Jammu & kashmir

Kashmir tourism stabilising, set for winter boom: Director

Srinagar, Oct 19:Kashmir's tourism sector is stabilising after last year's setback and is poised for an upward winter season, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad has said. The overall trend, he said, is pointing upwards, and the upcoming winter season is expected to bring a fresh influx of visitors, provided snowfall remains favourable and transport routes stay accessible. In an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir, Sajjad said the department waspreparing to expand winter tourism activities beyond traditional destinations, organise carnivals at multiple locations, promote skiing among children and explore artificial snowmaking to address the growing challenge of declining snowfall linked to global warming. Overall, the tourism graph is upward, he said, adding that while the sector had yet to regain the tourist footfall recorded in 2023, it was showing signs of stability. Sajjas said tourist arrivals in Kashmir were closely linked to weather conditions, with snowfall playing a significant role in attracting visitors during November, December and January. He added that if weather conditions remained favourable and roads stayed accessible, the Valley could witness a good number of tourists in the upcoming winter season. The Director said the department traditionally organised a seven-day carnival in Gulmarg around New Year, but this year it planned to hold additional carnivals at other destinations, potentially extending the events to two or three days at different locations. The department also intends to continue its integrated skiing training programme, introduced last year, to encourage children to take up the sport. The programme is planned for Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam, besides Doodhpathri, subject to its accessibility. Sajjad acknowledged that the absence of a foolproof system for counting tourist arrivals made it difficult to provide precise figures, with the department relying largely on feedback from tourism stakeholders to assess the sectors performance. He described tourism as one of the major employment-generating sectors in Jammu and Kashmir after agriculture and horticulture, supporting not only hoteliers, transporters and pony operators but also artisans associated with handicrafts, including papier-mch. Tourism provides livelihoods to a large number of people at the grassroots level, he said, expressing confidence that the sector would emerge as one of the principal sources of employment for the youth in the coming years. Environment, service quality key challenges The Director said balancing tourism development with environmental protection remained one of the departments biggest challenges, stressing that tourism activities must not disturb the natural habitats and surroundings that attract visitors to Kashmir. He said upgrading existing tourism infrastructure and outsourcing its operation, wherever appropriate, were among the departments priorities, with the objective of generating local employment and improving service delivery. Emphasising the need to make tourist services more responsive, Sajjad said visitors increasingly researched destinations through mobile phones and judged their experiences by the quality of services and the way their grievances were addressed. He urged tourism stakeholders, including transporters, hoteliers, restaurant owners and travel service providers, to establish effective grievance-redressal mechanisms and improve their responsiveness to visitors. Sajjad also stressed the need to cater to the food preferences of tourists from different parts of the country, suggesting that businesses train local staff or engage chefs familiar with regional cuisines. While promoting Kashmirs own food, handicrafts and cultural traditions remained important, he said, meeting visitors basic preferences would help improve their experience and strengthen the Valleys reputation as a tourism destination. Skiing, golf and cultural tourism in focus Outlining preparations for winter, Sajjad said a new ski shop had been established in Gulmarg and efforts were underway to make it operational this season. The existing ski shop would also be upgraded, while new skis had been purchased. The department plans to promote skiing in Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, subject to feasibility and organise at least one or two skiing tournaments during the season. It is also looking to host one or two national-level competitive winter sports events. The Director said the department was exploring artificial snowmaking and alternative facilities, including a skating rink, to reduce the impact of declining snowfall on winter tourism. Consultants are working on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an artificial snowmaking facility at Kongdori in Gulmarg, he said, adding that the initiative was aimed at helping sustain the skiing season despite the effects of global warming. Beyond winter sports, the department is seeking to strengthen golf tourism by bringing tournaments back onto the calendar. Kashmir has around five to six golf courses, which Sajjad said could attract visitors from outside the region and generate additional economic activity. He identified infrastructure upgradation, training of human resources and promotion of tourism activities as key priorities for the coming years. The department is also working with other agencies to showcase Kashmirs cultural heritage and traditional livelihoods. A five-day festival at Zabarwan Park was organised to highlight local food culture, while the handicrafts department had offered tourists free visits to downtown Srinagar to introduce them to local artisans, he said. Sajjad said such initiatives were intended not only to promote Kashmirs cultural identity but also to expand livelihood opportunities and increase the income of local communities.

Cabinet expansion after LG returns to Valley: Dr Farooq

Srinagar, Oct 19: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers would take place after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returns to the Valley, amid growing speculation over a long-awaited reshuffle in the Omar Abdullah-led government. Speaking to reporters in Budgam district, Dr Abdullah said the Lieutenant Governor was unwell and was currently away from the Valley. The Lieutenant Governor was not well. He was sick. When he returns, there will be an expansion of the government, he said. The remarks come days after the National Conference-led government completed two years in office on October 16, with the proposed Cabinet expansion remaining a key subject of political discussion. Asked about reports that the Lieutenant Governor could nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the NC chief said there was no clarity on the matter and described the reports as speculation. These are all conjectures. Various things are being said from different quarters, but nothing has emerged yet, he said. On reports that NC MP Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi may resign, Dr Abdullah declined to elaborate, saying the decision rested with the parliamentarian. If someone wants to resign, they will resign. What can we do? he said. Dr Farooq referred to the recent attack on buses carrying people towards Jammu and Kashmir in Haryana, saying Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had spoken to his Haryana counterpart and sought a proper inquiry into the incident. He said the CM had called for strict action against those responsible to prevent a recurrence and had also sought compensation for the damage caused in the attack. Certain miscreants are attempting to disturb peace and create turmoil in the country. The matter requires immediate attention from the authorities, Farooq said. The former Chief Minister said attempts to disturb peace required immediate attention from the authorities and urged the Central Government to take cognisance of the incident. Warning that failure to address such incidents could aggravate the situation, he stressed the need for timely intervention to prevent a recurrence. Dr Abdullah also criticised the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the Central Government over its earlier assurances on the issue. The Central Government had promised that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir after the Assembly elections. The elections were held nearly two years ago. What has happened to that promise? he asked. He said NC Members of Parliament had met the Union Home Minister in January and were assured that the government would introduce the business rules defining the respective powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government. Ten months have passed, but the business rules have still not been introduced in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC president said, adding that the delay had raised questions about the implementation of assurances made by the Centre regarding the functioning of the elected government. Dr Abdullah said the NC government was facing significant political and administrative challenges, describing its position as walking on the edge of a sword. He also questioned the delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it had been carried out in a manner that benefited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The delimitation was conducted in a way that benefited the BJP, showing their dishonesty, he alleged. Referring to the geographical spread of the Anantnag parliamentary constituency, which includes areas in the Poonch district, Abdullah questioned the practicality of representing regions separated by difficult mountainous terrain and considerable distances. How is it possible for a Member of Parliament to reach Poonch and cross these mountains? There is a huge geographical distance between the two areas, he said, pointing out that Poonch falls in the Jammu division while the Anantnag parliamentary constituency is associated with the Kashmir division, and arguing that the geographical challenges should have been taken into account during delimitation.

LG, CM extend greetings on Vijayadashami, Dussehra

Srinagar, Oct 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday extended heartiest greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of Vijayadashami and Dussehra, expressing hope that the festivals would bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all. The festival of Vijayadashami, celebrated in various parts of the country as Dussehra and Durga Puja, symbolises the triumph of Good over Evil, Truth over Untruth and Dharma over Adharma. The life of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram exemplifies these timeless virtues and inspires us to lead a virtuous life, he said. May this Vijayadashami, Dussehra and Durga Puja bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all, the Lieutenant Governor added. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his message, said these festivals embody the timeless values of truth, righteousness and the triumph of good over evil. He expressed hope that the auspicious occasions would bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the people and further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister called upon people to draw inspiration from the spirit of these festivals and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect, unity and peaceful coexistence.

Rural Brain Drain Part 1 :Why rural J&K youth migrate

Srinagar, Oct 19: A degree that once promised a secure future is increasingly becoming the beginning of another struggle for many young people in rural Jammu and Kashmir the search for a livelihood that may take them far away from home. Behind the migration of a young graduate lies a family's investment, years of sacrifice and the hope that education will eventually translate into economic security. But when employment fails to materialise, households are forced to confront a difficult reality--whether to continue waiting for opportunities at home, finance a move elsewhere or reconsider the future they had imagined for their children. For many rural families, migration is no longer simply an individual's decision to pursue better prospects. It has become an economic calculation involving household income, agricultural assets, educational expenditure, debt and the uncertainty of local employment. A research paper titled The Economics of Staying, Leaving and Returning: Youth Migration, Local Employment and Household Welfare in the Rural Economy of Jammu & Kashmir, submitted by Kysir Quyoom Mir, who holds NET and JKSET qualifications and a postgraduate degree in Economics, examines this dilemma and its consequences for rural households. The study approaches migration not merely as the movement of workers from one place to another, but as a household strategy to diversify income, manage financial risks and improve living conditions. Drawing on the New Economics of Labour Migration framework developed by Oded Stark and David Bloom in 1985, it examines how families make decisions about who should leave, who should remain and whether those who migrate should eventually return. The central argument is that youth migration cannot be understood solely through differences in wages between locations. The decision is also shaped by the economic circumstances of the family left behind and the opportunities available to the young person at home, the research reads. For generations, education has been regarded as one of the strongest pathways to economic mobility in Jammu and Kashmir. Rural families have invested in schooling, college education and professional qualifications, often prioritising their children's future over their immediate financial needs. Yet the transition from education to employment can be uncertain. The study's abstract cites estimates indicating that unemployment among educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir is particularly high. It refers to an unemployment rate of around 46 per cent among educated young people, an urban youth joblessness rate near 32 per cent and an overall unemployment estimate of 24.6 per cent. It also cites reports suggesting that more than 3.7 lakh young people are registered as unemployed on the government's employment portal, including a substantial number of graduates and postgraduates. These figures, which require verification against their original sources and statistical definitions, illustrate the employment concerns that underpin the paper's analysis. For a family in a rural area, prolonged unemployment can mean more than a young person remaining without a salary. It can delay financial independence, increase dependence on parents and place additional pressure on household resources, the study notes. Families may continue spending on competitive examinations, coaching, transport and further qualifications while meeting the everyday expenses of the household. Where several educated members are unemployed, these pressures can become particularly severe. Migration may offer a way out of this cycle. A young person who secures employment elsewhere can contribute to household expenses, support siblings' education, repay family debt or build savings for a future enterprise. However, leaving home does not automatically guarantee financial stability. Accommodation, travel and living expenses can consume a substantial share of earnings, while insecure employment and the mismatch between qualifications and available jobs may limit the benefits. The decision to migrate, therefore, involves weighing the potential gains against the financial and personal costs of leaving. Speaking on the issue, former Vice Chancellor, IndiraGandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi, Prof Muhammad Aslam said: Alongside poverty, we also witness Rural Brain drain in Kashmir. The migration of educated, skilled people away from rural communities toward urban centers is increasing progressively. This isnt a new phenomenon. This migration used to be people moving towards urban areas, within the country, but now it is the migration of educated, skilled people moving away from rural communities towards other countries as well including gulf countries, leaving behind older, and less credentialed population. Prof Aslam, who international exposure as well, said that both pull and push factors seems to be equally responsible. Our rural areas offer very fewer job opportunities, low wages, and almost no pathways for professional advancement in knowledge-economy fields. As a result an economy progressively loses its capacity to regenerate itself. The reasons are structural more than cultural. When the economy stagnates, young people leave. When the future of a place feels uncertain, the psychological toll is real and it accumulates, he said. He added, As population thins, social isolation intensifies. The feeling of collective sense of a place erodes. This erosion is psychologically corrosive in many ways that researchers are only beginning to fully quantify. We also need to study rapid cognitive decline including social isolation. A well-planned policy intervention holds a genuine promise in reversing rural outmigration. It requires that we may have to treat the problem as structural rather than cultural. It also implies making their hometowns stay rational and attractive.

Self-Medication: A Shortcut That Can Cost Lives

Self-medication has nowadays become a normal part of everyday life. A headache, fever, stomach pain or cough is often treated without medical advice, with people relying on old prescriptions, suggestions from friends or medicines recommended at a pharmacy counter. What appears to be a convenient shortcut can, however, turn into a serious threat to public health. The problem is not limited to occasional use of an over-the-counter tablet. Increasingly, people are taking antibiotics, painkillers, steroids and other potent medicines without understanding their dosage, side effects or interaction with other drugs. Many discontinue treatment as soon as symptoms improve. Others repeat medicines prescribed for an earlier illness, assuming that similar symptoms must have the same cause. Such habits can mask serious conditions and delay timely medical intervention. Antibiotic misuse is among the most dangerous consequences of self-medication. When antibiotics are taken unnecessarily or stopped midway, bacteria develop resistance. This makes infections harder to treat and forces patients to depend on stronger, more expensive medicines. Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a distant medical concern; it is an emerging public-health emergency that can undermine routine surgeries, childbirth care and treatment of common infections. Painkillers also deserve greater caution. Frequent and unsupervised use can damage the kidneys, liver and stomach, while some medicines may increase the risk of bleeding or cardiovascular complications. Steroids, taken without prescription, can weaken immunity and create serious hormonal and metabolic problems. The danger is greater for children, pregnant women, elderly people and those already suffering from chronic diseases. Yet the responsibility does not rest with patients alone. Limited access to doctors, long waiting times, high consultation costs and the easy availability of medicines often push people towards self-treatment. In rural and economically weaker communities, a pharmacy may be more accessible than a clinic. This reality must be addressed through stronger primary healthcare, affordable consultations and reliable public-health guidance. Drug regulation must also be enforced more seriously. Pharmacies should not dispense prescription medicines casually, particularly antibiotics, sedatives and steroids. Periodic inspections, proper record-keeping and penalties for violations are essential. At the same time, pharmacists must be trained and encouraged to refer patients to qualified doctors when symptoms are severe, persistent or unclear. Public awareness campaigns should explain a simple but vital message: medicine is not harmless merely because it is familiar. The correct drug, dose and duration depend on the patients age, medical history and actual diagnosis. Online health advice and old prescriptions cannot replace professional assessment. Self-medication is often presented as a matter of personal choice. In reality, its consequences affect families, hospitals and society as a whole. The cure for minor illness should not become the cause of a larger health crisis. Responsible healthcare begins with resisting the temptation to treat every symptom alone.

A Killing That Shocks The Conscience

The brutal killing of 70-year-old Jana Begum inside her home in Parigam Pulwama is not merely another crime to be entered into a police register. It is a deeply disturbing assault on the most basic assurance of civilised life: that a person should be safe in their own house. The circumstances make the murder even more alarming. Jana Begum was allegedly attacked around 5 am, when her son had gone to a nearby mosque for Fajr prayers. The assailants reportedly entered the residence, slit her throat and fled, leaving her in a pool of blood. The motive remains unknown, but the violence was deliberate and intimate. It was not an act committed in a crowded street or during a public clash. It happened inside a home, at a time when the village would ordinarily be expected to be quiet and secure. The police have taken cognizance and launched an investigation. That is necessary, but it cannot be the conclusion of the matter. A case of such savagery demands a swift, transparent and professionally conducted probe. The assailants must be identified, the motive established and every possible link examined. Any delay, procedural lapse or premature conclusion will deepen public anxiety and allow fear to spread through the community. The killing also raises difficult questions about the security of vulnerable residents, particularly elderly people living in homes that may not have adequate protection. A woman of 70 was allegedly murdered in her own residence. Whether the crime was driven by personal enmity, robbery, targeted violence or another motive must be determined by investigators, not guessed through rumour. In the absence of credible information, speculation can inflict further pain on the family and destabilise the wider community. This is why policing cannot remain limited to registering cases after violence has occurred. Rural security requires better intelligence, stronger community coordination, prompt response mechanisms and visible patrolling during vulnerable hours. Villages are not secure simply because they are quiet. Silence can conceal danger as easily as it can signify peace. The administration must ensure that the investigation is pursued with urgency and that the victims family receives protection and support. The people of Parigam deserve clear answers, not vague assurances. They also deserve confidence that the state has the capacity and will to protect citizens in their homes. Jana Begums killing must not fade into the routine language of a probe has been launched. For her family, it is an irreparable loss. For society, it is a warning that safety cannot be taken for granted. Justice must be swift, credible and visiblebecause anything less would leave not only a murder unsolved, but an entire community afraid.

Additive Manufacturing in India: Next Generation Digital Manufacturing

In May 2024, a rocket Agnibaan - SOrTed lifted off from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh featuring a single-piece, Additive Manufacturing (AM) printed semi-cryogenic engine rocket engine. The event demonstrated the countrys competitive advancement of technology usage to become a major builder. The National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM) is helping more such start-ups in their R&D for development of critical engine parts using AM. Nearly 2,000 kilometres away in the city of Ahmedabad, the Indian Army has a two-storey dwelling unit that was also printed by a machine. The Army has since used the same method in the Union Territory of Ladakh to produce precast defences. A rocket engine and a soldier's home look nothing alike. Both came from the same idea that is AM or 3D printing. AM is a process of creating an object by building it from layer to layer, something that is opposite of subtractive manufacturing. AM starts with a design wherein software cuts the design into hundreds or thousands of thin layers. The machine then reads each layer and builds the object, one layer on top of another. More than 40 such processes exist in the market or in research labs. They work with plastics, metals, ceramics and materials meant for the human body. Researchers are even testing the printing of tissue from living cells. Why AM For over a decade, India has shown it can build systems at scale in the digital world. The next step is to do the same with physical goods. A design file can travel anywhere in seconds, and a printer can turn it into a part in a town far from any large factory. That means less waiting for imports and more making at home. The early results are already visible. A construction printer, the Kelvin 6K Pro, has built 2,500 sq ft homes in under 30 days, using material with lower carbon content. Early figures point to 30 % lower material and logistics costs and 90% lower emissions than cement-based building. In healthcare, the Technology Development Board is backing bone grafts printed from Indian bioceramic materials. Each graft can be shaped to fit one patient. A start-up named OsteoForge is working on implants made from natural silk. In electronics, centres under the national strategy have printed batteries, antennas and capacitors, and IISc has printed parts of a photonic circuit, a first anywhere in the world. The policy behind AM None of this happened without an efficient policy. In February 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology released the National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing. It set targets: capture 5 per cent of the global market, add nearly $1 billion to GDP, develop 50 India-specific technologies, support 100 start-ups, create 500 products and train 1 lakh workers. The numbers so far are encouraging. More than 1,54,000 people have been trained. Fifty-six start-ups have been supported. Sixty-five India-specific technologies, covering materials, machines, design methods and products, have been developed. Seven centres now help with research, training and access to machines. The effort also reaches schools. Atal Tinkering Labs get a grant of INR 20 lakh each and are equipped with 3D printers, robotics and Internet of Things kits. A student in Grade VI can now handle a printer. That student is the future workforce. A second phase, NSAM 2.0, is being planned. It aims to produce more patents, bring down the cost of machines and materials, strengthen the electronics supply chain, back more start-ups and support the defence forces. What after AM The global market for these machines is projected to reach USD 149 billion by 2035. India has a chance to make the machines and materials, and not only use them. That will need three things. First, the machines and materials must become cheaper, so small firms can afford them. Second, the hospitals, builders and defence units that have tried the technology must buy it in larger numbers. Third, the training must lead to jobs, so that those 1,54,000 trained people find work in this field. India will also host ESTIC-2026, organised by CSIR, from 27 to 29 October at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. AM is one of its themes. It is a good place to ask how quickly the pilot projects can become regular production. The rocket engine and the Army home were firsts. The aim now is to make them ordinary. When a hospital prints a graft, a builder prints a house, and a start-up prints an engine without anyone calling it news, India will have made AM its own. (COURTESY: PIB SRINAGAR)

Green Spaces Are Srinagars First Defence

Srinagar is often described through its lakes, gardens, mountains and chinar trees. The citys beauty is not merely ornamental; it is rooted in a fragile ecological balance that has shaped its climate, culture and public life for centuries. Yet, as Srinagar expands, its urban green spaces are steadily being reduced, fragmented or treated as leftover patches of land waiting for construction. This is not simply a loss of scenery. It is a warning about the kind of city we are building and the quality of life we are willing to accept. Urban green spaces are frequently regarded as luxuriespleasant additions to a city that can be planned after roads, markets, buildings and parking lots have been provided. That approach is both outdated and dangerous. Parks, wetlands, gardens, open fields, tree-lined avenues and riverfront vegetation are essential components of urban infrastructure. They regulate temperature, absorb rainwater, reduce air pollution, support biodiversity and create common spaces where people can breathe, walk, meet and recover from the pressures of crowded urban life. Srinagar needs this infrastructure urgently. The citys growth has brought new roads, commercial complexes, residential colonies and institutions. But expansion without ecological planning has placed extraordinary pressure on the land. Open spaces are shrinking, natural drainage channels are being narrowed or blocked, wetlands are being encroached upon, and mature trees are being removed in the name of development. Each individual intervention may appear small or unavoidable. Together, they are altering the citys environmental character. The consequences are already visible. Summers feel harsher, traffic emissions remain trapped in congested areas, rainwater accumulates quickly after heavy showers, and neighbourhoods that once had open breathing spaces are becoming dense and concrete-bound. The loss of vegetation also weakens the citys ability to withstand flooding, air pollution and rising temperatures. In a valley known for its cold winters and moderate summers, the growing heat of concrete surfaces should not be dismissed as a minor inconvenience. A city without adequate green cover becomes unhealthy in more ways than one. Children lose safe places to play. Older residents lose accessible spaces for walking and social interaction. Women and families are deprived of comfortable public areas. People living in smaller homes, especially in dense neighbourhoods, lose the opportunity to spend time outdoors without having to travel long distances. The absence of parks is therefore not only an environmental concern; it is also an issue of public health, social equity and urban dignity. Srinagars green spaces also carry historical and cultural meaning. The citys gardens, avenues and tree-lined landscapes are part of its memory. The chinar is not just a tree planted for decoration; it is woven into the regions identity. The same is true of the open spaces around water bodies, the gardens that have served generations, and the public grounds where people have gathered during different seasons. When such spaces disappear, a city loses more than trees. It loses continuity with its own past. The danger lies partly in the absence of a clear public understanding of what constitutes a green space. A park is easy to recognise, but urban ecology extends beyond formally designated gardens. A wetland on the edge of a neighbourhood, a patch of native trees, a stream corridor, a community playground, a strip of vegetation beside a road or an open field can all perform vital ecological functions. They should not be judged only by their commercial value or immediate development potential. Planning authorities must therefore move beyond the narrow idea that land is either developed or vacant. Much of what appears vacant is performing work that is invisible until it is gone. Wet ground stores excess water. Trees filter dust and provide shade. Grass and soil absorb rainfall. Vegetation around water bodies protects their banks and supports birds and other species. An open field may serve as a temporary flood buffer, a playground and a community gathering space at the same time. Once these functions are destroyed, replacing them is neither easy nor cheap. Srinagar requires a comprehensive urban green-space policy that is based on mapping, protection and public access. Every ward should have a clear inventory of its parks, playgrounds, wetlands, tree belts, water channels and open areas. These spaces must be recorded, legally protected and monitored. Their boundaries should not be altered quietly through piecemeal permissions or gradual encroachment. Equally important is the need to establish minimum green-space standards for every neighbourhood. Urban planning cannot remain focused only on floor area, road width and parking capacity. It must ask whether residents have access to trees, open ground, shaded walking routes and safe recreational spaces. New colonies and large construction projects should be required to include usable public green areas, not merely decorative lawns hidden behind walls. The quality of green space matters as much as its quantity. A neglected patch of land with broken fencing and accumulated waste cannot substitute for a functioning public park. Green spaces must be designed for people of different ages and abilities. They should have walking paths, seating, lighting, drinking water, clean toilets and adequate maintenance. Accessibility must be treated as a basic requirement, not as an afterthought. At the same time, Srinagar should avoid replacing natural landscapes with excessive concrete and imported ornamental designs. Native trees and plants are better suited to the valleys climate and require less water and maintenance. The citys planting policy should prioritise biodiversity, shade and ecological resilience. Mature trees, wherever possible, should be preserved rather than removed and replaced with saplings that may take decades to provide comparable benefits. Tree cutting for road widening or infrastructure projects should be governed by transparent rules. Authorities must publish tree inventories, explain why removal is unavoidable and ensure that compensatory plantation is measurable and monitored. Planting a large number of saplings on paper cannot compensate for the loss of old trees if the saplings are poorly selected, unprotected or left to die. Accountability must extend beyond ceremonial plantation drives. The protection of green spaces cannot be left to government agencies alone. Residents associations, schools, colleges, civil society groups and local businesses should be involved in maintaining neighbourhood parks and reporting encroachments. But community participation must complement, not replace, state responsibility. Public spaces belong to the public, and the administration must provide the legal, financial and institutional support required to protect them. There is also a need to rethink the relationship between mobility and greenery. Roads should not be planned as mere channels for vehicles. Shaded footpaths, cycle routes, planted medians and green buffers can make movement safer and more comfortable. In many parts of Srinagar, walking is difficult because pavements are absent, broken or occupied. A city that wants to reduce congestion and pollution must make walking a practical choice. Green corridors can help connect neighbourhoods while improving public health. The restoration of urban waterways should form part of the same effort. Drains, streams and natural channels are often treated as waste conduits, but they can become ecological and public assets if cleaned, protected and landscaped carefully. Such restoration would reduce flooding, improve local appearance and create continuous green networks across the city. The objective should not be cosmetic beautification alone. It should be the recovery of natural systems that help the city function. Srinagars policymakers must also recognise that climate change will intensify existing vulnerabilities. More erratic rainfall, warmer summers and pressure on water resources will demand resilient urban planning. Green spaces offer one of the most affordable and effective tools available. They cool neighbourhoods, absorb stormwater and reduce the burden on drainage and public health systems. Protecting them is not an indulgence reserved for affluent cities; it is a practical response to an uncertain future. The debate over urban development should not be framed as a choice between growth and greenery. The real choice is between planned growth and reckless expansion. A city can build housing, improve transport and create economic opportunities without sacrificing every open space. What it cannot do is continue treating nature as an obstacle to development and expect the urban environment to remain liveable. Srinagar deserves a development model that respects its geography rather than overriding it. Its lakes, wetlands, gardens, trees and open spaces should be regarded as assets that support the economy and public well-being, not as land banks awaiting conversion. A citys strength is not measured only by the number of buildings it adds, but also by the quality of air its residents breathe, the shade available on its streets, the water it can absorb and the spaces where its people can gather freely. The disappearance of green spaces is often gradual, almost invisible in the beginning. One tree is cut, one field is fenced, one wetland is filled, one park is neglected. By the time the cumulative loss becomes obvious, restoration becomes difficult and expensive. Srinagar still has an opportunity to change course. But that opportunity will not remain open indefinitely. Urban green spaces are not empty spaces. They are the citys lungs, memory and protection. To save them is to defend Srinagars future. (The author is a freelance writer and environmental activist)

Statements, overtures & conduct of the 'regime-change gang' expose their own intent

FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS With the onset of the month of October 2026, there was once again a campaign of street protests, unauthorised gatherings disrupting the normal routine of life and social media-based noise trying to hoodwink the opinion of the general masses seen in a few cities and towns of the country. Their main focus was on the capital of the country -New Delhi. Some other cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai were also affected marginally. The main issue this time was the so-called resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, Gaynesh Kumar, for his organisation's nationwide work on Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls (SIR). The primary organisers this time were parties and forums like Congress, AAP and CJP. Having failed to achieve anything tangible in political terms after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the then Minister for HRD, in July 2026, all such elements made it sure that more and more chaos, confusion and an environment of political abuse and hatred against the people in power at the Centre and the institutions established by the Constitution and law are made as the new rules of the game. They do so to create a perpetual atmosphere of violence, law and order and anarchy throughout the length and breadth of the country, irrespective of its negative impact on the economic growth, peace, progress and the status of the country among the comity of nations. And they do it brazenly in the name of 'saving the constitution'. Earlier in the month of June and July this year, their main agenda was the paper-leak, NEET examination reforms and the resignation of the HRD Minister. The way the organisers, and mainly the newly formed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was provided 'accommodation' by the government in regard to the holding of their protest and other allied activities surely gave the organisers a claim of victory. The 20th July unauthorised rally at and outside the Jantar-Mantar, followed by violence and arson in Delhi, brought several facts to light and gave a real and befitting introduction of the organisers -CJP to the public at large. Their real faces were unmasked consequent upon the unfortunate events of 20th July, which in a way dashed their moral standing in the eyes of the countrymen. The CJP, after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, began a campaign of 'school reforms' and started making their trips to various government schools without any proper permission from the authorities. However, they chose to keep their campaign limited to the BJP-NDA-ruled states and didn't venture to go beyond that. Opposition-ruled states were exempted from such atrocious campaigns, which angered the people concerned. Thus, they received a lukewarm response to their campaign, and at several places, the people started to oppose their entry into their villages and surroundings. They received tough opposition even in public parks and grounds in sub-urban areas at several places. It was in the month of September, 2026 that the CJP announced to go for one more protest demonstration on 10 October, 2026 at Jantar-Mantar, New Delhi to press for the resignation of the CEC, Gyanesh Kumar. Now, they converted their movement into a full-fledged politically oriented agitation. Armed and alarmed both by their announcement, the Congress party, which believed that the resignation of the CEC was their exclusive agenda supported by a few other parties, counter-announced their own plan to organise their protests on the same issue. The Congress held its nationwide protests, with a focus in Delhi, to march towards the CEC's office on 25th September 2026 to exert pressure for the resignation of the CEC on their invented flimsy grounds. The Congress agitators faced police barricades at the BJP headquarters and the Nirvachan Sadan in Delhi. In order to build a false narrative on the issue, some other protests by opposition groups and individuals were also organised on 3 and 6 October, 2026, in which the police detained some demonstrators for protesting without permission at Jantar-Mantar. On 6 October, senior leaders of the opposition INDI alliance, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Akhilesh Yadav, staged a march to the Election Commission office and were blocked by police barricades near the Election Commission headquarters. The leaders, without any permission, instead gate-crashed the adjacent Akashwani Bhavan premises and again staged a two-hour sit-in protest there. Several leaders were detained and released later. The government and the administration this time took extra and exclusive measures unlike July 20, 2026 and didn't grant any permission for any sort of assembly at Jantar-Mantar. All precautions were made to maintain public order. Authorities enforced a massive security lockdown in central Delhi to foil any rally planned by the CJP. The CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and other senior organisers of CJP were detained immediately upon landing at the Delhi airport. The other passengers in the flight also rebuked the CJP leaders for their conduct. On the other hand, the police sealed off Jantar Mantar, closed 45 metro stations, cancelled incoming trains, and detained over 2,000 people to prevent any unauthorised assembly in the capital. Though there were some provocations that could escalate the situation and create violence, arson and law-and-order situations bigger than on 20 July, 2026, but the police administration remained alert and vigilant to foil all such designs. This time, only a few hundreds of people gathered on the roads surrounding Jantar-Mantar who were not allowed to enter the debarred venue. Criminals and history-sheeters were also not allowed to enter the crowd of protesters. Then people opposed to such protests and agitations also joined the crowd and raised slogans in favour of the police and the government headed by PM Narendra Modi. The regular media and the social media was also seen divided this time, putting before their respective viewpoints while covering the protests. In nutshell, the protests failed and couldn't achieve anything tangible to show. The top three detained CJP leaders were released by the magistrate only on the production of a peace-bond with the condition that they wouldnt do anything to disturb peace and tranquillity for one year, in addition to surety. In the meantime, the statements, overtures and conduct of the leaders and the prominent activists of all these protests further clarified the intent and the ultimate motives of the organisers of all these protests. While some leaders on the front said that they stand inspired by the Bangladesh events of regime change there and would be thankful to them for showing them the way, others attacked all constitutional institutions and authorities and also talked in terms of revolution, including a bloodbath. People in general ignored the appeals and repeated requests by the organisers from Congress, AAP and CJP to reach Delhi in lakhs to join their planned activities against the CEC and the government. On 12 October 2026, Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of Congress, along with a few thousand of their activists, defied the prohibitory orders and marched towards the Supreme Court of India and tried to make the Apex Court a party to their political agitation. The Supreme Court of India last year upheld the decision of the EC to conduct SIR at the national level and also said they have the constitutional sanction to do their duties. On the issue of fresh requests from the opposition for an intervention, the CJI declined a direct meeting with the political delegation, and instead the court asked them to file their appeal with the Court for hearing. This brazen attempt to involve the Apex Court in such a political event was done for the first time in such a manner. The government on the recommendations of the committee set up earlier to the effect cancelled Jantar-Mantar for any future protests and notified three other venues for any sort of protests including the Ramlila Maidan. It was welcomed by most people as it wouldn't cause inconvenience to the general public in future. On 16 October, 2026, the CJP attempted another march at Connaught Place, New Delhi. The government took the attempt very seriously in view of the importance of Connaught Place being the centre of activity, particularly during the festive season. Security personnel locked down Central Park and enforced Section 163 of the BNSS. CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Neha Bora were taken into preventive custody prior to the event, leading to scattered flop protests and standoffs between the activists and counter-protesters who opposed any such programme in the vicinity. Dipke once again submitted another bond before the magistrate to desist from any activity for one year causing damage to peace and public order. His two other colleagues were put in the police remand for five days for breaking prohibitory orders at Jantar-Mantar by the Special Executive Magistrate. The Congress as a follow-up has asked for permission for a protest rally at Ramlila Maidan from October 25 to November 3, 2026 which the administration in Delhi has granted to them. Some other Andolan-Jeevis have also announced their march scheduled for October 23, 2026. A Sanyukt Kisan Morcha organised Delhi Chalo march is also on cards the same day. For the last 10 years, all these parties, forums and individuals who have been losing the elections consistently and continuously are having only one target in mind. That is to topple a duly elected government at the centre headed by Modi. Their frustration has led them to a situation to speak lies about the SIR conducted by the EC and have further lost their space in the minds of the people. Fake earlier narratives like 'Chowkidar chor hai', 'vote-chori', 'EVM frauds', 'vote chor-gaddi chod' etc have already drawn flak and public has not been convinced with these slogans at all excepting the usual activists of the respective parties. Rahul Gandhi's campaigns, slogans, marches, unauthorised gate-crashings and other such irresponsible behavior in public have also been a cause of bringing further disrepute to the opposition and particularly the Congress. Entry and involvement of foreign elements and funds in such protests and demonstrations against the PM, HM, CEC and the government are an open secret. Rahul Gandhi's pronouncements on different podiums that the real targets are the PM and the HM, and CEC is only a beginning are also stunning. Those who are advocating their cause have also been advocating regime change on the pattern of situations in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and other places where democratically elected governments were thrown through anarchy, violent unrest and foreign intervention. The government and the administration in India seem to have learnt lessons about these anarchists who are hell-bent on trampling the peace and progress of the country. What they are unable to achieve through a democratic process and constitutional means, they want to do it with unfair and unconstitutional ways on the streets and don't feel shy about the way their intent and conduct are causing damage to the country. People have seen through their motives and have also generally kept themselves aloof from such activities and useless agitations. It is time for the Congress, AAP and the INDI-alliance, and also the CJP, to introspect and have a deep evaluation of their flop shows throughout, along with the growing public anger against them. (The author is a senior BJP & KP leader, Human Rights Defender and a columnist and can be reached at: ashwanikc2012@gmail.com )

AIP flags Sopores neglect by ruling govt

Sopore, Oct, 19: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, while addressing a public meeting at Warpora, Sopore, on Monday, expressed concern over the continued neglect of Sopore, stating that despite being part of the ruling dispensation, the area continues to struggle with basic developmental deficiencies. Inam Un Nabi observed that political representation in the government must translate into visible development and tangible improvements in peoples lives.

PDP leaders raise downtown civic issues with CS

Srinagar, Oct 19 : PDP leaders Noor Mohammad Sheikh, former MLA, and Arif Laigroo, former state secretary and constituency in-charge of Habba Kadal, met Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo at the Civil Secretariat here and raised civic issues affecting Shahri-Khaas and adjoining areas, seeking time-bound measures to address public grievances. In a statement, the leaders said they highlighted persistent drainage problems, the deteriorating condition of roads and lanes, and concerns over the proposed pillar-based flyover at Shalteng. They urged the administration to direct the concerned departments to take concrete steps to resolve the issues and provide relief to residents. Laigroo said the people of Shahri-Khaas could not be left to suffer due to inadequate drainage and damaged roads. He urged the Chief Secretary to direct the concerned departments to conduct an on-ground inspection and prepare a time-bound action plan for drainage improvements and road repairs. He stressed the need for accountability, effective implementation and visible results, adding that the genuine grievances of residents must receive priority attention. We will continue to raise these issues with the concerned authorities until meaningful steps are taken to provide relief to the people, Laigroo said. On the proposed Shalteng flyover, Noor Mohammad Sheikh called for a comprehensive review of the pillar-based design before the project proceeds, citing concerns over its potential impact on traffic movement, local connectivity, businesses and residents. He urged the administration to undertake a detailed technical assessment of the proposed design and examine alternative options that could ease traffic congestion without creating additional hardships for the local population. Sheikh also called for meaningful consultation with residents and other stakeholders, emphasising that decisions on major infrastructure projects should take into account the concerns of those directly affected. He said public interest must remain paramount and that the implications of the proposed flyover should be assessed transparently before a final decision is taken. The PDP leaders further urged the administration to address drainage bottlenecks and undertake necessary road repairs in Shahri-Khaas within a clearly defined timeframe. They called for prompt action, better coordination among departments and a responsive approach to local concerns, stressing that residents needed concrete solutions to long-pending civic problems.

Sunil Sharma welcomes 475 crore ITI plan, thanks PM Modi

Jammu, Oct 19: Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Monday welcomed the approval of investment plans worth 475.41 crore under the PM-SETU scheme for upgrading 10 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the Union Territory, saying the initiative would strengthen vocational training and expand employment opportunities for youth. Sharma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary following the approval by the National Steering Committee, describing it as a significant step towards modernising skill development infrastructure and aligning vocational education with industry requirements. Under the approved plan, the Jammu cluster will receive 240 crore, with ITI Jammu designated as the hub institute and ITIs at R.S. Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua functioning as linked institutes. The Srinagar cluster will receive 235.41 crore, with ITI Srinagar serving as the hub institute and ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief functioning as linked institutes. The proposed upgradation will include modern workshops, advanced machinery and equipment, improved instructor training and industry-aligned courses to equip trainees with skills relevant to the changing job market. Welcoming the approval, Sharma said the investment would give a major boost to skill development in Jammu and Kashmir and create new opportunities for young people to become skilled, employable and self-reliant. He said the focus on both Jammu and Srinagar clusters reflected an effort to ensure balanced development across the Union Territory, adding that young people from all regions should have access to quality vocational education and skills that could lead to employment and entrepreneurship. Highlighting the expansion of vocational training infrastructure, Sharma said the number of ITIs in Jammu and Kashmir had increased from 35 in 2014 to 56 at present, while their seating capacity had risen from approximately 3,800 to more than 12,400. He said the next priority should be improving training quality, strengthening industry participation and ensuring that these institutions become effective gateways to employment and economic empowerment. The Leader of the Opposition also thanked Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his continued support and efforts towards strengthening skill development and vocational education in Jammu and Kashmir. At the same time, Sharma urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to ensure the timely release of the Union Territorys matching share, wherever applicable, and complete all necessary administrative and procedural formalities without delay. He stressed that the approval should translate into tangible improvements in training facilities and employment prospects, cautioning that administrative delays must not prevent young people from benefiting from the initiative. Sharma said timely implementation would be essential to establish modern training infrastructure, develop industry-ready skills and create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rana meets Sunjwan land-sinking victims

Jammu,Oct 19: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Monday held a public outreach programme in the Sunjwan-Barmini area of Jammu district to listen to public grievances and assess the difficulties faced by residents, particularly families affected by the land-sinking incident. Accompanied by senior JKNC leaders Abdul Gani Teli, Vijay Lochan, Shamma Akhter and others, the Minister interacted with the affected families, heard their concerns and reviewed the challenges they continue to face following the incident. The land-sinking incident in the Sunjwan area in August 2026 reportedly damaged 15 houses and displaced dozens of families, forcing them to relocate to safer places. The incident severely affected the lives of residents, making continued administrative support and access to essential services imperative. During the interaction, the affected families raised issues concerning basic amenities, drinking water supply, land-related matters and the assistance required at their temporary places of settlement. Taking cognisance of their concerns, Rana reviewed matters pertaining to the Forest Department, particularly those relating to land, and assured the families that their genuine grievances would be examined and addressed through the appropriate authorities. The Minister also took serious note of complaints regarding the irregular supply of drinking water and directed the concerned officers to ensure an adequate, regular and uninterrupted supply of potable water to residents, with particular attention to families displaced by the land-sinking incident. Emphasising the importance of essential services and basic amenities, he instructed the concerned departments to work in close coordination and take prompt action to resolve the issues highlighted during the programme. He stressed that families living in temporary settlements must not be left to face avoidable hardships due to gaps in service delivery. Families affected by the land-sinking incident have endured considerable hardship and uncertainty. It is our responsibility to ensure adequate drinking water, essential services and basic amenities at their temporary places of settlement. All concerned departments must coordinate their efforts, address grievances promptly and extend the necessary assistance to ease their difficulties, the Minister said. Rana further directed the officers to maintain regular coordination, prioritise the issues raised by residents and ensure timely intervention wherever required. He underscored the need for continued engagement with the public to assess ground-level challenges and facilitate effective solutions. The Minister reiterated that the concerns of displaced families, particularly those relating to drinking water, essential facilities and land-related grievances, must receive due attention from the concerned authorities. The public outreach programme was attended by the DFO Social Forestry, officers from Soil Conservation and Urban Forestry, DFO Jammu, Chief Engineer PHE, Chief Engineer Irrigation, the concerned Executive Engineer (XEN), and other officials from the relevant departments.

Winds of change are blowing: Dr Farooq

Srinagar, Oct 19: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday termed the Supreme Courts 2024 verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370 entirely wrong, claiming that the court had described the provision as permanent in two earlier hearings before its abrogation in August 2019. Addressing a party workers convention in Beerwah, he reiterated the NCs commitment to fighting for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs special constitutional status and full statehood. He said that before the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the Supreme Court, in two earlier hearings, had upheld the provisions permanent status and described it as a permanent provision of the Constitution of India. He asserted that the National Conference would continue its struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs constitutional rights and special status. Highlighting the historic contributions of the National Conference, Dr Farooq said that the partys revolutionary and historic initiatives had paved the way for land reforms, enabling poor and marginalised farmers and cultivators to acquire ownership rights over land. He said that it was also due to the National Conference that the light of education reached every household in Jammu and Kashmir, with the literacy rate rising from 6 per cent to nearly 82 per cent today. He added that the partys role in establishing and strengthening fundamental, constitutional and democratic institutions, as well as essential infrastructure, remained unforgettable. Dr Farooq Abdullah said that repeated attempts and conspiracies had been made over the past several decades to weaken the National Conference, but with the unwavering support of the people and the grace of Almighty Allah, the party had overcome every challenge. He asserted that as long as the people stood firmly with the National Conference, no force could undermine its political strength. Targeting the PDP, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the hardships endured by the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the past several years were a consequence of the PDPs actions. He said that the National Conference had announced unconditional support to the PDP in 2014 and warned it against bringing the BJP to Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning that the party would wreak havoc in the region. However, he said, the PDP ignored the warning and pushed the state towards destruction. Had the PDP not brought the BJP to Jammu and Kashmir, Article 370 would not have been abrogated, he added. He described the Supreme Courts 2024 judgment on Article 370 as entirely wrong, arguing that the same court had upheld the provision on two earlier occasions and stated that it had acquired permanent status under the Constitution of India. Almighty Allah is watching everything. We need only to exercise patience and restraint. Oppression may last for a while, but it cannot continue forever. Allah will certainly bring oppression to an end, and injustice will be eradicated, he said. The winds of change have begun to blow, and they are gathering speed. Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were seeking their rightful due. He recalled that promises had been made regarding delimitation, elections and the restoration of statehood following the elections. Where have those promises gone? Why has statehood still not been restored even after two years? he asked. He said that, in January this year, National Conference Members of Parliament had met the Union Home Minister in New Delhi, where the latter had assured them that business rules would be provided immediately to clarify the respective powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government. However, he said, even after ten months, the promised business rules remained nowhere in sight. He said those in power are relying on false promises and deception. Speaking about the current development scenario, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was utilising all available resources to accelerate development across Jammu and Kashmir despite the most challenging circumstances. He said that every possible effort was being made to provide relief to the people. The initiation of several development projects in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Beerwah constituency, reflected a new phase of progress, he added. At the conclusion of the convention, party leaders reiterated their commitment to public service, inclusive development and the protection of Jammu and Kashmirs constitutional rights. They expressed confidence that the National Conference would continue to enjoy the support of the people in the future.

Advisor wani calls for nurturing young golf talent

Srinagar, Oct 19: Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday called for establishing a golf academy at the Kashmir Golf Club to promote the sport among younger generations, providing children with structured training and opportunities to hone their skills. He observed that golf offered considerable scope for competitive participation and professional growth, stressing the need to encourage young talent through organised training facilities. Advisor also felicitated the newly elected members of the Executive Committee of Kashmir Golf Club (KGC), following the conclusion of elections held during the clubs 26th Annual General Meeting at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Shah, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo who is the chairman of the Executive Committee and other club members were present on the occasion. Congratulating the newly elected members, the Advisor described Kashmir Golf Club as a prestigious institution with a distinguished place in the history of golf in the country. He noted that the elections, held after a gap of 14 years, marked an important step towards strengthening the clubs administration and restoring its facilities. Nasir Aslam expressed hope that the newly elected executive body would work collectively to address the clubs shortcomings and ensure its effective functioning. He said the government remained accessible and committed to supporting the upgradation of the historic institution. The Advisor also announced that funds amounting to 2 crore have been earmarked for rebuilding the clubhouse. He expressed hope that the work would be started immediately, adding that other requirements of the club would also be addressed. He said efforts would be made to restore and upgrade the clubs facilities, including its fairways, greens and restaurant, while improving its overall infrastructure and administration. The Advisor expressed confidence that the newly elected executive body would play a constructive role in revitalising Kashmir Golf Club and strengthening its legacy as one of the countrys historic golfing institutions.

Newlywed dies in Kupwara road accident

Kupwara, Oct 19: A marriage that began just four weeks ago has ended in a heartbreaking tragedy, as a 25-year-old youth from Lolab died after his motorcycle collided with a car in Kupwara district on Monday. The deceased, Aijaz Ahmad Khan, son of Dilawar Khan and a resident of Potushai, Lolab, was riding his motorcycle when the accident took place at Frastop, Potushai, officials said. According to an official, Khan was shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara for treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family and loved ones devastated. Locals said Khan had married on September 21, barely four weeks before the fatal accident. His sudden death has plunged his family and relatives into deep grief, with the loss made even more painful by the fact that he had only recently begun a new chapter of his life. The news has sent shockwaves through the area, as family members and relatives struggle to come to terms with the untimely loss of the young man. Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident, registered a case under relevant sections of law, and initiated further investigation.

JKERA told to explore new funding sources

Srinagar, Oct 19: Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, Dr Owais Ahmad, on Monday directed the J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (JKERA) to prepare a sustainable, Union Territory-wide infrastructure roadmap with a pipeline of innovative, fund-ready projects and proactively explore funding through Central schemes and other agencies to accelerate development across Jammu and Kashmir. Chairing a meeting to review the agencys overall functioning, Dr Owais stressed the need to identify viable projects and mobilise additional resources to strengthen infrastructure development across key sectors in the Union Territory. Chief Executive Officer JKERA Akriti Sagar informed that since its creation in 2004 the J&KERA has played a pivotal role in up gradation of basic infrastructure in the Union Territory of J&K. She apprised that the agency has successfully implemented three major Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) across Jammu and Kashmir. These included the Multisector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation in J&K (MPIR) and the Jammu and Kashmir Urban Sector Development Investment Programme (JKUSDIP), both funded by the Asian Development Bank, besides the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP). She added that major areas of intervention by J&KERA included basic infrastructure and critical infrastructure in health, education, livelihood and strengthening of disaster management. These included construction of state-of-the-art infrastructure in urban transportation - flyovers and grade separators, mega storm water drainage projects, construction of rural roads and bridges, buildings in health, higher education and school education sectors, livelihood initiatives, disaster management and urban reforms like water metering and capacity building of urban local bodies. The Secretary was apprised that JKERA pioneered advanced technologies including seismic-proof structures, rigid concrete pavements, BaLA-designed schools, certified Green buildings, pneumatic tube systems, arch bridges, gaseous chlorination, trenchless drainage and restoration using devar stone and dhajji-dewari designs. Under the World Bank-funded JTFRP, the agency has completed 225 sub-projects covering major roads, bridges, health and education infrastructure, oxygen plants in remote areas, medical equipment, ambulances, modern fire tenders, rescue gear and IT systems for disaster management including DSS, IOFS and disaster risk database besides flood mitigation studies for Jhelum and Tawi basins.

Attacks on JK buses in neighbouring states can worsen situation

Srinagar, Oct 19: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the attacks on Jammu and Kashmir-registered buses in the neighbouring states can worsen the situation and should be stopped immediately. Regarding the attack carried out on buses in Haryana, Omar (Abdullah) sahib has told the Chief Minister of Haryana that immediate action should be []

Nearly 97,000 appear in Class 10 JKBOSE exams

Srinagar, Oct 19: With the commencement of annual regular Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) exams, nearly 97,000 students appeared for the Class 10th exams on Monday. The officials said that the exam was held in 1,003 centres across Kashmir and a few districts of winter-zone areas of Jammu division. JKBOSE has said []

Cyber slavery emerging threat, says IGP Crime

Anti-trafficking conference in Sgr calls for better coordination, cyber capacity Srinagar, Oct 19: Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir on Monday convened a Union Territory-level conference on Anti-Human Trafficking at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, with IGP Crime Sarah Rizvi directing a comprehensive, coordinated and victim-centric response to trafficking and flagging cyber-enabled exploitation and cyber slavery as emerging []

Strengthen peripheral hospitals to reduce trauma deaths, doctors urge

Say timely intervention during golden hour often determines survival Call for trained staff, efficient referral systems to reduce preventable deaths Srinagar, Oct 19: Strengthening emergency medical services and upgrading trauma care facilities at district and sub-district hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir could significantly reduce preventable deaths and disabilities, medical experts have said, stressing that timely []

Late-evening flights may return to Sgr as airport hours expand

Srinagar, Oct 19: Srinagar International Airport has withdrawn restrictions limiting operations to 8 am to 5 pm, paving the way for flights beyond 5 pm, subject to operational requirements, ahead of the winter schedule beginning October 25. An official said that the restrictions on airport operational hours have been withdrawn, allowing flight operations to be []

CM, LG extend greetings on Maha Navami, Dussehra

Srinagar, Oct 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have extended greetings and best wishes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasions of Maha Navami and Vijayadashmi, celebrated as Dussehra and Durga Puja in various parts of the country. The Chief Minister said the festivals embody the timeless values []

Northern Army commander reviews security in north Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 19: Armys Northern Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Monday visited forward areas in north Kashmir to review the operational preparedness of the units deployed there. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC, on his visit to North #Kashmir, reviewed the operational preparedness of units deployed in forward areas, the Armys Northern Command posted on []

Experts discuss ways to combat human trafficking

Srinagar, Oct 19: Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir on Monday organised a Union Territory-level conference on Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, to strengthen institutional mechanisms to combat human trafficking, improve coordination among enforcement agencies and promote a victim-centric approach to investigation, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration. As per a statement, the event was organised on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Police Headquarters, J&K, the one-day conference brought together police officers, judicial representatives, government departments, social welfare officials, civil society organisations and students to deliberate on emerging challenges and effective strategies for preventing and investigating human trafficking. The conference was inaugurated by Inspector General of Police, Crime J&K, Sarah Rizvi, IPS, while Sheikh Junaid Mehmood, IPS, Chief Executive Officer of JK4C, attended as the Guest of Honour. The event was attended by the DIG-P and all Senior Superintendents of Police (SSsP) of Crime Branch J&K, members of the judiciary, officials of the Social Welfare Department, including Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), police nodal officers of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across Jammu and Kashmir, and students from different schools and colleges. Addressing the gathering, IGP Crime J&K Sarah Rizvi underscored the need for a comprehensive, coordinated and victim-centric response to human trafficking, emphasising that the effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts must be assessed not merely by the number of victims rescued or cases registered, but also by the safety, dignity, access to justice, rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration ensured for survivors. She stressed that protecting victims and addressing their long-term needs must remain central to anti-trafficking interventions. She also drew attention to emerging forms of exploitation, particularly cyber-enabled trafficking and cyber slavery, and highlighted the need to strengthen institutional capacities to respond to the increasingly complex nature of such offences. The technical sessions featured expert resource persons who shared insights into the legal framework governing human trafficking, evolving patterns of exploitation, investigative challenges, judicial intervention and mechanisms for victim identification, protection and rehabilitation. Dr. Aneeda Jan, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Kashmir, delivered a session titled Human Trafficking: Legal Framework, Emerging Trends and Challenges. She discussed relevant legal provisions, emerging patterns of exploitation and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in detecting, investigating and prosecuting trafficking offences. Her presentation highlighted the importance of legal awareness, effective investigation and an understanding of changing trafficking methods to strengthen the response of enforcement agencies and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Dr. Savita Nayar, Professor at Jammu University, spoke on SOP on Missing Persons and Criminal Law and Judicial Intervention with Regard to Human Trafficking in India. Her session focused on the importance of prompt and systematic action in missing-person cases, effective coordination among investigating agencies and the role of criminal law and judicial intervention in protecting victims and securing justice. The discussion highlighted the need for timely follow-up in missing-person cases and coordinated action by relevant authorities to identify potential trafficking situations and prevent further exploitation. Dr. Farooq Ahmad Khan, Programme Manager, Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Social Welfare Department, delivered a session on Victim-Centric Approach: Identification, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration. Addressing another emerging dimension of the problem, Kamal Pal Singh Malhotra, IPS, SSP JK4C, spoke on Cyber Slavery, drawing attention to the growing role of digital platforms and technology-enabled exploitation in trafficking-related offences. He highlighted the need to strengthen cyber investigation capabilities, improve digital evidence collection and promote closer coordination among agencies to detect and investigate offences involving online recruitment, exploitation and other technology.

3.81 lakh pilgrims pay obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi on Navratri

Jammu Tawi, Oct 19: The ongoing Navratri festival witnessed a heavy rush at the Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine in Reasi district, with over 3.81 lakh pilgrims having visited the temple since Oct 11, officials said on Monday. The footfall is likely to increase further on Dussehra. The pilgrimage has been witnessing a steady flow of devotees [] The post 3.81 lakh pilgrims pay obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi on Navratri appeared first on Northlines .

Rlys offers 50 pc discount on return trips for advance parcel bookings

Jammu Tawi, Oct 19 : The Railway Board has introduced a concessional freight scheme offering a 50 per cent discount on return trips booked in advance on Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS) trains to reduce transportation costs for traders and logistics operators, an official spokesperson said. Under the scheme, traders booking parcel coaches for [] The post Rlys offers 50 pc discount on return trips for advance parcel bookings appeared first on Northlines .

Jammu Railway div to get new integrated control office

Jammu Tawi, Oct 19: Jammu Railway Division is set to enhance operational coordination and efficiency with the construction of a new Integrated Control Office (ICO) here, which will bring the control units of all departments under one roof, an official said. The foundation stone for the ICO was laid by Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu Vivek [] The post Jammu Railway div to get new integrated control office appeared first on Northlines .

Centre seeks Rs 4.12 Cr refund from J

Grant released in 2005, last deadline extended in 2022 Srinagar, Oct 19: In a major embarrassment for the Jammu & Kashmir Government, the Government of India has sought Rs 4.12 crore from it after successive regimes in the erstwhile state failed to execute a dream project for apple growers. The Agricultural and Processed Food [] The post Centre seeks Rs 4.12 Cr refund from J&K Govt over 20-yr delay in Apple Infrastructure Project appeared first on Northlines .

97,500 appear in Class-10 JKBOSE exams

Srinagar, Oct 19: With the commencement of annual regular Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) exams, nearly 97,000 students appeared for the Class 10th exams on Monday. The officials said that the exam was held in 1,003 centres across Kashmir and a few districts of winter-zone areas of Jammu division. JKBOSE has said [] The post 97,500 appear in Class-10 JKBOSE exams appeared first on Northlines .

Cyber slavery adds dangerous dimension to human trafficking: DIG-CB

Srinagar, Oct 19: Fraudulent overseas job offers are increasingly being used to lure vulnerable people into human trafficking networks, with victims allegedly routed through multiple countries, stripped of legal protections and forced into exploitative situations, DIG Crime Branch Abdul Qayoom said on Monday. Expressing deep concern over the growing menace, Qayoom, speaking to reporters here [] The post Cyber slavery adds dangerous dimension to human trafficking: DIG-CB appeared first on Northlines .

OIC has no locus standi to comment on India

Pak using platform to push its agenda; J&K, Ladakh integral parts of India New Delhi, Oct 19: Accusing Pakistan of using Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to advance its political agenda and divert international attention from its own internal issues, India on Monday rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in resolutions adopted at an OIC [] The post OIC has no locus standi to comment on Indias internal affairs: MEA appeared first on Northlines .

Missing Kokernag labourer found dead in Ludhiana, family demands investigation

Srinagar, Oct 19: Grief and anger gripped Darpora village of Hallpora in Kokernag area on Monday after the body of a 28-year-old labourer, Aijaz Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Majeed Dar, who had been missing for weeks, was brought home from Punjab. According to the details, soon after the body arrived family members of Dar [] The post Missing Kokernag labourer found dead in Ludhiana, family demands investigation appeared first on Northlines .

Srinagar Airport lifts operational curbs

Srinagar, Oct 19: Srinagar International Airport has withdrawn restrictions limiting operations to 8 am to 5 pm, paving the way for flights beyond 5 pm, subject to operational requirements, ahead of the winter schedule beginning October 25. An official at Srinagar International Airport said that the restrictions on airport operational hours have been withdrawn, allowing [] The post Srinagar Airport lifts operational curbs appeared first on Northlines .

SHOCKER! Mother jumps from window after finding young son hanging

Jammu Tawi, Oct 19: A 45-year-old woman was injured after jumping from a window upon seeing her son hanging at their home in the Mahore area of Reasi district on Monday, officials said. An official said that a heart-wrenching incident occurred in Baggodas village of Mahore tehsil, where a young boy was found hanging at [] The post SHOCKER! Mother jumps from window after finding young son hanging appeared first on Northlines .

France Imposes Overnight Curfews in Four Northern Communes After Protest Violence

SRINAGAR: French authorities will impose overnight curfews in four northern communes for two nights following violence and looting during nationwide protests against rising living costs and fuel prices, public broadcaster Franceinfo reported on Monday. The curfews will be enforced from 8 pm to 6 am local time in Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain, with the []

Jammu Kashmir Govt Posts JKAS Officer as Deputy Commissioner Relief Organisation

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has posted JKAS officer Parvinder Kour as Deputy Commissioner, Relief Organisation (Migrants), Jammu, against an available vacancy. According to a government order, Kour was previously serving as Registrar, District Doda, with the additional charge of General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Doda. The order formalises her posting to the []

Vandemataram

By Rajesh Pathak Being powerful enough to overpower injustice is true worship of the mother goddess If we take a look into an aspect of mother cow, then the calf when sucks her milk , it keeps tending it in sheer love, withdrawing herself from everywhere. But now just imagine that at the same [] The post Vandemataram appeared first on Northlines .

Slaying inner Mahishasura, Burning inner Ravana: Spiritual imperative of Festive Trilogy

Prof. Dr. Jayadeba Sahoo Reimagining Navadurga & Dussehera for a Peaceful, Inclusive and Sustainable World Ya Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu Shakti-Rupena Samsthita, Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai NamasTasyai Namo Namah. Salutations again and again to the Goddess who abides in all beings in the form of power. This timeless invocation invocation invites humanity to recognise the sacred potential of [] The post Slaying inner Mahishasura, Burning inner Ravana: Spiritual imperative of Festive Trilogy Navaratri, Durga Puja & Dussehra appeared first on Northlines .

IDBI Bank -Fairfax deal has some lessons for the Govt

Privatisation is not withdrawal of State from Economy, it is redeployment for better use By Dr. Nilanjan Banik The Union Cabinets approval, on 14 October 2026, to sell the governments and LICs combined 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank to a Fairfax Financial Holdings subsidiary for about 52,878 crore is more than another entry [] The post IDBI Bank -Fairfax deal has some lessons for the Govts Disinvestment strategy appeared first on Northlines .

Kashmiri Folk Theatre Artist Rayees Wathori Receives National Award

SRINAGAR: Kashmiri folk theatre artist Ravice Rashid, popularly known as Rayees Wathori, has received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 in the folk theatre category for his contribution to Bhand Pather, the traditional folk theatre form of Jammu and Kashmir. Wathori received the award in New Delhi from Union Minister for Culture and Tourism []

Police Arrest Five Alleged Drug Peddlers Across Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested five alleged drug peddlers in Awantipora and Anantnag and seized charas and other suspected narcotic substances in separate operations, police said on Monday. According to a police statement, a team from Police Post Toll Plaza intercepted a suspicious person at K Koot Crossing in Awantipora during a checkpoint []

Jammu Kashmir Faces Rs 4.16 Crore Refund Demand Over Unbuilt Apple Infrastructure Project

SRINAGAR: The Government of India has sought Rs 4.12 crore from the Jammu and Kashmir Government after a project to establish modern facilities for grading, packing and storing apples failed to materialise despite repeated deadline extensions over nearly two decades. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), functioning under the Union Ministry []

Shastra Pujan on Vijaydashmi: Symbolism of Strength, Self-discipline and Social Responsibility

Prof. Parshant Bakshi Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of Indias most significant festivals, symbolising the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness, truth over falsehood and courage over injustice. On this auspicious occasion, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) traditionally observes its annual Vijayadashami programme, which may include Shastra Pujan- the ceremonial worship of weapons. For [] The post Shastra Pujan on Vijaydashmi: Symbolism of Strength, Self-discipline and Social Responsibility appeared first on Northlines .

25-Year-Old Motorcyclist Dies in Road Accident in North Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A 25-year-old motorcyclist died after his motorcycle collided with a car at Frastop in Potushai, in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, on Monday, reports said. The deceased was identified as Aijaz Ahmad Khan, a resident of Potushai in the Lolab area. According to reports, Khan was riding a motorcycle when it collided with a Swift []

Nine UBGL Grenades Among Arms, Ammunition Recovered from Rajouri Cave

SRINAGAR: Security forces on Monday recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including nine under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL) grenades, from a cave in a forest area of Rajouri district, sources said. Sources said that the recovery was made during a search operation in the Chor Hill-Panch Gabbar area of Koteranka tehsil. During the operation, troops []

Jammu Kashmir Govt Appoints Lecturers in School Education Department, Sets 21-Day Joining Deadline

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has appointed 30 lecturers in Environmental Science in the School Education Department, with the selected candidates to receive salaries under Pay Level 9, ranging from Rs 52,700 to Rs 1,66,700. The appointments were approved through Government Order No. 446-JK(Edu) of 2026, dated October 19, on the recommendations of the []

Jammu Kashmir Intern Doctors Warn of Further Protests Over Pending Stipend Revision

SRINAGAR: Intern doctors in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday warned of further protests over the delay in issuing a revised stipend order, alleging that the government had failed to honour its assurance on the matter. A delegation of MBBS and BDS interns visited the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to meet officials and seek an update []

Rajnath Singh arrives in Tajikistan for SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting

Dushanbe [Tajikistan], October 19 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in the Tajik capital to represent India at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), scheduled for October 19-20. Upon landing at the airport, Singh was accorded a ceremonial welcome and received by his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Sobirzoda, alongside Sherali Jonon, Head of the Asia Pacific Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan. In a post on X, Singh stated, Leaving New Delhi for Dushanbe. Looking forward to representing India at the SCO Heads of Government (HoG) meeting in Tajikistan on 19-20 October 2026. According to the Ministry of Defence, the gathering will focus on strengthening collaboration in culture, connectivity, economy, innovation, investment and people-to-people ties, alongside reviewing progress in the bloc's financial and institutional functioning. Highlighting New Delhi's active engagement across various mechanisms, the release noted India's ongoing contributions through initiatives in start-ups, digital public infrastructure and cultural exchanges, offering an avenue to advance practical, mutually beneficial cooperation among member states. The summit follows the previous Council of Heads of Government meeting held in Moscow on November 18, 2025, where India was represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Looking ahead, Pakistan, scheduled to host the SCO Summit in 2027, indicated through Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during a weekly briefing that it is obligated to invite all member states, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Spanning nearly 36 million square kilometres, the SCO comprises ten member states: Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, home to more than 3.4 billion people. Collectively representing around 25 per cent of global GDP and over 15 per cent of world trade, the bloc fosters long-term good neighbourliness and cooperation under international law. The organisation also includes two observer states, Afghanistan and Mongolia, and 15 dialogue partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, Kuwait, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. (ANI)

Crime Branch J&K Organises UT-Level Conference on Anti-Human Trafficking at Tagore Hall, Srinagar

Srinagar , October 19 : On the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Police Headquarters, Jammu & Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K organised a one-day Union Territory-level conference on Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) at Tagore Hall, Srinagar today, with the objective of strengthening the institutional response to human trafficking, enhancing inter-agency coordination and promoting a victim-centric approach to investigation, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration. The conference was inaugurated by Ms. Sarah Rizvi-IPS, IGP Crime J&K, with Sh. Sheikh Junaid Mehmood-IPS, CEO-JK4C, as the Guest of Honour. The conference witnessed participation of DIG-P and all SSsP of Crime Branch J&K, members of JK Judiciary and Social Welfare Department, including Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Police nodal officers of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across J&K, Gazetted Officers from Crime Branch, officers from para military forces , representatives of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and students from women college, MA Road, Women College Nawakadal and Police Public School Bemina. In her keynote address, IGP Crime J&K Sarah Rizvi-IPS, underscored the need for a comprehensive, coordinated and victim-centric response to human trafficking. She emphasised that the effectiveness of anti-trafficking interventions must be measured not merely by the rescue of victims or registration of cases, but also by their safety, dignity, access to justice, rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration into society. She also highlighted emerging challenges, particularly cyber-enabled exploitation and cyber slavery, and stressed the importance of strengthening institutional capacities to address the evolving nature of this heinous crime. The technical sessions featured expert resource persons who delivered valuable presentations on key aspects of human trafficking, its legal framework and emerging trends, investigative challenges, victim protection and rehabilitation. Dr. Aneeda Jan, Assistant Professor (Law), University of Kashmir, who delivered a session on Human Trafficking: Legal Framework, Emerging Trends and Challenges, highlighting the relevant legal provisions, evolving patterns of exploitation and the challenges confronting law enforcement agencies in detecting and investigating trafficking offences. Dr. Savita Nayar, Professor Jammu University, spoke on SOP on Missing Persons and Criminal Law and Judicial Intervention with Regard to Human Trafficking in India. Her session highlighted the importance of prompt and systematic action in missing-person cases, effective coordination between investigating agencies and the role of criminal law and judicial intervention in securing justice for victims. Dr. Farooq Ahmad Khan, Programme Manager, Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Social Welfare Department, delivered a session on Victim-Centric Approach: Identification, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration. He emphasised the need for sensitive identification of victims, coordinated rescue efforts, appropriate care and protection, psychosocial support and sustained rehabilitation to facilitate their safe and dignified reintegration into society. Sh. Kamal Pal Singh Malhotra-IPS, SSP JK4C, addressed the emerging challenge of Cyber Slavery drawing attention to the growing role of digital platforms and technology-enabled exploitation in trafficking-related offences and the need to strengthen cyber capabilities, digital investigation and inter-agency cooperation. The conference provided a valuable platform for police officers, members of judiciary, government departments, civil society organisations and students to exchange experiences, share professional insights and deliberate on practical measures to strengthen the prevention, detection and investigation of human trafficking cases. The discussions reinforced the importance of timely investigation, effective coordination among Anti-Human Trafficking Units and other stakeholders, protection of victims rights, and sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies, government institutions and civil society. Crime Branch J&K reiterates its commitment to strengthening the institutional response against human trafficking through professional capacity-building, improved inter-agency coordination, technology-enabled investigation and a humane, victim-centric approach, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that traffickers are brought to justice and victims receive the protection, care and support they deserve.

Srinagar Airport lifts flight-hour curbs ahead of winter schedule

Srinagar: Srinagar International Airport has withdrawn restrictions limiting operations to 8 am to 5 pm, allowing flights beyond 5 pm subject to operational requirements, an official said on Monday. An official from Srinagar International Airport said that the restrictions have been withdrawn ahead of the winter schedule, which will come into effect on October 25. []

AIMSA, MBBS-BDS Interns to Hold Candle Marches Across GMCs in J&K Over Delayed Stipend Hike

Srinagar, October 19 : The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) and MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir have announced candle marches tonight at all Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and SKIMS Bemina over the continued delay in the long-pending stipend hike. The decision follows the alleged failure of the government to honour its written assurance and repeated commitments despite the expiry of the promised timelines. AIMSA Intern representatives Dr Shahnawaz, Dr Mohammad Tasadduk Kawser, Dr Danish Ali, Dr Faisal Ashraf, Dr Aakib Javaid, Dr Runga Zamin Javaid, Dr Ahmad Faraz, Dr Milad met the Director General, Finance (Budget), Mohd Sultan Malik, and the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Health and Medical Education Minister at the Civil Secretariat today. They expressed frustration over contradictory statements regarding the status of the file, continued procedural delays and the absence of a formal government order. Representatives also raised concerns over the alleged discourteous treatment and reported warnings against those pursuing the demand. AIMSA State President, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan criticised the continued delay, stating that interns cannot be made to wait indefinitely after receiving written assurances. He said interns are doctors contributing directly to patient care and deserve a fair stipend and respect for their professional dignity. Further peaceful protests would be a consequence of continued administrative inaction, reiterating their demand, Intern Doctors said.No More False Assurances. Honour the Written Commitment. Issue the Stipend Enhancement Order Now.

Lolab youth dies as motorcycle collides with car in Kupwara

Kupwara, Oct 19 : A 25-year-old motorcyclist died after his motorcycle collided with a car in the Lolab area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Monday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the accident occurred at Frastop, Potushai, Kupwara, when the motorcycle rider collided with a Swift car. He said the rider was shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The deceased has been identified as Aijaz Ahmad Khan (25), son of Dilawar Khan, a resident of Potushai, Lolab. Meanwhile, cognisance of the incident has been taken and an investigation is ongoing.(KNO)

PDP president asks Amit Shah for dedicated funding to support UT

SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for dedicated funding for Prasar Bharti Jammu and Kashmir and special schemes under the Culture Ministry to support the creative fraternity in the Union Territory. In a letter to Shah earlier this month, Mehbooba said artists, musicians, writers, theatre practitioners, and filmmakers are []

Jammu Kashmir: ACB Files Charge Sheet Against Postal Assistant in Rs 6,500 Bribery Case

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a charge sheet against a postal assistant accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 6,500 for facilitating the release of a subsidy under the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). The charge sheet against Mudasir Ahmad Najar, posted at the Sub Post Office []

Over 97,500 Students Appear in JKBOSE Class 10th Exams, 1,003 Centres Set Up

Srinagar, Oct 19 : More than 97,500 students are appearing for the Class 10 annual examinations across Jammu and Kashmir, with around 1,003 examination centres established across the Union Territory, JKBOSE Secretary Sheikh Ghulam Hassan said on Monday. The examination centres have been set up across the 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley, seven districts of the Jammu division, and the twin districts of Leh and Kargil, JKBOSE Secretary said. He said students were appearing for the examinations in a positive atmosphere and expressed hope that they would perform well. JKBOSE secretary Hassan said the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) had made special arrangements for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), including a dedicated examination centre at the board office. Such candidates are provided a relaxation of five marks in the passing criteria, 20 minutes of additional time and scribes, depending on the nature of their disabilities, he said. The secretary said the board was committed to ensuring that students with special needs could pursue their academic goals without facing unnecessary difficulties. He said decisions regarding examination arrangements and reforms were taken collectively after consultations with officers, joint secretaries and deputy secretaries to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations. Our effort is to ensure that stakeholders, especially students, do not face any problems and can continue their academic journey, Hassan said. The Class 10 annual examinations are being conducted across Jammu and Kashmir amid arrangements aimed at ensuring their smooth and hassle-free conduct, he added. (KNS)

Kashmir-Bound Bus Targeted with Stone in Punjab, Police Launch Probe

SRINAGAR: Punjab Police have launched an investigation after a stone was allegedly thrown at a Srinagar-bound passenger bus near Doraha in Ludhiana district late Sunday night, cracking a window on the passenger side. Khanna SP (D) Rakesh Yadav said police received information about the incident through the 112 helpline at around 11 pm to 11.30 []

Farooq Abdullah Says Jammu Kashmir Cabinet Expansion Likely After LG

SRINAGAR:Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the expansion of the Council of Ministers was expected after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returns to the Valley. Speaking to reporters in Budgam district of central Kashmir, Abdullah said the Lieutenant Governor was currently in New Delhi and the expansion was expected following his []

AISA President Neha Bora moves Delhi High Court against Rs 10,000 Peace Bond notice, seeks protection from coercive action

New Delhi , Oct 19 : All India Students Association (AISA) president Neha Bora has moved the Delhi High Court, challenging a notice issued by a Special Executive Magistrate directing her to show cause why she should not execute a personal bond of Rs 10,000 with one surety to maintain peace during an inquiry. In her petition, Bora has sought quashing of the October 17 notice issued under Sections 126 and 130 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, along with all proceedings arising from it. She has also sought directions to the authorities not to take any coercive action against her pursuant to the notice. The petition states that Bora was called upon to appear before the Special Executive Magistrate on October 19 and explain why she should not be required to furnish the bond under Section 135(3) of the BNSS. Challenging the notice, Bora has alleged that it does not disclose any material to substantiate the apprehension of a breach of peace and fails to specify the period, occasion or event in relation to which such a breach is anticipated. According to the petition, the notice cites sloganeering at Mandi House on October 16, repeated protests around Jantar Mantar despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, and an allegation that Bora instigated people to participate in a demonstration at Connaught Place on the same day. Bora has disputed the allegation concerning the Connaught Place demonstration, contending that her call was for a peaceful gathering at Mandi House at 5 pm on October 16. She has submitted that she was detained from Mandi House and that the gathering she had called for was different from the demonstration referred to in the notice. The petition further contends that the authorities have not supplied the underlying order and material relied upon to initiate the proceedings, thereby preventing her from effectively responding to the allegations. It also questions the reliance on prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, arguing that the notice does not identify the specific order or incident allegedly violated. The plea states that an order dated August 23, issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sub-Division Parliament Street, did not cover Mandi House and exempted Jantar Mantar Road. The August 23 order prohibited meetings, slogans, speeches and assemblies of five or more people across the sub-division for 60 days, until October 21, subject to the specified exemption. Bora has argued that preventive proceedings cannot be initiated merely on the basis of participation in or a call for a peaceful protest, and that the authorities must demonstrate a proximate likelihood of a breach of peace. The petition alleges that the notice is vague, rests on incorrect factual assertions and amounts to an arbitrary exercise of preventive powers. The plea also invokes the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly and personal liberty under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. According to the petition, Bora was detained at Mandi House at around 5.30 pm on October 16, taken to an undisclosed location and subsequently to RK Puram police station, where she was held overnight. She was released at around 6 am on October 17. The notice issued by the Special Executive Magistrate followed the detention and required her to appear on October 19. Bora has contended that failure to grant relief would expose her to the possibility of being directed to execute the bond, with the prospect of detention in the event of non-compliance. The petition comes in the backdrop of the proposed Lehra Do Tiranga march and demonstrations, scheduled for October 16, concerning the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Protesters had also sought accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)'s Abhijeet Dipke was also detained ahead of the proposed march. According to the earlier account of the police action, proceedings under Sections 126 and 170 of the BNSS were initiated against him, and he was released after appearing before a Special Executive Magistrate and executing a peace bond. The present petition seeks quashing of the notice dated October 17 and protection against coercive action arising from the proceedings. The matter concerns the legality of the preventive action initiated against Bora following the events of October 16.

Over 97,000 Students Appear in JKBOSE Class 10 Exams Across 1,003 Centres

SRINAGAR: More than 97,000 students appeared in the annual regular Class 10 examinations conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Monday, with examinations held at 1,003 centres across the Kashmir Valley and the winter-zone areas of Jammu division. According to JKBOSE officials, 72,232 students are registered in Kashmir division and []

Cabinet expansion to take place after LG

BUDGAM Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers would take place after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returns to the Valley. Speaking to reporters in Budgam, Dr Farooq said the Cabinet expansion would take place after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha []

Cabinet expansion to take place after LGs return: Farooq Abdullah

Budgam, Oct 19 : Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers would take place after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returns to the Valley. Speaking to reporters in Budgam, Dr Farooq, as per the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Cabinet expansion would take place after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returns to Valley as was not present. He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also called for strict action to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and sought compensation for the damage caused in the attack. Certain miscreants were attempting to disturb peace and create turmoil in the country and the matter required immediate attention from the authorities, he said. Dr Farooq also said CM Omar had also urged the Central Government to take cognisance of the incident, warning that the situation could deteriorate if such incidents were not addressed promptly.(KNO)

Big Decision by JKBOSE for Class 10 Students! Extra Time & 5 Marks Concession Announced

Jammu Kashmir: Woman Jumps from Window After Finding Her Son Hanging at Home

SRINAGAR: A 45-year-old woman was injured after jumping from a window upon seeing her son hanging at their home in the Mahore area of Jammu Kashmirs Reasi district on Monday, officials said. An official said that a heart-wrenching incident occurred in Baggodas village of Mahore tehsil, where a young boy was found hanging at his []

Gold Prices Rise Amid Strong Market Demand

SRINAGAR: Gold futures prices rose by Rs 436 to Rs 1,48,354 per 10 grams on Monday, supported by fresh positions taken by traders amid firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), the gold contract for December delivery gained Rs 436, or 0.29 per cent, to trade at Rs 1,48,354 per 10 grams. The []

Short: Ladakh Pashmina shines at Lakm fashion week

Briefing October 18-24, 2026

BEMINA A Srinagar court has convicted a man, his mother and his brother of murdering his wife, Tasleema, by smothering her at their Bemina home in June 2022. Additional Sessions Judge Farooq Ahmad Bhat acquitted the two sisters-in-law, giving them the benefit of doubt. The court relied on medical evidence establishing homicidal smothering and circumstantial []

Short: 70th National School Games Wushu Cship concludes; J&Ks Moomin Ali clinches gold

Mehbooba Mufti Seeks HM Amit Shah

SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has sought Union Home Minister Amit Shahs intervention to strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs cultural sector, calling for dedicated funding for local programming on Doordarshan and Akashvani and sustained support for artists and other cultural practitioners. In a letter to Shah, Mehbooba urged the authorities to ensure regular production and broadcast []

Paddar Study Finds 75 Medicinal Plants, Warns of Declining Knowledge

Survey of 750 people across six villages in Kishtwar finds pressure on high-value Himalayan plants from climate change, deforestation and overharvesting; researchers call for community-led conservation that protects local livelihoods SRINAGAR: A study of traditional ecological knowledge in Paddar Valley has documented 75 plant species used by local communities, principally for medicine but also for []

Mother jumps from window after finding young son hanging at home in Reasi

Reasi: A 45-year-old woman was injured after jumping from a window upon seeing her son hanging at their home in the Mahore area of Jammus Reasi district on Monday, officials said. An official said that a heart-wrenching incident occurred in Baggodas village of Mahore tehsil, where a young boy was found hanging at his home []

Ladakh Showcases Pashmina Heritage at Lakm

New Delhi, October 19: The Union Territory of Ladakh showcased its rich textile heritage and contemporary creative identity at Lakm Fashion Week x Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) 2026 through a special presentation titled The Fifth Season: A Fashion Story from Ladakh at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi, on the concluding day of the [] The post Ladakh Showcases Pashmina Heritage at Lakm Fashion Week 2026 Through The Fifth Season appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Missing Kokernag labourers body returns home, family alleges murder

Anantnag, Oct 19: Grief and anger erupted in south Kashmirs Kokernag on Monday as family members and locals staged a protest after the body of a 28-year-old labourer, who had been missing for weeks, reached his native village from Punjab. The grieving family members and locals blocked the road, wailed and beat their chests while demanding justice. The grieving family told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that Dar had initially travelled to Srinagar for work before leaving for Ludhiana in Punjab in search of employment. We remained in regular telephone contact with him for about a week, after which his phone was switched off and he could no longer be reached, said a family member. He said that on October 17, the family and locals staged a protest in Hallpora, expressing concern over Dars disappearance and seeking urgent efforts to trace him. On Monday morning, after his body reached the village, family members and locals staged another protest outside Police Station Kokernag, alleging that Dar had been murdered and demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. A police officer told KNO that a missing report was lodged on September 26 regarding Aijaz Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Majeed Dar, a resident of Darpora, Hallpora, Gadool in Kokernag. He said police had assured the protesters that the case would be investigated fairly and taken to its logical conclusion. The protesters dispersed following the assurance.(KNO)

Two-Day Youth Engagement Programme on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Held at University of Delhi

New Delhi, October 19, 2026: The Department of Social & Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Ladakh Students Welfare Society, Delhi (LSWSD), and the All Kargil Student Association, Delhi (AKSAD), organised a two-day Interactive Youth Engagement Programme on Substance Abuse and Mental Health under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) on October 17 [] The post Two-Day Youth Engagement Programme on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Held at University of Delhi appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Div Com Jammu flags off Jammu

JAMMU, OCTOBER 19: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Vikas Kundal, today flagged off the JammuBasohli Bike Ride from Tawi River Front, Jammu, as part of Basohli Utsav-2026, aimed at promoting the regions rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and tourism potential while spreading the message of a drug-free society.Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Kundal said that around 30 [] The post Div Com Jammu flags off JammuBasohli Bike Ride to promote tourism, cultural heritage and drug-free youth appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

After Haryana, Kashmir-bound bus attacked with stones near Ludhiana in Punjab

LUDHIANA, Oct 19: A Srinagar-bound passenger bus was allegedly attacked with stones near Doraha in Punjabs Ludhiana district late Sunday night, leaving its windowpanes shattered but passengers unharmed. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after a similar attack on a Kashmir-bound bus in Haryanas Karnal district injured two people. The latest attack took place [] The post After Haryana, Kashmir-bound bus attacked with stones near Ludhiana in Punjab appeared first on Northlines .

Man killed, four injured as landslide hits construction site in Poonch

Poonch: A man was killed and four others injured after a landslide struck a road construction site in the Sawajian area of Jammus Poonch district on Monday, officials said. An official said that the incident occurred at Agan Pathri village in Sawajian when the man was engaged in a road construction project. He said the []

Chinar takes generations to reach its glory: Mehbooba Mufti Questions CM Omar Governments Plantation Drive

Srinagar, Oct 19: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the felling of Chinar trees, saying centuries-old trees cannot be compensated for through plantation drives. In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti wrote, A Chinar takes generations to reach its glory yet Omar Abdullah thinks saplings can compensate for felling these centuries old icons of Kashmir. You cannot replace centuries of heritage with a plantation drive! The irony is staggering Omar as Commerce Minister in the BJP led NDA government at the Centre was associated with the ban on world famous Kashmiri Toosh shawls. Now our Chinars face the axe. First a blow to Kashmirs woven heritage now a threat to its living heritage. Kashmir is not his to dismantle, one tradition and one tree at a time, the post reads.

Govt Caps Margins on 137 Cancer Drugs at 30%, New Prices From Nov 9

NEW DELHI, Oct 19: Prices of 137 anti-cancer drugs are set to decline from November 9 after the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) capped trade margins on the identified non-scheduled medicines at 30 per cent of their maximum retail price (MRP), a move expected to reduce prices by up to 70 per cent, depending on [] The post Govt Caps Margins on 137 Cancer Drugs at 30%, New Prices From Nov 9 appeared first on Northlines .

Mehbooba Mufti Slams Omar Abdullah Over Felling of Chinar Trees, Says Saplings Can

Srinagar: PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday hit out at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the felling of Chinar trees, saying centuries-old icons of Kashmir cannot be compensated by planting saplings. Taking to X, Mehbooba wrote, A Chinar takes generations to reach its glory yet Omar Abdullah thinks saplings can compensate []

Tiger Shroff firing case: Juvenile among three accused held in Kota

Three people, including a juvenile, have been apprehended by Kota City Police in connection with the firing incident involving actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai

US-Designated Lashkar-e-Taiba Operative Muhammad Sarwar Dies in Lahore

LAHORE, Oct 18: Muhammad Sarwar, a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US Treasury Department in 2016, died in Pakistans Lahore on Sunday under circumstances that have not been officially clarified. Sarwar, president of the Punjab chapter of Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), collapsed while reportedly on his way [] The post US-Designated Lashkar-e-Taiba Operative Muhammad Sarwar Dies in Lahore appeared first on Northlines .

Tiger Shroff Firing Incident: Three Alleged Accused Arrested In Kota

KOTA, Oct 19: Three men allegedly involved in the firing at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroffs car in Mumbai have been arrested at Kota railway station in Rajasthan while travelling on the Pune-Jaipur Express, officials said. The accused have been identified as 17-year-old Phool Singh and 18-year-old Rehan, both from Sonipat in Haryana, and 22-year-old Hritik [] The post Tiger Shroff Firing Incident: Three Alleged Accused Arrested In Kota appeared first on Northlines .

Earthquake of magnitude 4 struck China's Xinjiang

Beijing , October 19 : A moderate earthquake of magnitude 4.0 on the Richter scale struck Chinas Xinjiang region late Sunday night, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The seismic event occurred at 10:55 PM IST on October 18. According to the NCS, the epicentre was located at Latitude 36.683 N and Longitude 77.064 E. The earthquake originated at a depth of 190 kilometres beneath the Earth's surface, classifying it as an intermediate-to-deep focus quake. Due to the significant depth of the epicentre, surface tremors were likely muted across the region. In a post on X, NCS wrote, EQ of M: 4.0, On: 18/10/2026 22:55:26 IST, Lat: 36.683 N, Long: 77.064 E, Depth: 190 Km, Location: Xinjiang. No immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage have been received. Local emergency management agencies are monitoring the situation. Earlier in July, an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 struck China on Saturday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). As per the NCS, the shallow earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres in the afternoon on July 4th. EQ of M: 4.1, On: 04/07/2026 15:59:19 IST, Lat: 26.550 N, Long: 98.783 E, Depth: 10 km, Location: China, NCS said on X. It occurred near the border with Myanmar. Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties. China's geographical position makes it highly prone to frequent seismic activity. It is located between the two largest seismic belts, the circum-Pacific seismic belt and the circum-Indian seismic belt. Squeezed by the Pacific plate, the Indian plate and the Philippine plate, the seismic fracture zones are well developed in this region. Since the beginning of the 20th century, more than 800 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater have occurred in China. Earthquakes have struck almost all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, except for Guizhou, Zhejiang, and Hong Kong. Since 1949, more than 100 destructive earthquakes have occurred across Chinese provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, 14 of which are in East China. These earthquakes have caused the deaths of more than 2,70,000 people, representing 54 per cent of the total death toll caused by natural disasters in China. The earthquake-stricken districts cover an area of 3,00,000 square kilometres, with more than 7 million rooms destroyed. Experts note that earthquakes and other natural disasters continue to pose major challenges to China even in peaceful times.

We have unfinished jobs too: Araghchi warns US, Israel against further escalation amid Trump's Netanyahu endorsement

Tehran , Oct 19 : Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday mocked US President Donald Trump over his recent remarks that the US and its allies would soon finish the job, if Tehran does not alter its course, warning that the Islamic Republic too have unfinished jobs. In a post on X, Araghchi slammed Trump's post endorsing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections, stating that the last time the US gave such an ultimatum, Iran emerged even stronger. He challenged Trump to try his luck another time, warning that Iran remains prepared to retaliate against any escalation in the conflict. Last time you wanted to 'finish the job', Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too, he wrote. He further claimed that the Israeli PM is taking the US into another war regardless of the repercussions for either Tel Aviv or Washington after Trump warned that if Israel selected the wrong Leader, implying anyone besides Netanyahu, the United States might be forced to confront Iran single-handedly. Netanyahu is driving America into another war to stay out of jail, whatever the consequences for Israellet alone POTUS, Araghchi wrote. His remarks come as US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election, lauding his leadership in handling Iran and asserting that Israel requires a figure of his standing at the helm. He said this on Truth Social, praising Netanyahu as a Great Warrior Prime Minister and an even greater Partner for Peace, specifically regarding the confrontation with Iran. Highlighting Tehran's enduring hostility towards Israel and the United States, Trump cited its 51-year-old chant of Death to Israel, Death to America! We will destroy the Little Satan and the Big Satan. Questioning how any nation could endure such threats over decades, Trump argued that rhetoric eventually materialises into action, making it only a matter of time before Iran actualises its threats. He claimed that Iran had already been weakened on several fronts, both militarily and financially, though he maintained that the danger remained active. Unless Tehran altered its course swiftly, he warned, the US and its allies would soon finish the job. Much of the statement focused on Netanyahu's resilience under political pressure. Characterised as Strong, Brave, and Brilliant, the Israeli leader was commended for standing firm amidst years of domestic and international opposition. Trump noted that while others might have yielded under comparable pressure, Netanyahu had grown stronger and demonstrated the exact resolve Washington expects from an Israeli ally. In response, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump for his extraordinary endorsement, framing the upcoming ballot in Israel as a decisive choice on eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat. In a direct appeal to both Israeli voters and the American public, Netanyahu praised Trumps leadership while arguing that their strategic partnership is essential to completing the mission against Iran's nuclear ambitions and stabilising global energy markets. In his video message shared on X, Netanyahu commended the US President for facing down threats from what he termed his vile, murderous dictatorship in Tehran, emphasising Trumps unwavering stance against internal political pushback. America has been fortunate to have a leader of conviction, of clarity, of courage, who faces down this threat to America and to Israelthose who chant 'Death to Israel,' 'Death to America'this vile, murderous dictatorship in Tehran that wants to acquire nuclear weapons and the means to deliver it to every American city, Netanyahu said. You're focusedlaser-focusedon the task of removing this threat from the... this current generation of Americans, from all future generations. The Israeli Prime Minister's video message was also shared by the US President on his Truth Social platform. (ANI)

Kokernag Labourer Found Dead In Punjab After Weeks of Disappearance; Family Stages Protest, Alleges Murder

Srinagar: The body of a labourer from Kokernag who had been missing for several days was found in Punjab and has reached his home, officials said on Monday. Officials said that a missing report was lodged on September 26 regarding Aijaz Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Majeed Dar, resident of Darpora, Hallpora, Gadool Kokernag, aged []

Pedestrian struck to death in North Kashmir's Kupwara

Kupwara, Oct 19 : A 55-year-old pedestrian died after being hit by a Tata Mobile vehicle in the Kralgund area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Monday morning, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred when a Tata Mobile vehicle bearing registration number JK09-6657 hit the man in the Budbugh, Ashpora area of Kralgund, Kupwara. He was shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Handwara, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased was identified as Riyaz Ahmad, a resident of Budbugh, Ashpora, Kralgund. Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.(KNO)

Pedestrian struck to death in Kupwara

Kupwara: A 55-year-old pedestrian died after being hit by a Tata Mobile vehicle in the Kralgund area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Monday morning, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred when a Tata Mobile vehicle bearing registration number JK09-6657 hit the man in the Budbugh, Ashpora area of Kralgund, Kupwara. He []

Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility for Firing Incident Targeting Tiger Shroff

SRINAGAR: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the firing incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai on Sunday, according to a report by The Times of India. A message posted by Anil Pandit, an alleged aide of the gang, named Pandit and Harman Sandhu as those taking responsibility for the incident. According []

JKBOSE Shifts Class 10 Examination Centre in Ganderbal

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has shifted the examination centre for Secondary School Examination (Class 10) Annual Regular 2026 from Government Boys Higher Secondary School Kangan to Mohammadia English Medium School Kangan in Ganderbal district. According to an official communiqu issued by the JKBOSE District Office, Ganderbal, examination centre number []