Jammu & kashmir

250 women athletes participate in Ashmita Khelo India Wushu League in Udhampur

UDHAMPUR: The Ashmita Khelo India Wushu League was successfully organised by the District Udhampur Wushu Association at the Indoor Hall, Subhash Stadium, Udhampur, with enthusiastic participation from young women athletes from different schools and clubs. Around 250 women athletes participated in the event, showcasing their talent, discipline and competitive spirit in Wushu. The event provided []

Jammu Kashmir Cabinet Clears Proposal to Raise Judicial Officers

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has cleared a proposal to raise the superannuation age of Judicial Officers from 60 to 62 years, with retrospective effect proposed from March 2026, officials said. The proposal was cleared by the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Law, Justice and []

Srinagar Open Tennis C

SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Open Tennis Championship 2026 began at the Gindun Sports Complex in Rajbagh on Thursday, with 23 matches played on the opening day of the three-day event. A total of 23 matches were played on the opening day, including 15 singles matches in the first round and eight matches in the second round. []

Special Gram Sabhas across J

Women, youth, vulnerable groups participate; line depts share welfare scheme info SRINAGAR: The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) today organised Special Gram Sabhas across all 4,291 Panchayats of the Union Territory to mark Gandhi Jayanti and observe Reform Utsav 2026. The Special Gram Sabhas witnessed enthusiastic participation from Deputy Commissioners, senior civil []

Mirwaiz urges self-accountability, compassion, social responsibility

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, in his Friday address at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, spoke about the reality of death, accountability in the Hereafter and the need for people to reflect on how they live their lives and fulfil their responsibilities towards others. Mirwaiz said that remembrance of death should not lead []

Dr Farooq offers Friday prayers at Dargah Hazratbal

Expresses condolences SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah today offered Friday congregational prayers at Asar e Sharief Dargah Hazratbal. On the occasion, Dr Farooq prayed for peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, the progress and prosperity of the Muslim world, the well-being of humanity, the prosperity and success for []

Two drug peddlers arrested in Anantnag

ANANTNAG: Continuing its sustained action against the drug menace, Police have arrested two drug peddlers in separate naka-checking operations in Anantnag and recovered contraband substances from their possession. At Sarnal Chowk, a police party from Police Post Sherbagh intercepted and apprehended Danish Ahmad Shah son of Abdul Rahim Shah resident of Khanawari, Mattan. During his []

Baramulla Police conduct polythene checking drive

BARAMULLA: Police in Baramulla, in coordination with the civil administration, conducted a checking drive against the use of banned polythene at Wagoora Market. The drive was carried out jointly with the BDO Wagoora and Naib Tehsildar Wagoora to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote responsible public practices. During the drive, 6.8 kg of banned []

Police mark Gandhi Jayanti with cleanliness drive in Sopore, Handwara

HANDWARA (KUPWARA): On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Police conducted a comprehensive cleanliness drive across Police District Handwara, reaffirming its commitment to cleanliness, hygiene and collective responsibility towards a clean and healthy environment. The cleanliness drive was carried out at Police Stations Handwara, Vilgam, Kralgund and Qalamabad; Police Posts Langate, Zachaldara, Magam and Chogul; Police []

Jammu Kashmir: Wildlife Department Warns Against Sharing Exact Locations Of Migratory Birds

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department has advised birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and visitors against sharing exact locations, GPS coordinates or other identifiable details of migratory bird congregations on social media. The advisory was issued by the Office of the Range Officer, Lakes Range Hokersar, Wetlands Division, Srinagar, ahead of the seasonal arrival of []

District Admin Pulwama celebrates Gandhi Jayanti

Pulwama, Oct 2: The District Administration Pulwama on Friday celebrated Gandhi Jayanti at GDC for Boys, Pulwama, with a series of activities highlighting the ideals and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, including truth, non-violence, cleanliness, selfless service and community participation. The programme was attended by ADDC Pulwama, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Ashraf, Principal GDC Boys Pulwama, Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, DSP Headquarters Pulwama, Showkat Ahmad Bhat, district officers, college faculty and students. At the outset, the chief guest, ADDC Pulwama, along with other officers and dignitaries, paid floral tributes at the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi as a mark of respect and remembrance, recalling his invaluable contribution to India's freedom struggle and his enduring philosophy of truth and non-violence. A plantation drive was also held in the college campus, during which the ADDC Pulwama, along with other officers, planted saplings, underlining the importance of environmental conservation, cleanliness and collective responsibility towards building a greener and healthier society. The main programme featured a series of cultural and educational presentations by students of different schools, depicting various aspects of Mahatma Gandhi's life, message and contribution to the freedom movement. Students of Government Upper Primary School Darsoo, Pulwama, presented a programme under the theme Swachhata Hi Seva, highlighting the importance of cleanliness, sanitation, personal hygiene and responsible citizenship, in line with Gandhi's vision of a clean and healthy society. Students of Government Upper Primary School Wagam, Pulwama, presented a thematic programme on Non-Violence, portraying Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and his belief in peaceful resistance, tolerance and harmony. Similarly, students of Government Middle School New Colony, Pulwama, presented a programme based on the Salt Satyagraha, depicting the historic movement and highlighting Gandhi's vision of peaceful civil resistance, collective participation and determination during the freedom struggle. Addressing the gathering, the ADDC spoke about the enduring relevance of Gandhi's ideals in contemporary society and called upon students and citizens to imbibe the values of truth, discipline, cleanliness, service and responsibility in their daily lives. He also highlighted the importance of Gram Sabhas in strengthening participatory grassroots governance, enabling people to identify local priorities, participate in planning and contribute actively towards inclusive and sustainable development. The ADDC urged the younger generation to become responsible citizens and carry forward the values of Mahatma Gandhi through meaningful community participation and constructive social action. Speakers from various colleges and schools also addressed the gathering and spoke about Mahatma Gandhi's life, his role in India's freedom struggle and the continuing relevance of his principles of truth, non-violence, simplicity, social harmony and public service. Principal GDC Boys Pulwama, in his address, highlighted Gandhi's significant contribution to the freedom movement and elaborated on his philosophy of non-violence and his message of peace, tolerance and service to society. On the occasion, progressive farmers were also felicitated and certificates of appreciation were distributed by the District Administration through the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry, recognising their contribution to the agricultural and allied sectors and encouraging them to continue adopting innovative and sustainable practices.

Wildlife Week 2026 begins with UT-level event at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Oct 2: The J&K Wildlife Protection Department on Friday organized UT-level inaugural function of Wildlife Week 2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar. The inaugural function marked the commencement of a week-long programme dedicated to creating awareness about wildlife conservation, protection of biodiversity and preservation of the rich natural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir. Dr. Suneesh Buxy, PCCF (Wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, was among the Special Guests on the occasion. In his address, Dr. Buxy highlighted the importance of connected habitats, wildlife corridors and biodiversity conservation for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife. He emphasized the need for a harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife and called for collective efforts towards reducing human-wildlife conflict through awareness, scientific management and community participation. Dr. Buxy also urged the students to become active ambassadors of environmental conservation and encouraged them to follow the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mantra given by the Honble Prime Minister, adopting environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, in his address, emphasized the important role of universities in generating scientific knowledge, undertaking field-oriented research and developing human resources for wildlife and environmental conservation. He stressed the need for closer collaboration between academic institutions and the Wildlife Protection Department so that research and innovation could effectively support conservation and wildlife management. Prashant Kumar, Administrative Member, CAT Srinagar, highlighted the broader significance of environmental and wildlife protection and stressed the importance of institutional responsibility, public awareness and adherence to the legal and regulatory framework governing conservation. He emphasized that protection of wildlife and natural ecosystems requires sustained efforts and participation from all sections of society. Tawheed Ahmad Deva, highlighted the rich wildlife diversity of Jammu & Kashmir, the importance of protecting habitats and the need for coordinated field-level efforts for wildlife protection and management. Dr. Khursheed Ahmad, Professor/Head, Wildlife Division, SKUAST-K, spoke about the role of scientific research and academic expertise in understanding wildlife populations, habitats and emerging conservation challenges. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches, capacity building and greater interaction between researchers, field officers and students. The addresses collectively highlighted the importance of research, education, connected habitats, wildlife corridors, institutional collaboration, community participation and scientific wildlife management instrengthening conservation efforts. A significant feature of the inaugural function was the release of books and technical publications viz. Coffee Table Book Dachigam, authored by Pervaiz Ahmad Wani, Deputy Conservator, Forests/Wildlife Warden, Central Division, Srinagar; SOPs for Management & Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict, authored by Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Headquarters; Asian Waterbird Census, prepared by the Wildlife Warden, Wetlands; Checklist of Mammals of J&K, authored by Muzafar Kidloo; Recovery of Kashmir Musk Deer, authored by Dr. Tanveer, WTI and Dynamics of Man-Animal Conflict, authored by Dr. Mohsin. The publications, relating to wildlife conservation, wildlife management and human-wildlife conflict, provide useful documentation and knowledge resources for conservation practitioners, researchers, students and other stakeholders. These publications provided an important platform for showcasing field experience, scientific work and documentation related to the wildlife and ecosystems of Jammu & Kashmir. The inaugural programme included screening of a wildlife documentary and jingle, a cultural presentation, inspection of stalls by the dignitaries and presentation of plants to the guests. The department stated that a series of awareness, educational and outreach activities would be undertaken during Wildlife Week 2026 to engage students, local communities and other stakeholders and to underline the importance of wildlife, connected habitats and habitat conservation. The J&K Wildlife Protection Department reiterated its commitment to strengthening wildlife conservation, promoting scientific knowledge, encouraging institutional collaboration and fostering greater public participation in the protection of Jammu & Kashmirs rich wildlife and biodiversity. Among the officers present on the occasion were Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Headquarters, and Rafi Ahmad, Joint Director, Forest Protection Force, besides other officers and officials of the Forest and Wildlife departments. The programme witnessed participation of faculty and students of SKUAST-K, Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, various government colleges and schools of Srinagar, NGOs including Wildlife Trust of India and Wildlife Conservation Fund, besides members of the media fraternity, environmentalists, wildlife enthusiasts and ecologists.

Search Operation Continues For Three Missing Persons After Alto Plunges into River in Zanskar

SRINAGAR: A joint search operation continued for the second day on Saturday for three people reported missing after an Alto car skidded off the Zanskar road and fell into a river in Kargil district on Monday evening. Teams from the Ladakh Police, Army and local volunteers were conducting searches in the river and surrounding areas []

DC Kulgam presides over PPC, Reform Utsav at Pachgam

Kulgam, Oct 2: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Friday presided over a Peoples Plan Campaign (PPC), Reform Utsav and Special Gram Sabha at Pachgam village of Kund block, with a focus on participatory planning, public involvement and effective implementation of various government initiatives. A large number of local residents participated in the Gram Sabha and put forth their demands, developmental issues and suggestions before the Deputy Commissioner. The people expressed their gratitude to the DC for visiting the far-flung area and listening to their concerns. The Gram Sabha deliberated upon participatory preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP), implementation of VB-G RAM G and convergence of various schemes to address local development priorities in a coordinated manner. As part of Reform Utsav, detailed awareness was provided regarding VB-G RAM G, Jal Jeevan Mission and Land Records, highlighting key reforms, citizen-centric services and measures aimed at improving the delivery of government services. DC directed the concerned officials to ensure that Ward Sabhas are conducted within the current month to facilitate wider public participation in the planning process of VB-G RAM G. He also urged the local residents to take ownership of JJM assets and ensure their proper upkeep, protection and sustainable use and urged them to participate proactively in the upcoming ward sabhas and gram sabhas for the draft plan formulation. On the occasion, a resolution was also passed under Bal Vivah Sankalp, reaffirming the communitys commitment towards preventing child marriages and promoting awareness about the legal, social and developmental consequences of the practice. The program was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development, Project Manager, DPMU, JJM, BDO Kund, Panchayat Secretary, technical officials and other concerned functionaries and local public. Elsewhere, in all blocks of the district, similar nature of activities under People's Plan Campaign and Reform Utsav were conducted which were attended by local people, field functionaries of department under the supervision of BDOs and Designated Nodal Officers of the district administration.

CUK marks Gandhi Jayanti with seminar on peace, non-violence

Ganderbal, Oct 2: Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with Gandhi King FoundationJ&K Chapter, commemorated the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with a one-day national seminar on Peace and Non-Violence, alongside Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 at Tulmulla campus, reaffirming the relevance of Gandhian values of truth, compassion, service, peace and non-violence in contemporary society. Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, deliberated on the practical dimensions of Gandhian philosophy and its relevance for students, institutions and society. He underlined the importance of addressing grievances through peaceful means and observed that Gandhis approach to non-violence offers a framework for resolving differences without resorting to confrontation. He connected Gandhian thought with experiential learning, environmental protection and community service. Referring to the Universitys student engagement in academic and cleanliness activities, he highlighted the contribution of Swachhata Abhiyan and appreciated the efforts of the Safai Mitras whose work enables a clean and conducive environment for teaching and learning. Prof. A Ravinder Nath highlighted the responsibility of educational institutions to create knowledge, disseminate it and apply it for societal benefit. He called upon the younger generation and educators to draw inspiration from Gandhian ideals while responding constructively to changing global realities. Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Controller of Examinations, Dr. Kaiser Giri, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, faculty members, administrative staff, scholars and students were present. In his keynote address, National President and Managing Trustee, Gandhi King Foundation, Prof. Prasad Gollanapalli, emphasised that Gandhis philosophy transcends the boundaries of time, geography and generations. He observed that the United Nations recognition of Gandhis birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence reflects the universal significance of his message. Gandhis essential teachings are truth and non-violence, Prof. Gollanapalli remarked, stressing that all human beings are fundamentally equal and that a genuine culture of peace must begin with inner peace. Prof. Gollanapalli highlighted that non-violence should not remain confined to philosophical discourse but should become part of everyday life. Referring to the continuing influence of Gandhi on global movements, he recalled the contributions of leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela and emphasised the relevance of Gandhian principles in addressing contemporary conflicts and social challenges. Speaking on the occasion, Coordinator and spokesperson of the Gandhi King FoundationJ&K Chapter, Mohammad Shahid Khan, described Gandhi not merely as an individual but as a thought and an enduring philosophy. You can kill a person but you cannot kill a thought, he said, emphasising that Gandhian ideals of peace, truth and non-violence continue to remain relevant irrespective of changing circumstances. He called upon young people to move beyond material pursuits, cultivate self-discipline and contribute positively to society. In his welcome address, State President of the Gandhi King FoundationJ&K Chapter, Dr. Muhammad Ayoub Mattoo, highlighted the significance of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. as symbols of non-violent resistance, truth and peaceful transformation. He described their shared legacy as a timeless blueprint for humanity and emphasised that their message of Ahimsa, truth and peaceful resistance continues to offer meaningful pathways for addressing divisions and conflicts. On the occasion, students who demonstrated outstanding performance and active participation in Swachhata-related activities were felicitated. Winners of the Zero Waste Sports Competition for Safai Mitras were also honoured, along with Safai Mitras for their valuable contribution towards maintaining cleanliness across CUKashmir campuses. Sr Asst Prof. Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the proceedings and Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam, proposed the vote of thanks.

Jammu Kashmir Police Warn Students, Parents Against Fake University Admission Messages

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have warned students and parents against cybercriminals using fake university admission messages to pressure victims into making payments or sharing sensitive personal information. The advisory cautions that fraudsters may misuse university branding and lure students with claims of limited seats, urgent deadlines and short-term offers to create a sense of []

JKRSA Announces Roller Skating Championship 2026 in Jammu

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Roller Sports Association (JKRSA) will organise the Jammu District Roller Skating Championship 2026 at MA Stadium, Jammu, from October 9 to 11. The three-day championship will feature competitions in various roller sports events, providing young athletes with an opportunity to compete and showcase their skills. The event will also serve []

17-Year-Old PoJK Girl Detained After Crossing LoC into Jammu Kashmir

SRINAGAR: The Army detained a 17-year-old girl from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) after she crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in the Nowshera area of Rajouri district, officials said. The woman, identified as Samiya Azeem, daughter of Mohd Azeem and a resident of Khuiretta in PoJK, was intercepted by an Army patrol in the []

J&K braces for wet spell from Oct 6

Srinagar, Oct 02: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to witness moderate rainfall and snowfall over the higher reaches in the next week, with the Meteorological Department predicting a wet spell from October 6, with major intensity on October 9 and 10. The local Meteorological Department (MeT) has said the weather is expected to remain generally dry till October 5 (Monday). However, the forecast issued by Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, stated the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy from October 6 to October 8, with light rain, thunder, gusty winds at a few places, and light snow over higher reaches. According to Dr Ahmad, on October 9 and 10, generally cloudy weather is expected with light to moderate rain, thunder and gusty winds at scattered to many places. Light snow over higher reaches is also expected during the period. From October 11 to October 14, the weather would remain partly cloudy across Jammu and Kashmir. In its advisory, the MeT has asked farmers to continue harvesting of apples and paddy along with other farm operations. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 3 per cent deficit in seasonal rainfall during the June-September period, with the Union Territory receiving 530.7 mm of rainfall against the normal of 549.1 mm, according to rainfall data. The data shows wide variations across districts, with some areas recording substantial surplus rainfall while others witnessed significant deficits. Udhampur recorded the highest seasonal rainfall in J&K at 1,553.5 mm, against its normal of 1,011 mm, marking a 54 per cent surplus. It was followed by Reasi with 1,343.2 mm, though the district recorded a 14 per cent deficit against its normal rainfall of 1,556.4 mm. Kathua received 1,152.8 mm against a normal of 1,275.8 mm, registering a 10 per cent deficit. Among other districts, Poonch recorded a 27 per cent surplus with 872.3 mm rainfall against 686.1 mm normal, while Samba recorded an 18 per cent surplus with 953.5 mm against 807.9 mm. Baramulla registered a 47 per cent surplus and Ganderbal 20 per cent. The highest deficit in J&K was recorded in Kishtwar at 53 per cent, followed by Shopian at 51 per cent and Budgam at 34 per cent. Kishtwar received 204.3 mm against a normal of 432.1 mm, while Shopian recorded 138.2 mm against 282.9 mm. Srinagar recorded 247.4 mm, four per cent above its normal of 238.7 mm, while Anantnag recorded 322.7 mm against a normal of 321 mm.

J&K Compressed Bio-Gas Policy rolled out

Srinagar, Oct 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed the Jammu and Kashmir Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Policy 2026 a major step towards promoting clean energy, strengthening the circular economy and turning organic waste into wealth in Jammu & Kashmir. Following its approval by the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister, the government has notified the Jammu and Kashmir Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Policy 2026, providing a comprehensive framework for converting organic waste into clean automotive fuel and organic fertiliser. The policy aims to promote investment in CBG production by facilitating the utilisation of diverse organic waste streams, including cattle dung, apple pomace, municipal solid waste, pine needles and crop residues. It seeks to simultaneously address waste management, energy security, rural employment and sustainable agricultural practices. A key feature of the policy is capital expenditure support of Rs 0.50 crore per TPD, with assistance capped at Rs 10 crore per project. Government land will be made available at nominal lease rates of Rs 1 per square metre, with 100 per cent exemption from stamp duty. To facilitate ease of doing business, the policy provides for 60-day deemed approvals for non-statutory permissions through the Single Window Portal, enabling eligible clearances to be deemed granted if not disposed of within the stipulated timeframe. The policy also provides for 100 per cent SGST reimbursement for the first five years of operation, a manpower subsidy of Rs 3,000 per month per local unskilled worker for two years, and interest subvention of up to Rs 2 crore on bank term loans. The government will also facilitate feedstock aggregation and market linkages for bio-manure, with the policy targeting distribution of bio-manure to 10,000 farmers. The initiative envisages creation of around 2,000 direct rural jobs by 2030, besides generating livelihood opportunities across the CBG value chain. The policy, valid up to 2032, is aimed at creating a conducive ecosystem for green investment while promoting decentralised waste-to-energy solutions and strengthening rural economies. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Minister for Science & Technology Satish Sharma and the Department of Science & Technology for notifying the policy, describing it as an important initiative towards sustainable energy development and a cleaner, more resource-efficient Jammu & Kashmir.

Jhelum dips below zero; experts warn of water crisis

Srinagar, Oct 02: The Jhelum, Kashmir's lifeline, has slipped below the zero-gauge mark at Sangam, recording 0.13 feet on Friday, as the Valley enters autumn with the river once again showing signs of depleted flows. The latest reading is not the lowest ever recorded, but it is significant for early October, particularly when viewed against the increasingly erratic rainfall and snowfall patterns witnessed across Kashmir in recent years. Historical records show how sharply the Jhelum can fluctuate. Data accessed by Rising Kashmir suggests that at Sangam, the river touched 0.65 feet on October 17, 2017, a level reported at the time as the lowest in the station's 62-year record. In September 2023, the river fell to 0.09 feet, described as a 70-year low for the month. The situation became even more acute in late 2024 and early 2025. Sangam fell to 0.82 feet in November 2024, while on February 17, 2025, the river dropped to 1.01 feet amid a snow-deficient winter. It stood at 0.86 feet on March 5, 2026, underscoring the persistence of low-flow conditions, the data reveals. Against this backdrop, the present 0.13-foot reading is considerably higher than those extreme lows, but its occurrence at the beginning of October raises questions over how much water is being replenished in the Jhelum system ahead of winter. Climate expert Dr Touseef Ahmad Bhat has previously linked Kashmir's changing hydrological behaviour to a warming atmosphere and increasingly unstable weather patterns. The climate change is already affecting the region rather than remaining a distant threat, with changing atmospheric conditions altering rainfall behaviour across the Himalayas, he said. Dr Bhat also stressed that climate change and ecological degradation can compound one another, with the loss of forests, wetlands and natural drainage systems increasing the vulnerability of Kashmir's fragile mountain ecosystem. For senior environmentalist Dr Tanveer Ahmad Khan, the condition of the Jhelum is a reflection of the Valley's wider ecological stress. He has pointed to pollution, encroachment and neglect as factors that have transformed the river from a vital natural asset into an increasingly stressed ecosystem. Whatever snowfall we had this season, we lost that abruptly due to rising temperatures. The increase in temperatures also led to the quick absorption of rainwater. Even though October is known for less water flow in Jhelum, slipping to minus at Sangam in the first days of October is a big concern, he said. We are definitely heading for a water crisis if things don't improve, he added. The concerns are also supported by recent scientific research on the Jhelum riverscape, which identifies declining stream flows linked to seasonal precipitation changes and rising temperatures, alongside pollution, encroachment and urban expansion, as major pressures on the river system. The Jhelum's importance extends far beyond its water level at a single gauge. Originating at Verinag, the river traverses the Valley before entering Wular Lake and remains central to Kashmir's agriculture, water resources, hydropower, tourism and cultural landscape. The latest reading comes as the Meteorological Centre is forecasting largely dry conditions in the immediate period, with the possibility of light rain and snowfall over higher reaches during subsequent weather systems. That makes the coming days important for determining whether the river receives any meaningful recharge. For Kashmir, therefore, 0.13 feet is more than a number on a gauge. It is another snapshot of a river whose fortunes increasingly depend on an unpredictable combination of rainfall, snowfall, snowmelt, groundwater recharge and the condition of the ecosystems that feed it.

Gandhi Jayanti : Verify facts before reacting, LG urges youth

Srinagar, Oct 02: Satyameva Jayatetruth alone triumphsmust remain a guiding principle for democracy, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday, as he cautioned against misinformation and urged the youth to adopt Mahatma Gandhi's discipline of verifying facts and engaging in dialogue before reacting. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the Gandhi Jayanti Celebration organised by the School Education Department in collaboration with the Department of Culture. He extended heartfelt wishes to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir on the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and congratulated children participating in cultural programmes as well as the toppers of the district-level symposium on truth and non-violence. The LG also commended the Kashmiri rendition of Bapu's bhajan by Gulzar Ahmed, the Hindi performance by students of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, and the skit presented by the Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibag. Highlighting the significance of October 2, Sinha said it is an occasion to reflect on the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, who gave India a new way of thinking, standing against injustice and living with dignity. He said Gandhi ji's legacy of truth and non-violence continues to hold relevance in today's fast-changing, technology-driven world. I believe that revered Bapu has left behind many priceless legacies for us. He gave us a new method, new principles, a new approach to life and a new system that remains alive in the hands of every generation, he said. The Lieutenant Governor noted that while technology has connected people globally, it also raises questions of inclusivity and truth. Bapu understood the relationship between truth and power very deeply. He called his life an experiment with the search for truth. I believe Truth is a spiritual discipline. Truth is the habit of looking within oneself. Truth is the habit of verifying before believing any fact or information, and truth is the habit of listening and understanding before responding immediately to anything, he said. The LG stressed that technology should remain under human control and serve as an instrument for progress, not a substitute for conscience. I want all children and youth to remember that technology is only an instrument and the decision must remain ours. However powerful the instrument may be, its direction is ultimately determined by the hand that wields it, he said. Underscoring India's strength in diversity, Sinha said unity must be strengthened through everyday actions of justice, respect and compassion. He recalled Gandhi ji's concern for the weakest person in society and urged citizens to measure progress by inclusivity and welfare. Since ancient times, India has been a land of diversities. Our languages are different, our modes of worship are different, our attire and our customs are different. However, our great tradition has taught us that walking together with diversity is India's strength. I believe this philosophy is needed today more than ever, he said. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that Gandhi ji's philosophy will guide India towards the goal of becoming a Developed Nation by 2047. He emphasised the importance of trusteeship, people's participation and character-building in children. To build a Developed India, we must prepare our fields, schools, villages, cities and industries, and above all, we must place special emphasis on character-building in children. Bapu firmly believed that a nation's character is its most permanent infrastructure, he said. We often ask what others are doing? Today, on revered Bapu's birth anniversary, let us also askwhat am I doing to build a developed India? Am I advancing truth or rumour? Am I engaging in dialogue or merely reacting? Am I uniting my country, or unknowingly dividing it? This alone will be a true tribute to the life-philosophy of Pujya Bapu, the Lieutenant Governor said. Sakeena Masood Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School & Higher Education and Social Welfare Departments; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Padma Bhushan Rajeev Sethi; Padma Shri Dr S.P. Varma, President Gandhi Global Family, J&K; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department; senior officials, prominent citizens, heads of educational institutions, teachers and students attended the celebration.

AI and the Future Shock

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise confined to science fiction or research laboratories. It has entered classrooms, hospitals, offices, newsrooms and homes, quietly altering the way people work, learn, communicate and make decisions. The arrival of AI carries the excitement of progress, but also the unease of a future arriving before society has prepared for it. This is the essence of future shock: the disorientation caused when technological change moves faster than human institutions can absorb. Artificial intelligence is intensifying that shock. It is not merely another tool that improves efficiency. It is a force capable of transforming economies, reshaping professions and influencing public opinion at a scale that remains difficult to predict. The benefits are undeniable. AI can assist doctors in diagnosis, help farmers monitor crops, improve disaster warnings, support students with personalised learning and make public services more accessible. In regions facing shortages of specialists and infrastructure, these technologies could help bridge important gaps. For Jammu and Kashmir, AI can contribute to healthcare delivery in remote areas, improve agricultural planning, strengthen tourism services and support young people seeking opportunities beyond traditional employment. But technology does not automatically produce justice. Without safeguards, AI may deepen existing inequalities. Those with access to quality education, fast connectivity and technical skills will gain the most, while others may be pushed further to the margins. Automation could threaten routine jobs even as it creates new opportunities. The danger is not that machines will suddenly replace all human beings. It is that workers, institutions and governments may fail to adapt in time. There is also the grave question of trust. AI-generated misinformation, manipulated images and fabricated voices can confuse citizens and weaken democratic debate. If people can no longer distinguish fact from fabrication, public discourse becomes vulnerable to fear, rumour and deliberate manipulation. The technologys power must therefore be matched by strong ethical standards, transparent regulation and accountability. Education will be central to this transition. Young people must not be trained merely to use AI platforms. They must be taught how to question them, verify their output and understand their limitations. Critical thinking, creativity, empathy and judgement will remain essential precisely because these are the qualities that cannot be outsourced without consequence. The future should not be surrendered either to technological enthusiasm or technological fear. AI must remain subject to human values, public oversight and democratic control. The real test is not whether machines can think faster than us, but whether human beings can govern their power responsibly. Future shock is inevitable. Social failure is not.

The Vanishing Sparrow

Once a familiar presence in every courtyard, walls, roof and garden, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is now drawing attention as its numbers decline throughout the world. Kashmir Valley too is witnessing a drastic decline in its population and is restricted to a few suitable areas only. It was once an extraordinarily adaptable bird, capable of living alongside humans in both rural and urban settings. Traditional houses inadvertently provided it with everything it needed for nesting and breeding: small openings in walls, gaps beneath roofs, structural crevices and other spaces where it could build its loosely constructed nests of dried grass, leaves, feathers, pieces of paper, string and other materials available nearby. Besides, the densely branched trees and shrubs in the vicinity of human settlements also provided them with suitable nesting sites. Alas! All these nesting and breeding sites vanished, so did the house sparrows. Gardens, open spaces and traditional agricultural practices also provided a steady supply of insects, seeds and other food. Much of this has also changed due to shifts in agriculture and lifestyle practices. This also contributes to the declining populations of house sparrows. This is a concern for us, not merely because they are beautiful birds, but because their disappearance tells us something about the changing condition of our environment. There was a time when the chirping of sparrows was an inseparable part of our mornings. Their association throughout the day was natures call, harmonising the daily chorus. Today, however, the familiar house sparrow has become increasingly difficult to find in many urban, semi-urban, and rural areas due to the reasons highlighted above. The question, therefore, is not simply where the sparrows have gone or why they have vanished. The more important question is what kind of environment we are creating at the cost of modernisation and lifestyle. Remembering the sparrows that nested around the walls of our old house, making use of the leftover holes in the brickwork, and underneath spaces in the wooden rafters is no less than a nostalgia for me. Those times were beautiful although simple. The grass and other material hanging loosely outside their nests would convey the story of a harmonious life they lived, and the supportive environment we provided. Alas! Gone are the times, gone are the sparrows and gone are the stories of chaer and kontur. During childhood in the late eighties, in winters we used to place basket traps with rice bait fixed just for fun to catch sparrows and later release them, much to our joy and satisfaction. Sometimes, we may even use stairs to climb the house walls and look for the sparrow eggs in the nest, out of curiosity to know how many young sparrows are expected soon in our courtyards. The house sparrow may be small, but its story is a reminder that nature does not exist only in forests and mountains. It existed harmoniously around us, thanks to the presence of male and female sparrows, alongside the other urban birds. During childhood, drying paddy was a closely monitored household activity because sparrows and other grain-eating birds frequently fed on the exposed grains kept for sun drying. We would commonly place scarecrows or other frightening objects resembling humans or predators around the drying paddy on tarpaulin or traditional grass mats to deter the birds from eating the paddy. This was a routine practice, repeated across households and embedded in the seasonal cycle of paddy processing. Today, the need for such vigilance has diminished considerably, coinciding with a marked decline in sparrow abundance and, in some places, their apparent absence. It is a vernacular indicator of ecological change, a sign of the altered relationship between households, agriculture, and bird populations. House sparrows are a surprisingly resilient survivor, as the research suggests. However, their decline has raised important questions about their generalist habit, resilience and the changing relationship between people, cities and nature. Modern concrete buildings, plastered walls, tiled roofs and sealed structures leave nothing for sparrows to nest. Wall cavities and roof gaps have disappeared behind plaster, concrete and tiles. Household paths and open spaces have been concretised, while lawns are increasingly maintained with pesticides and other chemicals. The result is a double crisis for the sparrow: a shortage of nesting sites on one hand and a shortage of food on the other. Their niches are gone. Their home range has not only shrunk but vanished. They have lost the breeding spaces. Sparrows do not make long journeys; instead, they remain within a relatively small area around their feeding and roosting sites. This makes the places where they live especially important to their survival. Where suitable cavities remain in concrete constructions, sparrows may have to compete with other cavity-nesting or urban birds. For example, competition from common mynas and pigeons may be one of the additional factors associated with sparrow decline. The optimum life span of a sparrow is 2-5 years, with 3 being the average. Young nestlings are initially fed protein-rich insects by the parent sparrow for their rapid growth. As they mature and leave the nest, their diet becomes increasingly varied and often includes grains and other plant-based foods. The species' ability to adjust its digestive processes may contribute to this dietary flexibility. But this dietary flexibility comes with risks and may actually have invited trouble for them. Food that is spoiled or contaminated, as well as exposure to unfamiliar chemical pollutants or toxins due to severe ecological chemical contamination, can pose serious threats to birds living in heavily modified environments. That may explain one of the other reasons behind their decline, because substantial population declines have been reported across their home range since the 1970s throughout the world. Therefore, rapid urbanisation, lifestyle changes, changes in construction practices, changes in agricultural practices, loss of vegetation, reduced availability and chemical-contaminated insects and seeds, and changes in the design of modern buildings all contribute to the problem for the vanishing sparrow. As villages become towns and traditional kachha structures are replaced by modern concrete buildings, grass lawns and mud paths are replaced with concrete layovers, familiar feeding and nesting spaces disappear, and problems for house sparrows increase. Although scattered populations of house sparrows are visible in some areas, that does not rule out their continued threat. The sparrow has not simply disappeared; the habitat that once allowed it to live alongside us has disappeared. Sparrows are vanishing; that is a threat to us, a threat to our existence. (The author is Associate Professor of Zoology, Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Autonomous, Srinagar)

Pakistans empty coffers and Mirpurs full wallets

Pakistans economic story today is one of striking contradictions. On one side is a government struggling under the weight of public debt, interest payments, taxation pressures and limited fiscal space. On the other is a powerful overseas Pakistani community, particularly from Mirpur division of Pak-occupied Jammu and Kashmir(PoJK), sending money home, building businesses and homes, financing weddings and family functions, and keeping thousands of local economic transactions alive. Pakistan borrows to keep the government running, while millions of Pakistanis abroad earn the foreign currency that keeps the wider economy moving. According to reports on the country's FY2025-26 finances, the government recorded a primary surplus of about Rs3.63 trillion and the federal fiscal deficit was around Rs4.8 trillion. But the improvement has not removed the fundamental probleman enormous debt burden and the cost of servicing it. The FY2026-27 federal budget reportedly stands at Rs18.77 trillion, with approximately Rs 8.05 trillion earmarked for interest payments. In simple terms, an exceptionally large share of government resources is being consumed by obligations created by borrowing in the past. That leaves considerably less fiscal room for development, infrastructure, education, healthcare and other public services. Pakistan's problem is deeper than a single year's deficit. It is structural. The government needs money for salaries, defence, development, subsidies and public services. But its domestic tax base remains relatively narrow. When expenditure exceeds available revenue, the government borrows. Rising debt increases interest payments. Higher interest payments leave less money for development. The government then faces pressure to raise taxes and levies or borrow again. Low revenue, borrowing, higher debt,higher interest payments, reduced development space, pressure for more taxation, weaker economic activity, continued borrowing. Recent fiscal improvement therefore needs to be viewed carefully. A lower deficit is important, but the quality and sustainability of that improvement matter just as much. If fiscal consolidation is achieved mainly by cutting development expenditure, postponing investment or imposing additional burdens on businesses and consumers, the immediate numbers may improve while the economy's future productive capacity suffers. That is the dilemma confronting Islamabad. There is, however, another side to Pakistan's financial storyits overseas population.Workers and families living in Britain, the Gulf, the United States and other countries send billions of dollars back to Pakistan every year. These remittances provide foreign exchange, support household consumption and help ease pressure on the country's external accounts. The State Bank of Pakistan(SBP) has reported strong remittance inflows during FY2025-26. The United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the major sources. Mirpur, where migration became an economic model. For decades, Mirpur division has maintained an unusually strong economic and emotional relationship with overseas Pakistanis, particularly the large Mirpuri community in Britain. The story has historical roots. Migration from the region expanded substantially during the decades surrounding the construction of the Mangla Dam and subsequently developed into an extensive family and community network in Britain. Today, many Mirpur families effectively live between two worlds. They may spend most of the year in Britain, the United States or the Gulf, but their emotional, social and financial connections remain firmly rooted in Mirpur. They return for weddings, family celebrations, religious occasions and other important events. Property remains an important link with home. And there is an extraordinary phenomenon that illustrates the depth of that connection: even when death occurs thousands of miles away, some families bring the deceased back to Mirpur for burial and final rites in ancestral graveyards. For many families, therefore, Mirpur is not simply a place of origin. It remains home. The city of locked mansions Drive through parts of Mirpur and another dimension of the diaspora economy becomes visible. Large houses and imposing bungalowssome reportedly spread over four or even six kanalsstand as physical symbols of overseas earnings. Yet many remain closed for much of the year. A caretaker may be the only person living in a mansion whose owners spend most of their time abroad. There is a certain irony in this landscape: houses built with money earned in Britain or America, standing empty while their owners live thousands of kilometres away. But even an empty house represents an economic chainconstruction material, labour, architects, electricians, plumbers, furniture makers, transporters, property dealers and maintenance workers. The money earned abroad does not remain entirely abroad. A portion finds its way back into the local economy. Perhaps nowhere is this more visible than in weddings. For many overseas Mirpuri families, major family functions continue to be held in Mirpur. Relatives fly in from Britain, America, the Gulf and other countries. Marriage halls become busy. Caterers receive orders. Transport operators get work. Jewellery shops, clothing stores, decorators, photographers, beauty salons, furniture dealers and other businesses benefit. A wedding may last only a few days, but the money circulating around it can sustain dozens of businesses. One pound earned in Britain can eventually become income for a hotel worker in Mirpur, a tailor, a taxi driver, a shopkeeper or a caterer. Community and overseas-business representatives have cited estimates that as much as 2 million a day may flow from the Mirpur diaspora into the region through remittances and overseas visitors' spending. If such an amount were sustained for around 300 days, it would theoretically amount to approximately 600 million a year. The 2 million figure should therefore be regarded as a community-sector estimate. Yet the absence of a precise figure does not erase the economic phenomenon. The evidence of diaspora-driven economic activity is visible across Mirpur's property market, construction sector, retail trade, hospitality industry and family spending. An overseas family's economic contribution does not necessarily arrive as a single bank transfer. It can take many forms: remittances to relatives; construction of houses; purchase of property; investment in shops and businesses; wedding expenditure; hotel and restaurant spending; education and healthcare expenses; vehicle purchases; furniture and household goods A builder pays labourers. A shopkeeper pays employees. A hotel buys supplies. A caterer employs workers. A family purchases jewellery or clothing. A transport operator receives fares. Overseas earnings, remittance/investment, household spending, business turnover, employment, local economic activity. That is why remittances should not be viewed merely as money sent by one family to another. They can become a broader economic stimulus. The Bank of PoJK has also become part of this remittance infrastructure, offering home-remittance services through international money-transfer channels and maintaining branches in Mirpur and other parts of PoJK. The importance of formal channels is obvious. Money entering through regulated financial institutions strengthens transparency, provides foreign exchange to the formal economy and creates a record of financial flows. But PoJK's banking infrastructure also highlights another challenge: how to transform remittance-dependent consumption into productive in town. This may be the next big economic question for Mirpur. The overseas community has demonstrated its capacity to generate wealth. The challenge is whether that wealth can increasingly be converted into employment-generating investment. A house may provide shelter and represent family wealth. But a factory can employ hundreds. A technology company can create skilled jobs. A tourism project can generate continuing income. A modern healthcare facility can serve an entire district. A university or vocational institute can create human capital. Mirpur's overseas wealth could therefore become a much larger development force if a greater share were channelled into small and medium enterprises, tourism, technology, education, healthcare, renewable energy and other productive sectors. This brings Pakistan's larger financial dilemma into sharp focus. Islamabad needs foreign exchange. It needs tax revenue. It needs investment. It needs economic growth. And millions of Pakistanis living abroad are already generating the foreign exchange that the country desperately needs. But remittances cannot permanently substitute for a productive domestic economy. A country cannot build its future solely on money sent home by its citizens working elsewhere. Remittances are a lifeline, but the ultimate objective must be to create an economy capable of generating employment, exports, investment and tax revenue within Pakistan itself. That is where Pakistan's fiscal challenge becomes more profound. Mirpur shows what overseas earnings can do. Islamabad must find a way to make the domestic economy capable of generating the same kind of productive energy. In Islamabad, billions are consumed by debt servicing. In Mirpur, billions earned abroad continue to circulate through homes, weddings, shops, construction and family businesses. One represents the cost of Pakistan's past borrowing. The other represents the economic power of Pakistanis working abroad. The real question for Pakistan is whether it can convert the second into a foundation for a stronger domestic economybefore the first consumes an even larger share of the nation's financial future. (The Author is a former bureau chief at Aaj Tak TV, Jammu)

Swami Ramji: The Saint who Rekindled the Flame of Kashmir Shaivism

There are moments in the history of a civilisation when a tradition, though never completely extinguished, appears to recede into the shadows of time. Its texts survive in manuscripts, its wisdom remains preserved in the memories of a few teachers, and its spiritual practices continue quietly within a small circle. Then comes an individual who reconnects the broken threads, restores confidence in the tradition and transmits its knowledge to a new generation. In the modern history of Kashmir Shaivism, Swami Ramji Maharaj (18541915) occupies such a significant place. A saint, scholar, practitioner and teacher, he helped revive the living study and practice of the Trika tradition in nineteenth-century Kashmir and prepared the ground for its remarkable transmission into the twentieth century. His influence was not merely personal or devotional. It extended to the preservation, teaching and publication of the intellectual heritage of Kashmir Shaivism. Swami Ram was born in 1854 into a Kashmiri Pandit family in Srinagar. Accounts of his life describe an early inclination towards spiritual inquiry and the study of Shaiva scriptures. He came into the orbit of learned teachers who introduced him to the Agamas and the philosophical literature of Kashmir Shaivism. His spiritual formation eventually brought him into contact with Swami Manas Ram Mongra, popularly known as Maneh Kak, who became an important guru in his life and in the transmission of the Trika tradition. To understand Swami Rams importance, however, one must first appreciate the intellectual grandeur of the tradition he inherited. Kashmir Shaivism was not simply a sectarian religious doctrine. It represented one of Indias most sophisticated schools of non-dual philosophical thought. Its classical development is associated with masters such as Vasugupta, Somananda, Utpaladeva, Abhinavagupta and Kshemaraja. At its heart lies the recognition that ultimate reality is Shiva, an infinite, self-luminous consciousness, and that the universe is not fundamentally separate from that reality. The word Pratyabhijnarecognitionis central to this philosophical vision. The human being does not have to manufacture an entirely new reality; rather, one must recognise the deeper nature of consciousness that is already present. The world, in this understanding, is not merely an illusion to be rejected. It is an expression of the dynamic power, or Shakti, of the supreme consciousness. This philosophical inheritance had reached extraordinary heights in the works of Abhinavagupta and his successors. But the historical circumstances of Kashmir subsequently made the institutional continuity of many Shaiva traditions increasingly fragile. By the nineteenth century, the tradition needed not merely textual preservation but living teachers who could embody and transmit it. It was in this environment that Swami Ram emerged. His significance lay in bringing together scriptural learning, philosophical understanding and spiritual practice. He did not approach Kashmir Shaivism as an intellectual museum. The Agamas, the works of the great acharyas and the practices of the Trika system were, for him, a living path. Accounts of his life describe periods of intense meditation, study and spiritual discipline. His teaching attracted both serious seekers and householders. This is important because Kashmir Shaivism does not necessarily demand withdrawal from worldly responsibilities as the only route to spiritual realisation. Its philosophical framework allows the spiritual quest to unfold while recognising the realities of human life. Swami Ram eventually established his Trika Shaiva Ashram at Fateh Kadal in Srinagar, generally dated to the 1880s. The ashram became an important centre for the study and transmission of Shaiva philosophy in modern Kashmir. From this centre emerged a remarkable lineage of teachers and disciples. Among his important disciples were Swami Mahtab Kak, Swami Vidyadhar and Swami Govind Kaul Jalali. Swami Mahtab Kak would subsequently become the principal teacher of Swami Lakshmanjoo, one of the most important twentieth-century exponents of Kashmir Shaivism. Thus, the intellectual and spiritual influence of Swami Ram extended well beyond his own lifetime. The connection with Lakshmanjoo is particularly significant. Swami Lakshmanjoo was born in Srinagar in 1907. Accounts associated with his lineage describe Swami Ram as recognising the young Lakshmans spiritual inclination and entrusting his further education to Mahtab Kak. Whether viewed through the language of traditional guru-shishya transmission or through the history of ideas, the succession is remarkable: Swami Ram Mahtab Kak Swami Lakshmanjoo. Through Lakshmanjoo, the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism eventually reached audiences far beyond Kashmir. The revival initiated in the nineteenth century thus acquired a much wider intellectual and spiritual horizon in the twentieth century. Swami Rams contribution, however, went beyond the immediate guru-shishya relationship. One of the most consequential developments associated with the revival of Kashmir Shaivism was the systematic publication of its ancient texts. The Kashmir Series of Texts and Studies (KSTS), initiated under Maharaja Pratap Singh in the early twentieth century, became a landmark in making important Sanskrit works of Kashmirs philosophical heritage available in printed form. Sources associated with the tradition credit Swami Ram with encouraging Maharaja Pratap Singh to undertake such a publication effort. This was an extraordinary act of intellectual foresight. A philosophical tradition cannot remain alive indefinitely if its principal texts are inaccessible. Manuscripts can disappear, deteriorate or remain confined to a small number of custodians. Printing transformed the possibilities of transmission. The KSTS therefore became an important bridge between Kashmirs classical intellectual heritage and modern scholarship. Swami Ram understood that preservation required both realisation and documentation, both guru and grantha, both lived experience and accessible texts. That insight deserves particular attention today. The modern world often separates philosophy from spirituality. Academic institutions may study philosophical systems primarily as historical objects, while spiritual communities may sometimes emphasise experience without sufficient attention to textual rigour. The Kashmir Shaiva tradition historically brought these dimensions together. Swami Ram represented that synthesis in the modern period. He studied the philosophical works of the great masters and transmitted their ideas through oral teaching and spiritual discipline. Among the works associated with his teaching tradition were texts connected with Vasugupta, Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta, including the Stotravali, Shivastotravali, Tantraloka and Panchastavi. The deeper message of this tradition remains relevant. Kashmir Shaivism places consciousness at the centre of its philosophical inquiry. It asks the individual to look beyond fragmented perceptions of the self and recognise a deeper unity. In a world increasingly marked by anxiety, polarisation and material preoccupation, the philosophical proposition that consciousness is not merely an accidental phenomenon but central to our understanding of existence retains considerable contemporary interest. Yet Swami Ram should not be reduced to a philosophical slogan. His importance lies in the continuity he embodied. Kashmirs civilisation produced a remarkable succession of philosophers, mystics, poets and spiritual teachers. From Lalleshwari to Abhinavagupta, from Rupa Bhawani to Swami Ram and subsequently to Swami Lakshmanjoo, there is a fascinating history of intellectual and spiritual creativity. These figures belong to different historical circumstances and should not be artificially made identical. But together they demonstrate the remarkable resilience of Kashmirs contemplative traditions. Swami Rams place in this continuum is that of a bridge-builder between classical Kashmir and the modern age. He inherited a tradition that had achieved its classical philosophical expression many centuries earlier. He revived its teaching in a period when its institutional presence had weakened. He created a space where seekers could study and practise. He trained disciples who carried the tradition forward. And he encouraged the preservation and publication of the textual heritage upon which future generations of scholars and practitioners could depend. His legacy therefore belongs not merely to one community or one period. It forms part of the larger intellectual heritage of India. In remembering Swami Ram, Kashmir remembers one of those quiet civilisational figures whose influence cannot be measured simply by books written or institutions founded. His contribution was to ensure that a profound stream of Indian philosophical thought continued to flow. He passed away in 1915, but the lineage did not end with him. It moved through his disciples and ultimately reached new generations and new continents. That may be the most enduring lesson of Swami Rams life: civilisations survive not merely because their monuments remain standing, but because their knowledge is transmitted from one generation to another. Kashmir Shaivism is one such stream of knowledge. Swami Ram was among the modern custodians who helped keep that stream alive. At a time when Kashmirs ancient intellectual inheritance deserves renewed studywithin India and beyondhis life invites us to look again at the philosophical treasures that emerged from the Valley. The story of Swami Ram is, in that sense, not only the story of a saint. It is the story of memory, continuity and civilisational renewal. And perhaps that is why his legacy continues to matter: he did not merely look back at Kashmirs great philosophical past. He helped ensure that it could speak to the future. (The Author is a columnist, a public intellectual and a noted legal eagle)

Kashmiri Play, YEN CHI AYEKH in Boston, USA

Script & Direction: Sanjay Kaul Screenplay: Sunayana Kachroo Concept: Kanwal Peshin A group of Kashmiri Pandit Artists based in Boston, USA, led by Sanjay Kaul, in an attempt to revive Kashmiri Live Theatre, performed at the SAATH Theatre Festival in Boston. The play depicted a family room setting in a Kashmiri-American home in the United States. The central theme is about homecoming to Kashmir for those who were forced out of there. The seven characters in it play family dynamics, maintaining the original Kashmiri comic exchanges, while making the dialogue more theatrical to enhance the central theme of homecoming. For Non-Kashmiri audience, subtitles in English were provided. The festival was organised by Off-Kendrik, an organisation dedicated to promoting Art and Culture, under its arm, South Asian American Theatre (SAATh). Off-Kendrik has realised the necessity of creating a platform for opening dialogues and building partnerships between communities. The theatre festival ran from September 18-20th, 2026 and was held at the Mosesian Centre for the Arts in Watertown, Massachusetts. SAATh is a celebration of the coming together of diverse communities in South Asia and beyond through Theater and Storytelling. This festival included performances in various languages, including Kashmiri, Kannada, Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, and English. The Kashmiri play was part of the festivals inaugural day celebration. The central character of the play, Raj, played by Sanjay Kaul, is frustrated about not being able to go back to Kashmir. The inability of Raj to vent out his anger for what has been done to him and his community in Kashmir, he directs and takes it out on his wife Lovely-Ji (played by Bela Kaul) by blaming her for everything and keeps mentioning to her YEN CHI AYEKH that since she arrived in his life things have changed. Raj laments about the loss of home and hearth in Kashmir by relating it to the loss of flavour and lifestyle. The gathering occurs in Boston, where the family has spent decades building a life in the United States of America after leaving Kashmir during the genocide and exodus of 1989-90. Despite the distance, a new life and home has been built, but it has not erased the emotional connection to their homeland, Kashmir. Their memories have survived through their food, family traditions, stories of struggle and survival and experiences they continue to share with one another. The possibility of returning to Kashmir is carried through generations, many of which have already perished in 37 years of their exodus, with hope and uncertainty. In the play, memories surface naturally through their conversations. One of the most emotionally resonant elements of the play is that of Mata (Rajs mother), played by Phoola Salman. She has never come out of the shock of having to flee from her home in Kashmir to safeguard life with her family. She oscillates between a desire to go back home to Kashmir and expressing herself as if she is in her home in Kashmir. Her longing for her home brings the familys past into the present and reminds her children that the idea of lost home can remain powerful even after decades of separation. The gathering grows as Vicky (Rajs brother, played by Dr. Sudesh Kaul), Deepa (Vickys wife, played by Kamal Tiku), Behna (Rajs Sister played by Arti Kaul) and Sridhar (Behna's husband, played by Arvind Kaul) join the family for a visit. The relatives came after a long gap, and their arrival changes the rhythm of the room. The family used these anecdotes to recall sweet days and shared memories. The family catches up on life, remembering people and places by sharing their stories. The conversation included reunion updates, jokes, and plans to someday return to Kashmir. The family gathering evokes strong memories of Kashmir and a sense of lost belonging. All recall their trauma of leaving home in Kashmir and the ongoing longing for it. The audience did not just see seven characters play a role, but they felt watching a family go through their pain and loss and a desire to go back to their lost home. The play preceded by Ladishah, a folk Kashmiri poetry in story telling format, an art form which is slowly dying. Sunayana Kachroo performed this segment. In the end, there is a monologue by Sanjay Kaul, which expressed the longing of his community for a homeland in Kashmir where they can practice their religion freely and live their culture and heritage without the fear of genocide and extinction. Kashmiri language, which is part of the 18th schedule of Indias Constitution, is a dying language as it is influenced by other languages and the original inhabitants of Kashmir prefer speaking other languages over Kashmiri. This play helps start a conversation to garner interest in preserving the language. Arti Kaul is an award winning and renowned singer from Kashmir. Bela & Sanjay Kaul hail from Srinagar, Kashmir. They have been working on Kashmir-related causes and projects for the last three decades and have arranged presentations, seminars and symposiums on Kashmir. Mr Kaul has served Kashmiri Overseas Association as its international president for two terms. CAST RAJ: SANJAY KAUL LOVELY JI: BELA KAUL MATA (Rajs Mother): PHOOLA SALM AN VICKY (Rajs Brother): SUDESH KAUL DEEPA (Vickys Wife): KAMAL TIKU BEHNA (Rajs Sister): ARTI KAUL SRIDHAR (Behna's Husband): ARVIND KAUL Technical Help: MEENAKSHI KAUL Ladishah: SUNAYANA KACHROO

Dr Farooq, Sagar condole Islamic scholars demise

Srinagar, 02 Oct: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar have expressed deep grief over the demise of the Valley's renowned religious personality and Islamic scholar Molvi Abdul Salam Bhat, resident of Pahlu, Brain, Nishat. In a statement, the leaders expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace and salvation of the departed soul and for his elevation to the highest ranks in Jannat. Party General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar visited the bereaved family, expressed his condolences and offered his support. He also participated in the Fateha-e-Khwani held for the departed soul. Senior party leader and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar also expressed his condolences.

AIP urges common platform for traders

Srinagar: AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Thursday congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Batamallo Traders Association and called for greater unity and transparency among traders bodies. Speaking at a felicitation programme for the new leadership, including President Abrar Ahmad Khan, General Secretary Wasim Ahmad Khan and Senior Vice President Mehraj U Din Ganai, Inam said elected representatives had a responsibility to work for the welfare of those who had chosen them. He stressed the need for traders associations, chambers and other representative bodies to maintain greater transparency and accountability by periodically disclosing their income and expenditure. Inam also opposed the practice of collecting commissions from shopkeepers for resolving their grievances, saying elected representatives should address genuine concerns without such payments. He proposed a common platform for traders and business associations, saying multiple bodies approaching authorities separately on similar issues could create confusion and weaken the collective voice of the business community.

GCC flags Nowgam industrial estate proposal

Srinagar, Oct 2: The Group of Concerned Citizens J&K (GCC) has raised concerns over the increasing pressure on Jammu and Kashmirs fragile environment, particularly water resources, in the name of development. A GCC delegation led by its chairman and former Advisor to the J&K Governor, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, presented its policy paper, Srinagar Declaration on Natural Environment in Jammu & Kashmir, to Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo during a meeting here on Thursday. The group sought an expert appraisal of amendments made to the Urban Building Byelaws over the past two years, as well as the newly notified land pool policy, saying these should be assessed in the context of protecting the regions environment, heritage and culture. The GCC also objected to the identification of a flood basin in Nowgam for an industrial estate, saying it was contrary to the Srinagar Master Plan, and demanded that the proposal be shelved. Among other issues, the group called for a review of the freeze on teacher recruitment, filling vacancies of doctors and specialists in the Health Services Department and faculty posts in government medical and dental colleges. It also sought integration of City Mobility Plans with proposed flyover projects, better traffic management, widening of city roads and removal of bottlenecks. The GCC further called for assigning the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) responsibility for the conservation of Anchar Lake and neglected lagoons, protection of heritage sites and re-integration of city channels, including Kuta Khol, Chuent Khol and Sons Khol, into flood mitigation plans. The group also raised the issue of the unused GB Pant Hospital infrastructure, which it said had remained unutilised for four years. The Chief Secretary appreciated the GCCs efforts to highlight public concerns and grievances and assured appropriate action on the issues raised. Administrative secretaries and senior officials from the concerned departments also attended the meeting.

NC MLA, spokesperson booked over alleged assault of PSO

Srinagar, Oct 2: Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case against ruling National Conference MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani alias Altaf Kaloo and party additional spokesperson Umesh Bhat alias Umesh Talashi following a complaint by a police personnel deployed as the MLAs Personal Security Officer (PSO), sources said. According to the complaint, the police personnel alleged that an altercation took place while he was performing his security duties, following which he was allegedly assaulted by Wani and Bhat. The complainant also alleged that he sustained injuries in the incident and approached the authorities seeking action. Police subsequently registered FIR No. 332 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the two accused. Further investigation is underway, sources said. Wani represents the Pahalgam Assembly constituency of Anantnag district, while Bhat is associated with the National Conference as an additional spokesperson. (KDC)

Congress marks Gandhi, Shastri anniversaries in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 2: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Friday observed the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Congress Bhawan, M.A. Road, Srinagar. Senior Congress leader and former legislator Bashir Ahmad Magray presided over the programme, where party leaders and workers paid floral tributes to the two leaders and recalled their contributions to the freedom struggle, nation-building and public service. Later, Congress workers attempted to march towards Lal Chowk as part of a Vote BachaoDesh Bachao protest over electoral processes and the functioning of the Election Commission of India. The march, led by Srinagar District Congress Committee president Dr Audil Farooq Mir, was stopped by security personnel outside the party headquarters. The protesters subsequently continued their demonstration at the spot. The Congress demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and restoration of names it alleges were deleted from electoral rolls. The party reiterated its allegations concerning the electoral process and called for greater transparency and accountability in constitutional institutions. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of electoral manipulation made by Congress leaders. The protesters said the party would continue to raise the issues through peaceful and constitutional means. Senior Congress leaders, district and block functionaries, Youth Congress and Mahila Congress members, Seva Dal workers and others participated in the programme and protest.

Kangan forum puts hunger strike on hold

Ganderbal:Social Activist Forum Ganderbal has deferred its proposed hunger strike after holding discussions with the administration over demands related to healthcare and education facilities in Kangan. Addressing a press conference, Manzoor Ahmad Lone said the decision was taken after the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) asked them to meet concerned officials and discuss their demands. He said several issues concerning Kangan Trauma Hospital have seen progress, including the introduction of a separate counter for elderly patients, which he said would help reduce waiting time. On the dialysis unit, he said a doctor has been sent for training and is expected to return and operate the facility. He added that the forum has also sought the appointment of a technician, as the post is currently vacant. The activist said endoscopy services are also expected to begin shortly, initially on a limited scale, while efforts would continue to improve the facility and equipment. He also highlighted the renovation of hospital washrooms, saying work is underway but the issue of the septic tank needs to be resolved for the facility to become fully functional. On diagnostic services, he said the hospital is currently using an old USG machine and that a proposal has been sent to higher authorities for a modern machine. Regarding staffing, the forum said shortages of doctors and other staff remain a major concern and urged the administration to address vacancies at Kangan Trauma Hospital. On education, the forum raised concerns over vacant teaching posts in schools, particularly in Kangan and Ganiwan, and called for rationalisation of staff to ensure adequate teachers in schools with higher student enrolment. The activist said the administration has also been approached over school infrastructure and that work has started on some of the demands. He said the forum decided to wait for the time sought by the administration, adding that if the commitments are not fulfilled, it may consider peaceful protests again. The forum also raised the issue of expansion of Kangan hospital infrastructure, saying permissions related to the existing land and structures need to be resolved so that old buildings can be dismantled and new facilities constructed in a planned manner.

Statehood essential for accountable governance: NC

Srinagar, Oct 2: National Conference General Secretary and Khanyar MLA Ali Muhammad Sagar on Friday said restoration of statehood was essential to strengthen the authority of the elected government and ensure administrative accountability. Sagar said the existing administrative arrangement had given the bureaucracy significant powers, which, according to him, had at times led to differences between officials and decisions of the elected government and Assembly. Referring to recent communications by senior officials concerning the Assembly resolution on statehood, Sagar said such developments raised concerns about the relationship between the elected House and administration. He said statehood would provide an effective constitutional and administrative framework for the elected government to hold the administration accountable to the people. Sagar also said references in the recent Assembly resolution to the June 26, 2000 Autonomy Resolution and the November 6, 2024 resolution reflected the National Conferences stated political position. The Assembly passed a resolution on September 28 seeking immediate restoration of full statehood, with references to the earlier resolutions. Criticising the BJPs opposition to the resolution, Sagar said the party should make its position on restoration of statehood clear in the Assembly. BJP legislators had opposed the resolution and staged a walkout before it was passed.

Development projects must improve lives: Sharma

Jammu, Oct 02: Jammu, Oct 2: Minister Satish Sharma on Friday visited the Chhamb Assembly constituency and laid foundation stones for and inaugurated development works worth Rs 13 crore. During the visit, Sharma covered Akhnoor, Barui Sangani, Kandi, Balla, Maira-Sather and Payain, interacting with residents and reviewing local developmental issues. At Akhnoor, Satish Sharma laid the foundation stone for construction of the Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) Building. The new infrastructure is aimed at strengthening the field-level administrative setup of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department and facilitating better delivery of services to the public. The Minister subsequently visited Bandi Mohalla, Barui Sangani, where he laid the foundation stone for construction of a road. The project is expected to improve local connectivity and provide easier access to the area. Speaking on the occasion, Sharma said that quality road infrastructure is critical for socio-economic development and plays an important role in improving access to education, healthcare, markets and other essential services. He directed the concerned executing agencies to ensure adherence to prescribed quality standards and timely completion of ongoing works. The Minister stressed that public utility projects should be executed with due regard to quality, sustainability and the requirements of the local population. During the visit, Sharma interacted with local residents, public representatives and officers and received feedback regarding roads, water supply, civic amenities and other developmental issues. He directed the concerned departments to maintain close coordination and regularly monitor the progress of works to ensure their timely completion and quality execution. Development works must translate into visible improvement in the lives of people. Every project undertaken with public funds should be completed within the stipulated timeframe and maintained properly so that people derive sustained benefits, the Minister said. Satish Sharma called upon the officers and executing agencies to remain responsive to public concerns and undertake regular field visits to identify and resolve bottlenecks affecting development works. The Minister also emphasised the need for effective inter-departmental coordination, stating that departments should work in a concerted manner to accelerate development and improve delivery of public services. The visit covered a range of development interventions including administrative infrastructure, roads, link roads, lanes, culverts, road blacktopping and PHE works, reflecting the focus on strengthening basic infrastructure and connectivity across the Chhamb Assembly Constituency.

Need to protect J&Ks fragile ecology for future generations: Dar

Baramulla, Oct 2: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Friday attended the culmination programme of Swachhata Hi Seva and the launch of Reforms Utsav (Gram Sabha), organised on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Government Degree College, Tangmarg. The programme was organised by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K. The aim of the event was to reinforce the message of cleanliness, community participation and grassroots development. MLA Gulmarg, Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah; Director General, Rural Sanitation, RD&PR, J&K, Anoo Malhotra; ACD Baramulla; Principal, Government Degree College Tangmarg; senior officers of the district administration and a large gathering from Tangmarg and adjoining areas were present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Javid Ahmad Dar paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, recalling his unparalleled contribution to Indias freedom struggle and his enduring vision of a society based on truth, non-violence, dignity of labour, cleanliness, self-reliance and service to humanity. The Minister said that Gandhi Ji considered cleanliness not merely a personal habit but a collective social responsibility and attached great importance to sanitation, dignity of labour and the upliftment of rural communities. He said Gandhi Jis vision of Gram Swaraj, with empowered villages and active participation of people in local affairs, continues to hold great relevance in the present times. Swachhata is life and cleanliness is not the responsibility of one department or one individual; it is a collective responsibility of society as a whole, Javid Dar said. He stressed the need for sustained public participation to keep villages, towns and public spaces clean. He emphasised the importance of protecting water bodies, natural resources and the fragile environment of Jammu and Kashmir for future generations. He said J&K is blessed with exceptional natural beauty and abundant environmental resources, which impose an equally important responsibility on every citizen to protect and preserve them. Referring to the launch of Reforms Utsav, the Minister said that beginning the initiative on Gandhi Jayanti carries special significance as it seeks to further strengthen participatory governance at the grassroots level. He said Gram Sabhas are an important instrument of grassroots democracy, providing citizens an opportunity to identify local priorities, deliberate upon developmental requirements and participate in planning interventions according to the specific needs of their communities. Javid Dar said that effective rural development cannot be achieved through government efforts alone and called for greater ownership and participation of people in development and sanitation initiatives. The Minister maintained that the vision can be translated into reality only when every citizens understands and fulfils their responsibility towards society, environment and the larger public good. As part of the programme, a plantation drive, quiz competition and flag-off ceremony for sanitation workers were held, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, awareness and dignity of sanitation work. The Minister appreciated the contribution of sanitation workers and stressed that their services play a vital role in maintaining healthy and hygienic communities. MLA Gulmarg, Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of cleanliness, community participation and sustainable rural development. Later, the Minister visited Government Degree College Tangmarg and inspected the Multi-Sports Hall and Library-cum-Reading Room.

Specialist panel formed to scrutinise PM-JAY cases

Srinagar, Oct 2:Jammu and Kashmir has formed an expert panel of specialist and super-specialist doctors to provide expert opinion under the AB PM-JAY and AB PM-JAY SEHAT schemes. The move comes in response to the decisions taken by the Governing Council of the State Health Agency, J&K, during its 13th meeting held on July 7, 2026. The panel has been constituted for all specialties and super-specialties, including cardiology, CTVS, oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, urology, and orthopaedics. The committee has been tasked with providing expert opinion on complex and high-value cases referred by the State Health Agency for claim adjudication, medical audits, and anti-fraud investigations. Under the order, the Head of the Department to whom a case is referred must furnish their expert opinion and recommendations within the stipulated time, strictly in accordance with applicable guidelines, Standard Treatment Guidelines, and other instructions governing the AB PM-JAY and AB PM-JAY SEHAT schemes. The order comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

Vacant posts raise service concerns in Ganderbal

Ganderbal: Several administrative posts, including those of Tehsildars and Block Development Officers (BDOs), remain vacant in Ganderbal district, with officials reportedly holding additional charges of multiple areas, raising concerns among locals over delays in public services. Local resident Furkan Ahmad said the arrangement has put additional pressure on officers while also causing inconvenience to people who have to travel between different offices for routine revenue and development-related work. He cited the example of Kangan, where the Tehsildar is also holding additional charge of Gund and Ganderbal. One officer cannot cater to three places back-to-back, he said, adding that files and public grievances require adequate time and attention. Furkan said the issue particularly affects people who depend on revenue offices for routine documentation and other official work, claiming that tasks that could otherwise be completed quickly are sometimes taking considerably longer. He also raised concerns over additional charges in the rural development sector, particularly in Gund, which he described as a large and important area with significant public and tourism-related activity. The officers are also human beings. If one officer is given the charge of three positions, it becomes difficult for him to give proper attention to every file and every public grievance, he said. The locals also urged the administration and the government to fill vacant posts at the earliest and ensure that each area has dedicated officers. He said the issue should be addressed not only in the revenue and rural development departments but also in other sectors where vacancies are affecting public services. Furkan appealed to Admin to look into the matter on priority, saying that filling vacant posts would help reduce the burden on existing officials and make public services more accessible. Locals hope that the administration will review the additional-charge arrangements and take steps to ensure that people do not have to make repeated visits or travel between different areas for routine official work.

Power theft: JERC authorises disconnection of supply

Srinagar, Oct 2: In a bid to tighten the noose against the power theft in Jammu and Kashmir, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for J&K & Ladakh has authorised designated officers to take action, including disconnection of electricity supply, in cases involving detection of electricity theft. The authorisation has been issued under the first provision to Section 135(1A) of the Electricity Act, 2003 following a request from the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL). Under the order, the officers of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD), who are posted as In-Charge of respective Electric Distribution Sub-Divisions within their territorial jurisdiction have been authorised to take appropriate action upon detection of electricity theft. The authorisation also covers officers holding a valid authorisation under Section 135(2) of the Electricity Act from the competent Government authority, within the territorial jurisdiction covered by such authorisation. The Commission clarified that the authorisation for disconnection under Section 135(1A) is independent of authorisation under Section 135(2). It said officers of the respective licensee or supplier holding a rank higher than that of the authorised officer may also exercise the power of disconnection. However, the order specifically states that powers relating to entry, inspection, search and seizure under Section 135(2) shall be exercised only by officers separately authorised for that purpose. Such officers are required to follow safeguards prescribed under Section 135(3) and the applicable Supply Code. The utilities have been directed to maintain an updated list of authorised officers at their offices and on their websites, indicating their names, designations, territorial jurisdiction and the nature of authorisation. The order further requires compliance with the JERC Electricity Supply Code, 2023, including provisions relating to inspection and restoration of supply. Managing Directors of JPDCL and KPDCL and the Chief Engineer, LPDD have been directed to circulate the order and submit compliance reports to the Commission within 15 days of receiving it.

From Palladium to Bollywood, Suri remembers Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 2: Bollywood actor-producer Sanjay Suri, who recently visited Kashmir for the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), has recalled his childhood in the valley, the circumstances that forced his family to leave in the early 1990s and his continuing emotional connection with Kashmir. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Suri said he was 19 when the situation in Kashmir deteriorated in 1989 and he was then pursuing his graduation at Gandhi College. He had earlier studied at Burn Hall School and also represented Jammu and Kashmir in sports at the national level. I remember playing basketball, trekking and doing many other things. Those were very different times, Suri said, recalling his childhood and youth in Kashmir. He said the turning point for his family came after his father was killed on August 1, 1990. My father was killed on August 1, 1990, without any warning. We were not leaving. We thought, why do we need to leave? But three boys came home and shot him, he said. Following the incident and the imposition of curfew, Suri said, his family decided to leave Kashmir. That was the day when the family thought that we should move out of the valley. I completed my final year at MAM College in Jammu and later moved to Delhi. After a short stint in Delhi, I moved to Mumbai and eventually entered films, he said. Reflecting on the changes Kashmir has witnessed over the past three-and-a-half decades, Suri said several generations have grown up experiencing curfews, school closures and prolonged periods of uncertainty. Kashmir has seen a lot. Whether you are a Kashmiri or someone who came from outside, people have suffered. I hope we are in better times now, Suri said. According to him, people across the valley primarily want peace, prosperity and opportunities. Despite having spent decades outside Kashmir, Suri said he continues to visit the valley regularly. Suri said his emotional connection with Kashmir remains strong, adding that he sometimes jokes with his children about eventually returning to the Valley. I threaten my kids that when you go to college, I will go back to Kashmir, he said with a smile. When you have spent your childhood somewhere, you cant leave that place, but the connection remains. In Kashmir, there can also be a good environment for script reading because the distractions are less, he added. Suri also travelled down memory lane while recalling the cinema culture of Kashmir before the 1990s. We had Palladium and Regal. English films were screened at Broadway, Neelam Cinema and other theatres. I watched films of actors like Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna and Dilip Kumar, he said. Recalling the excitement surrounding popular films, Suri said, I have watched films like Sholay, Coolie, Amar Akbar Anthony - there were big posters and long queues. Tickets were available for around Rs 5. He also remembered the ticket windows at Palladium Cinema and the presence of black-market ticket sellers. Suri believes Kashmir has the potential to develop a vibrant regional film industry and tell its own stories to the world. Regional cinema is important because you tell your stories yourself. It is such a beautiful way to reach out to the world, he said. Pointing to regional film industries in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, he said Kashmir could also develop its own cinema rooted in its culture, people and stories. Suri, who has worked in films including Raazi and Firaaq, also recalled his experience of shooting I Am in Kashmir. It was a great experience shooting in Kashmir. The permissions were also issued smoothly, he said. The actor-producer said his recent visit to Kashmir for the IFFJK gave him an opportunity to reconnect with the Valleys evolving film ecosystem. I was happy to attend the film festival. It was a new experience for Kashmir, he said. Suri acknowledged that there were some glitches during the festival but said organising such an event on a large scale was itself significant. However, he emphasised the need to ensure that local filmmakers and artists remain central to the development of Kashmirs film ecosystem. Suri suggested that a comprehensive database of local artists should be created and maintained so that filmmakers and festival organisers can easily identify talent from Jammu and Kashmir. Suri also advocated establishing a dedicated film school in Kashmir to train young people in various technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. He said such an institution could help create a structured ecosystem for local talent and provide young filmmakers with opportunities to acquire professional skills without having to leave the valley.

Satyameva Jayate must remain guiding principle for democracy: LG

Jammu Tawi, Oct 02: Underscoring Indias strength in diversity, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said Satyameva Jayate truth alone triumphs- must remain a guiding principle for democracy. While addressing a function organised by the School Education Department in collaboration with the Department of Culture to observe Gandhi Jayanti, LG Sinha recalled concerns of the [] The post Satyameva Jayate must remain guiding principle for democracy: LG appeared first on Northlines .

JERC empowers officials to disconnect power on theft detection

Srinagar, Oct 02: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has authorized officers of local DISCOMs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to immediately disconnect connection upon detection of power theft. JERC said that the Commission has considered the request of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) for authorization of sub-division in-charge officers to disconnect supply [] The post JERC empowers officials to disconnect power on theft detection appeared first on Northlines .

Dry spell to continue till Oct 5

Srinagar, Oct 02: Dry weather continued across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, with day temperatures remaining above normal at several places, while the Meteorological Department forecast a fresh spell of rain and snowfall in higher reaches from October 6. The MeT Centre Srinagar said weather is expected to remain generally dry from October 3 to [] The post Dry spell to continue till Oct 5 appeared first on Northlines .

Vande Bharat sets new milestone

Katra-Banihal Rail Section raises speed limit to 100 Kmph: Vaishnaw Jammu, Oct 02: Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Friday said that the Indian Railways has achieved yet another operational milestone on the Jammu-Srinagar rail link, as the maximum permissible speed on the 111-kilometre Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Banihal section stands raised from 75 kmph to [] The post Vande Bharat sets new milestone appeared first on Northlines .

Policy finalized for sanitation, waste management infra

Srinagar, Oct 02: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Javed Dar on Friday said that garbage piles around SBM segregation sheds across J&K are set to end as the government has finalised a policy for their operation and maintenance. Talking to reporters here in North Kashmir, Javed Dar said the new mechanism will address the [] The post Policy finalized for sanitation, waste management infra appeared first on Northlines .

CM terms CBG Policy 2026 a major step towards clean energy

Srinagar, Oct 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed the Jammu and Kashmir Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Policy 2026 a major step towards promoting clean energy, strengthening the circular economy and turning organic waste into wealth in Jammu & Kashmir. Following its approval by the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister, the Government has [] The post CM terms CBG Policy 2026 a major step towards clean energy appeared first on Northlines .

Cong protests against CEC

Srinagar, Oct 2 : The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Friday staged a protest here against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR row, demanding his arrest. Scores of Congress leaders and workers assembled at the party headquarters at M A Road here. They tried to march towards the main road, but were [] The post Cong protests against CEC appeared first on Northlines .

Farooq slams BJP

Srinagar, Oct 2 : National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday reacted sharply to the BJPs criticism over the statehood resolution passed by the Assembly, saying that the saffron party always wanted to subjugate the people of Jammu and Kashmir. On September 28, the Assembly passed a resolution, urging the Centre to restore statehood [] The post Farooq slams BJPs criticism of statehood resolution appeared first on Northlines .

Relief for Horses forced to bear pain

AHD Seizes 140 Spiked Bits Used on Horses in Katra, Shiv Khori Jammu Tawi: The Animal Husbandry Department (AHD), with support from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, seized 140 metal spiked bits allegedly being used to control horses engaged in tourist rides and hauling goods in Katra and Shiv Khori, [] The post Relief for Horses forced to bear pain appeared first on Northlines .

In Phone Call, Modi lauds courage of Flydubai Pilot

Hears his account of mid-air incident NEW DELHI, Oct 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Indians are not the ones who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others as he applauded the bravery of Captain Smit Machchaar, who foiled an attempt by his co-pilot to allegedly [] The post In Phone Call, Modi lauds courage of Flydubai Pilot appeared first on Northlines .

ECI directs states, UTs to enroll left out voters

New Delhi, Oct 2 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed states and union territories where the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been completed to conduct a special drive to identify and enrol voters who may have been left out. In a communication to the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) [] The post ECI directs states, UTs to enroll left out voters appeared first on Northlines .

Post-Assembly Session, BJP HQ deputes leaders to gauge political pulse in J

Arvind Sharma JAMMU Tawi, Oct 02: Amid the growing intense political battle between the ruling National Conference (NC) and the main opposition party in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) over Statehood, the BJP high command has deputed its senior national leaders here to take stock of the whole political scenario unfolding [] The post Post-Assembly Session, BJP HQ deputes leaders to gauge political pulse in J&K appeared first on Northlines .

Corporatisation of Healthcare undermines public health in India

Privatisation of Medical education is also harms national interests By Dr Arun Mitra The remarkable advances in evidence-based modern medicine have made life easier, reduced mortality and increased longevity. To ensure that these benefits reach all citizens, it is imperative that the State takes responsibility for providing healthcare to everyone. From the immediate [] The post Corporatisation of Healthcare undermines public health in India appeared first on Northlines .

Africa emerging as a major producer-exporter of Iron ore in Global market

Commissioning of Simandou mines in Guinea ushers in structural changes in trade By Kunal Bose Africa has already served the notice. From now on the world will be seeing the rise of this continent, the repository of resources from iron ore to bauxite to oil in most cases of yet to be discovered [] The post Africa emerging as a major producer-exporter of Iron ore in Global market appeared first on Northlines .

Seven Injured as Passenger Auto Overturns After Collision in Rajouri

SRINAGAR: Seven people, including two children, were injured after a passenger auto overturned following a collision with a load carrier on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway 144A in the Narian area of Rajouri district on Friday. An official said that the passenger auto overturned after colliding with the load carrier, leaving all seven occupants injured. He []

Enough Of Power Theft!

It is the right time for the government to educate people about the hard fact that electricity is not a free entity that can be supplied to consumers without charging the bill. It is important that people should understand that money is required to produce, buy, transmit and supply electricity to consumers. It is therefore [] The post Enough Of Power Theft! appeared first on Northlines .

Jammu Kashmir Fight Back to Take First-Innings Lead Over Rest of India in Irani Cup

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recovered from 37 for four to post 278 all out and secure a 41-run first-innings lead over Rest of India on the second day of the Irani Cup at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium on Friday. Rest of India, who were dismissed for 237 on the opening day, reached 24 for one in their []

Kupwara Trainer Dies After Cardiac Arrest as Vocational Trainers

SRINAGAR: As vocational trainers in Jammu and Kashmir continued their protest for the ninth consecutive day on Friday, a vocational trainer from Kupwara, Bashir Ahmad Gojri, died after suffering a cardiac arrest. Mohammad Asif, a vocational trainer said that Gojri was working at a Government High School in Kupwara and had been under considerable stress []

Two Limestone Blocks in Anantnag Auctioned for Mineral Development

SRINAGAR: Two limestone mineral blocks in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir have been successfully auctioned through the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, marking the first such auction of mineral blocks in the Union Territory through the ministry. The two blocks, Koot-Kapran and Wantrag, are located in Dooru tehsil of Anantnag district. The Koot-Kapran []

US Deploys More Patriot Batteries to Protect Saudi, Qatari Energy Sites

SRINAGAR: The United States has deployed two additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to protect key oil and gas facilities, according to Axios, which cited two US officials and a regional source. One battery was deployed to Saudi Arabia to protect an oil facility, while the other was sent to Qatar to []

SMC Seals Eight Premises Over Unauthorised Pet Clinics, Animal Breeding

SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday sealed eight premises across the citys South and West zones during an enforcement drive against unauthorised pet clinics and unlicensed animal breeding facilities. The action was carried out under Order No. 1142 issued by the Joint Commissioner (Administration), SMC, which directed joint inspection teams to check unregulated []

Truck Skids Off Road, Rolls into Nallah at Zojila

SRINAGAR: A truck skidded off the road and rolled into a nallah at Rasool Mod on the Zojila road in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Friday evening, with the driver escaping unhurt, reports said. The truck, bearing registration number JK04J-5692, was being driven by Yawar Ahmad Kullow when the accident took place. The vehicle sustained []

Jammu and Kashmir marks historic mining milestone with auction of two limestone blocks

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 2 : In a historic first for Jammu and Kashmir (UT), mining development begins with the successful auction of two mineral blocks conducted through the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, under the Central Governments mineral auction framework. The administration of the Union Territory entrusted the competitive bidding exercise to the Ministry of Mines to ensure systematic resource management. This development initiates a new phase of organised mineral exploration across the region, which continues to see an increased focus on infrastructure, investment and economic expansion following the abrogation of Article 370. According to the Ministry of Mines, the process unlocks regional geological potential through a transparent mechanism designed to expand industrial foundations. The successful completion of the auction reflects the use of a transparent and competitive mineral auction process for the systematic development of mineral resources, the Ministry of Mines stated. The two auctioned assets, both located in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, contain significant limestone reserves verified across different phases of preliminary geological survey. The first asset is the KootKapran limestone block, situated across Koot and Kapran villages in Dooru Tehsil. It spans an area of 22.43 hectares and holds estimated limestone reserves of 4.75 million tonnes. Exploration in this tract reached the G-4 stage, establishing baseline feasibility for future detailed development and extraction work. The second asset, the Wantrag limestone block, covers an area of 5.36 hectares. Geological assessments place its estimated limestone resources at 10.853 million tonnes. Prospecting work on this site advanced to the G-3 stage and incorporated 159 metres of drilling, providing technical documentation to support commercial extraction. Officials indicated that these limestone auctions will draw capital into the Union Territory while expanding allied industrial value chains. The auction of the two limestone blocks is expected to catalyse new investment and economic activity in the Union Territory, the Ministry stated. As mining and associated activities develop, they are expected to generate a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities and create avenues for local businesses, entrepreneurs, service providers and allied industries, the Ministry added. The Ministry further noted that the initiative will support broader regional participation in commerce as production commences. The development of the mineral sector will also contribute to greater value creation from Jammu and Kashmirs mineral resources and support new opportunities for local participation in the emerging mining ecosystem, the Ministry noted. This progress marks another step toward strengthening the economic base of a Viksit Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of Mines will continue working alongside the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the transparent, sustainable, and responsible development of regional reserves. (ANI)

Vande Bharat Crosses Chenab, Anji Bridges at 100 Kmph as Katra-Banihal Speed Limit Raised

SRINAGAR: The maximum permissible speed for trains on the 111-km Katra-Banihal section has been raised from 75 kmph to 100 kmph, enabling the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to cross the Chenab and Anji railway bridges at the higher speed for the first time, officials said. The speed trial was conducted on October 2 using train []

They Have Always Been Against it: Farooq Abdullah Rejects BJPs Statehood Stand

SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday rejected the BJPs criticism of the Jammu and Kashmir Assemblys statehood resolution, saying his party would continue to counter opposition to autonomy and the restoration of the Union Territorys statehood. The Assembly on September 28 passed a resolution calling on the Government of India to restore full []

On the anniversary of Mahatma Gandi : Aljawad Academy of Martial Arts opens 11th branch in Srinagar

Srinagar, October 2, 2026: The 11th branch of the Aljawad Academy of Martial Arts was inaugurated at Khumani Chowk near Bemina Bridge in Srinagar on Friday, with the event featuring martial arts demonstrations by trained participants, including youth from different educational institutions. The inauguration, held on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, was attended by Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, Chief Commissioner of JK Scouts and Hindustan Scouts, along with Dr Iqbal, Director of the Institute of Skill; Ms Quraj, a skill and art personality; Syed Wajahat; Mohammad Shadi from Skill Development; and Abida Jee of the Satellite Rotary Club in Kashmir. Renzushah appreciated Syed Shuja for establishing the academy's 11th premises and for his contribution to promoting martial arts among young people. Internationally associated martial arts performers and academy trainees presented artistic demonstrations during the inaugural programme. Among those who drew particular appreciation were Bilal Sahib, who was stated to have won a gold medal in Thailand, and Gen Zee, Sadaf and Sahar, besides other trained participants. Addressing the trainees, Renzushah linked martial arts with Kashmir's broader traditions of spirituality, human dignity, discipline and physical and mental development. He described the performances under the theme RAY as a tribute to what he called Kashmir's ay of spirituality rooted in human dignity and unity. Renzushah also recalled his association with the Bemina Bridge, stating that the project had remained pending for years and was completed and inaugurated in 2008 during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner, Budgam. Speaking about Kashmir's historical traditions, Renzushah claimed that the region had an early tradition of martial arts and learning predating the establishment of ancient universities such as Nalanda and Taxila. Referring to archaeological remains at Kudalwan-Harwan, he said the carved tiles and other historical evidence reflected the presence of martial traditions in ancient Kashmir. He further urged the younger, Gen-Z generation to learn about personalities from Kashmir's history who, he said, represented the region's traditions of courage, pluralism and social harmony. Renzushah specifically referred to Begum Khurm Sultana and recounted her as an example of Kashmir's syncretic tradition, saying she resisted forces that threatened the region's pluralistic Reshi ethos. He also associated her with martial prowess and resistance against historical invaders. He said Kashmir's tradition of Tasawuf places emphasis on strengthening both mental and physical capabilities in the service of humanity, love and unity, while resisting forces of hatred. The event concluded with remarks from Dr Iqbal and other guests, who highlighted the importance of skill development, discipline and opportunities for young people through martial arts. The organisers said the new branch would provide a platform for youth, both male and female, to receive structured training and participate in martial arts activities.

Inam Un Nabi Calls for Transparency, Accountability and Unity Among Traders

Srinagar, October 2: AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Batamallo Traders Association, including President Abrar Ahmad Khan, General Secretary Wasim Ahmad Khan and Senior Vice President Mehraj U Din Ganai and urged them to work collectively for the welfare of the trading community. Addressing a felicitation programme organised in honour of the newly elected leadership, Inam Un Nabi said the very essence of democracy lies in giving people the right to choose their representatives on the basis of their performance. He said elected representatives, in turn, have a responsibility to live up to the expectations of those who have placed their trust in them. Inam Un Nabi also stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability within traders and business associations. He said shopkeepers associations, traders bodies, chambers and other representative organisations should periodically disclose their income and expenditure, preferably every six months or at least annually. He also opposed the practice of collecting commission from shopkeepers for resolving their issues, calling it an unacceptable practice that must stop. The shopkeepers elect these representatives, and it is their responsibility to address their genuine concerns. If a trader has to pay a commission to get his own issue resolved, then what is the purpose of representation? he questioned. Calling for greater unity among the business community, Inam Un Nabi proposed the creation of a common platform for traders and business associations. He said multiple associations approaching government officers, elected representatives or authorities separately on similar issues often creates confusion and weakens the collective voice of traders. If we are genuinely serious about resolving the problems of the business community, we must speak with one united and coordinated voice. A common platform can ensure that the concerns of traders are presented clearly and collectively before the administration and political leadership, he said.

Three Missing After Car Skids Off In Zanskar

Kargil, October 2: Three people are feared missing after an Alto car skidded off the road and plunged into a river in the Zanskar area of Kargil district on Thursday, according to preliminary information. Following the accident, a joint search and rescue operation was launched by teams from the Ladakh Police, Army and local volunteers. Rescue personnel are currently searching the river and surrounding areas for the missing occupants. Their identities have not yet been confirmed. The circumstances leading to the accident remain unclear, and further details are awaited as the search operation continues.

How Do You Fund Education Costs For Two Children Four Years Apart?

Two children four years apart looks, at first, like two straightforward education goals with a comfortable gap between them. In practice the gap is exactly the wrong length: long enough that you can't treat the costs as one event, but too short to fund one child fully before the others begin. That awkward spacing makes planning for two children more than doing the sum twice. The costs don't arrive neatly one after the other; they stagger, and at certain points they overlap. Funding them well means planning for both goals at once, each sized separately and timed to when that child actually needs the money. Why two children four years apart is its own planning problem The difficulty is in the timing, not the total. With a single child, you have one set of milestones to save towards. With two spaced four years apart, you have two sets that move in step but never quite align, so at several points you're funding a big expense for one child while the next is already looming for the other. A wider gap would let you finish one child's education before the next began. A much smaller gap would bunch the costs into a single peak. Four years does neither cleanly, spreading the heaviest costs across a longer stretch and creating years where both children draw on your finances at once, which is exactly the situation to plan for rather than be surprised by. How do the two timelines actually line up? The first practical step is to map both children's milestones on one calendar and see where they collide. Each stage the older child reaches, the younger reaches four years later, so their timelines run parallel with a fixed offset. That offset produces predictable pressure points. The older child's college years, for instance, can land right when the younger is in the costly final years of school or entrance coaching, so two big costs run at once. Seeing those overlap years in advance is half the battle, because they're where an otherwise sound plan tends to buckle. Knowing which years will be heaviest tells you where to build in extra, well before you get there. Sizing each goal, including inflation Each child's education is a separate goal with its own price tag, and the younger child's will be the larger of the two in rupee terms. That's down to timing rather than any difference in their education: it's four more years away, and education costs have long risen faster than general inflation. The same course can cost meaningfully more by the time the younger child reaches it. This is where estimating properly matters. Working out what each stage will actually cost in the year each child reaches it, with education inflation built in, turns a vague worry into two concrete targets. A child education planner that projects future costs and the monthly saving each goal needs takes the guesswork out of it, and for two staggered goals that clarity is worth far more than a rough guess. Should you fund them in sequence or in parallel? It's tempting to think you can fund the older child first and then turn to the younger, but four years rarely allows it. The older child's costs run for years, often overlapping when the younger's begin, so a purely sequential approach starts the younger child's goal far too late. Running both goals in parallel from the start is almost always the sounder route. It uses the extra time the younger child's later timeline gives you, four more years of saving and compounding, which eases the larger goal if you begin early. Save for both at once, in proportion to when each is needed, rather than pouring everything into the nearer goal and scrambling for the farther one later. Protecting both goals against the unexpected With two education goals resting on your income, the risk of not being around to fund them is doubled. If the earner dies partway through, both children's education is exposed at once, which is a heavier blow than a single goal failing. This is where protection earns its place. A child education plan built on life insurance typically includes a premium waiver, so if the parent paying dies, the premiums are covered and the goal still pays out on schedule, keeping the child's education on track. With two children, protecting both goals this way, or through adequate term cover behind your savings, matters more than it would for one. The point is that neither child's future should depend on nothing going wrong. So how do you put the plan together? Start by mapping the two timelines and marking the overlap years, then size each goal separately with education inflation included, using a calculator rather than a guess. From there, save towards both in parallel through instruments timed to each child's milestones, so money is available when each stage arrives. Layer protection over it so both goals survive the earner's absence, and build a little extra into the overlap years when both children have costs at once. Review it as fees and your income change, adjusting the contributions rather than the goals. Do that early enough, and the four-year gap becomes two goals funded steadily side by side, not one scramble after another.

'He felt Raja ki chhutti karni chahiye': Warring targets Sachin Pilot after quitting as Punjab Congress chief

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President Murmu gives assent to Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, state becomes second after Uttarakhand to enact UCC

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Three Missing After Alto Car Plunges Into River in Zanskar

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Two Suspected Pakistani Intruders Shot Dead in Punjab

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Srinagar, Oct 02: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of digitisation of land records and implementation of AgriStack across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting has a particular focus on district-wise progress in creation of Farmer IDs, generation of Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPINs), digitisation and integration of cadastral maps through BhuNaksha and proposed integration of digitised land records with RBIs Unified Lending Interface (ULI). The meeting besides ACS, Finance; was attended by Secretary, Revenue; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners; Managing Director, AgriStack; Director, Land Records; representatives of RBI, BISAG-N and NIC besides other concerned officers. Taking a detailed district-wise appraisal of each component separately, the Chief Secretary enquired from Deputy Commissioners about the reasons for delays and the gaps between targets and achievements. He directed the district administrations to ensure that no eligible farmer is left out of AgriStack or Farmer ID registration, and asked them to furnish certificates to this effect after due verification. The Chief Secretary also directed the Deputy Commissioners to fix responsibility wherever undue delays are observed, besides conducting frequent field inspections to monitor both progress and quality. He further enjoined upon them to depute other concerned officers to undertake regular field inspections and submit weekly progress reports. ACS Finance, Shailendra Kumar, stressed the need to prioritise farmers available in villages, observing that they constitute the overwhelming majority of the target population, while exceptional cases of absentees could be taken up subsequently. He advised against generalising exceptions and urged the field agencies to make every effort to complete AgriStack work without further delay. The ACS Finance also asked Deputy Commissioners to formulate specific operational guidelines for different situations encountered by field functionaries, so that procedural issues do not become a reason for delaying the work. On this occasion the Secretary, Revenue, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, gave out instant solutions to the issues raised bt DCs He also took this occasion to apprise the meeting that J&K has achieved 100 per cent digitisation coverage across its foundational land administrative units, covering all 20 districts, 207 tehsils and 6,818 villages. As many as 68,62,596 land parcels (Khasras) have been digitised. The backlog of 6,47,274 mutations has also been incorporated across all 20 districts, leaving no pending backlog. Moreover it was given out that the Department has received 14,48,748 grievances, of which 14,38,571 were non-quasi-judicial. As many as 14,27,576 non-quasi-judicial grievances have been resolved. The meeting was informed that against a base of 71,04,737 Khasras across 6,818 villages, data entry for AgriStack has progressed substantially, with 65,77,944 Khasras submitted, 58,17,502 verified and 57,30,681 approved, representing 80.7 per cent of the total base. In Jammu Division, 2,770 out of 3,750 villages have been fully approved, with an overall Khasra approval rate of 80.8 per cent. Similarly in Kashmir Division, 1,945 out of 3,068 villages have been fully approved, with an overall Khasra approval rate of 80.5 per cent. The meeting was informed that 1,21,472 Farmer IDs have been generated across 1,663 villages so far. Kashmir Division accounts for 70,979 Farmer IDs across 836 bucketed villages, while Jammu Division has generated 52,751 Farmer IDs across 827 villages. Regarding the Digital Crop Survey it was given out that the same for Kharif 2026 is being undertaken across 5,714 villages covering around 30.61 lakh agricultural plots. Survey has been completed for 30,61,696 plots, representing 96.55 per cent progress, while supervisors have approved 27,27,189 plots. As far as ULPIN generation is concerned it was divulged that the process has gained substantial momentum and significant progress has been recorded in generation of Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPINs). The meeting was apprised that as of September 25, ULPIN coverage had expanded to 5,275 villages, up from 4,078, while the number of ULPINs generated increased to 33,47,011, registering an addition of 4,08,887 since the previous review. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of BhuNaksha and integration of cadastral maps with digitised land records. Under the prescribed six-step workflow, the process involves inventory and collection of Shajra/Mussavi maps, geo-referencing, Khasra-wise subdivision into daughter maps, topology and boundary checks, integration with Jamabandi/Record of Rights and field validation by Patwaris. Out of 6,818 village maps, 6,468 have been handed over to BISAG-N, of which 6,049 have been received back. Geo-referencing of 425 maps is pending, while attribute tables for 5,754 maps have been completed. The meeting was also apprised of the proposed integration of J&Ks digitised land records with RBIs Unified Lending Interface (ULI) through specialised APIs. The integration is envisaged to facilitate secure access to relevant land and farm-related information for agricultural lending, including landowner and land parcel details, farm parameters, mortgage details, crop information and flag-marking of existing loans. The Chief Secretary directed all concerned agencies to work against fixed timelines and clearly assigned responsibilities. Deputy Commissioners have been asked to complete locking of RoR/Jamabandi within one month of Farmer ID generation, complete Farmer ID generation in all bucketed villages and address unclaimed buckets and cross-district land parcels within two months. The Chief Secretary stressed that the digitisation exercise should not remain confined to data generation, but must translate into accurate, updated and field-validated land records that enable faster citizen services, transparent land administration and easier access to institutional agricultural credit for all farmers in the days to come.

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