Anantnag Police seized 75 Kgs of crushed bhang in Mattan. Acting on intel, searches at Sonch Brah led to recovery of 31.2 Kg from Mudasir Ahmad Khan & 43.8 Kg from Abdul Qayoom Khan. FIR Nos. 108 & 109/2026 registered at PS Mattan
Municipal Council Rajouri removed a GVP from Ward No. 3, DC Colony, under Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, promoting cleanliness, source segregation and better waste management
Municipal Council Rajouri removed a GVP from Ward No. 3, DC Colony, under Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, promoting cleanliness, source segregation and better waste management
Continuing its drive against drug trafficking, Kulgam Police recovered 64 grams of #Heroin-like substance in 02 separate incidents during dynamic naka checking on NHW at QZD & arrested 03 persons. Cases regtd at PS QZD& investigation takenup
Continuing its drive against drug trafficking, Kulgam Police recovered 64 grams of #Heroin-like substance in 02 separate incidents during dynamic naka checking on NHW at QZD & arrested 03 persons. Cases regtd at PS QZD& investigation takenup
Lieutenant Governor Felicitates Artisans at Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026
Lieutenant Governor Felicitates Artisans at Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026 The true prosperity of a society is reflected in the artistry of its weavers and craftswomen: LG SinhaEvery Pashmina shawl, Kani and Sozni embroidery is a living heritage, shaped by patience and devotion: LGHonoring women artisans safeguards our legacy and empowers future generations. Their hands carry India’s cultural memory to the world and the nation stands committed to their dignity, fair remuneration and global recognition: LG SinhaLieutenant Governor assured artisans of the GoI’s commitment in four key areas
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today graced the Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026, organised by the Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers and Artisans (PEMA) Foundation in Srinagar. He extended heartfelt congratulations to all award winners and PEMA Foundation for such excellent initiative.In his address, the Lieutenant Governor said the award ceremony is the celebration of Jammu Kashmir’s cultural prosperity. He said the awards honour not merely individuals but an entire artistic civilisation of the country that has captivated the world for generations. The Lieutenant Governor invoked the spirit of Bhagwan Vishwakarma, the divine embodiment of craftsmanship and emphasised that India has always regarded artisanship as sacred knowledge.Highlighting the extraordinary saga of patience and skill behind the Pashmina tradition, the Lieutenant Governor paid special tribute to women artisans, noting their central role in every stage of production, from refining raw fibre to intricate embroidery. He said that empowering women artisan’s safeguards heritage and strengthens the confidence of future generations.“Women artisans are not merely participants in this tradition but they are its silent creators, its custodians and its heartbeat,” he said.The Lieutenant Governor recalled the success of earlier editions of the awards in 2023 and 2025, describing them as rays of hope for the artisan community. He underlined that this year’s awards mark a historic milestone, dedicated especially to women artisans whose artistry has given Kashmir’s Pashmina its global prestige.The Lieutenant Governor assured artisans of the Government of India’s commitment in four key areas including fair remuneration and protection of Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Access to global markets through e-commerce, exhibitions, and digital platforms. Skill development and welfare, including healthcare, social security, and modern design training and financial inclusion through schemes like MUDRA, Credit Card Scheme and Karkhandar training initiatives.He noted that the handloom and handicrafts sector currently provides economic security to 460,000 artisans and their families in the Union Territory, with 18 crafts granted GI tags and a QR-based system developed for authenticity.The Lieutenant Governor urged the artisan community to embrace modern opportunities while preserving traditional excellence, assuring that the Union Territory Administration and PEMA Foundation will work together to strengthen the sector.“You should never feel that your work is ordinary. What you are doing is a form of devotion, an act of creation and a noble effort to keep India’s cultural memory alive. I would like to say to all the honoured artisans that whenever a person anywhere in the world carries an original Pashmina product from Jammu Kashmir on their shoulders, they carry with them a part of India’s culture and history,” the Lieutenant Governor said.Shri Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Former Chairperson, J&K Khadi Village Industries Board; Shri Masrat-ul- Islam, Director, Handloom & Handicrafts Kashmir; Shri Tariq Dar, President, Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers and Artisans (PEMA) Foundation; senior officials, members of PEMA Foundation and artisans in large number attended the felicitation ceremony.
DC Kulgam reviews implementation of Green India Mission
DC Kulgam reviews implementation of Green India Mission
KULGAM, SEPTEMBER 30: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam today chaired a meeting at the Mini-Secretariat, Kulgam, to review the implementation of the Green India Mission (GIM) in Kulgam Forest Division.
The meeting discussed the six-year perspective plan of Kulgam Forest Division under the Green India Mission for the period from 2026-27 to 2031-32, with a total financial target of ₹98.95 lakh.
The Mission focuses on protecting, restoring and enhancing forest cover through interventions including ecosystem restoration, improvement of forest quality and ecosystem services, increase in forest cover, urban and peri-urban tree cover, agroforestry and social forestry, besides wetland restoration.
For the current financial year 2026-27, three sites in D.H. Pora Range, viz. N2/Gadran Nandimarg, N3/Gadran Nandimarg and N5/Kundlan Nagam, have been identified for restoration of degraded open forest ecosystems.The sites cover a total area of 27 hectares with 11,582 running feet of wooden fencing proposed. The sites have been finalized in consultation with the concerned Village Forest Committees.
As per the proposal, 10 hectares at N2/Gadran Nandimarg, 12 hectares at N3/Gadran Nandimarg and 5 hectares at N5/Kundlan Nagam have been identified for advance works with fencing.
The financial outlay for the current year stands at ₹9.54 lakh, also covering activities related to soil and water conservation, research and development, monitoring and evaluation, awareness and publicity, and mission organisation.
The DC directed the concerned officers to ensure timely execution of the planned works and maintain effective monitoring at every stage and stressed for colloborated efforts among all stakeholders for proper implementation of the Mission and sustainable restoration of forest ecosystems in the district.
The meeting was attended by ACD, CPO, DFO Kulgam Forest Division, CAO, and other concerned officers and officials.
Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the closing ceremony of 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti, which marks another milestone in the Indian Army’s healthcare outreach in the UT of Jammu Kashmir
Lieutenant Governor Attends Closing Ceremony of Indian Army’s Mega Eye Surgical Camp under Operation DrishtiI salute the extraordinary courage of Indian Army, doctors of Armed Forces Medical Services, who performed 364 vision-restoring surgeries across Srinagar and Tangdhar, in Kupwara: LG SinhaOperation Drishti is a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage, and resolve: LGLieutenant Governor noted that modern surgical tools were airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in a region where such facilities were previously unimaginableThis is true courage, dedication to duty, and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubt that where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by Indian Army: LGLieutenant Governor said the surgeries performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar represent not just medical statistics but transformed livesIndian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion, and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need: LGBy restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust, and togetherness: LG Sinha
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the closing ceremony of 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti, which marks another milestone in the Indian Army’s healthcare outreach in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh and commended the Indian Army for their dedication. The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the selfless service of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team.The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that Operation Drishti is a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage, and resolve. He highlighted that 144 surgeries were successfully performed at the Srinagar camp, while the Tangdhar camp in Kupwara district marked a historic milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp on the border. Despite challenging terrain and the constant threat, doctors and soldiers created an underground operation theatre and restored vision to 220 patients in just two days.“Those who have seen Tangdhar’s geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst the danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope,” he said.The Lieutenant Governor noted that modern surgical tools were airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in a region where such facilities were previously unimaginable. Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella, and surrounding villages benefitted from the camp.“This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubt that where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by Indian Army,” the Lieutenant Governor said.The Lieutenant Governor underscored that the 364 surgeries performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar represent not just medical statistics but transformed lives. He said under the leadership of Indian Army’s doctors, every surgery became a story of restored dignity and revived hope. The Lieutenant Governor also observed that at the national level, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations and more than 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under Operation Drishti.The Lieutenant Governor observed that Operation Drishti has strengthened trust between the Army and communities, proving that the Indian Army is not only a force of defence but also a source of compassion and healing. He saluted the courage of support staff, Air Force pilots, and soldiers who transported equipment, prepared underground theatres and ensured complex surgeries in adverse conditions.“Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust, and togetherness,” he said.The Lieutenant Governor affirmed that the 11th camp in Srinagar is not the end but a continuation of the journey. He expressed confidence that Operation Drishti will reach more villages and towns across the country ensuring that quality healthcare is not confined to big cities. He reiterated that the Tangdhar camp serves as an inspiring example for remote areas across India.“The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country. This is the resolve of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” and under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, it is being ensured that no citizen is left behind,” the Lieutenant Governor said.On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the Doctors and medical staff of Defence forces for their valuable services during the camp. He also handed over post-operative kits to the beneficiaries.Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chinar Corps; Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and HOD Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital R&R; Brig B.V. Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital, and senior officials of Defence Forces attended the closing ceremony.Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar were also present.
Hindi Pakhwada Programme held at P.S.P.S. Govt. College for Women Gandhi Nagar
Hindi Pakhwada Programme held at P.S.P.S. Govt. College for Women Gandhi Nagar
The Alumni Association of P.S.P.S. Govt. College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, in collaboration with the Department of Hindi, organised a programme in connection with Hindi Pakhwada to promote the importance, richness and relevance of the Hindi language among students.
The programme was graced by Former Director Higher Education J&K Prof. Nalini Kohli (as Advisor); Association President Adv. Radha Sharma; Vice President Dr. Davinder Kour; besides Madhavi Sharma from AIR; Retired HOD Hindi Prof. Renu Nanda and Ambika Samnotra. The distinguished guests and alumni shared their valuable experiences and expressed their views on the importance of the Hindi language and its role in education, culture and society. They also recalled their association with the college and shared memorable experiences from their college days.
The students actively participated in the programme and presented their views on the significance of the Hindi language. Some students also recited their self-composed poems, adding a creative and literary dimension to the event.
The Principal of the College Dr. Kulwinder Kour appreciated the Alumni Association for its valuable contribution and continued support, besides taking the time to interact with and inspire the students. She acknowledged the important role played by the Association in strengthening the bond between the college and its alumni.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by HOD Hindi Dr. Bindu Chib, who warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, alumni, faculty members and students.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by HOD Sanskrit Dr. Vijender Kumar. He expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, faculty members, alumni and students for their active participation and contribution to the successful conduct of the programme.
Among the faculty members present on the occasion were Dr. Babita Jamwal, Dr. Liaqat Jafari, Prof. Poonam, Dr. Jagmeet Kour, Dr. Pooja Charak, Dr. Suraj Mohini, Dr.Tarseem Kumar, Dr. Anuradha, Dr. Deepika, Dr.Puja, Dr Nasiza and Dr. Rukshana.
The programme provided an enriching platform for students to interact with distinguished alumni and guests and encouraged them to appreciate the cultural and literary significance of the Hindi language.
J&K | Work On Bridge Gains Pace To Provide Connectivity To 80,000 People In Doda’s Siraj
Construction work on a 200-metre motorable bridge over the Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district has gained pace, with the project expected to provide all-weather connectivity to nearly 80,000 people in the remote Siraj area by the end of this year, an official said on Wednesday.
The bridge, which will connect Mandol in Siraj with Assar on National Highway 244, is being constructed at a height of around 100 feet over the Chenab.
Once completed, the motorable bridge will provide connectivity to 80,000 people beside the travel time to Doda-Batote highway will be also reduced approximately by two hours, Assistant Executive Engineer, Roads and Buildings, Doda division Danesh Bhushan said.
The R&B department started the construction of the bridge under NABARD (National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development) assistance early this year even as the project was sanctioned last year to provide direct and all weather connectivity to Siraj area consisting three administrative blocks — Kashtigarh, Baghwah and Assar beside Rajgarh block of Ramban district.
Bhushan said the project was delayed due to various bottlenecks, including forest clearance, but all such hurdles have now been cleared and construction is progressing at a brisk pace.
“The bridge is of strategic importance…the project has a sanctioned cost of Rs 24.69 crore, while the allotted cost stands at Rs 22.83 crore,” he said.
The project assumes significance for the remote and geographically isolated areas of the Siraj region, where communities are spread across the hilly slopes on the left bank of the Chenab in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.
For decades, people living in these areas have faced severe connectivity challenges, often depending on footbridges, ropeways and other difficult means of crossing the Chenab, or undertaking lengthy detours through mountainous terrain, officials said.
They said the new bridge is expected to provide a safer and more direct road link, improving access to markets, healthcare, education and other essential services while strengthening connectivity between remote habitations and the main road network.
“At present, we have to travel for 2.5 hours via Doda city to reach the other side of the river and the National Highway at Assar. The bridge will cut the journey to just 10 minutes,” Mudassar Ahmad, 27, a resident of Mandol village, said.
He said his forefathers had dreamt of this day. “I wish they were alive to see this development, which will surely make life much easier for the people of the entire Siraj region.”
Preyavart Singh, 47, of Malhori village, expressed gratitude to the government for providing the much-needed connectivity, saying that despite the other side of the river being just a “stone’s throw away,” residents often think twice before undertaking the treacherous journey to reach it, even in emergencies.
He said the bridge would be a major development for the area and significantly improve the lives of local residents. (Agencies)
Speaker Rather Directs Minister To Notify New Car Policy Within 15 Days
Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday directed the government to ensure that the revised car policy is notified within 15 days.
The direction came during a discussion on the implementation of the “One Officer, One Vehicle” policy, with the Speaker questioning the delay in taking action on the matter.
Rather said the issue involved the use of public resources and could not be kept pending any longer.
The Speaker directed Minister Transport to ensure that the necessary policy is notified within 15 days.
He also questioned why it had taken nearly five years to act on the matter, stressing that such a delay amounted to the misuse of public resources. (KNO)
J&K To Draft Guidelines Regulating Social Media Journalists
The Jammu and Kashmir government is working on a new media policy to regulate the mushrooming of social media journalists, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Wednesday.
Responding to a question from National Conference (NC) MLA Bashir Veeri, Minister Sakina Itoo said the Assembly’s House Committee, constituted to examine the matter, has given the Information Department four months to formulate new guidelines. Itoo said the House Committee, headed by senior MLA and former minister, Ali Mohammad Sagar, met on July 13, 2026.
Several members raised concerns over the mushrooming growth of social media journalists and demanded strict guidelines. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said he had asked the government during the Budget Session to conduct a comprehensive study of media functioning and formulate guidelines for taking action against those who violate the law.
NC MLA Nazir Gurezi said anyone can pick up a phone and become a journalist these days. “Then social media is being misused. There should be some regulation,” he demanded.
PDP MLA Waheed Para said, “We are living in the 21st century, and demanding censorship is not the right thing.”
Minister Itoo said the issue concerns the House.
“A half-hour discussion was held in the Budget Session, and the government gave its reply at that time. Without the media — whether print or electronic — we are incomplete; there is no two ways about it. But, Sir, there are certain shortcomings now; there is no doubt about that either,” she said.
Itoo said in this era of mobile phones, legislators also share the blame. “We keep our close associates around to photograph everything here so that the pictures can be published outside later. We cannot place the entire blame on media personnel alone,” she said.
She informed the assembly that a member has opened a social media page under the name of his wife’s maid.
“There are some honourable members — I will not take names — an honourable member has created a page under the name of his wife’s maid. If you were to look at that page, truly, I believe even the devil would feel ashamed. The things written on that page, the nature of the criticism, the foul language directed at ministers… and if all of that is deemed acceptable, then how can we stand here and put the entire blame solely on the media?” she said.
Social media is used for mud-slinging, and political parties are also responsible, she said.
“Those who have turned into mobile and Facebook media stoop to slandering anyone’s character whenever they wish, taking less than two minutes to demean someone’s dignity. And in this, if anyone is most responsible, it is the political parties,” she added.
She also referred to the pages run by political parties.
“You will see how an individual’s dignity is shredded to pieces. There is zero regulation over it. And yet you say our brothers in the media are in the wrong. They may be wrong as well; I do not deny that, because nowadays genuine, accredited media persons are few, while the number of self-styled Facebook media pages is huge,” she said.
The minister suggested that members and journalists should not be allowed to keep mobile phones inside the House. She assured the House that the Information Department will introduce a comprehensive policy with rules, regulations, and proper scrutiny.
“Following that, if anyone is found guilty of malpractice, strict action must be taken against them,” she said.