NOK Desk

Kashmir Education

Budgam Schools Observe ‘No Bag Day’ to Promote Awareness on ‘World No Tobacco Day’

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On ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ schools in Budgam district’s village observed a ‘No Bag Day’ on Friday, with students raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco on health.

In Chewdara village, students from Government High School went door-to-door and visited agricultural fields to educate people about the negative impacts of tobacco use. Gulzar Ahmad, a teacher at the school, told Rising Kashmir that students organized a rally, holding placards with various messages. They also conducted an awareness program, which was well-received by the local community.

Ahmad mentioned that to mark ‘No School Bag Day,’ they organized various competitions to help students feel stress-free. Uzma Showkat, a 10th-grade student at GHS Chewdara, said they celebrated outside the school to inform people about the dangers of tobacco use, highlighting the financial waste and health risks associated with it.

Similarly, students from Government Primary School Kunizabal Ringazabal in the Hardapanzoo of Khansahib tehsil also commemorated ‘World No Tobacco Day’ and ‘No Bag Day’ outside their school. They actively promoted awareness among the tribal community about the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption.

Kashmir Tourism

Kashmir Valley Sees Record Influx of Tourists Amid Heatwave and Improved Safety

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The Kashmir Valley has experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming over eleven lakh tourists in the first six months of this year, according to tourism department officials. The data indicates that of the 1,155,289 visitors, 22,612 were international tourists. Officials expect an increase in foreign arrivals starting from June.

Amid a severe heatwave across the country, several states and union territories have announced summer vacations, leading to a significant expected rise in tourist numbers. Currently, all hotels in key tourist destinations are fully booked until June 15.

An official shared that this year has already seen 11.5 million tourists. In comparison, 21.1 million tourists visited the valley in 2023, 18.8 million in 2022, 11.3 million in 2021, and 3.4 million in 2020.

The start of the Amarnath Yatra at the end of June is expected to further boost tourist numbers. Many devotees enjoy visiting various sites in Kashmir, and officials are hopeful that this year’s figures will exceed those of last year.

Bilal Ahmad, a Shikara rower, commented on the positive impact of tourism on his business over the past three years. “Tourism has been thriving, and so have our earnings. This year, festivals like kayaking and car racing have boosted tourism. However, the government should address inflation. Air tickets are very expensive; if trains start running from Kashmir, it will help significantly. Currently, 95% of the law and order situation is stable,” he noted.

In recent years, record-breaking numbers of tourists have visited the Tulip Garden, and a similar trend is expected during this peak summer season. The Department of Tourism is making every effort to assist tourists and stakeholders to attract more visitors to the Kashmir Valley.

Mohammad Faizan, a 23-year-old tourist from Surat, shared his experience with Rising Kashmir. “Kashmir is truly heaven. In our city, the temperature can reach up to 47 degrees, which is unbearable. In Kashmir, we haven’t experienced temperatures higher than 32 degrees, which makes it heaven on earth,” he said.

A hotel owner in Srinagar noted the notable improvement in law and order, marked by a decline in incidents like stone-pelting. “Tourists feel safe. The government has taken many initiatives, such as hosting the G-20 event, F4 race, and major launches, and has been promoting the region globally. We are also opening offbeat destinations like the border villages of Keran, Gurez, and Bangus. Additionally, we are witnessing a rise in religious tourism,” he said.

News

Temperature Fluctuations and Weather Outlook Across Jammu and Kashmir

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weather

In the midst of forecasts predicting isolated light rain and thunderstorms over Kashmir and the Pirpanjal region, coupled with hot and dry conditions prevailing in the plains of the Jammu division, the night temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a rise on Saturday.

According to an official from the meteorological department, Srinagar saw a low of 15.0°C compared to 13.4°C the previous night, marking a 2.5°C increase above the seasonal norm for the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir at this time of the year.

Qazigund registered a minimum temperature of 12.0°C, up from 10.0°C the previous night, which was 0.9°C above the normal for this time of year in the gateway town of Kashmir.

Pahalgam, the renowned resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of 8.4°C, showing a rise from 5.4°C the previous night, indicating a deviation of 1.8°C above normal.

Similarly, Kokernag, also situated in south Kashmir, noted a minimum temperature of 11.2°C compared to 9.3°C, just slightly above the normal range.

In Kupwara town, the minimum temperature rose to 11.7°C from 10.7°C, marking a deviation of 0.7°C above normal.

However, Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, recorded a minimum of 6.0°C, down from 7.2°C the previous night, indicating a deviation of 1.6°C below normal.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, the temperature recorded a low of 30.1°C compared to 28.5°C the previous night, marking a notable 4.6°C above normal for the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Other regions like Banihal recorded a low of 16.2°C, Batote 17.9°C, and Bhaderwah 12.2°C.

Regarding the forecast, the official mentioned that isolated light rain and thunderstorms are expected, accompanied by gusty winds in some areas. From June 3-4, generally dry weather is anticipated across Jammu and Kashmir.

From June 5-7, generally cloudy weather with intermittent light to moderate rain and thunderstorms is likely in many places, with gusty winds at a few locations. From June 8-9, partly to generally cloudy conditions are expected.

Additionally, the official highlighted the anticipation of generally hot and dry weather with a heat wave over the plains of the Jammu Division during June 2-4. However, there is no prediction of a heatwave over the Kashmir Division in the next eight days.

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News

Tobacco Use in Jammu and Kashmir Raises Concerns: Ranking 6th Nationwide

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Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory ranks sixth in tobacco use nationwide, with over 20% of the population indulging, officials report.Dr. Mir Mushtaq, State Nodal Officer for the National Tobacco Control Programme in Kashmir, disclosed that smoking prevalence stands at 20.8%, placing it sixth after Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.

“The prevalence of smokeless tobacco in J&K is the lowest in the country at 4.3%, just after Himachal Pradesh,” he added.

Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2 data highlights that 35.2% of men, 5.1% of women, and 20.8% of adults in J&K smoke tobacco. Additionally, 6.8% of men, 1.5% of women, and 4.3% of adults use smokeless tobacco. Overall, 39.7% of men, 6.2% of women, and 23.7% of adults either smoke or use smokeless tobacco.

Dr. Mushtaq emphasized the government’s efforts to curb tobacco consumption, including issuing fines and conducting awareness programs. “If we can make people conscious of the dangers, enforcement will not be as necessary,” he stated.

Moreover, tobacco users are 2.5 times more likely to develop tuberculosis, underscoring the urgency of quitting tobacco for better health outcomes.

To combat the issue, Jammu and Kashmir authorities have imposed a ban on loose cigarettes, bidis, and tobacco sales. Educational institutions and tourist destinations have been declared tobacco-free zones.

Despite these measures, tobacco remains a significant contributor to preventable deaths globally, with lung cancer cases on the rise in Kashmir. Hospital data indicates a higher incidence of lung cancer among males, linked to smoking habits. Officials stress the importance of quitting smoking for reducing cancer risk, emphasizing that the risk does not vanish entirely.

Politics

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Calls for Dialogue, Offers Two Steps Forward for Peaceful Resolution

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Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stated on Friday that if New Delhi takes one step forward, he is ready to take two steps towards a peaceful resolution of issues. He made these remarks while speaking to the media at Jamia Masjid Srinagar after attending Friday congregational prayers.

Farooq expressed his frustration over being kept under house arrest without any legal notice. “It is unfortunate that the government keeps me under house arrest without serving any legal notice. I don’t understand why this continues to happen. I hope this policy ends, and I am allowed to move freely and share my views publicly,” he said.

He emphasized that the government’s belief that he would abandon his ethical stance on various issues is misguided. “If the government thinks I will leave my ethical stand on issues, they are wrong. I hope the government will realize the situation and take amicable steps accordingly,” Farooq added.

Farooq reiterated the Hurriyat Conference (M)’s longstanding support for dialogue, stressing the importance of talks to address and resolve outstanding issues. “The Hurriyat Conference has always supported dialogue and wants talks to initiate so that pending issues can be addressed and resolved. We have supported talks a lot, and despite suffering attacks, we have not changed our stance,” he said.

He expressed deep concern over the detention of youth and the complex verification process required for jobs and travel documents by the J&K government. “A significant number of youth are lodged in jails while the government has made the verification process very complicated. I hope the government rethinks this and makes the process easier,” he said.

Farooq concluded by emphasizing the desire for peace and the need for a realistic approach from the government. “If the government takes one step forward, we are ready to take two,” he stated. However, he made it clear that the Hurriyat Conference will not bow to the “iron fist” policy adopted by New Delhi and the J&K administration.

“We don’t want violence and bloodshed. We don’t want our youngsters filling jails and graves. It’s time to move forward. The government should abandon its muscle-power policy and embrace a realistic approach to resolving issues,” he concluded.

News

Brief Gunfight in Poonch: Militants Flee During Security Operation

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indian army

A brief exchange of fire occurred between militants and security forces yesterday in the Marha Buffliaz area of Poonch district.

Officials reported that late Thursday night, security forces received specific intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. Subsequently, a search operation was initiated by the police and army in the general vicinity of Marha Buffliaz near DKG.

As the search party intensified their efforts, the hiding militants fired upon the security forces, resulting in a brief gunfight.

Taking advantage of the darkness, the militants managed to flee the scene after the brief exchange of fire. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.A massive search operation is currently underway to track down the fleeing militants. More details will follow as the situation develops.

News

Farooq Abdullah Stresses Dialogue for India-Pakistan Peace, Hopes for New Government

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farooq

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah has reiterated his stance on the importance of dialogue for peace in the region, despite facing significant criticism for his remarks.

Abdullah emphasized his hope for a change in the central government following the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expressing his belief that a new administration would be more inclined to pursue dialogue with Pakistan.

“Even though I have been labeled a Pakistani, Khalistani, and American agent, I will not stop advocating for dialogue between India and Pakistan,” Abdullah stated. He added, “When I talk about dialogue, they call me a Pakistani, Khalistani, and American agent. But I will not stop my voice. I pray we see good Lok Sabha election results with a new government in Delhi and the current dispensation being ousted. Then we will also push for dialogue as the only way forward. If this does not happen, the result will be ruin.”

Abdullah stressed that Jammu and Kashmir will not see peace until India and Pakistan realize that war is no longer a viable solution.

Following recent shooting incidents in Shopian and Anantnag, Abdullah called for an international investigation into the killings. “I had said that until terrorism stops, there won’t be any talks with our neighboring country (Pakistan). We need their cooperation. We need to identify those coming here and killing innocents. International pressure must be created, and international investigating agencies must probe the matter,” he said in an interview.

The former chief minister also expressed his desire for assembly elections in the Union Territory to be conducted soon. “When parliamentary elections can be conducted peacefully here, why can’t Assembly elections be conducted? I think Assembly elections will take place after the Amarnath Yatra concludes this year,” Abdullah said.

Criticizing the BJP, Abdullah alleged that they intend to change the Constitution. “I regret to say that they (BJP) control the Election Commission. They have the entire administration. They claim they will not change the Constitution, but they say one thing and do another. They do intend to change the Constitution,” he asserted.

Regarding the INDIA bloc, Abdullah emphasized that their fight is not for power but to address the issues faced by the people. “I hope the people understand our motive and why we are fighting. Our fight is not for the chair but to use it to eradicate poverty and address inflation and unemployment,” he stated.

On May 6, Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah’s son and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed hope that the governments of India and Pakistan will create an environment conducive to dialogue. Responding to a query, he said, “The National Conference has always maintained that all matters (between India and Pakistan) should be resolved through dialogue. As Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji said: ‘We can change our friends, but we can’t change our neighbors.’ Pakistan is, was, and will remain our neighbor. We have to create an environment for dialogue, and it is the responsibility of both countries.”

Kashmir Tourism

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Unveils Plans to Boost Tourism and Address Local Concerns in Gulmarg

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In a significant effort to boost tourism and address local issues, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, visited Gulmarg on Thursday and held a series of meetings with various stakeholders, including hoteliers, ponywalas, tourist guides, and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) drivers.

The meetings, which took place at the esteemed Golf Club Gulmarg, centered on enhancing the tourism experience, tackling the challenges faced by local businesses, and exploring new sustainable development opportunities in the region.

Bidhuri underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the administration and local stakeholders to ensure a thriving tourism sector that benefits the local economy.

Waseem Raja, Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority, provided a comprehensive briefing during the visit. He outlined initiatives to promote eco-friendly tourism and enhance the overall tourist experience, including safety protocols, upgraded facilities, and promotional strategies to attract more visitors.

Hoteliers raised concerns about infrastructure maintenance, safety measures, and promotional activities needed to draw more tourists. Ponywalas and ATV members discussed the necessity for better facilities and regulatory measures to ensure visitor safety and satisfaction.

In response, the Div Com directed the CEO of the Gulmarg Development Authority to designate specific routes for ponywalas and ATV drivers, aiming to enhance the regulation and management of their activities. This directive seeks to improve organization and oversight of their movements.

Additionally, the Div Com emphasized the provision of uniforms and identity cards for registered ponywalas, ATV drivers, and tourist guides. This measure aims to promote professionalism and accountability within the industry while making it easier for tourists to identify service providers. By implementing these measures, authorities can better monitor and enforce compliance with regulations, thereby enhancing safety and integrity in the tourism sector.

Bidhuri assured all stakeholders of the administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns and working towards

News

Serious Collision Near Sheikh Bagh in Kangan Leaves Four Injured

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A serious road accident occurred today near Sheikh Bagh, close to the Power House in Kangan, within Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The incident involved a Tempo Traveller and an Alto car, resulting in injuries to four individuals.

The collision happened when a Tempo Traveller, registration number JK02BE-9014, traveling from Srinagar to Kangan, collided with an oncoming Alto car, registration number JK16A-8159.

The injured have been identified as Ritesh Manaria, son of Chander Shekhar from Jamnagar; Mohd Amir, son of Gh. Qadir from Margund; Fareed Mota, son of Aziz Mota from Pehlanar Wangath; and Jana, wife of Mohd Kamal from Kijpora Kangan.

Ritesh Manaria and Fareed Mota were transferred to SKIMS Soura Srinagar for advanced medical care, with reports indicating that Ritesh Manaria is in critical condition. The other injured individuals are receiving treatment for their injuries.

Local police in Kangan have acknowledged the incident and are investigating the cause of the collision. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

48-Hour Traffic Shutdown on NH-44 Announced for Repairs Ahead of Amarnath Yatra 2024

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Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, announced a 48-hour traffic shutdown on the Srinagar Jammu National Highway (NH-44) in the coming days to carry out essential repairs and maintenance between Nashri and Banihal.

These repairs aim to ensure smooth traffic flow, particularly for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 and tourist season. Chaudhary made this announcement after leading a high-level team, including DIG Traffic Jammu Dr. Haseeb Mughal, on a visit to several critical spots along NH-44 on Tuesday.

The Deputy Commissioner identified 17 critical spots between Nashri and Banihal that require urgent repairs. The team, which also included Senior Superintendent of Police Ramban Anuj Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic NHW Ramban Rohit Basotra, and NHAI officials, issued necessary directives to ensure uninterrupted traffic movement.

Chaudhary also reviewed the strategy to expedite the NH-44 four-laning project to provide hassle-free connectivity for Yatris, tourists, passengers, and locals. He mentioned that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would soon undertake blacktopping in the Banihal market.

“We are going to announce a 48-hour traffic shutdown on NH-44 in the coming days to carry out repair and maintenance at several places between Nashri and Banihal, including blacktopping of the highway passing through Banihal town,” said Chaudhary.

Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner discussed comprehensive security arrangements and emphasized increasing the staying capacity in Yatri Niwas and shelter sheds. He assured that the district administration, working as a cohesive team, would ensure all arrangements are in place well in time for the Yatra and tourist season.