Education must reach playgrounds: LG Sinha at Reading Marathon
Discipline, leadership & nation first can create new history Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of []
LG receives Defence Minister in Sgr
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha received Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the airport on Saturday in Srinagar. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor wrote: Welcomed Honble Raksha Mantri, Shri @rajnathsingh Ji at Srinagar airport today.
Heavy rain disrupts life across J&K
Woman dies in house collapse, several roads shut MeT warns of more rain, flash floods, landslides Srinagar: Heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, triggering landslides, flash flood concerns and a house collapse that claimed the life of a woman in Rajouri district, while disrupting road connectivity across the Union Territory. []
From Cockroach to a peoples movement
How a student protest grew beyond its founders New Delhi: It ended where, in many ways, it had begun. Moments after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), thanked Chief Justice Surya Kant. It was Surya Kants cockroach remark during a Supreme Court hearing that []
Jhelum continues to recede, all major gauges below warning level
Srinagar: The water level in River Jhelum continued to recede across Kashmir on Saturday evening, with all major gauge stations remaining below the warning level despite moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of South Kashmir earlier in the day. According to the Irrigation & Flood Control Departments data, the Jhelum was flowing at 14.62 feet []
LG pays homage to Kargil War brave hearts
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid homage to the brave hearts of the Kargil War on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said: On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs who made supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty and honor of Maa Bharti during Operation Vijay. The []
SKUAST-K becomes Kashmirs first university to hold paperless PG exam
Shalimar, July 25: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has become the first university in the Kashmir Valley to conduct a completely paperless postgraduate semester examination, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of higher education in the region. On July 25, the University successfully conducted a tablet-based digital examination []
AI and Modern Teaching: Between Promise and Peril
Artificial Intelligence has quietly walked into our classrooms. It sits in the phones of our students, in the lesson plans of our teachers, and in the dashboards of school administrators tracking every mark and every absence. For many, AI feels like the latest in a long line of educational fadsanother buzzword that will fade like smart boards and e-learning portals. But this time is different. AI is not just a tool; it is a way of seeing, measuring, and even shaping learning itself. That is precisely why, especially in a society like ours, we have to ask harder questions about what it means for teaching. In Kashmir and beyond, education has always carried a weight larger than textbooks and exams. It is a route out of conflict, a bridge to opportunity, a fragile promise to our children that their future can be more stable than our past. When AI enters this space, it does not do so into a vacuum. It enters classrooms already marked by inequality, exam pressure, and an education culture that often values memory over understanding. The way we adopt AI, then, will determine whether it deepens these problems or helps us rise above them. At its best, AI can help teachers do what they have always wanted to do but rarely had time for: understand each child as an individual learner. An AI-driven platform can track where a student struggles in mathematics, how often they get stuck on a concept in science, which passages they skim past in an English text. It can then recommend practice questions, explanations, or videos tuned to that students level. In theory, no child is left behind simply because the teacher has forty or fifty faces to manage in a single period. For overburdened teachers, this promise is seductive. Instead of staying up late manually checking notebooks and exam scripts, they can use AI to generate quizzes, summarise readings, or even draft feedback for students. This can free time for what no machine can do: listening to a student who is anxious about an exam, noticing the quiet child who has suddenly become withdrawn, or encouraging a teenager who has begun to believe that science is not for people like us. The real gift of AI, if we choose to use it wisely, could be that it returns teachers to the human core of their profession. Yet the same technology that can liberate teachers can also quietly replace them in the minds of students and policymakers. When an app explains a concept more clearly than a tired lecturer, when a chatbot answers doubts instantly at midnight, it is tempting to ask: why invest in teachers at all? Why not simply put all our faith in personalised learning platforms and AI tutors and imagine that the problem of quality education has been solved with a subscription fee? This is a dangerous illusion. A large language model can produce a competent answer to a textbook question, but it cannot read a classrooms mood after a disruptive week. It cannot adapt its pace because it senses that students are not just confused, but demoralised. It cannot understand the social realities that shape a childs silencethe fear of speaking in English, the weight of family expectations, the trauma of growing up amid conflict. Teaching is not only about transferring information; it is about forming minds and nurturing citizens. No algorithm, however advanced, can replace that complex human relationship. There is another, quieter risk. AI systems are only as fair as the data on which they are trained. If that data carries biasesabout language, region, gender, or classAI-driven assessments and recommendations will quietly reproduce those biases at scale. A Kashmiri students accent on a speech-recognition app, a local idiom used in a written answer, or a different cultural reference in an essay can all be misread by a system trained primarily on Western examples. The result is that students may be judged not for what they know, but for how closely they resemble a narrow, invisible standard. In regions like ours, where connectivity is uneven and schools are unequally resourced, we must also confront the very real danger of a new digital divide. Well-funded private institutions may deploy sophisticated AI platforms, while government schools struggle with basic infrastructure. If AI becomes the new marker of quality education, children who already stand on the margins will be pushed further out. The irony would be bitter: a technology with the potential to personalise learning for every child may instead deepen the gap between those who can afford it and those who cannot. So what should a sensible path forward look like? The first step is to reject the false choice between AI schools and traditional schools. The real debate is not man versus machine, but what kind of partnership we allow between them. We should treat AI as an assistant, not an authority. It can help design practice papers, analyse patterns in learning, and suggest resourcesbut the final judgment about what is good for a particular child must remain with a responsible, trained teacher. Second, we need a deliberate public conversation about ethics and regulation. Education departments, school leaders, teacher unions, and parents should all have a say in how AI is procured and used. What data is being collected on our children? Who owns it? How long is it stored? Can parents opt out if they are uncomfortable? These are not technical questions; they are questions about rights, dignity, and trust. Third, we must invest in training teachers, not bypassing them. An AI-literate teacher is not one who simply knows how to click through a dashboard, but one who can question the output it gives. Why is this student being flagged as low performing? Is it because of genuine struggle, or because the system fails to recognise regional language use? Why is one type of answer rewarded over another? A confident teacher will use AI as a mirror to reflect on practice, not as a master to obey. Finally, we must keep our eyes on the true purpose of education in a place like Kashmir: not simply to produce employable graduates, but to cultivate resilient, thoughtful, and compassionate human beings. AI can help a student master algebra, learn scientific facts, or practice a new language. It cannot teach them how to sit with a grieving friend, to question injustice, or to imagine a future beyond fear. Those capacities are shaped by human relationshipsby teachers who model integrity, courage, and care. AI and modern teaching are now inseparable; the question is not whether we will use these tools, but how. If we allow market hype and administrative convenience to lead the way, we may wake up to find that our classrooms are more efficient but less humane, more data-rich but poorer in wisdom. If, however, we insist that technology must serve the human, that algorithms must answer to teachers and communities, then AI can indeed become an ally. In the end, the measure of any educational innovation is simple: does it help our children become more fully human? If AI in the classroom merely trains them to perform for a machine, we will have failed them. But if it frees our teachers to listen more, to guide more, and to build deeper connections, then this new era of learning may yet be worthy of the hopes we place on it. (The author is a researcher and columnist)
Thriving Radicalization vs Inadequate Counter Narratives in J&K
CROSS ROADS The face of Islamist radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir has changed over the past two decades, capitalizing on accelerating developments and trends in the realm of communication technologies that have rendered information and digital content almost ubiquitously accessible. These processes have transformed some of the channels through which radicalization of the individual and broader communities as a whole can take place, in particular raising the dangers of self-radicalization. Whilst this raises new concerns for intelligence and security services, especially concerning the early detection of at-risk individuals, it cannot be deduced that the ultimate character of radicalization, namely its social and normative dimension, has changed as well. Radical messages and those espousing them continue to speak to those who perceive themselves marginalized by societies and their institutions, providing a framework to them that provides sense, meaning and context to the suffering of the individual and the individuals partially transnationally imagined social community. Put differently, cyber radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir has shifted aspects of how radicalization technically takes place without fundamentally shifting the underlying reasons for why radicalization takes place. The advent of a globally accessible digital space has not undermined the role and significance of previously more dominant channels of radicalization, including the work of the ever-growing radical Islamist parallel institutions that have increasingly become integrated and accepted into the educational and social fabric of Jammu & Kashmir. Contemporary Islamist radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir can consequently be treated as a hybrid in which both dimensions of radicalization, in-person and online, serve complementing rather than competing functions. Unlike in-person radicalization, cyber radicalization operates more independent from interpersonal linkages and the physical access to extremist ideas or individuals and groups espousing these ideas. Owing to its existence as a networked entity, cyberspace defies boundaries and is hence theoretically open to anyone connected to the internet. As such, advancements in cyberspace have subsequently allowed terrorist organizations to circumvent many of the physical anti-terror measures put in place. In addition, digital access and proficiency have become less coupled to economic income than it has been in previous decades, with the internet now being more accessible to people of lower socio-economic-educational standing as well. Radical thoughts and materials readily and globally available, allow young individuals to radicalize themselves without necessarily being exposed to prior integration into radicalized social contexts, further facilitating the radicalization of these youngsters that have been born and bred in social environments without the degree of violent inter-communal conflict which previous generations in Jammu & Kashmir witnessed and lived through. Although cyber radicalization operates in a territorially less bound and constrained manner, its basic purpose and message overlaps with that of in-person versions of radicalization. Online forms of radicalization in Jammu & Kashmir also engender stories and narratives that situate the perceived experience of the youngsters in Jammu & Kashmir in the struggle of Muslims elsewhere, like Iran, Palestine, Afghanistan, the US and Europe. Cyber radicalization therefore also speaks to sentiments of degradation and exclusion - as such, it is the mode of engagement rather than the underlying messages that manifests the most palpable difference between in-person and cyber radicalization. It goes without saying that cyber radicalization as such is coupled with developments in and the expansion of cyberspace more generally, meaning that as cyberspace expands both in societal use and significance, so will its use by terrorist organizations. Crucial for the purposes of radicalization, both online and offline, is how social narratives situate the struggles and experiences of the to-be-radicalized individual in a grander, more global context. Narratives, regardless of how they are created and disseminated, consequently mark a way of making sense of the world and the individuals place, past, present and future in it. They shape the way individuals think of, and live, their lives. Radicalizing narratives therefore appeal to different cognitive frameworks to incentivize alignment with the radical cause. These narratives rest on mainly Political, Moral, Religious and Social-psychological foundations. It is clear that both online and offline narratives play onto caveats that, at least in Jammu & Kashmir, are connected to perceived feelings of exclusion, marginalization and humiliation. Radical narratives target these negative feelings and re-write them into a radicalized identity that seeks vengeance for the perceived experienced victimization, indicating that radical ideas are enabled by perceived social environments of exclusion. The emergence of cyberspace as a security space manifests new challenges for security and intelligence communities. Previous forms of surveillance, for instance in the form of focusing on at-risk individuals and communities, emerge as an increasingly inefficient mode of operation as with cyber radicalization the essential danger is self-radicalization. This does not mean that necessarily more people will become radicalized but that those that are at risk of radicalization may become radicalized more quickly and more easily. Security and intelligence services would consequently do well by acknowledging that radicalization derives its functioning from situating the individual, and by implication, their broader community, in a narrative that speaks to their sentiments, whereby the main focus of security agencies must lay on identifying these sentiments, understanding them and their root causes, and, ultimately, addressing the perceived social structures that incentivize radicalization, both online and offline. As cyber radicalization fosters more opportunities for at-risk individuals to radicalize themselves quicker and easier and facilitates the access to radicalizing materials without necessarily accelerating public radicalization as such, it raises the stakes for security services to detect early stages of radicalization. This phenomenon of cyber radicalization will require policy responses that consistently account for technological, methodological and procedural changes. Assessing the role of cyber radicalization in relation to in-person radicalization reinforces the analysis that radicalization as a phenomenon is a distinctly social development that consequently requires predominantly social responses. This is not to say that short-term solutions, such as removing content from social media platforms or blocking accounts that disseminate radical narratives, do not matter or should not be continued. That said, radicalization is an issue that must be addressed in its root cause, namely the perceived feeling of exclusion and marginalization. Any other policy response will be a mere short-term fix that does not provide a sustainable way of addressing the issue at hand. Developing independent counternarratives thus differs from other tactical policy approaches such as content removal or blocking accounts by seeking to address the social dimension of radicalization. At present, terrorist organizations have proven effective in winning the contest of socio-political narrative, appealing to sentiments and capitalizing on the echo chamber effect. To reclaim some of the lost control, societies such as Jammu & Kashmir, faced with rampant subterranean Islamist radicalization must seek to reclaim control over the narrative and the normative assumptions of what it means to live in a pluralist society. Scholars identify four key caveats that must be included in any efficient counter narrative: (i) Disparage the idea that Western countries and societies are fighting Islam, (ii) Counter the idea that Muslim terrorists protect the values of Islam and or Muslim societies, (iii) Delegitimize the notion that terrorist attacks on Western civilians or fellow Muslims - in this context viewed as collateral damage - are valid forms of political resistance and expression and (iv) Discourage the idea that non-terrorist Muslims are morally and religiously obliged to aid and or support terrorists in their activities or terrorist narratives. The arguments provided here generate a comprehensive framework through which to counter the way in which terrorist narratives make sense of the societies that surround them. However, it is critical that the creation of counternarratives must not seem imposed in a top-down manner. Although the State and its institutions inevitably will have to play a key role in facilitating these narratives, it is paramount that the narratives are coordinated with, organized and supported by the communities they seek to speak to. In this context, governments and their agencies must work closely with non-state actors within the community to ensure the legitimacy of the narrative and, thus, the legitimacy of the operation. In this context, it is paramount for governmental institutions as well as civil society in Jammu & Kashmir to reclaim the narrative regarding the advantages, rather than the disadvantages, of living in pluralist, heterogeneous and democratic community. Independent counternarratives, created in accordance and engagement with the needs and desires of the Kashmiri community most affected by radicalization, can and should serve a useful practical strategic approach towards this process of reclaiming the narrative and, thus, making sense of the said community in a different way. However, reclaiming a social narrative will be insufficient to generate long-lasting change without an accompanying attempt to genuinely integrate these youngsters and address the perceived structural issues underlying their very radicalization. Only if the emotive roots of radicalization are addressed, namely that of individual and group-based perceived experiences of marginalization and exclusion, counternarratives will be capable of serving their ultimate strategic purpose. Anti-radicalization and de-radicalization are multipronged and multidimensional strategic approaches which require determination, sensitivity and patience by the state. There are, regrettably, no overnight solutions. (The Author is the Director of European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) and can be reached at: j.qureshi@efsas.org )
From Protest to Policy: The Success of the Students Movement and the Road Ahead
The recent student-led protests in Delhi have emerged as one of the most significant democratic movements witnessed in contemporary India. What began as an expression of anguish over systemic failures has evolved into a nationwide call for accountability, transparency, and institutional reform. The movement has demonstrated that Indias youth, particularly Generation Z, are not indifferent spectators but active stakeholders in the nations democratic journey. Their courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to constitutional values have reaffirmed that peaceful protest remains one of the strongest pillars of a vibrant democracy. The immediate success of the movement lies not merely in drawing national attention but in compelling institutions and governments to respond. Public discourse shifted from routine political rhetoric to serious questions about governance, justice, accountability, and citizens rights. Students succeeded in transforming isolated grievances into a broader conversation on the quality of public institutions and democratic governance. Equally important was the unprecedented solidarity displayed across campuses. Students from diverse educational institutions, social backgrounds, and regions stood together, transcending ideological, linguistic, and cultural differences. Lawyers, teachers, academics, parents, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens joined hands in support of the students democratic right to peaceful dissent. Such solidarity reflects the resilience of Indias constitutional culture. One of the defining achievements of the protests was the maturity displayed by the student leadership. The movement largely rejected violence and embraced peaceful marches, sit-ins, public discussions, legal advocacy, and social media engagement. This reaffirmed Mahatma Gandhis enduring principle that peaceful resistance possesses immense moral strength. It also reminded the nation that democratic dissent is not anti-national but essential to preserving constitutional democracy. The movement also highlighted the growing political consciousness of Generation Z. Unlike previous generations, todays youth are digitally connected, globally informed, and deeply aware of constitutional rights. They demand transparency rather than patronage, accountability rather than slogans, and performance rather than political spectacle. Their aspirations reflect a modern India that seeks efficient governance, equal opportunities, social justice, and institutional integrity. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the protests has been the restoration of faith in collective civic action. In recent years, many believed that public participation had become passive and fragmented. The students disproved that perception. They demonstrated that constitutional methods of protest continue to have the power to influence public policy and shape national conversations. However, every successful movement must now confront its greatest challenge: sustaining momentum without losing direction. History teaches us that protests succeed only when public mobilisation is transformed into long-term institutional reform. Emotional energy alone cannot deliver lasting change. Organisation, dialogue, policy engagement, and constructive participation must now replace street mobilisation as the principal strategy. The first priority should be the establishment of structured dialogue between student representatives, educational institutions, governments, and civil society. Democratic governments must recognise students not merely as beneficiaries of policy but as legitimate participants in policy formulation. Regular consultation mechanisms should be institutionalised to address issues affecting higher education, employment, research, campus governance, and student welfare. Second, the movement should evolve into a nationwide campaign for strengthening constitutional literacy. Many young Indians participated because they instinctively valued justice and fairness. That commitment can be deepened through greater awareness of the Constitution, fundamental rights, fundamental duties, democratic institutions, and the rule of law. Universities should become laboratories of constitutional citizenship rather than arenas of political polarisation. Third, student organisations should broaden their agenda beyond immediate grievances. Issues such as quality education, affordable higher education, employability, mental health, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, gender equality, digital rights, judicial accessibility, and electoral reforms deserve sustained attention. By engaging constructively with these issues, the movement can mature into a positive force for nation-building. The legal fraternity also has an important responsibility. Lawyers and bar associations should continue providing legal assistance wherever constitutional freedoms are threatened. Equally, they should mentor young citizens on constitutional methods of advocacy, mediation, and peaceful dispute resolution. The alliance witnessed between students and lawyers during the protests demonstrated how different sections of society can work together to strengthen democracy. Political parties must also draw lessons from these events. Rather than viewing student movements through partisan lenses, they should appreciate them as expressions of democratic participation. Young citizens seek responsive governance, ethical leadership, and inclusive development. Their aspirations should be met through constructive engagement rather than confrontation. The media, too, has a vital role. Responsible journalism should amplify genuine public concerns while avoiding sensationalism or misinformation. A well-informed citizenry is indispensable to the health of any democracy. Most importantly, the students themselves must remain united, disciplined, and focused. Every movement faces attempts to divide, politicise, or delegitimise it. Its credibility will depend upon maintaining peaceful methods, respecting constitutional institutions, rejecting violence, and remaining committed to democratic values. True leadership is measured not merely by the ability to mobilise crowds but by the capacity to transform public aspirations into meaningful reforms. Indias constitutional democracy has always evolved through the participation of its people. From the freedom movement to contemporary social reforms, young citizens have consistently played transformative roles. Todays students are writing the next chapter in that democratic tradition. Their movement has reminded the nation that democracy is strongest when citizens actively participate, question authority respectfully, and demand accountability within the framework of the Constitution. The success of the recent student protests, therefore, should not be measured only by immediate governmental responses. Their real achievement lies in rekindling democratic participation, restoring confidence in peaceful constitutional action, and inspiring a new generation to engage responsibly in public life. If this spirit is sustained through dialogue, institutional reform, and civic engagement, the movement will leave a lasting legacy far beyond the campuses where it began. The way forward is clear: transform protest into policy, convert public awakening into institutional reform, and channel the energy of Indias youth towards building a more just, inclusive, transparent, and constitutionally vibrant Republic. In doing so, the students of today will not merely shape their own futurethey will strengthen the future of Indian democracy itself. (The author is a noted Senior Advocate and a political analyst)
Beerwah traders seek flood compensation
Budgam, July 25: Owners of a shopping complex and traders who lost their businesses in the recent flash floods in Beerwah have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to provide adequate compensation, waive bank loans and allow reconstruction of the damaged complex at the same site. The shopping complex, located in the heart of Beerwah town, was completely destroyed after flash floods swept through the area, causing extensive damage to more than 32 shops and leaving dozens of families without a source of livelihood. Ghulam Mohammad Wani, one of the owners of the shopping complex, said the entire structure was reduced to ruins in the disaster. The complex housed 32 shops, all of which have suffered extensive damage. We urge the government to provide suitable compensation and grant us permission to reconstruct the complex at the same location so that business activities can resume, Wani said. Among the affected traders is Mohammad Akbar, whose mobile phone business was completely destroyed in the floods. He said the disaster has pushed many families into financial uncertainty. More than 32 shops have been completely damaged. We had established these businesses to earn a livelihood and support our families. We hope the Jammu and Kashmir Government will provide financial assistance, fair compensation, and facilitate reconstruction so that we can restart our businesses. the government intervention is essential to help them recover from the losses, restore their businesses, and bring normalcy back, he said Another affected shopkeeper, Abdul Aziz Sofi, said his son's medical shop was among those badly damaged in the flooding. According to Sofi, more than 40 people were running businesses from the shopping complex before it was destroyed. The families of the affected shopkeepers are facing a severe financial crisis as they have had no source of income for the past five days. They are anxiously waiting for government assistance, compensation, and permission to rebuild their shops at the same location, Sofi said. The affected shopkeepers said immediate government intervention is essential to help them recover from the losses, restore their businesses, and bring normalcy back to their lives following the devastating flash floods.
Two killed, five injured in separate road accidents
Srinagar, July 25: Two persons were killed and five others injured in two separate road accidents reported from Doda and Baramulla districts on Saturday. Officials said two persons lost their lives after a Tempo Traveller met with an accident near Shoonsh on the DodaMahalla Road in Doda district. According to officials, the vehicle reportedly went out of the drivers control and skidded off the road, resulting in the fatal accident. Soon after the incident, police personnel, along with local residents, launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment. Officials said the condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, five persons were injured after a sumo and a tipper skidded off the Baramulla-Handwara road and plunged into a deep gorge near Nadihal in Ladoora area of Baramulla district on Saturday afternoon. Officials said continuous rainfall had rendered the road slippery, causing both vehicles to lose control before falling into the gorge. An immediate rescue operation was launched by Sopore Police, Armys 32 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), and local volunteers, who worked in difficult weather conditions to evacuate all the injured. The injured were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for treatment.
Dal Lake hosts record-breaking reading Marathon
Srinagar, Jul 25: Thousands of students from schools, colleges and universities across Jammu & Kashmir participated in a historic 5-km Reading Marathon along the banks of Dal Lake on Saturday, setting a new record for promoting reading and environmental awareness. The event, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, in collaboration with Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd was held as part of the Chinar Book Festival 2026 and Shiksha Saptah. In a first-of-its-kind achievement for Jammu & Kashmir, a total of 4,644 children participated in the marathon, earning recognition from both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records for the Maximum Children Participating in a Marathon to Promote Reading and Environment. The initiative combined fitness, literature and environmental consciousness, aiming to cultivate reading habits among young people while encouraging sustainable practices. The enthusiastic participation of students turned the scenic Boulevard Road into a celebration of books, learning and nature, reinforcing the festival's theme, Together We Read, Together We Lead. The marathon was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Chief Convenor of the Chinar Book Festival Dr Amit Wanchoo, and CEO of Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. Dr Angelo George. Welcoming the participants, Dr Amit Wanchoo described the Reading Marathon as a unique initiative that combines the joy of reading with the responsibility of protecting the environment. Dr Angelo George lauded the National Book Trust for creating a platform that connects books with environmental consciousness and inspires young readers. Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha termed the marathon a unique celebration of knowledge, fitness and responsibility towards nature. He said the initiative reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by demonstrating that education extends beyond classrooms. He urged the young participants to adopt three lifelong resolutions - making reading a daily habit, contributing to environmental conservation, and striving to bring positive change to society. The event also honoured the winners of the Shikarathon, with Tanveer Ahmad Bhat securing the first position, followed by Muzaffar Ahmad and Manzoor Ahmad. The winners of the 5-km Reading Marathon were felicitated in both boys' and girls' categories. In the girls' section, Mansha Zehra of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh, claimed the top position, while Aymaan Gulzar and Uribeen Imtiyaz secured second and third places, respectively. In the boys category, Musaib Shabir Bhat of Boys Higher Secondary School, Hazratbal, emerged as the winner. Zubair Ahmad of Higher Secondary School, Shalimar, finished second, while Farhad Latief of Government Higher Secondary School, Palpora, secured the third position. Special recognition was also presented to young participants Azhar Abbas and Fazil Abbas.
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations begin in Drass
Drass, July 25: The two-day commemorative events marking the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commenced on Saturday at Drass in Ladakh, with the nation remembering the unparalleled courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. The Kargil War Memorial, the focal point of the celebrations, has been adorned with special decorations in preparation for the annual tribute, symbolising the nation's gratitude towards the Bravehearts of Operation Vijay. Veterans, next of kin of martyrs, senior Army officers, civil administration officials and invited guests are participating in the commemorative events. The opening day's programme featured Yudh Sansmaran at Lamochen View Point, Gauravmay Sanskriti at Vishwanathan Stadium, Vijay Bhoj, and Shaurya Sandhya at the Kargil War Memorial. The events highlighted the extraordinary bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and celebrated the spirit of patriotism that defined India's victory in the Kargil conflict. Observed annually on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India's victory in Operation Vijay, during which the Indian Armed Forces successfully recaptured strategic mountain peaks occupied by Pakistani intruders after weeks of intense high-altitude warfare. The commemorative programme will conclude on Sunday with the Shradhanjali Samaroh at the Kargil War Memorial, where tributes will be paid to the fallen heroes. The ceremony will also include interactions with the families of martyrs, inauguration of the Virtual Walkthrough Portal, and the flagging off of the Shaurya Vijay Yatra motorcycle rally.
CPI(M) hails student protests, demands NTA overhaul
Srinagar, July 25: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Polit Bureau on Saturday congratulated students and youth across the country for their protests demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks, saying their movement reflected the strength of Indian democracy. In a statement, the CPI(M) said the protests were driven by the determination of students and youth, supported by sections of society, despite facing repressive measures by authorities. The party welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but said it should be followed by the disbanding of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which it held responsible for repeated paper leak controversies. The CPI(M) reiterated its demand for decentralisation of examinations and called for scrapping the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, alleging that it promoted commercialisation, centralisation and communalisation of education. The party said unless structural reforms were introduced, issues related to paper leaks and denial of opportunities to students would continue. The CPI(M) also urged student and youth organisations to continue campaigning for reforms concerning the future of young people.
Sagar reviews Hazrat Hamza Urs preparations
Srinagar, 25 July: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar Saturday asked the district administration to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth observance of the annual Urs of Hazrat Mehboob-ul-Aalam, Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), scheduled to be observed in the coming days. In a statement issued from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar said that thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir are expected to visit the revered shrine at Makhdoom Sahib, Srinagar and called upon the administration to make all necessary arrangements well in advance to facilitate people visiting the revered shrine. He stressed the need for uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply, sanitation, adequate healthcare facilities, proper traffic regulation, parking arrangements, security and cleanliness in and around the shrine precincts. He also urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, PHE, PDD, Health, Traffic Police, and other line departments to work in close coordination to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience during the Urs. Sagar said the annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) is a spiritually significant occasion that attracts devotees from every corner of the Valley, reflecting the revered saint's enduring message of piety, compassion, communal harmony, and service to humanity.
Former actress Mateena Jeelani joins Apni Party
Srinagar, July 25: Former actress, model and social media influencer Mateena Jeelani joined the Apni Party on Saturday along with her associates during a function held at the party headquarters. Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, along with senior party leaders, welcomed Jeelani into the party and extended their best wishes. Jeelani, a native of Rajwar in Handwara, has a background in acting, modelling and social media, and enjoys a significant public following. Welcoming the new entrants, Bukhari expressed confidence that Jeelani's induction would strengthen the party's organisational base in Rajwar and enhance its outreach among the people. The joining programme was attended by senior party leaders and party workers.
After winning polls, Srinagar MLAs forgot people: Bukhari
Srinagar, July 25: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday accused Srinagar MLAs of neglecting public issues, alleging that elected representatives had failed to fulfil promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. Addressing a gathering at the party headquarters in Srinagar, organised to felicitate newly elected District President Srinagar Zaffar Habib, Bukhari said the citys residents were facing several challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inadequate housing and civic issues. He alleged that the ruling party leaders had made several promises during the elections, including free electricity, LPG cylinders, additional ration quota, government jobs and regularisation of daily wagers, but had failed to deliver after coming to power. How do you sleep while the people who voted for you continue to suffer? Bukhari asked while targeting Srinagar MLAs. He said the Apni Party remained connected with people at the grassroots and would continue to highlight their concerns at every forum. He particularly flagged issues faced by youth, including unemployment and alleged harassment. Bukhari assured that the party would work towards addressing public grievances through immediate relief measures and long-term solutions. Congratulating Zaffar Habib on his election as Srinagar district president, Bukhari expressed hope that his appointment would strengthen the partys organisational base in the city. Apni Party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir also congratulated Habib, saying his election through a democratic process reflected the partys commitment to internal democracy. He assured him of full support in carrying out his responsibilities.
NC hits out at opposition, highlights Omar govts flood response
Srinagar, July 25: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir on Saturday accused opposition parties of indulging in political gimmickry and said the Omar Abdullah-led government was focused on governance, development and addressing public concerns. In a statement issued from the party headquarters at Nawa-e-Subha, Mir alleged that the PDP, Apni Party and Peoples Conference were raising issues unrelated to the aspirations and day-to-day problems of the people. He said the NC government was working on multiple fronts, including strengthening civic infrastructure and pursuing the constitutional demand for restoration of statehood. Mir said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken the issue of statehood to New Delhi through a peaceful and constitutional battle, while the government continued development and public welfare initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the recent flash floods, landslides and heavy rains, Mir said the natural calamity had tested the administration but the government responded with resolve and compassion. He said the Chief Minister and his cabinet members were personally monitoring rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, adding that ministers had visited affected areas despite difficult conditions. Mir also mentioned that MP Mian Altaf Ahmad and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had a narrow escape while visiting flood-hit areas, saying it reflected the governments commitment to stand with affected people. He said restoration work was being expedited and urged opposition parties to rise above political differences and contribute constructively during the crisis instead of spreading propaganda and misinformation.
Flood-hit areas lack basic amenities: Khatana
Srinagar, July 25: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the recent flash floods and landslides in Rajouri, Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Khatana conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the calamity. Expressing concern over the disruption of electricity, drinking water supply and road connectivity, he said many flood-affected villages continue to face severe hardships in the aftermath of the disaster. Khatana urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the concerned departments to restore essential services on a war footing and ensure that no affected village remains cut off. He also called for expediting relief and rehabilitation measures, timely compensation for the families of those who lost their lives, and adequate assistance to all affected households. Reaffirming his solidarity with the people of the affected areas, Khatana said every possible effort should be made to restore normalcy and support communities recovering from the disaster.
Govt working for long-term flood mitigation plan: Rana
Poonch, July 25: Continuing his visit to flood- and landslide-hit areas, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday called for long-term disaster mitigation measures, directing officials to identify vulnerable locations and prepare permanent protection plans against landslides and flash floods. The Minister visited Dhara Sangla in Surankote and interacted with the families who suffered losses in the recent landslides and flash floods. The visit formed part of the Ministers extensive tour of flood and landslide-affected Pir Panjal region over the past several days, aimed at assessing the ground situation, reviewing relief and restoration efforts and ensuring timely assistance to the affected population. At Dhara Sangla, Rana offered condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and assured them that the Government shares their grief and stands firmly with them during this difficult time. He was accompanied by MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram along with officers from various departments. The Government stands firmly with every family affected by this tragedy. We will remain with you through this difficult time and ensure timely support, including immediate relief, rehabilitation assistance and compensation, to help you rebuild your lives, the Minister said. He also told the residents that the Government is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully committed to restore normalcy at the earliest. During the ongoing tour, the Minister has been visiting some of the worst-hit villages and remote habitations, interacting with the affected families and inspecting damage to homes, roads, water supply schemes, irrigation facilities and agricultural land. He is also reviewing the pace of relief and rehabilitation works being carried out by the district administration and line departments. While taking stock of the restoration of essential services, Rana emphasised that the relief process must remain people-centric and responsive. He directed the officers to ensure that genuine cases of loss are assessed promptly and that eligible families receive relief and compensation without unnecessary delay. He reiterated that the Government will continue to monitor the situation closely until normalcy is fully restored. He directed the concerned to restore damaged roads, drinking water schemes, power infrastructure and other public utilities on war footing to ease hardships for the affected population.
CULTURE In the bustling streets of Kashmir, amidst the clamour of modernity, there exists a relic of our cultural richness, a symbol of our culinary tradition that refuse to be forgotten the customary Chochvor or telvora traditional savoury yeast-leavened local bread that thrives even today in the vibrant culinary delights. Compared to other kinds of local bread, Kandar Tchot like bakirkhani, lawasa, sheermal, kulcha, etc, Chochvor serves as reminder of the importance of preserving our rich cultural roots. Chochvor is more than just a kind of local bread; it is a symbol of antiquity, sustainability, community and resilience. As we cherish the aroma of the freshly baked bread and savor the flavors of tandoori delicacies, Chochvor keeps the flame of local bread baking custom burning bright even today. Although Chochvor is small in size; it is famous all over the Valley for its taste. Compared to a dense doughnut, it is soft in texture, savory in taste usually with a hole in the middle and stretchy with a crusty top with sesame seeds Til, sprinkled over it during baking that gives it another name Telvor. Best served with traditional Nun Chai or Kahwa as a morning or evening tea snack, Chochvor in Kashmir is a gift to have, straight journeyed from Iran with Shah-e-Hamadan (RA) where it too is baked in tandoor. Unlike other kinds of local bread, Chochvor hold a special place in the hearts of Kashmiris. It gets sold like hot cakes, and people love to take it fresh for breakfast. It is a stomach-friendly bread that is in great demand everywhere in the valley. Chochvor is one of the most loved breads from our bakers. Its more than breadit carries our culture, taste, tradition, hospitality, community life and is symbol of our heritage. In the past, when people traveled anywhere, they carried Chochvor along because it stayed fresh and satiated their hunger. Back then, only the Kandar community baked it in tandoors. But, now, it is baked at home too. I recall, when in childhood, I had fever. My parents would give me Chochvor with Nun Chai. They believed it helped cure us. Every Friday at our village Madrasa, we were served Chochvor with Kahwa. We sip Kehwa with Chochvor even today. But, honestly, the unique taste, and aroma in the Kehwa of that Darasgah with Chochvor won't be found anywhere. Each district of Kashmir has its special bread. While Pompore is famous for Sheermal, Shopian for Kripan, Anantnag for Katlum, Baramulla for Kulcha, Srinagar for Bakirkhani & GirdaSopore & Bandipora is famous for the best quality Chochvor in the whole valley.Today, Chochvor isnt just baked in the Valley.Our women abroad carry the sweet tradition forward, baking it in their home ovens. One often misses Kashmiri bread, especially Chochvor outside, because it symbolizes Kashmiriyat. It is our identity, and happens to be a significant part of Kashmiri culture. As far as the other kinds of local bread, Chochvor is the crown. It is everyone's favorite, says Dr Rafiq Masoodi, noted writer, erstwhile secretary, cultural academy & ADG Doordarshan. Come; lets pass on our age-old flavors and keep the tradition of baking bread that ties us to our culinary heritage. (The author is an educator and can be reached at: manzurakash@yahoo.co.in )
NCs Tanvir Sadiq Demands Mehbooba Muftis Apology Over Police Action Remarks
SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Saturday demanded an apology from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti over her remarks on police action in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that they justified the use of force against peaceful protesters. Addressing reporters, Sadiq said the NC had invited Mufti to []
Despite Rs 2,021 Crore Flood Plan, Kashmir Continues to Face Flood Threats
SRINAGAR: Post-2014 floods, the Government of India approved two major floodmanagement projects amounting to Rs 2021 crore to safeguard the Kashmir Valley from recurring flood threats. Yet, despite these significant allocations, the situation on the ground remains unchanged, with rain continuing to trigger flood scares across the Valley, even after Rs 488 crore has already []
Kashmir Flood Threat Eases as River Levels Recede Despite Fifth Day of Rain
SRINAGAR: Intermittent rain continued across Kashmir for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, although the flood threat eased significantly as water levels in the River Jhelum and most other water bodies began receding, officials said. According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the River Jhelum was flowing below the flood declaration mark at all []
Ganderbal Residents Allege Substandard Atta Distribution Through Government Sale Centres, Seek Probe
SRINAGAR: Residents of Lar Circle in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district have alleged that substandard wheat flour (atta) is being distributed through government sale centres, prompting demands for an immediate inquiry into its quality and source of supply. Several residents claimed the flour was unfit for consumption and urged the authorities to take immediate corrective measures. []
Security Tightened Across Kashmir After Policemans Killing in Anantnag
SRINAGAR: Security forces on Saturday stepped up checking and surveillance across several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, Pulwama and Kulgam, following the recent killing of a police head constable in Anantnag and in response to specific intelligence inputs. In Srinagar, police conducted an extensive checking drive at Lal Chowk, M.A. Road and Residency Road, where []
Doctors body seeks probe into alleged assault on resident doctor at SMGS Hospital
Jammu, July 25: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) JDN J&K has strongly condemned the alleged assault of a second-year postgraduate resident at SMGS Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, and called for swift action in the matter. In a statement, the association said the resident doctor was allegedly slapped by a patients attendant while on duty. It also expressed concern over the reported response of the Medical Superintendent, who was alleged to have remarked, If you cant tolerate this, who told you to join Gynae? The association said that, if accurately reported, such remarks were deeply disappointing and did not reflect the institutional support and solidarity that healthcare professionals deserve. Dr Mohammad Momin Khan has urged the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the incident. He reiterated that violence against healthcare professionals is unacceptable and undermines the safety, dignity and morale of doctors dedicated to patient care. The IMA JDN J&K expressed solidarity with the resident doctor and stressed that attacks on healthcare professionals cannot be tolerated. It called upon the authorities to ensure accountability and strengthen security measures in hospitals. The association said resident doctors, who work under immense pressure to serve the public, must be provided with a safe, secure and supportive working environment. It called for a fair, transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident, swift action against those found responsible, and immediate measures to strengthen security across healthcare institutions to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Dr Khan and IMA JDN J&K further urged the concerned authorities to address the matter with the utmost urgency and reaffirm their commitment to protecting healthcare workers, ensuring that doctors can perform their professional duties without fear of violence, intimidation or harassment.
South Kashmir: Police Seize Vehicles Used in Alleged Illegal Mineral Extraction
SRINAGAR: Police in south kashmirs Shopian district have seized an LNT machine, a JCB and two dumpers allegedly involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in the Turkwangam area. According to police, the action was taken during a routine patrol by a team from Police Post Turkwangam, which intercepted the machinery and vehicles []
Delhi-Based Production Firm Faces Police Case Over Illegal Drone Operation in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Police have registered a case against a Delhi-based production company for allegedly operating a drone without permission during a film shoot in the upper reaches of the Nishat area on the outskirts of Srinagar. Sources said that the company allegedly used the drone in violation of the orders issued by the District Magistrate, Srinagar, []
LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Amarnath Yatra Restoration, Orders Priority Repairs in Landslide-Prone Areas
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with Camp Directors and senior civil, police and security officials to review repair and restoration work along the Shri Amarnathji Yatra routes following recent heavy rainfall, directing agencies to expedite works in vulnerable stretches and strengthen safety measures for pilgrims. The meeting reviewed the []
President accepts Dharmendra Pradhans resignation; Pralhad Joshi gets Education Ministry charge
New Delhi, July 25: President Droupadi Murmu, on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accepted Dharmendra Pradhans resignation from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect, according to a press communique issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), New Delhi. The President has also directed that Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio, as advised by the Prime Minister. The decision has been taken under Clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India.
Pralhad Joshi Given Additional Charge of Education Ministry After Pradhan Resigns
SRINAGAR: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of the Ministry of Education after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the post amid protests in Delhi over examination paper leaks. The Presidents Office confirmed the change in a communique issued after Pradhans resignation was accepted. Joshi, who is currently the Union Minister for []
Time has come to remove this govt, daro mat: Rahul Gandhi after Pradhans resignation
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday congratulated students and youth over Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation and urged other groups to show courage and stand up, saying it is time to remove the government. He said two demands are still pending: action against all people who committed atrocities against the students protesting against []
President Accepts Immediate Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
SRINAGAR: President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, according to an official notification issued on Saturday. The resignation was accepted under Article 75(2) of the Constitution. The President has also assigned Cabinet []
CJP withdraws protest in good faith after Pradhan's resignation
Lieutenant Governor Flags Off Reading Marathon at Dal Lake, Srinagar
Srinagar, July 25, 2026: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of the National Education Policy. Addressing thousands [] The post Lieutenant Governor Flags Off Reading Marathon at Dal Lake, Srinagar appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
CJP withdraws protest in good faith after Pradhan's resignation, says govt agreed to all demands
New Delhi, July 25: Cockroach Janata Party on Saturday announced that it has withdrawn the 37-day-long agitation at Jantar Mantar in good faith after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the Council of Ministers and the outfit received assurance on other demands from the government. Addressing a press conference at the Constitution Club in the national capital, CJP's Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das said, Cockroach Janta Party declares that we withdraw the agitation in good faith, with the understanding that the agreed-upon terms will be executed within the agreed-upon timelines. Following the third round of talks with Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club, the CJP said that the Central government has agreed to provide suitable compensation to the families of the NEET aspirants who died by suicide and assured to withdraw the FIRs lodged against protesters anywhere in India. The CJP has presented a five-point demand charter before the government and will hold the next round of talks after four weeks. Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, We had demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of NEET victims. The government has agreed to this, stating that an honorary compensation will be given to those families under whatever rules and regulations allow. Apart from this, we also placed a five-point demand charter before the government, which talked about broader educational reforms and exam reforms. We will meet the government again in about four weeks regarding that demand charter so that we can work together on broader reforms. If all these demands are agreeable to the government, then we would also like to withdraw the agitation. All our demands have been accepted, so we request the protesters to withdraw immediately and return home peacefully. We will inform you of our future strategy or any other issues. But we request the protesters to withdraw immediately, he added. Several FIRs have been filed against protesters across India after the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march at Jantar Mantar. The CJP had demanded a withdrawal of the FIRs and no legal action in the future. Das said that the government has agreed to the demand. Saurav Das said, Our second demand was that all the FIRs filed against the protesters, not just in Delhi but in all BJP-ruled and BJP-allied states, should be withdrawn. This was also our second demand. The government has accepted that demand as well. Furthermore, the withdrawal will be done shortly. The government has assured us that it will share copies of all the FIRs filed - as per our last information, 15 to 20 FIRs were filed in Delhi - and we will receive those copies within three to four days in any case. The government has also assured that the withdrawal will be done shortly. Understanding this, we have shared a draft with the government, which is a written guarantee. The government has said it will share this with us by Tuesday. We hope that by Tuesday we will receive the government's guarantees regarding these FIRs and any future action, he added. Earlier today, Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that he was stepping down in the larger interest of students to ensure that the country's youth do not become rapped in a web of confusion. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), beginning as a satirical social media account from CJI Surya Kant's remarks, led the movement along with activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, demanding Pradhan's resignation. The controversy began as NEET-UG paper leak emerged in May, while the re-examination was held on June 21. (ANI)
Mateena Rajput Joins Apni Party, Citing Village Woes as Catalyst for Political Entry
Srinagar Police attaches properties worth Rs 1.35 crore under NDPS Act
Srinagar, July 25: Srinagar Police has attached two immovable properties worth approximately 1.35 crore belonging to alleged drug peddlers under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan. Srinagar Police, in a statement, said the first property, a double-storeyed residential house at Nadir Gund, Pir Bagh, Hyderpora, Srinagar, worth approximately 70 lakh, belongs to Aqib Farooq, son of Farooq Ahmad, resident of Nadir Gund, Pir Bagh, Hyderpora. The attachment was made in connection with FIR No. 16/2025 registered under Section 8/21 of the NDPS Act. The statement said Police Station Rainawari also attached a single-storeyed residential house constructed on five marlas of land at Inderhama Gassu, Batapora, Hazratbal, Srinagar, worth approximately 65 lakh, belonging to Azan Parvaiz Giltsaaz, son of Parvaiz Ahmad Giltsaaz, originally a resident of Kani Mohalla, Rainawari, and presently residing at Inderhama Gassu, Batapora, Hazratbal. The attachment was carried out in connection with FIR No. 09/2023 registered under Sections 8/21/29 of the NDPS Act. During the course of investigation, both properties were found to have been illegally acquired from the proceeds of narcotics trafficking and drug peddling. Consequently, the properties have been attached under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, including Section 68-F, subject to confirmation by the competent authority. Srinagar Police said the attachments are part of its sustained strategy to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networks by identifying and confiscating assets generated through the proceeds of crime. It reiterated its commitment to a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to the public to share credible information on drug trafficking and substance abuse, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.
2 dead, 5 injured as Tempo plunges into deep gorge in Doda
Doda, Jul 25: At least two people lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries after a tempo bearing registration numberJK06B-8096 met with a tragic road accident at Jathali Mohalla in Doda district on Saturday. According to initial reports, the tempo was travelling from Jammu to Mohalla when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to plunge into a deep gorge. The vehicle was completely mangled in the crash. Soon after the accident, local residents, police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital and later referred to Government Medical College (GMC), Doda, for advanced treatment. Doctors at GMC Doda provided initial medical care to the injured. Owing to the critical condition of three victims, they were subsequently referred to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, for specialised treatment, while the remaining injured continue to receive medical attention. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
CJP calls off stir as govt accepts all demands
New Delhi, Jul 25: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday withdrew its agitation over the NEET issue after the government accepted all demands of the outfit, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. The announcement came following talks between the two sides soon after Pradhan said on X that he has sent his resignation to the prime minister. Union Minister JP Nadda said the government will give honourable compensation within rules to the families of the students who committed suicide after the NEET test cancellation and ensure withdrawal of all FIRs registered against the protesters. As the government accepted all our demands, we call off our protests with immediate effect. We appeal everyone to go back home peacefully, CJP's spokesperson Saurav Das said at a joint press conference with Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The CJP has led a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE's on-screen marking process, besides seeking wider reforms in the conduct of public examinations. The agitation has galvanised thousands of students in protests across the country and has been supported by major opposition parties.
Pahalgam Axis closed for maintenance; Yatra to continue through Baltal Axis: Div Com
Srinagar, July 25: The Amarnath Yatra will continue through the Baltal axis, while the Pahalgam axis will remain temporarily closed for pilgrimage due to repair and maintenance works necessitated by recent rainfall. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, in a statement, said the recent rains have caused conditions requiring urgent repair and restoration works along the Pahalgam route. Due to the recent rains, urgent repair and maintenance works are required to be carried out on the Pahalgam Axis of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. The Yatra shall continue through the Baltal Axis, for which adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, he said. He said comprehensive arrangements have been made on the Baltal axis to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the Yatra and the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims. As of Saturday, more than 3.95 lakh pilgrims have undertaken darshan at the Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine during this year's Yatra, reflecting the successful and peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage. Maintenance Work on Pahalgam Axis; Shri Amarnathji Yatra to Continue via Baltal Route: Div Com Kmr Srinagar, July 25: In view of the repair and maintenance works necessitated by recent rainfall, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra will continue through the Baltal axis, while the Pahalgam Divisional Commissioner Kashmir (@DivComKash) July 25, 2026
SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has dismissed an appeal filed by Syeda Afshana Bhat, upholding the seniority and Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) benefits granted to a fellow faculty member at the University of Kashmir and ruling that the challenge was devoid of merit as well as barred by an unexplained delay []
New Delhi, July 25: A delegation of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Saturday met with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club of India for their third round of talks, as the government continued its engagement with the protesting group following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh arrived at the Constitution Club to hold discussions with the CJP delegation. Earlier in the day, both ministers were seen leaving their respective residences for the scheduled meeting. The third round of negotiations assumes significance as it comes hours after Pradhan stepped down from the Union Cabinet, citing the larger interests of students and the nation. In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan said he had resigned to ensure that the ongoing protests over examination irregularities were not exploited by anti-national forces. The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. The unity of the country must remain intact. The future of every student in India should not get entangled in legal complications, Pradhan wrote. His resignation followed weeks of nationwide protests over examination irregularities and a 26-day hunger strike led by activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar. The agitation has been spearheaded by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been demanding accountability over examination paper leaks. Despite welcoming the minister's resignation, the CJP has maintained that its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until all of its demands are fulfilled. Addressing supporters after the resignation, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke said, Kaha jaata tha iss sarkar main istife nahi hote. Jhukti hai duniya, jhukaane vaala chahiye. We have done it, describing the resignation as the first by a Union Minister under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Visuals from the protest site showed demonstrators celebrating and raising slogans after the announcement. Dipke said the organisation's remaining demands include compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide over examination-related issues, assurance that no action will be taken against student protesters, and action against Delhi Police personnel accused of using force against demonstrators. Activist Sonam Wangchuk also welcomed Pradhan's resignation, calling it a victory of democracy, peace, and perseverance. In a post on X, Wangchuk wrote, IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS. Pradhan, in his resignation letter, defended the Centre's handling of the NEET-UG controversy, saying that after irregularities surfaced in the May 3 examination, the government transferred the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination and conducted a re-test for more than two million candidates on June 21. He also announced that the NEET-UG examination would be conducted entirely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year to enhance transparency and strengthen the integrity of the examination process. Meanwhile, the Centre is preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law providing for Special Fast-Track Courts, a Special Task Force (STF) and other measures aimed at preventing examination malpractices across the country. (ANI)
Army Major General Convicted in Rs 11 Crore Medical Procurement Scam at Jammu Military Hospital
SRINAGAR: In a rare instance of disciplinary action against a senior military officer, a Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) has found a retired Major General of the Army Medical Corps guilty of irregularities in the procurement of medical supplies worth about Rs 11 crore during his tenure as Commandant of a military hospital in Jammu. []
Sonam Wangchuk Hails Pradhans Resignation as Victory of Democracy, Calls for Education Reforms
SRINAGAR: Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has described the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a victory of democracy, saying the focus should now shift from demanding accountability to pursuing reforms in the education system. In his first public reaction after Pradhan stepped down, Wangchuk posted on X from his hospital bed, []
Jammu Kashmir Govt Raises Suspended DySPs Subsistence Allowance to 75 Per Cent
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has enhanced the subsistence allowance of suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Sunil Singh Jasrotia from 50 per cent to 75 per cent, in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations. According to Government Order No. 384-(Home) of 2026, dated July 23, 2026, the []
CJP marks first victory after Pradhans resignation, Dipke says two demands remain
NEW DELHI: Loud cheers erupted at the Cockroach Janata Party protest site at Jantar Mantar after its founder Abhijeet Dipke announced Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation before the gathering, declaring that the movement had achieved its first breakthrough. Pradhans resignation sparked scenes of celebration at Jantar Mantar, where students and members of the CJP []
Victory of democracy: Sonam Wangchuk on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
New Delhi, July 25: Following weeks of relentless nationwide protests and a gruelling 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move came as a response to growing unrest over examination irregularities and paper leak allegations, particularly surrounding the NEET-UG exams. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who spearheaded the hunger strike alongside the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and student groups, marked the development as a major milestone for direct civic action in India. Reacting to the news on X, Sonam Wangchuk commended the resilience of the nation's youth and citizens. IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS, posted Wangchuk. Wangchuk emphasised that while holding the government accountable was necessary, the ultimate goal must now pivot toward systemic reforms within India's education structure. His remarks came after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, stating that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that the situation arising from protests over examination irregularities was not exploited by anti-national forces. Welcoming the minister's resignation, the CJP said it would nevertheless continue its agitation at Jantar Mantar until all of its demands were fulfilled. Addressing supporters, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke said, Kaha jaata tha iss sarkar main istife nahi hote. Jhukti hai duniya, jhukaane vaala chahiye. We have done it, describing the resignation as the first by a Union Minister under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Visuals from the protest site showed demonstrators cheering and celebrating after news of Pradhan's resignation emerged. Dipke said the movement would continue until the remaining demands were addressed, including compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide over examination-related issues and action against Delhi Police personnel accused of carrying out a lathi charge on protesters. In a post on X, the CJP marked Pradhan's resignation as achieved but listed two demands as pending: compensation for affected families and assurance that no action would be taken against student protesters. In his resignation letter shared on X, Pradhan said he had decided in the larger interest of students and the nation. The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. The unity of the country must remain intact. The future of every student in India should not get entangled in legal complications, he wrote. Pradhan said he had always believed in the aspirations and strength of India's youth and that the developments of the past few days had deeply saddened him Defending the government's handling of the NEET-UG controversy, Pradhan said irregularities detected in the May 3, 2026 examination prompted the Centre to immediately hand over the investigation to the CBI, cancel the examination and announce a re-test. He said the re-examination for over two million candidates was successfully conducted on June 21 with the support of state governments, district administrations, students, parents and guardians. He also announced that the NEET-UG examination would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year to strengthen transparency. Meanwhile, the Centre is preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law that will provide for Special Fast-Track Courts, a Special Task Force (STF), and other measures aimed at preventing examination malpractices across the country. (ANI)
Woman Killed, Two Injured in House Collapse in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A woman was killed and two of her family members were injured after a house collapsed in Bhatian village of Thanamandi area in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Saturday following heavy rainfall, officials said. According to reports, the family was sitting in the kitchen when the house suddenly caved in. Shahida Parveen, wife []
Woman killed, two injured as house caves in amid heavy rains in Rajouri
Rajouri, July 26: A woman died and two of her family members were injured after a house collapsed in Bhatian village of Rajouri district on Saturday, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the house collapsed following heavy rainfall in the area. He said a woman was killed in the incident and two family members were injured, both of whom were rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri for treatment. The deceased has been identified as Shahida Parveen, wife of Abdul Rehman, a resident of Bhatian village. Police have taken cognizance of the incident.(KNO)
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid NEET row
The resignation comes after sustained demands from opposition parties and student groups holding the minister accountable for alleged irregularities in the country's competitive examination system
Rain to Continue Across Jammu Kashmir, Heavy Showers Likely in Jammu Division Next Week
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing rain at many places and the current spell is expected to continue till late Saturday afternoon before showing improvement, the MeT department said. An official of MeT said that today the current rain spell over most places of Kashmir division and many places of Jammu division is likely to []
Dharmendra Pradhan submits resignation amid NEET-UG row
New Delhi, July 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country. In a letter addressed to students, Pradhan said he had remained committed to students, teachers and education reforms for more than four decades. He also said the NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted smoothly after the government took steps following irregularities reported in the examination. Pradhan said the investigation was handed over to the CBI, the examination was cancelled and a fresh date was announced. He said the government also decided to conduct the examination in computer-based test (CBT) mode from the following year. He said the NEET-UG examination for more than 20 lakh students was completed on June 21, 2026, with the cooperation of state governments, district administrations, students and parents. The minister said the results announced on July 16 were satisfactory, with several students from poor backgrounds also securing success. I have always had unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deeply respected the aspirations, dreams and expectations of the youth, Pradhan said. The resignation comes amid protests and demands for accountability over irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET-UG. Recent reports had said the resignation of Pradhan remained a key demand of the protesting students. pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026
Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Education Minister Amid Ongoing NEET Row
SRINAGAR: In a dramatic turn of events, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister, taking moral responsibility following weeks of turmoil, protests at Jantar Mantar, and widespread controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination process. In a detailed, two-page public statement, Pradhan expressed deep anguish over the developments of the past []
Police Attach Rs 2.74 Crore Property in NDPS Case in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Police in central Kashmirs Srinagar district on Saturday attached an immovable property valued at approximately Rs 2.74 crore under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in connection with a drug trafficking case, describing the action as part of efforts to dismantle the financial networks of narcotics syndicates. According to police, the attached []
Srinagar Police attaches property worth Rs 2.74 crore under NDPS Act
Srinagar, July 25: Srinagar Police has attached an immovable property worth approximately 2.74 crore under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukti Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, a 100-day campaign aimed at eradicating the drug menace. Srinagar Police, in a statement, said the attached property comprises a double-storeyed residential house along with 12 marlas of land beneath and appurtenant to the house, belonging to accused Mubashir Ahmad Hakeem, son of Abdul Hamid Hakeem, resident of Awanta Bhawan, Soura, Srinagar. The attachment has been carried out in connection with FIR No. 142/2025 registered under Sections 8/22 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Safakadal. The market value of the attached property has been assessed at approximately 2.74 crore. This action reflects the unwavering commitment of Srinagar Police to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networks by targeting assets acquired through illicit proceeds. Such measures are intended to deter individuals involved in narcotics-related activities and reinforce the rule of law. Srinagar Police reiterated its resolve to continue stringent action against drug peddlers and appealed to the public to actively support the fight against drugs by sharing any information related to narcotics trafficking with the nearest police station or through official helplines. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
Reasi, Udhampur record highest rainfall during July 19-24; Kulgam tops Valley
Srinagar, July 25: Reasi recorded the highest cumulative rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir at 473.2 mm during the period from July 19 to 24, while Kulgam received the highest rainfall in the Kashmir Valley at 201.1 mm, according to data shared by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar. Udhampur recorded 417.5 mm during the period, followed by Rajouri at 349.9 mm, Ramban 293.4 mm, Poonch 290 mm, Kathua 270.4 mm, Jammu 262.6 mm and Samba 213 mm. In the Valley, Shopian recorded 145.2 mm, Srinagar 144.7 mm, Pulwama 136.8 mm, Anantnag 130.8 mm, Baramulla 119.7 mm, Kupwara and Ganderbal 115.9 mm each, Bandipora 63.7 mm and Budgam 37.3 mm. The data covers cumulative rainfall recorded across the districts during the six-day period, as per the Meteorological Centre Srinagar. & As expected,weather had improved over most places. The cumulative rainfall received during 19-24July is highest over Reasi & Udhampur.Details Brief spell of Rain/showers to continue with fresh Wet spell likely from 28July. https://t.co/bHfuetwkL0 pic.twitter.com/s4g2G3dsz2 Meteorological Centre Srinagar (@metsrinagar) July 24, 2026
Wangchuk alleges harassment at Safdarjung before shift to Medanta; hospital clarifies
NEW DELHI: Activist Sonam Wangchuk released a video on YouTube late Friday night, recounting his experience over the past few days and sharing a clip of what transpired as he was leaving the Safdarjung Hospital after the Delhi High Court allowed him to be shifted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. However, the Safdarjung Hospital []
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke diagnosed with typhoid, says agitation will continue
NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday said he had been diagnosed with typhoid but vowed that his illness would not slow the movement seeking Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation. In a video message shared on social media, Dipke said he had been unwell for the past few days and []
Rajnath Singh arrives in Srinagar to take part in Kargil Vijay Diwas event in Ladakh
Srinagar, Jul 25: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Srinagar to take part in the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Ladakh, officials said. Singh arrived at the Srinagar International Airport on Saturday morning and was received here by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the officials said. They said the Defence minister is on a two-day visit to Ladakh to take part in the Vijay Diwas celebrations at Drass. Singh was scheduled to reach Drass by air, but the chopper could not operate due to inclement weather, the officials said, adding, the Defence minister then proceeded to Drass via road. The two-day Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations begin in Drass on Saturday.
LG Sinha welcomes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Srinagar airport
Srinagar, July 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday welcomed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Srinagar airport. Welcomed Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh Ji at Srinagar airport today, Sinha said in a post on X. Welcomed Hon'ble Raksha Mantri, Shri @rajnathsingh Ji at Srinagar airport today. pic.twitter.com/p2TbgjpYi9 Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 25, 2026
LG visits family of slain Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi
Assures full support to family; says committed to eliminate terrorism from J&K Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday visited Lalpora, Beerwah, Budgam to meet the family members of slain J&K Polices Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who lost his life in the line of duty during a terror attack in Anantnag earlier this week. []
Amit Shah speaks with slain cop, assures support
Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday spoke to the family of Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Anantnag district earlier this week. Shah spoke to Qureshis son during the visit of BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma to the residence []
J&K International Film Festival curtain raiser
Idea is to rebuild Kashmirs historic bond with cinema: CM Omar Says govt committed to making region preferred location for film production Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presided over the curtain raiser for the Ist International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, describing the forthcoming []
Jhelums fluctuating levels keep authorities on alert
Srinagar: After receding through most of the day, the River Jhelum recorded a fresh rise at key gauge stations on Friday evening, with the water level at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar remaining above the flood declaration mark, while officials maintained that the river is expected to follow an overall receding trend. According to the []
Heavy rain eases after prolonged wet spell
Fresh spell likely from July 28: MeT Srinagar: Weather conditions improved across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday after a prolonged spell of heavy rainfall triggered flash floods, landslides, highway closure and widespread disruption across the Union Territory, while the Meteorological Department (MeT) said brief spells of rain and thundershowers will continue before []
FDA lifts 54 food samples for quality testing
SRINAGAR: Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted 118 inspections of Food Business Establishments and lifted 54 enforcement samples of various food articles for laboratory analysis to assess their quality and safety. In addition, 16 surveillance samples were lifted from ICDS Centres to assess the quality and safety of food being served to beneficiaries. Three Improvement []
Police attach vehicle involved in NDPS case in Bla
BARAMULLA: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and narcotics-related offences, Police in Baramulla have attached a vehicle involved in an NDPS case in accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A Tata Punch (Model 2023) bearing Registration No. JK05L-7844, having an approximate market value of 3.70 lakh, has []
Scores offer fateha at resting place of Lt Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Mir Friday led senior party functionaries, legislators, office bearers and heads of various wings to the final resting place of the party stalwart and former Additional General Secretary Late Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal at Sonawar where they offered Fatiha and prayed for the elevation []
DDC Poonch visits flash flood-hit villages
POONCH: Poonch District Development Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma on Friday visited villages affected by flash floods in Hari-Marhote, Surankote subdivision, to assess damage and review relief efforts. Accompanied by senior officials, he inspected damage to roads, shops, school buildings, riverbank protection, farms, crops, irrigation channels, and other infrastructure. He interacted with affected families, listening to []
EOW Kashmir files chargesheet against man for duping youth with Cambodia job offer
Srinagar, Jul 25 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 19/2026 under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Mohd Yaseen Rather, son of Nisar Ahmad Rather, resident of Kripalpora Payeen, Pattan, before the Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class. In a statement issued on Saturday, the EOW said the investigation was initiated on a complaint alleging that the accused fraudulently promised the complainant a job as a Computer Operator in Cambodia with a monthly salary of Rs. 90,000. Believing the promise, the complainant transferred lakhs of rupees into the bank account of the accused and also spent substantial amounts on visa processing, travel and other related expenses. However, upon reaching Cambodia, he was forced to engage in online scamming activities instead of being provided the promised employment. The investigation established the allegations as proved, and the chargesheet has accordingly been filed before the competent court. The general public has been advised to remain vigilant against such economic frauds and report any such incidents to the SSP, EOW Kashmir (Crime Branch J&K). Victims of economic fraud may also submit their complaints via email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in
Crime Branch Kashmir Files Chargesheet Against Man in Cambodia Job Fraud Case
SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against a man accused of duping a job seeker with a false promise of employment in Cambodia, where the victim was allegedly forced into online scamming instead of the promised job. According to officials, the chargesheet in []
Cambodia Job Fraud Busted: EOW Kashmir Files Chargesheet Against Pattan Man
Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against a Pattan resident for allegedly duping a person with a fake job offer in Cambodia. In a handout, the CBK said that the chargesheet has been filed in FIR No 19/2026 under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita before []
Light to Moderate Rain Likely Across Jammu Kashmir Today
SRINAGAR: Light to moderate rainfall is expected at most places across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, while a few areas may receive heavy showers, according to the latest weather forecast. The weather office said the threat of shooting stones, landslides and flash floods would continue during the day, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas, and []
LG Sinha flags off Reading Marathon at Dal Lake
Srinagar, July 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off a Reading Marathon on the banks of Dal Lake, describing it as a celebration of knowledge, fitness and responsibility towards nature. Thousands of young readers and runners from colleges and universities across Jammu and Kashmir participated in the event organised by the National Book Trust as part of the Chinar Book Festival. The Reading Marathon, held as part of Education Week, marks six years of the National Education Policy. With the motto Run for a Green Future, the event highlighted the importance of taking education beyond classrooms and protecting nature through sustained efforts. In a post on X, Sinha said, I urge every participant to take three resolutionsmake reading a daily habit, dedicate themselves to environmental conservation and commit to bringing positive change in society. Today at the banks of Dal Lake, flagged-off the Reading Marathon, a unique celebration of knowledge, fitness, and responsibility towards nature. Thousands of young readers and runners from colleges & universities of Jammu Kashmir joined this inspiring event organised by National pic.twitter.com/qOEQhaUS59 Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 25, 2026
Flood Threat Eases Across Kashmir as River Jhelum Levels Continue to Fall
SRINAGAR: Water levels in the River Jhelum remained below flood declaration marks at all major gauging stations on Saturday morning, with the Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Department reporting a declining trend at most locations, while the Meteorological Department said the immediate threat of a general river flood across Kashmir has receded following an improvement []
Health Department Urges Caution Across Kashmir Amid Adverse Weather
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Health Department on Saturday issued a public health advisory for residents across Kashmir, urging people to take precautionary measures against weather-related illnesses and accidents as heavy rainfall has affected several parts of the Valley over the past several days. The department said the recent spell of heavy rain has led []
Wangchuk rejects deal with Centre charge, says ended fast fearing crackdown like Ladakh
New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk rejected allegations of striking a deal with the Centre and said he ended his 26-day hunger strike only after securing a written assurance as he feared an imminent crackdown on protesters in Delhi, recalling the 2025 firing on youths in Ladakh, and wanted to prevent any violence against students. In []
Amarnath Yatra resumes after six-day suspension; 6269 pilgrims leave Jammu for Baltal
Banihal, Jul 25: The Shri Amarnath Yatra resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for six days due to inclement weather and the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway following heavy rain, landslides and shooting stones. The decision to resume the pilgrimage was taken after weather conditions improved and the authorities reviewed the safety of the route. According to the Joint Police Control Room, Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, a fresh convoy of 6,269 pilgrims left the base camp at 2:42 a.m. for the Baltal route in 223 vehicles, comprising 118 buses, 60 mini-buses and 45 light motor vehicles. The convoy included 4,720 men, 1,458 women, 25 children, 54 sadhus and 12 sadhvis. With the latest batch, the total number of pilgrims who have departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu this year has reached 119,029, according to official figures. The pilgrimage had been suspended since July 19 after persistent rainfall triggered landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along NH-44, posing risks to pilgrims and other commuters. The Yatra resumed after weather conditions improved and restoration work on the highway made travel feasible. Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban Arun Gupta accompanied the Yatra convoy up to the Lambar Ground Langar site in Banihal to oversee arrangements and ensure the smooth and safe movement of the pilgrims.
Inclement weather: Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026 deferred till Jul 27
Kishtwar, Jul 24: The annual Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026, originally scheduled to commence on July 25, has been deferred till July 27 due to inclement weather, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma said on Friday. He said the weather situation will be reviewed before resuming the pilgrimage and reiterated that online registration and RFID cards are mandatory for all pilgrims undertaking the yatra. The Deputy Commissioner said the Holy Kapaat of the sacred shrine of Shri Machail Mata Ji will reopen on the 25th as per the rituals, with the priests and locals at Machail performing the traditional rituals. Thereafter, keeping in view the prevailing weather, the pilgrimage for devotees will start from July 28, subject to an assessment of favourable weather conditions. The new SOPs introduced this year are aimed primarily at the safety and convenience of pilgrims. Registration has been made 100 per cent online and mandatory and an RFID system has been introduced. Under the RFID system, the movement of every pilgrim will be tracked. The necessary infrastructure has already been installed to monitor pilgrim movement and ensure that vulnerable areas, including steep gorges and landslide-prone stretches, do not witness overcrowding. The DC informed that the Yatra starts from Jammu. The total distance from Jammu to Machail Bhawan is 304.7 km, of which only 1.7 km has to be covered on foot, while the remaining stretch is motorable. At the last motorable point, Darshini Deodi, drinking water, power, sanitation, toilets and parking have been arranged. A small bus stand with a holding capacity of 50-70 vehicles has been established at Darshini Deodi, Machail, which will carry pilgrims from Gulabgarh. Pilgrims will be allowed to travel only between 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM. A daily cap of 8,000 pilgrims has also been fixed and once the limit is reached, the remaining registered pilgrims will be allowed to proceed the following day. The Deputy Commissioner urged all pilgrims to complete their registration before commencing the Yatra. Online registration can be completed through the official portal http://www.srimachalmatayatra.com, which carries step-by-step guidelines. Pilgrims are required to register their mobile number, verify it through OTP and add the details of accompanying family members. Two RFID Yatra Registration Counters have been established at the Base Camp, Gauri Shankar Temple, Sarkoot, Kishtwar and six to seven counters set up at Gulabgarh according to the expected influx of pilgrims. The DC clarified that no pilgrim will be allowed to proceed beyond the first security check at Deondi Morh without an RFID card. RFID has been made mandatory for all pilgrims, including children, as it will enable authorities to monitor crowd movement, identify gatherings at vulnerable locations and ensure timely guidance and assistance. Police personnel have been deployed at vulnerable locations to generate awareness among pilgrims against halting there. SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh said Police, NDRF, SDRF, Army and Special Police pickets have been deployed along the Yatra route to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims. The SSP appealed to devotees to read and strictly follow the SOPs, observe the prescribed travel timings and cooperate with the administration. ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal was also present on the occasion.
Javid Dar hears public grievances; assures prompt redress
Srinagar, Jul 24: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar on Friday held a public grievance redress programme at Civil Secretariat, where he met scores of public delegations and individuals from across Kashmir and listened to their grievances, demands and developmental concerns. The delegations, representing Kupwara, Baramulla, Sopore and several other districts of Kashmir Division, projected a wide range of issues pertaining to public infrastructure, rural development, agriculture, civic amenities, employment, social welfare and other matters of public importance. Giving a patient hearing to each delegation, the Minister reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to responsive, transparent and people-centric governance. He assured the delegations that all their genuine demands would be examined on merit and addressed in a time-bound manner. The Minister issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned officers for speedy redress of several grievances. He instructed them to maintain close coordination with the district administrations to ensure swift disposal of public issues. He emphasized that the Government remains steadfast in its resolve to strengthen the public service delivery by addressing the concerns of people at the grassroots level. Javid Dar said that such public hearing programmes provide an effective platform for understanding the aspirations and difficulties of the people and help the Government formulate timely and result-oriented interventions. He stressed that every effort must be made to ensure that the benefits of government schemes and developmental initiatives reach the deserving sections of society without delay.
FDA conducts inspections, lifts food samples for testing
Srinagar, Jul 24: Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) has conducted 118 inspections of Food Business Establishments and lifted 54 enforcement samples of various food articles for laboratory analysis to assess their quality and safety. In addition, 16 surveillance samples were lifted from ICDS Centres to assess the quality and safety of food being served to beneficiaries. Three Improvement Notices were also issued to Food Business Operators for deficiencies observed during the inspections. Further, FDA, J&K, has conducted 1,642 inspections with effect from 1st July 2026 till date and lifted 878 enforcement samples and 223 surveillance samples, comprising of 250 samples of Milk and Milk Products, 217 samples of Oils and Fats, 178 samples of Cereals and Cereal Products, 243 samples of Spices, and samples of other food commodities. 89 Improvement Notices were also issued to Food Business Operators. Consumers are requested to report any suspected cases of unsafe or adulterated food through Toll-Free Helpline No. 104 or by email at cfsjandk.fnd@jk.gov.in.
DC Kupwara reviews MY Bharat implementation;
Kupwara, Jul 24: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, on Friday chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation and progress of the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) initiative with emphasis on accelerating youth registration and strengthening inter-departmental coordination. At the outset, the District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, gave a detailed presentation on the objectives, registration process and activities being undertaken under the initiative. He informed that nearly 45,000 youth have been registered on the MY Bharat portal against the district target of 1.05 lakh registrations. The District Youth Officer informed that MY Bharat, established by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, is a technology-driven national platform aimed at empowering youth through volunteerism, experiential learning and active civic engagement. The platform connects young people with government departments, educational institutions, industry, voluntary organisations and communities, enabling them to participate in leadership development, skill-building, mentorship, community service, national campaigns and other nation-building initiatives. It also provides digital credentials and opportunities for youth to build their professional profiles through meaningful participation in developmental activities. Reviewing the progress, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to adopt a mission-mode approach to achieve the registration targets within the stipulated timeframe. He directed all stakeholder departments to strengthen coordination and intensify awareness campaigns to maximise the enrolment of eligible youth. He particularly emphasized mobilising students through schools, colleges and ITIs, besides leveraging outreach activities of the Health Department and other line departments to expand the registration drive. The Deputy Commissioner observed that greater participation under MY Bharat would not only foster leadership, social responsibility and community service among youth but also enable them to contribute meaningfully towards inclusive development and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Assistant Commissioner Panchayats (ACP), Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), District Information Officer (DIO), Superintendent ITI Kupwara, Lead District Manager (LDM) and other concerned officers and representatives of stakeholder departments.
The show must go on, Trump says at White House correspondents dinner rescheduled after shooting
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump addressed a huge roomful of journalists Friday night at a correspondents dinner rescheduled from April after a shooting upended the first edition. Said the president: As I said three months ago, the show must go on. Trump entered the ballroom to polite applause, and was thanked for his support by White []
DC Kulgam visits flood-prone areas of Gudder, Laisoo
Kulgam, Jul 24: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam on Friday visited the flood-prone areas of Gudder and Laisoo to take an on-ground assessment of the prevailing rainfall situation and review the preparedness of the district administration in view of the ongoing inclement weather. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner inspected vulnerable locations and inspected road damages, reviewed the water level in the Vishow river and assessed the precautionary measures put in place by the concerned departments to safeguard lives and property. He directed the officers to remain vigilant and ensure round-the-clock monitoring of all flood-prone areas, besides maintaining close coordination for timely response to any emergency. The DC appealed to the public to avoid venturing near rivers, streams, and other water bodies during the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall and urged them to follow the advisories issued by the district administration. Later, the DC visited Rescue Centre located in Government Middle School Gudder, where nomadic families have been temporarily accommodated as a precautionary measure. He interacted with the families, enquired about their well-being and inspected the facilities being provided at the shelter. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to ensure the availability of all essential amenities, including safe drinking water, food, electricity, sanitation, healthcare, bedding, and other basic necessities for the relocated families. The DC was accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Vikar Ahmad Giri; Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), D H Pora, Bashir ul -Hassan; AEE, PMGSY D H Pora; AEE, Flood Control and officers from concerned departments, who briefed him about the preparedness measures and the ground situation.
Javed Rana visits landslide-hit Nandi Chool, consoles bereaved families
Poonch, Jul 24: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today visited remote Nandi Chool area of Tehsil Mandi in Poonch district, to meet the families devastated by the recent landslide and flash floods that resulted in the loss of several lives and caused extensive damage. Amid the grief-stricken surroundings, the Minister met the bereaved families, listened to their accounts of the tragedy and expressed deep sympathy with them. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences, assuring the affected families that the Government stands firmly by them during this difficult time. Expressing profound grief over the loss of lives, the Minister said the tragedy had deeply saddened the entire district. No words can truly lessen the pain of losing a loved one but I want every bereaved family to know that the Government stands firmly with them in this hour of grief. We are committed to extend all possible support and ensure that every affected family receives the assistance needed to rebuild their lives with dignity, said Minister Rana. Taking stock of the situation on the ground, the Minister directed the district administration and concerned departments to ensure immediate relief, proper rehabilitation and timely disbursement of ex-gratia relief to the next of kin of the deceased. He also issued instructions for a thorough assessment of damages and swift restoration of essential services in the affected areas. The Minister further directed the officers of the Jal Shakti, Irrigation & Flood Control and Forest Departments to take immediate preventive measures in vulnerable areas to avert further loss of life and property during the ongoing monsoon season. Raiyaz Bashir Naz, former DDC and other prominent citizens accompanied the Minister during his visit. The officers of the Revenue, Rural Development, PWD, Jal Shakti, Irrigation & Flood Control and Forest Departments were also present on the occasion.
