S Shahid Yaseen , Research Scholar, Department of Management Studies successfully defended his PhD open viva Voce. He worked on the title ‘Assessment of Vocational Education in developing Self-reliance among youth in J&K-with special reference to B.voc and Community Colleges’ under the supervision of Dr. Kafeel Ahmed, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies.
NOK Desk
Dr Mehboob Beg of PDP Filed Nomination Papers for 44-Anantnag Assembly constituency
As nomination process continues in Anantnag District, one candidate filed his nomination papers today for the 44-Anantnag Assembly constituency, here.
Dr Mehboob Beg from JKPDP submitted his nomination papers in the office of Returning Officer 44-Anantnag AC. This was the first nomination filed so far in the district Anantnag.
The district comprises of seven (07) Assembly Constituencies, nominations for which can be filed till 27th August, 2024.
Shadi Lal Pandita dies in road accident on way back from Rahul Gandhi’s function in Jammu
Senior Congress leader Shadi Lal Pandita died in a road accident while returning from a function attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Jammu on Thursday evening.
The accident occurred near Sidhra as Pandita was returning to Jagti migrant township. He was fatally crushed by a truck, officials said.Pandita, the vice chairman of the Kashmiri Migrant Cell, was a dedicated Congress leader and a prominent advocate for the cause of Kashmiri migrants.
“He remained associated with the party from his days in the Youth Congress,” said JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma.The Congress party’s leadership expressed deep shock over his demise and extended heartfelt condolences to his family.
Congress national general secretary Gulam Ahmed Mir, AICC in-charge Bharat Sinh Solanki, J and K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra, party working presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, former minister Yogesh Sawhney, and PCC Migrant Cell chairman H L Pandita, along with Kamal Fotedar, mourned the loss of the leader.–(PTI)
In Ashtangoo Bandipora 48 Years old Man dies by electrocution
A 48-year-old man from Ashtangoo Bandipora in north of Kashmir died after he was electrocuted in his home, reports said Friday.
Reports said that the man was shifted to District Hospital Bandipora for treatment, but doctors declared him dead.
19 Officers of Telecom Wing Honour With Ranks by Bhim Sen Tuti Inspector General of Police Telecom Services
The Inspector General of Police Telecom Services, Jammu & Kashmir, Bhim Sen Tuti, IPS presided over a piping ceremony today at the Police Headquarters Auditorium, where he conferred the rank of Sub-Inspector upon 19 recently promoted officers of the Telecom Wing.
The officers from the Telecom Kashmir Zone and ACS Zone Kashmir who were honored during the ceremony include: Shri Bashir Ahmad Reshi, Shri Nazir Ahmad Mir, Shri Aushum Ahmad, Shri Gulzar Ahmad Naikoo, Shri Gh. Ahmad Peer, Shri Gh. Mohd Ganai, Shri Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Shri Nasir Ahmad, Shri Javid Iqbal Pir, Shri Bashir Ahmad Lone, Shri Manzoor Ahmad Zargar, Shri Mohd Shafi Ganie, Shri Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Shri Mohd Ashraf Wani, Shri Mehraj-ud-din Malla, Shri Ab. Rouf Shah, Shri Gh. Nabi Bhat and Shri Mohd Yousuf Tantray.
In his address, IGP Telecom Shri B.S. Tuti, IPS, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers and their families. He underscored the critical role of the Telecom Wing in the effective communication operations of the J&K Police and highlighted the ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize the telecom infrastructure. Shri Tuti expressed his confidence that the promoted officers would continue to demonstrate the same level of zeal and dedication in their new roles, furthering the mission of excellence within the wing.
The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Director of Police Telecommunication J&K, Shri Manoj Kumar Pandith, JKPS, SP Telecom Kashmir Zone, Shri Fayaz Yaseen, SP Telecom ACS Kashmir, Shri Akhtar Buch, ADO PHQ, Shri Siraj-u-Din, along with other officers from the Telecom Headquarters.
I Re-Structured Party at District level again: Vikar Rasool
Former J&K PCC President Vikar Rasool Thursday said that in the past two years, Congress faced a big storm as the party’s 70 percent structure was dismantled but he along with his team worked hard to restructure the party again and today PCC is a strong and vibrant force in the UT.
Addressing the Congress worker’s meet in Srinagar, Vikar, said that Congress suffered back to back jolts in the past two years and the party’s 70 per cent structure was dismantled. “I as a disciplined soldier of the party along with my team worked hard to re-structure the party and today result is before you,” he said as All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Malikarjun Kharge and senior party leader and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi listened him patiently.
Vikar said that he was ready to shoulder any responsibility in the party. “If AICC leadership would assign me the charge of a chaprasi (peon), I would accept the post with a great honour and pride,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, former deputy chief minister of the erstwhile State, Tara Chand said in the past 10 years, J&K lost its identity, special status and what not. “Today, I want to say that Rahulji is playing Indhira Gandhji. Late Indhiraji would give a personal touch to the party and people of J&K whenever there were clouds of uncertainty. Rahulji has come with the same ideology and thinking,” Chand said.
Former J&KPCC chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir in his address said that it is a great pleasure to see AICC chief and leader of the opposition Rahul in J&K. “Your visit is a real morale booster for all the workers of PCC. You have come at a time when the poll bugle has already been blown. This will give a new impetus to the party indeed,” he said—(KNO)
Statehood is the Most Important thing for People Of Jammu and Kashmir: Rahul Gandhi
As the election commission of India announced the dates of the state assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharge held a meeting with the party workers of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.
While addressing the event, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that the representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their statehood is the most important thing.”You are not workers, you are family.
As soon as we got to know that elections were going to be conducted, we first decided to come here to Jammu and Kashmir because we wanted to give a message to the people of every state that for us the representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their statehood is the most important thing,” said Rahul Gandhi.
“In the history of India, after independence, many union territories have been converted into states but there is only one example when statehood was taken away and a union territory was created.
This has never happened before and we want to give this message that the representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is important, it is important for us and it is important for the country…” he added further.
Rajya Sabha LoP and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge mentioned that Rahul Gandhi is related to J&K by blood and appealed to voters saying that their votes are needed to save the country and the culture and rights of the citizens.
“If we win the elections in J&K, the whole of India will come under our control… As Rahul Gandhi said, his relationship with J&K is not limited to likes or dislikes. He is related to J&K by blood… We hope J&K will stand with us in the upcoming elections…
The BJP is always the one who decides where and when to begin elections. All their anger and frustration are targeted only at Congress because no other party gives a tough fight. The only person who dares to fight is Rahul Gandhi… We need your votes to save the country, to save your culture and rights…” said Kharge.
Notably, security has been heightened outside the hotel where Rahul Gandhi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge held the meeting.
The Congress is likely to fight the JK elections in alliance with the National Conference, although a formal announcement is awaited. The two parties which were part of the INDIA bloc fought the Lok Sabha elections in alliance. (ANI)
J&K Party Workers Importan Meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge Today Ahead of Assembly election
As the election commission of India announced the dates of the state assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharge will be holding a meeting with the party workers of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.
Security has been heightened outside the hotel where Rahul Gandhi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge will be holding a meeting with party workers today.
Arshid Tantary a Congress youth leader said ” As you can see when Rahul Gandhi came to Srinagar yesterday, people were excited from the airport to the hotel. We have a worker’s meeting today. Around 500 workers are meeting him today. everyone wants to vote for the Congress”.
Asif Beigh Congress Youth Gen secretary of Jammu and Kashmir said on the occasion “We were with Rahul Gandhi toll 3 AM, then we started preparing for the event. we are filled with enthusiasm as our leader Rahul Gandhi is here. Rahul Gandhi will spread his ‘Mohabbat ka dukan’ in Jammu and Kashmir and will form ties with secular forces”.
Congress is likely to ally with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference ahead of the polls. The two parties had contested the Lok Sabha polls in alliance.
On August 18, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said that his party has started preparing for the Assembly elections.
“Give us some time, we have begun our preparations. On August 20, the notification will be issued for the first phase. Following this, we will announce the names of our candidates and hope for a victory.
It would be better if the BJP doesn’t talk about over-confidence. We only said that we were hoping to receive the support of the people and get a chance to form the government. We are not counting the number of seats. The BJP has always counted the number (seats) here,” Omar said.
Omar Abdullah also launched the Party manifesto that includes some huge promises like- restoration of Article 370, 35-A and statehood, redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
The first guarantee of the NC’s manifesto envisages the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood prior to August 5, 2019.
The polling in the Union Territory will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. These are the first elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.
The election body has directed the enforcement agencies to be impartial and transparent for smooth and fair polling, ensuring a level playing field.
There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are general, nine are ST, and seven are SC. There are 87.09 lakh total electors, including 44.46 lakh are male, 42.62 lakh are female, 169 are transgender, 82,590 PwDs, 73943 are very senior citizens, 2660 are centenarians, 76092 are service electors, and 3.71 lakh are first-time voters.
Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of ten years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014.
The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti. In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024. (ANI)
We Want Peace with Respect and Dignity: Mehbooba Mufti
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that while there is peace even in graveyards, true peace is where people can live and walk with their heads held high.
“There is peace even in the graveyard, but with respect. We want peace where people live, talk, and walk with their heads held high”, Mehbooba said while speaking to a gathering at Party Headquarters.
She called for unity to strengthen the voices of the people and advance the party’s agenda.“The situation is such that we cannot even talk to each other.There is fear, no one shows it, but everyone is scared from within,” she said.
She said that all the people who join PDP and make it strong, it strengthens the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.She further said that Mufti syed started a new door of progress in Jammu and Kashmir—a door of peace.
Welcoming the return of a senior leader, she expressed hope for the future. “I hope our PDP agenda and wishes move forward, and God willing, they succeed”, she added.(KNS)
Apni Party Announces First List of Candidates for South Kashmir Assembly Polls
Apni Party on Wednesday released the first list of its candidates for the upcoming assembly polls.According to a press release issued here, the party has announced the names of eight candidates for various assembly segments in South Kashmir.
The nominated candidates include Rafi Ahmad Mir from 47-Pahalgam, Hilal Ahmad Shah from 44-Anantnag, Tariq Shah Veeri from 45-Bijbehara, Abdul Majeed Padder from 38-DH-Pora, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat 40-Devsar, Adv. Gowher Hassan Wani from 36-Zainapora, Mir Altaf from 32-Pampore and Adv. Owais Khan 37-Shopian.
These nominations were recommended by Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Chairman of the Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC), and approved by the Party President, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari.
Fire breaks out in Hotel Near Abdullah Bridge Srinagar
A fire broke out in the attic portion of a hotel near Abdullah Bridge in Srinagar.
The fire has been controlled and no life was lost in the incident, an official said.
“The control room received information at 1:40 that a fire incident had occurred here. We have three nearby stations, we pressed all three into service. When we reached here, we saw that there is a five-story structure named Hotel Lucky Akbar, the attic portion here was involved in the fire. Instantly, we launched a firefighting operation and our firefighters contained the fire. Fortunately, no life was lost in the incident,” Assistant Director Fire Services Aqib Hussain Mir told ANI.
Further details are awaited.(ANI)
Delhi Court Seeks NIA Response on Engineer Rashid’s Bail Plea
On Wednesday, Delhi’s Patiala House Court requested a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) concerning the bail application of MP Sheikh Abdullah Rashid, better known as ‘Engineer Rashid.’
Rashid, who recently secured the Baramulla seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by defeating former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was arrested in relation to a 2017 terror funding case in Jammu and Kashmir.
Additional Sessions Judge Chanderjit Singh issued a notice to the NIA on Tuesday and scheduled a hearing for August 28 to discuss Rashid’s bail application.
This marks Rashid’s second regular bail application in Delhi’s Patiala House Court. Previously, on July 5, the court granted him a two-hour parole to allow him to take the oath as a Member of Parliament.
In 2005, Rashid was detained by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Srinagar for alleged support of militants and was held for over three months. He faced charges of anti-national activities but was later released when the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Srinagar dropped all charges on humanitarian grounds.
In August 2019, Rashid was again arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Despite being in custody, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections and won by a significant margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (ANI)
Suhail Bukhari Resigned From PDP Ahead of the Assembly Polls
Syed Suhail Bukhari, chief spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday resigned from the party ahead of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.Bukhari, while speaking with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), confirmed that he has resigned from the party.
A former media consultant for the Jammu and Kashmir government, Bukhari joined the PDP in 2019 and was appointed chief spokesperson in 2023.This development comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is all set to go polls in three phases, an election being held after a decade.
The first phase will be held on September 18, second on September 25 and third phase on October 1. The results will be declared on October 4.Earlier, DDC member from Tral, Dr Harbaksh Singh also resigned from the PDP and joined the Awami Itehad Party—(KNO)
On August 21 and 22 Malik Arjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi is Visiting J&K
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Jammu and Srinagar for key meetings in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said on Tuesday.
“On 21st and 22nd August, Hon’ble Congress President Shri Mallikarjun @kharge ji and Leader of Opposition Shri @RahulGandhi ji will be visiting Jammu and Srinagar for key meetings in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections,” Venugopal said in a post on X.
Whether Congress and the JKNC will partner in the state elections remains to be seen. Both parties are constituents of the INDIA bloc and contested the Lok Sabha polls in an alliance.
On August 18, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said that his party has started preparing for the Assembly elections.
“Give us some time, we have begun our preparations. On August 20, the notification will be issued for the first phase. Following this, we will announce the names of our candidates and hope for a victory.
It would be better if the BJP doesn’t talk about over-confidence. We only said that we were hoping to receive the support of the people and get a chance to form the government. We are not counting the number of seats. The BJP has always counted the number (seats) here,” Omar said.
Omar Abdullah also launched the Party manifesto that includes some huge promises like- restoration of Article 370, 35-A and statehood, redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
The first guarantee of the NC’s manifesto envisages the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood prior to August 5, 2019.
The polling in the UT will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. These are the first elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.
The election body has directed the enforcement agencies to be impartial and transparent for smooth and fair polling, ensuring a level playing field. There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are general, nine are ST, and seven are SC.
There are 87.09 lakh total electors, including 44.46 lakh are male, 42.62 lakh are female, 169 are transgender, 82,590 PwDs, 73943 are very senior citizens, 2660 are centenarians, 76092 are service electors, and 3.71 lakh are first-time voters.
Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of ten years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014. The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti.
In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024. (ANI)
Zafar Iqbal Manhas Vice President Apni Party Resigned From Party and Joining Congress Tomorrow
Apni Party vice president, Zafar Iqbal Manhas along with his son Tuesday resigned from the Apni Party and are likely to join Congress tomorrow.Zafar Iqbal Manhas confirmed that he has resigned from the Apni Party and further course of action will be decided after feedback from his workers.
Meanwhile, sources said workers meeting is going on at his residence and final decision is expected soon.They said that Manhas will join the Congress on Wednesday in the presence of senior party leader Rahul Gandhi.
Manhas was one of the founding members of the Apni Party after he parted ways with the Peoples Democratic Party.His son Irfan Manhas is currently vice chairperson of DDC Council Shopian—(KNO)
Drug Peddler Omer Fayaz Bhat Resident of Shaltang Srinagar Arrested
Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, police have arrested a drug peddler in Ganderbal and recovered contraband substance from his possession.
A Spokesperson said that Police in Ganderbal received information through reliable sources that one person namely Omer Fayaz Bhat son of Fayaz Ahmad Bhat resident of Shaltang Srinagar, who was working as Private Driver with SSB 03CC at Rakh Harran Forest Protection Unit Ganderbal has concealed Brown Sugar like substance in a forest Hut at Rakh Harran with an intention to sell it to the local youth.
“Acting swiftly, on the directions of SSP Ganderbal Shri Wasim Qadri-JKPS a special police team led by SHO PS Ganderbal raided the spot. During search of the aforementioned hut, Brown Sugar like substance was recovered and seized in presence of Executive Magistrate 1st class & the accused was arrested”, he said.
In this regard, a case vide FIR No. 210/2024 under relevant sections of law stands registered at PS Ganderbal & further investigation has been taken up.
We urge the common masses that if you witness drug peddling or any other crime anywhere near you, feel free to contact nearest police establishment or dial 112. People are requested to cooperate with police in curbing the menace of drugs from the society. We reassure the community members that police will act tough against the criminals as per law.
Vikar Rasool Wani Claims Conspiracy Against His Chief Minister Ambitions in Jammu and Kashmir
Former Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Vikar Rasool Wani has alleged that a conspiracy is underway to prevent him from assuming the role of Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rasool’s accusations follow his recent removal from the JKPCC leadership, with Tariq Hameed Karra now taking over the position. This change in leadership comes just weeks before the Assembly elections scheduled for 18th September. Speaking at a public meeting, Rasool, according to news agency KDC, accused certain factions within the party of plotting to obstruct his path to the Chief Minister’s office. He stated, “I want to be clear that various forces have been working behind the scenes to ensure that Vikar Rasool does not become CM of J&K,” and suggested that biases related to his identity as a Gujjar or Pahadi might be influencing these actions.
Rasool’s remarks follow his absence from a party event in Srinagar meant to welcome Karra, which was explained by Karra as due to travel from Banihal. Notably, senior party members Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla were present at the event from Jammu.
7 Gamblers Arrested by Ganderbal Police, Money Seized
Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace social crimes from the society, police have arrested seven (07) gamblers in Ganderbal and seized stake money from their possession.
A Police spokesperson said that acting on a reliable information regarding the gambling activities at Akhal, Kangan, a police party headed by SHO PS Kangan raided the said place. During raid, 05 gamblers were apprehended and stake money of Rs 5,600/- and playing cards were seized on the spot. Moreover, in the jurisdiction of PP Shadipora, a police party led by In-charge PP Shadipora apprehended two (02) gamblers during patrolling at Rabitar. Officers seized stake money of Rs 4500/-, 12 J&K Bank Cheques amounting Rs 1,81650/-, Blank Cheque and playing cards from their possession.
They have been identified as Showkat Ah Patlo son of Mohd Sultan Patlo resident of Khanyar Srinagar, Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Hameed Sheikh resident of Zampa Kadil Srinagar, Faizan Jon son of Fayaz Ah resident of Nawakadal Srinagar, Muzamil Ahmad Khan son of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan resident of SafakKadal Srinagar, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir son of Ab Rehman Mir resident of Nawa Bazar Srinagar, Ali Muhammad Dar son of Abdul Ahad Dar resident of Narayan Bagh and Abdul Hameed Parray son of Gh Hasan Parray resident of Boon Mohalla Hajan. They have been arrested and shifted to respective police stations where they remain in custody.
Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation has been initiated.
Ready to Alliance with all like-minded people: Tariq Hameed Karra
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra Monday said that the Congress party was open to forge alliance with like-minded people or parties and that the National Conference has approached the Congress Central leadership for a pre-poll alliance.
“As far as the alliance, we are open to like-minded people or the parties to forge an alliance with them,” Karra said addressing a gathering at PCC headquarters in Srinagar after his return from New Delhi. He was recently appointed as the J&K PCC chief by the party high command in Delhi.
About NC, he revealed that the party leadership has approached central leadership in Delhi for a pre-poll alliance. “If parties are of the ideas that we have to defeat divisive forces and BJP, they will definitely ally with the Congress. And we will definitely succeed,” Karra said—(KNO)
Amarnath Yatra 2024 Concludes Peacefully with Successful Final Journey
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which began on June 29 and has seen nearly five lakh devotees pay their respects, will conclude on Monday after 52 days of peaceful proceedings. The Yatra, which is marked by high-security arrangements and the cooperation of local communities, has proceeded smoothly this year, thanks to the efforts of the police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), led by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
The highlight of the final leg of the Yatra is the ceremonial procession of the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (the sacred mace of Lord Shiva) carried by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri. This morning, the Chhari Mubarak began its journey from Panchtarni, the last base camp, towards the holy cave shrine located at an elevation of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas.
Devotees and Sadhus have been accompanying the Chhari Mubarak, chanting sacred hymns and Vedic mantras. The shrine itself houses an ice stalagmite structure believed to embody the divine powers of Lord Shiva, which grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon.
The Yatra will conclude on the occasion of ‘Shravan Purnima,’ which coincides with Raksha Bandhan. On this day, traditional pujas and rituals will be performed, and prayers for global peace and the prosperity of mankind will be offered. After the ceremonies at the shrine, the Chhari Mubarak will return to Panchtarni and then proceed back to Pahalgam.
Swami Deependra Giri has praised the improved facilities and arrangements made for the pilgrims, including the widened tracks to the cave shrine. He highlighted the increase in pilgrim numbers as a positive outcome of these enhancements and noted that special prayers would be offered for the peace and prosperity of both the country and the J&K region.
