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SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to all those celebrating the festival of Diwali across the country and beyond.

In his message, the Chief Minister said that Diwali, the festival of lights, signifies the triumph of good over evil and the victory of truth and righteousness. He noted that the festival is a celebration of hope and harmony, symbolizing the enduring values of compassion, unity and mutual respect that enrich India’s diverse cultural heritage.

Omar Abdullah expressed hope that the festival would bring joy, peace and prosperity to every home.

“May this Diwali usher in a new era of happiness, peace, and progress for Jammu and Kashmir and the entire country,” the Chief Minister said.


Exposition of holy relics has deepened spiritual connect and mindfulness will always serve as a source of peace, ideals and inspiration for future generations: LG

Holy relics are back home but Buddha's enduring presence in Kalmykia will continue to guide seekers for their own awakening: LG Sinha

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 20: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha returned to Delhi today after concluding his three-day visit to the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia. He was leading the delegation to bring back the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to India following their exposition in Elista, the Capital city of the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia.



The Lieutenant Governor posted on X:

“Holy relics of Lord Buddha are back home after week-long exposition at Kalmykia, Russia. The exposition underscored our commitment to foster mutual understanding, build trust and cooperation and create lasting connections through shared spiritual experiences.

Exposition of holy relics has deepened spiritual connect and mindfulness will always serve as a source of peace, ideals and inspiration for future generations. Holy relics are back home but Buddha's enduring presence in Kalmykia will continue to guide seekers for their own awakening”.


Calls for implementation of a robust system in mining operations, underlines need for time bound mineral exploration

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Mining Department at the Civil Secretariat here to assess the department’s modernization initiatives, regulatory framework, and ongoing reforms in mineral management and surveillance.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Mining Department Anil Kumar, Director Geology & Mining, all Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and other senior officers of the department.

During the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary, Mining, gave a detailed presentation on the department’s performance, highlighting technological advancements, regulatory reforms, exploration projects, and financial outcomes achieved in recent years.

A major highlight of the review was a presentation and live demonstration of the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSS) — a digital initiative developed in collaboration with BISAG (Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics). The IMSS portal and mobile application provide real-time monitoring of mining activities through dashboards integrated with e-Challan and e-Market systems. This innovation aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance in mineral operations across Jammu and Kashmir.

He informed the meeting that over 243 triggers have already been generated for field verification through features such as vehicle tracking, GPS-enabled monitoring, PoS-linked e-challaning (integrated with J&K Bank), and on-the-spot enforcement to curb illegal mining.

While appreciating the initiative, the Chief Minister directed the developers to explore delineating and delegating PoS functions to expand the use of digital monitoring systems. He also called for integration of the department’s existing portal with the IMSS platform to ensure seamless implementation and improved results.

Omar Abdullah further suggested that the application should allow citizens to register complaints through mobile gadgets to be integrated in the system with satellite imagery or other evidence, strengthening public participation and grievance redressal.

The Chief Minister instructed the department to categorize active and non-active mineral vendors or suppliers and establish a dedicated monitoring cell at the Directorate level for continuous data tracking and real-time oversight.

Reviewing ongoing reforms under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025-26, the Chief Minister was informed that the department has initiated a series of key measures aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring greater transparency in the mining sector. These include a shift towards an auction-based system for allocation of mineral blocks, introduction of mine closure and rehabilitation provisions, and the implementation of advanced survey and mapping mechanisms. The department has also operationalized the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) framework to ensure that mining revenues directly contribute to local area development and welfare initiatives.

Further, the meeting was informed, efforts are underway to revise royalty fee structure and penal provisions to align with current market realities while improving compliance.

The Mining Department has made the use of GPS-enabled transport and PoS-based transactions mandatory to track mineral movement and prevent leakages. Legal enforcement mechanisms have been reinforced through the requirement of royalty clearance certificates, in line with recent directions from the Hon’ble High Court, thereby tightening regulatory oversight and ensuring responsible mineral extraction practices.

The department also presented the status of major and minor mineral blocks, highlighting progress in auctioning and granting of mining leases across districts. The Chief Minister emphasized that all clearances and NoCs must be obtained in advance before blocks are allocated through auction to avoid procedural and operational delays faced by successful allotees & bidders who have to run from pillar to post in obtaining environmental and other clearances.

Speaking on the issue of illegal mining, Omar Abdullah underscored the need to eliminate collusion at lower levels of administration, asserting that illegal operations cannot persist without internal complicity.

“In my previous tenure, illegal mining was never a concern. With the technological tools now available, any such activity is only possible if there’s collusion at the lower level. The department must use these systems effectively to eliminate that possibility. The more we reduce such collusion, the lesser the chances of illegal mining,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister also reviewed exploration projects currently being carried out by MECL and GSI, covering sapphire, lithium, lignite, and shallow biogenic gas reserves in various districts. He was informed about ongoing exploration of granite, graphite, gypsum, copper, and base metals, supported by detailed geological mapping, drilling, and feasibility assessments.

He stressed on ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations, particularly in eco-sensitive zones, while expanding mineral development activities in a sustainable manner.

The Chief Minister commended the Mining Department for adopting digital innovation and institutional reforms and urged continued focus on transparency, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in the sector.


Justice, respect and dignity to family members of civilian martyrs killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists is my top priority: LG Sinha

I have assured the family members that their decades-long trauma, torment and suffering is over. We will ensure all the support so that they can reclaim their lives: LG

Families of civilians who were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists also suffered systemic barriers which stifled their progress. They were denied their rights and access to resources. All obstacles are now removed and we are ensuring justice and dignity for terror victim families: LG

It is difficult to articulate the pain and suffering of terror victim families due to their profound emotional and psychological trauma and the administration will handle each case with full sensitivity and responsibility: LG Sinha

LG says the culprit Pakistani terrorists and their support system in the valley ran a false narrative for three decades to absolve terror country Pakistan for its sins

Pakistan, breeding ground for terrorism, is exposed now and those involved in peddling fake narrative on behalf of terrorists will be brought to justice: LG Sinha

So far around 250 families provided with government jobs. This mission will continue till justice is done to every affected family. This is the beginning of a new era of justice in Jammu Kashmir: LG

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 15: The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today visited Dardpora and met the families of civilian martyrs killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. He also addressed terror victim families at Government Degree College Kupwara and assured the family members of proper rehabilitation and strictest punishment to the culprits.

The Lieutenant Governor said justice, respect and dignity to family members of civilian martyrs killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists is his top priority. He said criminal justice system will ensure perpetrators and elements of terror ecosystem are punished, providing a sense of justice and closure for victim's family and the society.

"I have assured the family members that their decades-long trauma, torment and suffering is over. We will ensure all the support so that they can reclaim their lives," the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also observed that families of civilian martyrs have gone through deep trauma, suffered various challenges including unemployment and education and felt loss of hope in the past three decades.

"Families of civilians who were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists also suffered systemic barriers which stifled their progress. They were denied their rights and access to resources. All obstacles are now removed and we are ensuring justice and dignity for terror victim families," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the civilians who were mercilessly killed by Pakistan sponsored terrorists in Jammu Kashmir. The families of terror victims also narrated their ordeal.

“It is difficult to articulate the pain and suffering of terror victim families due to their profound emotional and psychological trauma and the administration will handle each case with full sensitivity and responsibility.

So far around 250 terror victim families provided with government jobs. This mission will continue till justice is done to every affected family. This is the beginning of a new era of justice in Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) and Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, under which the houses of terror victims having their own land will be constructed. Under the initiative, the HRDS India and Divisional Commissioners of both the divisions will identify terror victim families whose houses were destroyed by the terrorists.

The Lieutenant Governor said the culprit Pakistani terrorists and their support system in the valley ran a false narrative for three decades to absolve terror country Pakistan for its sins.

“Pakistan, breeding ground of terrorism, is exposed now and those involved in peddling a fake narrative on behalf of terrorists will be brought to justice,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shri Anshul Garg; DIG NKR Baramulla, Shri Maqsood-Ul-Zaman; Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Shri Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; SSP Kupwara, Shri Syed Al-Tahir Gilani; Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation,Shri Wajahat Farooq Bhat and other members of the Foundation, senior officials and family members of victims of terrorism were present.



Self Help Group movement emerges as a catalyst for social revolution: Secy RDD

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 14: The 10 days SARAS Mela 2025 concluded today at Sher-e-Kashmir Park here with resounding success.

During the concluding ceremony, Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad was present.

The Secretary described the 10-day event as a resounding success celebrating India’s unity in diversity while giving a strong boost to women entrepreneurship across the country.

While appreciating the enthusiastic participation and overwhelming public response, the Secretary said, “The SARAS Mela is not just a sale exhibition, it is a celebration of India’s unity and diversity”.

He informed that self-help groups (SHGs) from states as diverse as Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir participated in the event, reflecting the national scale of the initiative.

“All Kerala products were sold out. The stalls from Kishtwar are also empty, and even those from Uttar Pradesh have registered massive sales,” he noted, adding that the commercial success was matched by the social impact of the event.

Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, the Secretary termed the SHG movement as a ‘catalyst for social revolution’.

“The biggest benefit of this celebration is the exchange of ideas. SHGs from J&K learn best practices from their counterparts in other states and vice versa. This exchange strengthens the entire network of women entrepreneurs,” he observed.

He further said, “not only Lakhpati sisters, but millionaire sisters have also emerged from this movement. This is not merely a programme; it is a revolution in women empowerment”.

MD, JKRLM, Dr. Shubhra Sharma said that the participants expressed immense satisfaction with their experience in Kashmir and lauded the warmth, hospitality, and cooperation extended by the local community.

She added that the SARAS Mela served as a powerful platform for financial independence and empowerment of SHG members supported under DAY-NRLM, representing states including Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Haryana, Punjab, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Tripura, among others.

Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) from October 4 to 14, the SARAS Mela brought together the talent and creativity of over 150 rural women entrepreneurs from 13 states, offering visitors a colourful display of crafts, culture, and cuisine, a true national tapestry in the heart of Srinagar.

During the event, the Secretary also visited over 60 stalls run by SHG participants from outside the Union Territory, each showcasing unique products that reflected the artistry and craftsmanship of their regions.

The Mela concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where SHG members were awarded certificates for their outstanding contributions.

In the awards category, Kishtwar district secured first position for best sales, while Srinagar district bagged the top honour in the best food category.

The event reaffirmed Jammu and Kashmir’s role as a hub of cultural and economic collaboration, with the SARAS Mela acting as a bridge connecting women entrepreneurs from across the nation.


POONCH, OCTOBER 14: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) Poonch successfully hosted the Inter District Division Level Competitions in the disciplines of Hockey (AAG Boys & Girls) and Under-17 Girls Football as part of the YSS Activity Calendar 2025–26. The Hockey events were held at the Hockey Astro Turf, while the Football matches took place at the Sports Stadium.

The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik who formally declared the competitions open. 

Addressing the young athletes, he motivated them with the inspiring message, “Say no to drugs, yes to sports,” and praised the Department for its continuous efforts in promoting youth engagement and sportsmanship across the district.

The competitions were organized under the leadership of Director General Youth Services and Sports, J&K Anuradha Gupta and the guidance of Joint Director DYSS Jammu Vinakshi Koul. The entire event was conducted under the supervision of District YSS officer Mohammad Qasim

The Directorate had constituted a selection Committee for both Hockey and Football events. The Committee maintained a transparent and confidential selection process, ensuring that the best-performing players were chosen to represent at the next level of competition.


POONCH OCTOBER 14:  Government Degree College (GDC) Surankote in collaboration with the Land Resources Division of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi organized a One-Day National Seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction on the college campus today. The event, held in hybrid mode with online and offline participation marked the observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR). The seminar aimed to raise awareness among youth about disaster resilience, preparedness and environmental sustainability. 

The seminar, themed “Youth for Resilient Pir Panjal: Reducing Disaster Risks through Awareness, Action and Preparedness,” focused on engaging students and academic professionals in proactive measures for reducing disaster risks in the Pir Panjal region. The event encouraged youth to act as advocates of climate action and sustainable living, aligning with the national vision of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). 

   Member Legislative Assembly Er Chowdhary Mohammad Akram was the Chief Guest. The programme featured lectures by distinguished speakers including Dr. Arif Wali (Associate Director, Land Resources Division, TERI), Prof. Shabir Hussain Shah (retired college Principal) and  Jhanghir Hussain Mir (Environmental Thinker and Activist). Several members of the local community and social organisations were also present, with students actively engaged in discussions, made the sessions interactive and impactful.

The seminar started with the recitation of the National Anthem, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Fateh Mohammad Abasi, Head of the Department of Zoology. He welcomed guests and participants, while lauding the joint efforts of GDC Surankote and TERI for promoting academic exchange and community awareness on disaster management and environmental resilience.

In his address, the Chief Guest   Chowdhary Mohammad Akram, an engineer by profession, analysed the root causes of frequent landslides and erosion hazards in the Pir Panjal region. He highlighted the impact of deforestation, poor drainage and unscientific urban planning on terrain instability. He advocated for slope strengthening, eco-friendly infrastructure and resilient land-use strategies. The Chief Guest appreciated Prof. (Dr.) Rani Mughal, Principal GDC Surankote for hosting such a significant seminar on disaster risk reduction and ensuring that the college continues to engage in meaningful environmental discourses. He assured full governmental support in strengthening community-based disaster preparedness and integrating scientific inputs into local development planning. 

In his virtual address, Dr. Arif Wali offered an in-depth overview of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and discussed the growing impact of greenhouse gases on global ecosystem. He highlighted the concept of carbon trading and shared successful community-led resilience stories from the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve.

Dr. Wali emphasised that investing in prevention and preparedness is far more beneficial than post-disaster recovery, urging young people to adopt science-based climate solutions and become leaders of local adaptation initiatives. 

Prof. Shabir Hussain Shah discussed the growing environmental challenges in the Rajouri-Poonch region, particularly illegal mining, poor land management and unplanned urbanization. He drew special attention towards the Surankote river belt, where increasing soil erosion has turned river water red, posing a grave threat to future agricultural productivity. He stressed that soil conservation must be prioritized to prevent long-term ecological decline. Prof Shah urged the policymakers and intellectuals to collaborate for sustainable development and environmental protection across the Pir Panjal range. 

Er. Zia Ur Rehman, an expert in Soil Mechanics and Foundations, elaborated on soil stability and consolidation, citing case studies from Kalaban and Mendhar. He explained that unchecked deforestation and unregulated construction weaken soil cohesion, increasing the risk of landslides. He asserted that scientific land-use planning, environmental impact assessments and soil testing must become mandatory before any developmental project in mountainous areas. 

  Nazir Hussain Qureshi emphasized the need for conserving natural resources-especially water-and promoting sustainable housing designs suited to local topography. He called for responsible use of resources, proper watershed management and environmentally conscious construction practices to ensure harmony between human development and nature. 

Students presented their papers on the theme “Youth for Resilient Pir Panjal: Reducing Disaster Risks through Awareness, Action and Preparedness”, addressing environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and community-based disaster management. 

The panel of judges included HOD Geography Dr. Ashfaq Mughal; HOD Physics Prof. Rizwan khan; Assistant professor Department of Zoology Dr Prince Sharma.

 First Position was bagged by Syed Tahir Sajad from semester first while second and third positions were secured by Adrees Ahmed Rather and Asma Badar respectively.  Moreover, Kalam of Alama Iqbal also added a cultural and thoughtful dimension to the day’s proceedings. 

  Jhanghir Hussain Mir in his talk linked environmental consciousness with moral and spiritual responsibility, drawing inspiration from the story of Hazrat Nuh (A.S.). He urged the audience to adopt sustainable lifestyles and pressed for investing in renewable energy-particularly solar and wind power projects at Pir Ki Gali.  He also paid tribute to late M.B Mughal, describing him as “a great environmentalist” and a lifelong inspiration for community service and environmental preservation. 

Delivering the closing address, Prof. (Dr.) Rani Mughal, Principal of GDC Surankote, expressed her delight over the active collaboration with TERI and the enthusiastic participation of the participants. She remarked that disaster management should move “from a reactive response system to a proactive culture of learning, awareness and preparedness.”

Prof. Abdul Karim delivered the Vote of Thanks, extending gratitude to all dignitaries, guests and participants for their valuable contributions.


Stresses on effective implementation of HADP, financial inclusion schemes for farmers

KATHUA, OCTOBER 14: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of the Agriculture and allied departments to assess the physical and financial progress of the schemes being implemented in the district. The meeting was convened in the VC Hall of the DC Office Complex.

Chief Planning Officer Ranjit Thakur; Chief Agriculture Officer, Jatinder Kumar; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr Jugal Kishore; District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Ramesh Kumar Manhas; AD Fisheries Pawan Sharma; Chief Horticulture Officer Ashwani Kumar; Dy Registrar Cooperative Shruti Sharma besides representatives of different banks attended the meeting.

The Deputy Commissioner took a detailed appraisal of activities under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other flagship initiatives focused on strengthening the rural economy and promoting financial inclusion. He emphasized coordinated and result-oriented efforts among all departments including Banks to achieve set targets within stipulated timelines for the larger welfare of the farming community.

Assessing the progress made in Agriculture sector, the DC reviewed the ground level impact of different beneficiary-oriented schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card Scheme, Mushroom Development Programme, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and initiatives for the promotion of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Progress under Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Horticulture and Cooperative sectors was also reviewed in detail. The DC exhorted the officers to intensify outreach and awareness activities to ensure that the benefits of all welfare schemes percolate down to the grassroots level.

He further directed the departments to maintain close coordination with banking institutions for effective implementation of financial inclusion schemes and to extend credit facilities to all eligible farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

The Deputy Commissioner urged all stakeholders to work with renewed zeal for the holistic development of the farming community under HADP and other flagship programmes.