognizing its potential, SKUAST-K has initiated research on blueberry cultivation and performance under Kashmir conditions. Three highbush blueberry cultivars: Spartan, Liberty, and Toro have been evaluated and have shown promising growth, adaptability and yield performance. Furthermore, the university is currently undertaking a project on the establishment of a Smart Blueberry Farm to develop advanced production technologies and demonstrate the crop's commercial viability. The initial establishment cost of a blueberry farm is relatively high, primarily due to the cost of planting material. At present, each blueberry plant costs approximately 600, although this price is expected to decrease in the future as domestic production and availability improve. With a planting density of approximately 400 plants per kanal at a spacing of 2.5 ft 5 ft, the total expenditure on planting material is about 240,000. In addition, the cultivation system requires grow bags and cocopeat, costing around 100 per grow bag and 100 worth of cocopeat per bag, resulting in an additional 80,000 (40,000 for grow bags and 40,000 for cocopeat). Thus, the combined cost of plants, grow bags, and cocopeat is approximately 320,000 per kanal. Furthermore, the installation of a drip irrigation system is estimated at 10,000 per kanal, while another 10,000 should be allocated for miscellaneous activities such as site preparation, planting, and other establishment expenses. Therefore, the overall initial investment required to establish a one-kanal blueberry farm is approximately 340,000. A Complement, Not a Competitor It would be a mistake to frame this as apples versus blueberries. The case for the blueberry rests precisely on its ability to thrive where apples cannot-on acidic, degraded and non-traditional land that currently contributes little to the horticultural economy. Used this way, blueberries do not compete with the apple sector for land, water or attention; they expand the productive base around it, giving farmers an additional, high-value income stream and the Valley's horticulture a measure of resilience it currently lacks. Realising this, however, will take more than enthusiasm. It calls for sustained research support from institutions such as SKUAST-Kashmir to identify and popularise cultivars suited to local conditions, reliable access to quality planting material, structured training for farmers willing to experiment with a crop most have never grown and market linkages that ensure the premium the fruit commands abroad and in metropolitan India also reaches the grower in the Valley. Existing schemes for horticultural diversification and irrigation support could be steered, with some intent, toward exactly this kind of initiative. The story of Kashmir's apple economy was written over decades through vision, experimentation and the willingness of farmers to adapt. The blueberry, small as it is, may be offering the Valley a chance to write a new chapter in that same tradition one berry at a time. (The author is Head, Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-K. Feedback: ashaqpandit@gmail.com)
NCs Tanvir Sadiq Demands Mehbooba Muftis Apology Over Police Action Remarks
SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Saturday demanded an apology from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti over her remarks on police action in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that they justified the use of force against peaceful protesters. Addressing reporters, Sadiq said the NC had invited Mufti to []
Despite Rs 2,021 Crore Flood Plan, Kashmir Continues to Face Flood Threats
SRINAGAR: Post-2014 floods, the Government of India approved two major floodmanagement projects amounting to Rs 2021 crore to safeguard the Kashmir Valley from recurring flood threats. Yet, despite these significant allocations, the situation on the ground remains unchanged, with rain continuing to trigger flood scares across the Valley, even after Rs 488 crore has already []
Kashmir Flood Threat Eases as River Levels Recede Despite Fifth Day of Rain
SRINAGAR: Intermittent rain continued across Kashmir for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, although the flood threat eased significantly as water levels in the River Jhelum and most other water bodies began receding, officials said. According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the River Jhelum was flowing below the flood declaration mark at all []
Ganderbal Residents Allege Substandard Atta Distribution Through Government Sale Centres, Seek Probe
SRINAGAR: Residents of Lar Circle in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district have alleged that substandard wheat flour (atta) is being distributed through government sale centres, prompting demands for an immediate inquiry into its quality and source of supply. Several residents claimed the flour was unfit for consumption and urged the authorities to take immediate corrective measures. []
Security Tightened Across Kashmir After Policemans Killing in Anantnag
SRINAGAR: Security forces on Saturday stepped up checking and surveillance across several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, Pulwama and Kulgam, following the recent killing of a police head constable in Anantnag and in response to specific intelligence inputs. In Srinagar, police conducted an extensive checking drive at Lal Chowk, M.A. Road and Residency Road, where []
Doctors body seeks probe into alleged assault on resident doctor at SMGS Hospital
Jammu, July 25: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) JDN J&K has strongly condemned the alleged assault of a second-year postgraduate resident at SMGS Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, and called for swift action in the matter. In a statement, the association said the resident doctor was allegedly slapped by a patients attendant while on duty. It also expressed concern over the reported response of the Medical Superintendent, who was alleged to have remarked, If you cant tolerate this, who told you to join Gynae? The association said that, if accurately reported, such remarks were deeply disappointing and did not reflect the institutional support and solidarity that healthcare professionals deserve. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan has urged the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the incident. He reiterated that violence against healthcare professionals is unacceptable and undermines the safety, dignity and morale of doctors dedicated to patient care. The IMA JDN J&K expressed solidarity with the resident doctor and stressed that attacks on healthcare professionals cannot be tolerated. It called upon the authorities to ensure accountability and strengthen security measures in hospitals. The association said resident doctors, who work under immense pressure to serve the public, must be provided with a safe, secure and supportive working environment. It called for a fair, transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident, swift action against those found responsible, and immediate measures to strengthen security across healthcare institutions to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Dr Khan and IMA JDN J&K further urged the concerned authorities to address the matter with the utmost urgency and reaffirm their commitment to protecting healthcare workers, ensuring that doctors can perform their professional duties without fear of violence, intimidation or harassment.
Delhi-Based Production Firm Faces Police Case Over Illegal Drone Operation in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Police have registered a case against a Delhi-based production company for allegedly operating a drone without permission during a film shoot in the upper reaches of the Nishat area on the outskirts of Srinagar. Sources said that the company allegedly used the drone in violation of the orders issued by the District Magistrate, Srinagar, []
LG Sinha chairs high-level meeting to review restoration work along Amarnath Yatra tracks
Srinagar, Jul 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with Camp Directors and senior officers to review ongoing repair and restoration work along the Amarnath Yatra tracks following recent heavy rainfall. In a post on X, the LG said executing agencies and officials had been directed to expedite restoration work and prioritise vulnerable areas prone to mudslides and shooting stones. He said directions had also been issued to strengthen Mountain Rescue Teams, proactively share real-time weather updates and ensure that essential amenities and services remain fully operational. Chaired a high-level meeting with Camp Directors and senior officers to review the ongoing repair and restoration work along the Shri Amarnathji Yatra tracks in the wake of the recent heavy rainfall. Directed executing agencies and officials to expedite restoration, prioritise pic.twitter.com/XrkKFQuRdK Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 25, 2026
LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Amarnath Yatra Restoration, Orders Priority Repairs in Landslide-Prone Areas
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with Camp Directors and senior civil, police and security officials to review repair and restoration work along the Shri Amarnathji Yatra routes following recent heavy rainfall, directing agencies to expedite works in vulnerable stretches and strengthen safety measures for pilgrims. The meeting reviewed the []
President accepts Dharmendra Pradhans resignation; Pralhad Joshi gets Education Ministry charge
New Delhi, July 25: President Droupadi Murmu, on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accepted Dharmendra Pradhans resignation from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect, according to a press communique issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), New Delhi. The President has also directed that Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio, as advised by the Prime Minister. The decision has been taken under Clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India.
Pralhad Joshi Given Additional Charge of Education Ministry After Pradhan Resigns
SRINAGAR: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of the Ministry of Education after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the post amid protests in Delhi over examination paper leaks. The Presidents Office confirmed the change in a communique issued after Pradhans resignation was accepted. Joshi, who is currently the Union Minister for []
Time has come to remove this govt, daro mat: Rahul Gandhi after Pradhans resignation
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday congratulated students and youth over Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation and urged other groups to show courage and stand up, saying it is time to remove the government. He said two demands are still pending: action against all people who committed atrocities against the students protesting against []
President Accepts Immediate Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
SRINAGAR: President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, according to an official notification issued on Saturday. The resignation was accepted under Article 75(2) of the Constitution. The President has also assigned Cabinet []
CJP withdraws protest in good faith after Pradhan's resignation
Lieutenant Governor Flags Off Reading Marathon at Dal Lake, Srinagar
Srinagar, July 25, 2026: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of the National Education Policy. Addressing thousands [] The post Lieutenant Governor Flags Off Reading Marathon at Dal Lake, Srinagar appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
LG Manoj Sinha welcomes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Srinagar airport
Srinagar, July 25, 2026: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha received Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the airport today in Srinagar. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor wrote: Welcomed Raksha Mantri, Shri Raj Nath Singh Ji at Srinagar airport today. The post LG Manoj Sinha welcomes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Srinagar airport appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
CJP withdraws protest in good faith after Pradhan's resignation, says govt agreed to all demands
New Delhi, July 25: Cockroach Janata Party on Saturday announced that it has withdrawn the 37-day-long agitation at Jantar Mantar in good faith after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the Council of Ministers and the outfit received assurance on other demands from the government. Addressing a press conference at the Constitution Club in the national capital, CJP's Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das said, Cockroach Janta Party declares that we withdraw the agitation in good faith, with the understanding that the agreed-upon terms will be executed within the agreed-upon timelines. Following the third round of talks with Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club, the CJP said that the Central government has agreed to provide suitable compensation to the families of the NEET aspirants who died by suicide and assured to withdraw the FIRs lodged against protesters anywhere in India. The CJP has presented a five-point demand charter before the government and will hold the next round of talks after four weeks. Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, We had demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of NEET victims. The government has agreed to this, stating that an honorary compensation will be given to those families under whatever rules and regulations allow. Apart from this, we also placed a five-point demand charter before the government, which talked about broader educational reforms and exam reforms. We will meet the government again in about four weeks regarding that demand charter so that we can work together on broader reforms. If all these demands are agreeable to the government, then we would also like to withdraw the agitation. All our demands have been accepted, so we request the protesters to withdraw immediately and return home peacefully. We will inform you of our future strategy or any other issues. But we request the protesters to withdraw immediately, he added. Several FIRs have been filed against protesters across India after the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march at Jantar Mantar. The CJP had demanded a withdrawal of the FIRs and no legal action in the future. Das said that the government has agreed to the demand. Saurav Das said, Our second demand was that all the FIRs filed against the protesters, not just in Delhi but in all BJP-ruled and BJP-allied states, should be withdrawn. This was also our second demand. The government has accepted that demand as well. Furthermore, the withdrawal will be done shortly. The government has assured us that it will share copies of all the FIRs filed - as per our last information, 15 to 20 FIRs were filed in Delhi - and we will receive those copies within three to four days in any case. The government has also assured that the withdrawal will be done shortly. Understanding this, we have shared a draft with the government, which is a written guarantee. The government has said it will share this with us by Tuesday. We hope that by Tuesday we will receive the government's guarantees regarding these FIRs and any future action, he added. Earlier today, Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that he was stepping down in the larger interest of students to ensure that the country's youth do not become rapped in a web of confusion. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), beginning as a satirical social media account from CJI Surya Kant's remarks, led the movement along with activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, demanding Pradhan's resignation. The controversy began as NEET-UG paper leak emerged in May, while the re-examination was held on June 21. (ANI)
Mateena Rajput Joins Apni Party, Citing Village Woes as Catalyst for Political Entry
Srinagar Police attaches properties worth Rs 1.35 crore under NDPS Act
Srinagar, July 25: Srinagar Police has attached two immovable properties worth approximately 1.35 crore belonging to alleged drug peddlers under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan. Srinagar Police, in a statement, said the first property, a double-storeyed residential house at Nadir Gund, Pir Bagh, Hyderpora, Srinagar, worth approximately 70 lakh, belongs to Aqib Farooq, son of Farooq Ahmad, resident of Nadir Gund, Pir Bagh, Hyderpora. The attachment was made in connection with FIR No. 16/2025 registered under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act. The statement said Police Station Rainawari also attached a single-storeyed residential house constructed on five marlas of land at Inderhama Gassu, Batapora, Hazratbal, Srinagar, worth approximately 65 lakh, belonging to Azan Parvaiz Giltsaaz, son of Parvaiz Ahmad Giltsaaz, originally a resident of Kani Mohalla, Rainawari, and presently residing at Inderhama Gassu, Batapora, Hazratbal. The attachment was carried out in connection with FIR No. 09/2023 registered under Sections 8/21/29 of the NDPS Act. During the course of investigation, both properties were found to have been illegally acquired from the proceeds of narcotics trafficking and drug peddling. Consequently, the properties have been attached under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, including Section 68-F, subject to confirmation by the competent authority. Srinagar Police said the attachments are part of its sustained strategy to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networks by identifying and confiscating assets generated through the proceeds of crime. It reiterated its commitment to a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to the public to share credible information on drug trafficking and substance abuse, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.
2 dead, 5 injured as Tempo plunges into deep gorge in Doda
Doda, Jul 25: At least two people lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries after a tempo bearing registration numberJK06B-8096 met with a tragic road accident at Jathali Mohalla in Doda district on Saturday. According to initial reports, the tempo was travelling from Jammu to Mohalla when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to plunge into a deep gorge. The vehicle was completely mangled in the crash. Soon after the accident, local residents, police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital and later referred to Government Medical College (GMC), Doda, for advanced treatment. Doctors at GMC Doda provided initial medical care to the injured. Owing to the critical condition of three victims, they were subsequently referred to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, for specialised treatment, while the remaining injured continue to receive medical attention. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
CJP calls off stir as govt accepts all demands
New Delhi, Jul 25: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday withdrew its agitation over the NEET issue after the government accepted all demands of the outfit, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. The announcement came following talks between the two sides soon after Pradhan said on X that he has sent his resignation to the prime minister. Union Minister JP Nadda said the government will give honourable compensation within rules to the families of the students who committed suicide after the NEET test cancellation and ensure withdrawal of all FIRs registered against the protesters. As the government accepted all our demands, we call off our protests with immediate effect. We appeal everyone to go back home peacefully, CJP's spokesperson Saurav Das said at a joint press conference with Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The CJP has led a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE's on-screen marking process, besides seeking wider reforms in the conduct of public examinations. The agitation has galvanised thousands of students in protests across the country and has been supported by major opposition parties.
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has dismissed an appeal filed by Syeda Afshana Bhat, upholding the seniority and Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) benefits granted to a fellow faculty member at the University of Kashmir and ruling that the challenge was devoid of merit as well as barred by an unexplained delay []
Two Killed, Several Injured in Doda Road Mishap
SRINAGAR: Two people were killed and several others were injured after a tempo traveller skidded off the road near Shoonsh on the DodaMahalla Road on Saturday, officials said. Officials that the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to skid off the road. Immediately after the accident, local residents and police personnel launched []
New Delhi, July 25: A delegation of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Saturday met with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club of India for their third round of talks, as the government continued its engagement with the protesting group following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh arrived at the Constitution Club to hold discussions with the CJP delegation. Earlier in the day, both ministers were seen leaving their respective residences for the scheduled meeting. The third round of negotiations assumes significance as it comes hours after Pradhan stepped down from the Union Cabinet, citing the larger interests of students and the nation. In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan said he had resigned to ensure that the ongoing protests over examination irregularities were not exploited by anti-national forces. The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. The unity of the country must remain intact. The future of every student in India should not get entangled in legal complications, Pradhan wrote. His resignation followed weeks of nationwide protests over examination irregularities and a 26-day hunger strike led by activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar. The agitation has been spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been demanding accountability over examination paper leaks. Despite welcoming the minister's resignation, the CJP has maintained that its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until all of its demands are fulfilled. Addressing supporters after the resignation, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke said, Kaha jaata tha iss sarkar main istife nahi hote. Jhukti hai duniya, jhukaane vaala chahiye. We have done it, describing the resignation as the first by a Union Minister under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Visuals from the protest site showed demonstrators celebrating and raising slogans after the announcement. Dipke said the organisation's remaining demands include compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide over examination-related issues, assurance that no action will be taken against student protesters, and action against Delhi Police personnel accused of using force against demonstrators. Activist Sonam Wangchuk also welcomed Pradhan's resignation, calling it a victory of democracy, peace, and perseverance. In a post on X, Wangchuk wrote, IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS. Pradhan, in his resignation letter, defended the Centre's handling of the NEET-UG controversy, saying that after irregularities surfaced in the May 3 examination, the government transferred the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination and conducted a re-test for more than two million candidates on June 21. He also announced that the NEET-UG examination would be conducted entirely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year to enhance transparency and strengthen the integrity of the examination process. Meanwhile, the Centre is preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law providing for Special Fast-Track Courts, a Special Task Force (STF) and other measures aimed at preventing examination malpractices across the country. (ANI)
Army Major General Convicted in Rs 11 Crore Medical Procurement Scam at Jammu Military Hospital
SRINAGAR: In a rare instance of disciplinary action against a senior military officer, a Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) has found a retired Major General of the Army Medical Corps guilty of irregularities in the procurement of medical supplies worth about Rs 11 crore during his tenure as Commandant of a military hospital in Jammu. []
Sonam Wangchuk Hails Pradhans Resignation as Victory of Democracy, Calls for Education Reforms
SRINAGAR: Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has described the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a victory of democracy, saying the focus should now shift from demanding accountability to pursuing reforms in the education system. In his first public reaction after Pradhan stepped down, Wangchuk posted on X from his hospital bed, []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Raises Suspended DySPs Subsistence Allowance to 75 Per Cent
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has enhanced the subsistence allowance of suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Sunil Singh Jasrotia from 50 per cent to 75 per cent, in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations. According to Government Order No. 384-(Home) of 2026, dated July 23, 2026, the []
CJP marks first victory after Pradhans resignation, Dipke says two demands remain
NEW DELHI: Loud cheers erupted at the Cockroach Janata Party protest site at Jantar Mantar after its founder Abhijeet Dipke announced Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation before the gathering, declaring that the movement had achieved its first breakthrough. Pradhans resignation sparked scenes of celebration at Jantar Mantar, where students and members of the CJP []
Victory of democracy: Sonam Wangchuk on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
New Delhi, July 25: Following weeks of relentless nationwide protests and a gruelling 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move came as a response to growing unrest over examination irregularities and paper leak allegations, particularly surrounding the NEET-UG exams. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who spearheaded the hunger strike alongside the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and student groups, marked the development as a major milestone for direct civic action in India. Reacting to the news on X, Sonam Wangchuk commended the resilience of the nation's youth and citizens. IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS, posted Wangchuk. Wangchuk emphasised that while holding the government accountable was necessary, the ultimate goal must now pivot toward systemic reforms within India's education structure. His remarks came after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, stating that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that the situation arising from protests over examination irregularities was not exploited by anti-national forces. Welcoming the minister's resignation, the CJP said it would nevertheless continue its agitation at Jantar Mantar until all of its demands were fulfilled. Addressing supporters, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke said, Kaha jaata tha iss sarkar main istife nahi hote. Jhukti hai duniya, jhukaane vaala chahiye. We have done it, describing the resignation as the first by a Union Minister under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Visuals from the protest site showed demonstrators cheering and celebrating after news of Pradhan's resignation emerged. Dipke said the movement would continue until the remaining demands were addressed, including compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide over examination-related issues and action against Delhi Police personnel accused of carrying out a lathi charge on protesters. In a post on X, the CJP marked Pradhan's resignation as achieved but listed two demands as pending: compensation for affected families and assurance that no action would be taken against student protesters. In his resignation letter shared on X, Pradhan said he had decided in the larger interest of students and the nation. The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. The unity of the country must remain intact. The future of every student in India should not get entangled in legal complications, he wrote. Pradhan said he had always believed in the aspirations and strength of India's youth and that the developments of the past few days had deeply saddened him Defending the government's handling of the NEET-UG controversy, Pradhan said irregularities detected in the May 3, 2026 examination prompted the Centre to immediately hand over the investigation to the CBI, cancel the examination and announce a re-test. He said the re-examination for over two million candidates was successfully conducted on June 21 with the support of state governments, district administrations, students, parents and guardians. He also announced that the NEET-UG examination would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year to strengthen transparency. Meanwhile, the Centre is preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law that will provide for Special Fast-Track Courts, a Special Task Force (STF), and other measures aimed at preventing examination malpractices across the country. (ANI)
Woman Killed, Two Injured in House Collapse in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A woman was killed and two of her family members were injured after a house collapsed in Bhatian village of Thanamandi area in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Saturday following heavy rainfall, officials said. According to reports, the family was sitting in the kitchen when the house suddenly caved in. Shahida Parveen, wife []
Woman killed, two injured as house caves in amid heavy rains in Rajouri
Rajouri, July 26: A woman died and two of her family members were injured after a house collapsed in Bhatian village of Rajouri district on Saturday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the house collapsed following heavy rainfall in the area. He said a woman was killed in the incident and two family members were injured, both of whom were rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri for treatment. The deceased has been identified as Shahida Parveen, wife of Abdul Rehman, a resident of Bhatian village. Police have taken cognizance of the incident.(KNO)
Jammu Kashmir Govt Approves Rs 15.22 Crore Upgrade of Kathua Grid Station
SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir Government has approved the augmentation of the Grid Station at Kathua from its existing capacity of 350 MVA to 450 MVA, along with allied infrastructure works, at an estimated cost of Rs 15.22 crore, in a move aimed at strengthening the power transmission network in the region. The project is expected []
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid NEET row
The resignation comes after sustained demands from opposition parties and student groups holding the minister accountable for alleged irregularities in the country's competitive examination system
