Page 75 - Jammu And Kashmir

PM Modi, nation remembers Pulwama heroes on five years of terror attack

Pulwama attack: 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel had lost their lives in the terror attack in Pulwama, which took place on February 14, 2019

Apples to bats, Kashmir's startup scene gains momentum with foreign funding

Entrepreneurs are also tapping into JK Startup Policy and Shark Tank India

ED issues fresh summons to Farooq Abdullah in JKCA money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summons to National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah for questioning in a money laundering case pertaining to the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), official sources said Monday. He has been asked to depose at the ED office in Srinagar Tuesday. The 86-year-old politician was last called by the central agency in this case on January 11 but he did not appear before it. He is not expected to appear at the Srinagar office of the central agency this time too, sources close to him said. The ED investigation pertains to alleged financial irregularities at the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. The MP from Srinagar was charge-sheeted by the Enforcement Directorate in this case in 2022. The case relates to siphoning off JKCA funds by way of transfer to various personal bank accounts of unrelated parties, including those of JKCA office-bearers, and by way of unexplained cash withdrawals from its bank accounts, the ED ha

NIA carries out raids at 15 locations in JEI terror funding case in J&K

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted raids at 15 locations across Jammu and Kashmir as part of its crackdown on the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in a terror funding case, an official said. The raids in the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu along with Budgam in central and Kulgam and Anantnag in south Kashmir led to the seizure of incriminating documents and digital devices connected with the activities of JeI and its related Trusts and more than Rs 20 lakh, a spokesperson of the federal agency said. However, official sources said two persons were also detained in Jammu for questioning during the raids targeting a private school and its functionaries including chairman at Gujjar Nagar and Shaheedi chowk in Jammu. They said the residences of former Jamaat chief Sheikh Ghulam Hassan and another leader, Sayar Ahmad Reshi, in Kulgam district were among those raided. The Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir was banned by the Centre for five years in February ...

Good governance now reality in Jammu & Kashmir: Lt Governor Sinha

The sounds of gunfire and bombs have been replaced by the "noise of development" in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday. The article, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated on August 5 in 2019 and the state bifurcated into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Speaking at the ET Now Global Business Summit 2024 here, Sinha asserted that good governance has finally become a reality in Jammu and Kashmir. Stone pelting and strikes at the behest of Pakistan is history and Jammu and Kashmir is marching ahead like any other part of India with nightlife and cinema halls making a comeback, Sinha said. He added that his administration has acted tough on supporters of Pakistan to restore the rule of law. "There was no relation between good governance and J-K for a very long time since independence. In my 40 months of personal experience, J-K is now being counte

Migrant worker from Punjab shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar, 1 injured

In the first targeted killing of the year, terrorists on Wednesday shot dead a worker from Punjab while another sustained injuries in Habba Kadal area of the city, officials said here. Amritpal Singh, a resident of Amritsar, was shot by the terrorists from point blank range and Shalla Kadal locality in Habba Kadal around 7 pm, the officials said. They said Singh died on the spot while another non-local worker identified as Rohit, aged 25, sustained injuries in the incident. Rohit also hails from Amritsar. He was hit by the bullets in the abdomen and is undergoing treatment at SMHS hospital here. In a post on X, Kashmir Zone Police said, "Terrorists fired upon a non-local identified as Amritpal Singh resident of Amritsar at Shaheed Gunj Srinagar, who succumbed to the injuries. One more person is grievously injured and evacuated for medical attention. Area has been cordoned off. Further details shall follow." The police have taken cognisance of the incident and cordoned off the are

Highlights of the day: Budget session to be extended by a day till Feb 10

Updates: From CM Dhami tabling the UCC Bill in the Uttarakhand assembly to the devastating wildfires in Chile, catch all the latest updates from around the world here

Over 4,000 take part in adventure sports at snow festival in J-K's Kishtwar

Over 4,000 people on Monday participated in a snow festival in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district which has turned into a winter wonderland after the first major snowfall of the season last week, officials said. The 'Snow Mela' was held at the historical Chowgan Ground, spanning 33 acres and surrounded by pine and chinar trees, as the renowned landmark 'Char Chinar' stood as a testament to Kishtwar's unique charm. The ground, nestled amidst mountains on all four sides, offered a picturesque view resembling a lotus, enhancing the allure for both residents and visitors. According to the officials, the 'Snow Mela', a celebration of the enchanting snowy landscape in Kishtwar, attracted a massive turnout of over 4,000 locals and visitors alike to the sprawling ground which became a hub of activity, offering a myriad of attractions for attendees. Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Devansh Yadav expressed satisfaction at the success of the Snow Mela, emphasising its role in promoting tourism

Bill to provide OBC quota in J&K local bodies introduced in Lok Sabha

The Centre on Monday introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to provide reservation to Other Backward Classes in local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, there is no provision for reservation of seats for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in panchayats and municipalities in the Union territory. The aim of the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is to uphold principles of fairness and inclusivity in local governance, thereby addressing long-standing disparities and ensuring justice for OBC citizens. "With this,...justice will be ensured to the citizens of Other Backward Classes of Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after 75 years of independence," according to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill. The bill says that in future all local body polls will be conducted by a State Election Commission consisting of a State Election Commissioner, instead of the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir. The bill says the State Election Commissioner shall

Interim Budget: Govt allocates Rs 1.18 trillion for Jammu and Kashmir

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday proposed an interim Budget of Rs 1.18 lakh crore for fiscal 2024-25 for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The interim Budget envisages a fiscal deficit of Rs 20,760 crore and a 7.5 per cent growth in gross state domestic product (GSDP). The capital expenditure for the fiscal has been proposed at Rs 38,566 crore, which is 14.64 per cent of the GSDP, as per the interim Budget tabled by Sitharaman in Parliament. The revenue receipts for the next fiscal stood at Rs 97,861 crore. According to Sitharaman, the crucial reforms undertaken in 2019 enabled "path-breaking" measures by the Union Territory Government to decentralise governance structure, promote inclusive development, upscale revenue generation and step up infrastructure development. "The Government is maintaining law and order to ensure security while simultaneously implementing initiatives for economic and social development. The Government has adopted a policy of zero ...

Snowfall in Kashmir valley disrupts flight operations at Srinagar airport

All flights to and from Srinagar airport in Kashmir were cancelled on Sunday due to snowfall in the valley, officials said here. "All the flights have been cancelled for the day due to bad weather at Srinagar," an official of the Airport Authority of India said. The official said the snowfall, which began late Saturday night, had stopped briefly early in the morning, allowing clearance of the runway. "However, the snowfall started again before any flights could operate," he added. The plains of Kashmir are witnessing moderate snowfall while heavy snowfall has been reported in the higher reaches of the valley. Snow clearance operations are being carried out since early hours to ensure that the roads are traffic worthy. Authorities have advised motorists to drive carefully in view of the slippery roads.

Open expanse of Dal Lake in J-K increased to 20.3 sq kms in past 2 years

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday said one-third of Dal Lake in Srinagar has been rejuvenated and its open expanse has been increased for the first time to more than 20.3 square kilometres. The information was given at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo here to review the measures taken so far for the beautification and cleansing of the famous Dal and Nigeen lakes, an official spokesman said. The Chief Secretary took note of the implementation of Rs 273 crore Dal Lake conservation plan which includes works like dredging, catchment area management, development of sewerage network, eco-parks, viewing decks, jetties and ghats and other conservation works. In the last two years, the spokesman said the meeting was informed, one-third of the Dal lake has been rejuvenated, 6.5 sqkms has been cleared off lily and the open expanse has been increased for the first time to more than 20.3 sqkms. The lake area has not decreased as compared to the earliest possible availab

Ashwini Vaishnaw shares video of train passing through snow in Kashmir

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a breathtaking video on X showing a train passing through the Baramulla-Banihal section of the Union Territory

Jammu-Srinagar national highway remains closes, 400 vehicles stranded

The arterial Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained closed for the second day on Friday due to landslip at various places, officials said. Authorities were trying to clear the landslip debris and restore the traffic on the road connecting Kashmir to rest of the country. More than 400 vehicles are stranded at various places along the highway, the officials said. The 270-km road was closed for traffic on Thursday following landslip at several places, including Sherbibi, Magerkote, Mehad Cafeteria and Dalwas, along the highway, the officials said.

Uber launches operations in Jammu & Kashmir; starting with Srinagar

Residents of Srinagar and visiting tourists can now book Uber Go and Uber Intercity rides for their mobility needs

Ride-hailing company Uber launches operations in Jammu and Kashmir

Ride-hailing firm Uber on Tuesday said it has started operations in Jammu and Kashmir with the launch of services in Srinagar. Uber will offer Uber Go and outstation cab service Uber Intercity in the Valley. "Uber's launch in Srinagar is in line with its expansion plans in India, with an aim to increase its footprint and product offerings to regional markets. Residents of Srinagar and visiting tourists can now book Uber Go and Uber Intercity rides for their mobility needs," Uber said in a statement. Intercity rides can be booked to tourist destinations around Srinagar, including Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam, the company said. "With the global ride-hailing app now available in Srinagar, tourists as well as locals will now find a trusted ride in and around Srinagar with a few taps on the app. The launch of our service will also create meaningful earning opportunities for drivers and will support the economic growth of local communities," Head of Supply and Regional Operations at Ub

Azad promises to re-implement Roshni scheme if elected to power in J-K

Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday promised to reintroduce the Roshni scheme if his party wins the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He also promised to grant five marlas of land to people residing along the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. "The Roshni Act, created by me, will be implemented again if our party comes to power," Azad said at a public rally in Samba district. On November 1, 2020, the Union Territory administration cancelled all land transfers that took place under the JK State Land (Vesting of Ownership to the Occupants) Act, 2001 - also known as the Roshni Act - under which 2.5 lakh acres of land was to be transferred to existing occupants. Over 10 lakh kanals (1 acre is equal to 8 kanals) of land was retrieved in Jammu and Kashmir after the Revenue Department directed all deputy commissioners to ensure 100 per cent removal of encroachments from state land. The former chief minister said that five marlas of land i

Republic Day 2024: J-K govt announces awards for 36 individuals of UT

Thirty-six people, including para archer and Arjuna Awardee Sheetal Devi, were selected for government awards in Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of Republic Day. Late Head Constable Abdul Majeed has been awarded posthumously in the category of award for achievements in the field of bravery that carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a citation to the awardee, according to an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) Commissioner-Secretary Sanjeev Verma. The government also conferred the award to Dogri writers Mohan Singh, Inderjeet Kesar, Gojri writer Mansha Khaki and broadcaster and writer Brij Nath Pandit Betab in the category of achievements in the field of literature. For their contribution to performing arts, film and television, actor Gulzar Ganaie, Pahari artist Kartar Chand, theatre artist Pawan Verma, actor and director Kuldeep Raina and vocalist and music composer Munir Ahmad Mir have been awarded. Similarly, Basohli Pashmina artist Neelam Rani, Basohli ...

J-K's tableau showcases handicraft, saffron cultivation at Bharat Parv 2024

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has presented its tableau in 'Bharat Parv 2024' at Red Fort in New Delhi, encapsulating its developmental leaps and rich cultural tapestry with a focus on its handicraft industry and saffron cultivation. The nine-day Bharat Parv, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism from January 23-31. As part of the event, seven Republic Day tableaux showcasing different cultural tropes from Karnataka, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir are on display at the fort's lawns. The front section of the tableau presented by Jammu and Kashmir brought to life the legend of Raja Jambu Lochan with a poignant depiction of a tiger and a goat drinking water together, symbolising the harmonious inception of Jammu city, an official spokesperson said. This scene also heralds the newly inaugurated Jambu Zoo, the first full-fledged zoo in the UT, a haven for wildlife set amids

No stone pelting in J&K in 2023, 66% decline in terror attacks: Shah

Jammu and Kashmir did not witness a single incident of stone pelting in 2023 while there was a 66 per cent decline in terrorist incidents and an 81 per cent drop in civilian killings since the scrapping of Article 370, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday. Launching an e-bus service in Jammu through video conferencing from New Delhi, Shah also said the Modi government is cracking down on terror financing, sealing and freezing assets of terrorists and has also outlawed several terrorist organisations. "There were 2,654 incidents of organised stone pelting in 2010, which has come down to zero in 2023. There were 132 incidents of organised strikes in 2010 but not a single incident took place in 2023," he said. Shah said 112 civilians died in stone pelting in 2010 but not a single civilian died in 2023. In 2010, the number of civilians injured in stone pelting was 6,235 but no one was injured in such an incident last year. He said due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra