Satish Sharma calls for Sustained Push to Football Talent in Jammu & Kashmir
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FS&CA), Information Technology (IT), Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today attended the concluding league-stage match of the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026, powered by Athwas Retail and Athwas Hyundai, and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing Jammu & Kashmir’s young sporting talent with greater opportunities to compete, excel and build careers in sports.
The Minister was the Chief Guest at the final league-stage fixture between Swift Strikers Rainawari FC and Sanctorum North United FC, witnessing an impressive display of football. Swift Strikers Rainawari FC registered a comprehensive 6–0 victory, thereby securing the fourth and final berth in the play-offs.
With the completion of the league stage, Athwas India XI emerged as the league winners, while the successful teams now advance to the play-off stage to compete for the coveted championship title.
During the event, Satish Sharma interacted with players, team officials and organisers and appreciated their efforts in creating a competitive platform for footballers from Jammu & Kashmir. He said that leagues such as the Kashmir Super League are important in providing young players with sustained match exposure and an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a competitive environment.
The Minister said that Jammu & Kashmir possesses considerable sporting talent and that the focus of the Youth Services & Sports Department is increasingly on identifying talent at the grassroots level, providing regular competitive exposure and creating pathways for promising sportspersons to progress to higher levels.
He stressed that sporting development cannot be confined to infrastructure alone and must also include regular tournaments, professional coaching, quality competition, talent identification and opportunities for players to gain experience.
Satish Sharma said that football enjoys a particularly strong following among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir, and tournaments of this nature can play an important role in converting that enthusiasm into structured sporting participation and competitive achievement.
He appreciated the participation of local players in the league and said that giving them opportunities to compete before home crowds can contribute significantly to their confidence and development. He also underscored the importance of encouraging youngsters to take up sports as a disciplined pursuit and, wherever their talent permits, as a potential career.
The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of coaches, referees, technical officials, team managements, organisers, sponsors and football supporters towards making the tournament successful. He said that a vibrant sporting ecosystem requires the collective participation of government institutions, sporting bodies, private partners, coaches, athletes and the community.
Highlighting the wider objectives of the government’s sports policy, Satish Sharma said that efforts are being made to strengthen sports infrastructure and expand opportunities for young people across Jammu & Kashmir. He maintained that the emphasis should remain on grassroots development, inclusivity, competitive opportunities and systematic nurturing of sporting talent.
The Minister said that major sporting competitions also provide an opportunity to promote discipline, teamwork, leadership, perseverance and healthy lifestyles among young people. He called upon youngsters to make sports an integral part of their lives and encouraged talented players to remain committed to continuous training and improvement.
The Kashmir Super League has witnessed enthusiastic participation, competitive encounters and growing interest among football lovers, providing local players with an organised platform to compete and gain valuable experience.
Congratulating Athwas India XI on being crowned league winners, Satish Sharma also congratulated Swift Strikers Rainawari FC on securing their play-off berth following their emphatic victory. He extended his best wishes to all the teams entering the knockout phase and expressed hope that the play-offs would produce further exciting and competitive football.
The Minister reiterated that the government will continue to support initiatives that contribute to the development of sports in Jammu & Kashmir and provide young athletes with platforms where their talent can be recognized, developed and showcased.
Satish Sharma calls for Sustained Push to Football Talent in Jammu & Kashmir
Sports Opening New Avenues For Jammu And Kashmir Youth: CS Atal Dulloo
The growing participation of youth in sports reflects a positive change in Jammu and Kashmir, with youngsters increasingly using sporting platforms to pursue their dreams, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said on Tuesday.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of the CPL at General Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla, Dulloo said sports are emerging as a launchpad for youth to realise their dreams, while playgrounds serve as classrooms of life where youngsters learn valuable lessons and get opportunities to showcase their talent and prove their mettle.
He lauded the Indian Army’s Dagger Division for organising the league and providing young sportspersons with a platform to pursue their ambitions through cricket.
Dulloo said around 1,600 players from more than 10 districts participated in the tournament. He also appreciated the parents for supporting their children and encouraging them to utilise such platforms to pursue their sporting aspirations.
The Chief Secretary said the government would further upgrade the infrastructure at General Bipin Rawat Stadium to provide players with better facilities and enhance the experience of spectators, particularly during day-and-night sporting events.
He added that sporting initiatives of this nature help youngsters develop discipline, confidence, teamwork and other qualities that remain valuable beyond the playing field. (KNO)
Shopian Police seized 04 dumpers involved in unauthorized mineral extraction/transportation at Berthipora
Shopian Police seized 04 dumpers involved in unauthorized mineral extraction/transportation at Berthipora. FIR No. 98/2026 registered at PS Keller under relevant provisions of law.Public cooperation solicited.
Shopian Police apprehended a drug peddler at Audoora Rampathri and recovered 2.472 Kgs of crushed cannabis-like substance from his possession.
Shopian Police apprehended a drug peddler at Audoora Rampathri and recovered 2.472 Kgs of crushed cannabis-like substance from his possession. FIR No. 198/2026 registered at PS Shopian; investigation underway.
SC Seeks Centre’s Response On Plea Against Law Mandating Singing Of Six Stanzas Of Vande Mataram
The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought response of the Centre on a plea by Carnatic vocalist T M Krishna challenging the penal law mandating singing of six stanzas of Vande Mataram.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of the submissions of senior advocate S Murlaidhar, appearing for Krishna, and said it may examine the penal aspect of the law.
The top court, which did not issue notice to the Centre on the plea, however, said the fact that Vande Mataram is the national song is beyond doubt and the aspect with regard to the penal consequences may be examined with regard to fundamental rights under Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution guarantee the fundamental right to freedom of religion, protecting both individual and collective religious freedoms.
Krishna submitted that the last four stanzas of Vande Mataram expressly invoke devotion to Hindu deities, and mandating the singing of those portions violates the secular character of the nation.
The amendment to cover Vande Mataram under the Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act is arbitrary and violates personal liberty, and furthers a “majoritarian religious message”, the plea said. (PTI)
BJP Received Rs 1,473 Crore During Five-State Polls, Over Seven Times Congress Receipts
The BJP received nearly Rs 1,473 crore at its central headquarters during the five state assembly elections held earlier this year, more than seven times the Rs 207.17 crore in net receipts reported by the Congress across its central and state units, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission.
The figures relate to the election period from March 15 to May 6 and cover polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry.
The BJP’s receipts of Rs 1,472.8 crore were reported by its central headquarters alone. Its expenditure statements for Kerala and West Bengal are yet to be made public, indicating that its consolidated receipts for the five elections could be higher.
The BJP also recorded a significant rise in its central headquarters’ closing balance during the election period. Its funds increased from Rs 6,722.6 crore on March 15 to Rs 7,627.2 crore on May 6, a rise of Rs 904.6 crore.
In contrast, the Congress saw its funds decline. Across its central headquarters and five state units, the party started the election period with around Rs 169.06 crore and ended with approximately Rs 103.2 crore, marking a decline of Rs 65.86 crore.
BJP’s Election Expenditure
The BJP’s expenditure statements available so far show spending of around Rs 159.7 crore in Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Of this, about Rs 130.4 crore was spent on general party propaganda, while the remainder went towards candidates and related expenses.
Assam accounted for the largest share, with total expenditure of Rs 96.27 crore. The party spent Rs 76.73 crore on general propaganda and Rs 19.54 crore on candidates. Advertising accounted for about Rs 37 crore, while travel by star campaigners cost around Rs 27.3 crore.
In Tamil Nadu, the BJP spent Rs 51.56 crore, including Rs 44.51 crore on general propaganda and Rs 7.05 crore on candidates. Media advertisements accounted for Rs 23.96 crore, while star campaigner travel cost around Rs 10.04 crore. Another Rs 5.85 crore was spent on publicity material.
In Puducherry, the party reported expenditure of Rs 11.90 crore, including Rs 9.19 crore on general propaganda and Rs 2.71 crore on candidates.
Congress Reports Rs 248.55 Crore Expenditure
The Congress reported total election expenditure of Rs 248.55 crore across the five states, including Rs 143 crore on general party propaganda and Rs 105.55 crore on candidates.
The party’s central headquarters spent Rs 40.52 crore on general propaganda, while its state and local units spent another Rs 102.49 crore under the same head.
Kerala accounted for the largest share of the Congress’s general propaganda expenditure at Rs 59.28 crore, followed by Assam at Rs 22.62 crore.
The figures highlight a substantial difference in the financial resources available to the BJP and Congress during the five-state election period, based on the expenditure statements made public by the Election Commission.
Teacher Suspended Over Student Harassment Allegations In J&K’s Ramban
A government school teacher has been placed under immediate suspension following allegations of harassment of a female student in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, officials said.
The action was taken against Raiz Ahmed, posted at Government High School Harroge in Zone Gool, following a formal report submitted by an inquiry committee constituted on September 14, they said.
The probe was ordered by authorities following complaints by a girl student alleging harassment by the teacher at the school.
According to an order issued by the Chief Education Officer, Ramban, the teacher was suspended under rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956.
During the suspension period, Ahmed will remain attached to Government Primary School Bhatta in Zone Khari, the order said.
Further administrative action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry, officials said.
SAMBA POLICE CONDUCTS MULTI-AGENCY MOCK DRILL AT RAILWAY STATION SAMBA TO STRENGTHEN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
SAMBA POLICE CONDUCTS MULTI-AGENCY MOCK DRILL AT RAILWAY STATION SAMBA TO STRENGTHEN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Jammu Police arrested Ashish Sharma at Industry Estate, Digiana, recovering 19.53 grams of heroin-like substance. FIR No. 264/2026 under NDPS Act registered
Jammu Police arrested Ashish Sharma at Industry Estate, Digiana, recovering 19.53 grams of heroin-like substance. FIR No. 264/2026 under NDPS Act registered
India’s Most-Wanted Terrorist Hafiz Saeed In Pak, NIA Tells Jammu Court, Secures Warrant
LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, India’s most-wanted terrorist, is in Pakistan, the NIA told a Special Court in Jammu, securing a second non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him in two months in connection with a terror case related to the supply of weapons, funds, and directions to terror groups operating in the Union Territory.
The court was hearing an application filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking an NBW against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and designated terrorist under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The application described Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Punjab (Pakistan), as an “absconding accused” in a case related to the arrest of Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat during a check at Pandach on the outskirts of Srinagar earlier in the year.
A China-made grenade and 15 live rounds were recovered from Bhat, a resident of Batpora.
Bhat was booked at Zakoora Police Station under the UAPA, the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The subsequent investigation led to the busting of a terror network, leading to the arrest of several more terrorists associated with LeT and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), and two Pakistani nationals.
The NIA said the involvement of Saeed, the “Amir/Chief/Founder” of the proscribed terror group, came to light during the investigation, with the arrested Pakistani terrorists allegedly found to be associated with him.
“Saeed is operating from Pakistan and providing weapons, money and directions to terrorists operating in the Kashmir Valley. The information is gathered that the said terrorist at present is in Pakistan and deliberately evading his arrest to escape the clutches of law,” the NIA told the court.
After hearing the agency, Special Judge under the NIA Act Prem Sagar on September 8 observed that Saeed’s involvement had surfaced during the investigation and that he was “allegedly involved in terrorism.”
The court noted that he was at large and that the investigating agency had not been able to secure his attendance “in the ordinary manner,” and issued a general non-bailable warrant against Saeed.
The latest warrant is the second non-bailable warrant issued against the LeT founder by the Special NIA Court in Jammu in two months.
On July 8, the court issued the first NBW against Saeed in connection with last April’s Pahalgam terror attack that left 25 tourists and a local dead. (AGENCIES)