Director Sericulture J&K Honours Retiring Officials for Dedicated Service

Honours Retiring Officials

Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director, Sericulture J&K proudly extends his deepest gratitude and best wishes to Mr. Mohammad Aslam Lone, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Rather, Mr. Abdul Majeed and Ms.Hilal Jan, on the occasion of their retirement.

Having served the department with unwavering dedication and integrity these officials left behind a legacy of diligence and commitment that will continue to inspire their colleagues.

At a special gathering held to honor their years of service, the Director, Sericulture J&K, lauded them for their invaluable contributions.

He acknowledged their steadfast efforts in ensuring the smooth functioning of the department and praised their exceptional work ethic, professionalism, and sincerity.

During the occasion, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture J&K extended heartfelt appreciation for their contributions and wish them a joyful and fulfilling retirement on behalf of the entire department. Mr. Bhat also felicitated the retirees with mementoes and flower bouquets for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to duty and a sense of responsibility that has truly set a benchmark for other employees.

The Colleagues and staff members who have gathered to bid adieu to the retiring officials expressed their admiration and gratitude for them, reminiscing about their years of service and celebrating their invaluable role in the Sericulture Development Department.

The event was filled with warm wishes, tokens of appreciation and heartfelt messages reflecting the profound respect they have earned throughout their tenure.

As these officials embark on this new phase of life, the Sericulture Development Department extends its best wishes for their future endeavors hoping that their retirement brings them happiness, health, and peace.

Body of Missing Forest Shameem Ahmad Mir Guard Recovered After Four Days in Ganderbal’s Sindh River

Ashok Kumar VDG

Body of a forest guard, who had gone missing four days ago, was recovered in Gundroshan area of Ganderbal on Monday, officials said.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Shameem Ahmad Mir (44), a forest guard, had drowned in the river Sindh near compartment no 1 of Paribal forest division while he was on duty.

He said that a search and rescue operation was launched to trace him, but to no avail. “His body was recovered after four days today afternoon following strenous efforts by the rescue and search teams,” he said—(KNO)

 Jamia Masjid Market Opens on Mirwaiz Death Anniversary for First Time in 35 Years, Marking Shift in Downtown Srinagar

Jamia Musjid

 In a major shift, historic Jamia Masjid Market in Downtown remained open on May 21 for the first time in 35 years, breaking a decades-old tradition of closure on the death anniversary of Mirwaiz Maulvi Mohammad Farooq.

This change was made possible through continued efforts under the community policing initiative by Srinagar Police, in coordination with the Market Association and the Awqaf Committee.

The market had been shut annually on this day since the assassination of the Mirwaiz in 1990. But this year, sustained dialogue and trust-building between police and local stakeholders led to a mutual decision to open the market.

A senior police official told Rising Kashmir, “This wasn’t about forcing a decision. It was about listening, engaging, and working together with the community to strike a respectful balance between tradition and civic life.”

He added that community policing is rooted in partnership, and the cooperation from traders and the Awqaf Committee shows a collective will to move forward, while still honoring the past.

Local shopkeepers shared a similar view, calling the move a step toward stability.“The spirit of remembrance remains,” said one trader, “but we also need to ensure our livelihoods and daily lives are not indefinitely halted.”

Massive Dal Lake–Pahalgam Rally Sends Message of Peace After Deadly Attack

Dal Lake–Pahalgam Rally

With flags fluttering and banners reading “Welcome to Paradise” waving in the May breeze, a caravan of nearly 300 vehicles rolled out from the shimmering banks of Dal Lake on Sunday morning -its destination– Pahalgam, its purpose: hope.

Organized by the tourism community and joined spontaneously by traders, transporters, hoteliers and youth, the Dal Lake to Pahalgam Road Show was a bold, heartfelt response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that 26 tourists dead and entire tourism industry paralysed.

“After April 22, bookings were cancelled overnight,” recalled Amir Majeed, a prominent tour operator and the event organiser. “Hotels were empty, guides were jobless, shikara rides halted mid-lake. But today, this rally is our answer — Kashmir is safe, and Kashmir is ready.”

The April 22 attack, a shocking act of violence in the tourist-frequented Pahalgam area, sent ripples of fear across the region. Tourists packed their bags, local businesses shut their shutters, and an uneasy silence fell over the valley’s most visited destinations. For an economy already healing post-pandemic and conflict-related slumps, the blow was profound.

But Kashmir’s spirit is resilient. Manzoor Kundroo, another stakeholder who drove all the way in a decorated van from Dal Lake, said, “We are not just telling tourists to come — we are telling them that the people of Kashmir stand united for peace. The doors of our homes are open, our hearts are open.”

As the rally made its way through Anantnag, Bijbehara and Mattan, hundreds lined the roads, waving to the vehicles, offering snacks and shouting slogans like “Aman Ka Paigham — Kashmir Ki Shaan!” (A message of peace — the pride of Kashmir!)

Riyaz Ahmed, a hotelier from Srinagar who joined the rally with his team, said, “It’s not just about business. It’s about identity. Tourism is the lifeline of Kashmir’s economy — but more than that, it’s the lifeline of our connection to the world.”

Security has been beefed up significantly post the April attack, with added checkpoints, surveillance, and joint patrols in tourist zones. Officials say confidence-building measures are ongoing to reassure tourists.

By the time the caravan reached Pahalgam, the meadows were alive with color and song again. Locals had laid out traditional Kehwa and snacks, children waved flags of peace, and folk artists performed Rouf dances — a symbolic celebration of return, renewal and resilience.

“This is the Kashmir I want my children to grow up in,” said Waseem Ahmad, a young travel blogger live-streaming the event. “A place of peace, culture, and unmatched beauty. Not headlines of fear.”

One Dead, Two Injured in Road Accident in Uri, Baramulla

accident

Atleast one person was killed while as two others were injured in a road accident in Uri area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday.

Officials told GNS that a tractor met with an accident at Dachi Bagratoo resulting in injury to three person.

All the injured were shifted to SDH Uri, where one of the injured was declared brought dead, while other two injured were shifted to GMC Baramulla for treatment.

The deceased has been identified as Abid Hussain(26) son of Khani Zaman resident of Dachi. The two injured have been identified as Iklaq(22) and Abdul Razak (27) Both sons of Azmullatah.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the accident.(GNS)

Flight Operations Resume at Srinagar Airport After Suspension Due to Security Concerns

Flight Operations Resume

please write title and 18 words meta for this article ”Flight operations at Srinagar Airport resumed on Tuesday after being suspended for several days due to the prevailing security situation, officials confirmed.

An official told the JKNS news agency that operations officially restarted today following several days of suspension.“An Air India flight from Delhi landed at Srinagar Airport at 12:49 PM,” the official said.

Earlier in the day, officials announced that flight services at 32 airports, including Srinagar, would resume shortly.

Flight operations had been suspended after India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack. (JKNS)

After Operation Sindoor: Cross-Border Shelling Destroy Homes in Uri’s Salamabad

Uri’s Salamabad

Salamabad, a small border village in the Uri sector of Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, has been left in ruins following intense shelling from across the Line of Control. The shelling began shortly after the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the border.

As the shelling intensified, powerful blasts ripped through the village, tearing off the roofs of homes and setting buildings ablaze. Several houses were reduced to smouldering debris, with flames engulfing entire neighbourhoods. Many residents have been wounded, and some remain missing amid the chaos.

In fear for their lives, the majority of Salamabad’s residents have fled the area, seeking safety in nearby towns and temporary shelters. Only a few have stayed behind, either to protect what remains of their property or due to the lack of transport options.

Local authorities have suspended classes in all schools across five border districts as a safety measure, and emergency services are on alert. The Indian Army continues to respond to the shelling, but the situation remains volatile.

The displaced families now face an uncertain future, hoping for both immediate relief and a lasting resolution to the violence that has disrupted their lives.

Srinagar Police and SDRF Conduct Mock Drill in Dal Lake to Boost Emergency Response

Mock Drill

In a collaborative effort, Srinagar Police in coordination with Tourist Police and teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a comprehensive mock drill in Dal Lake today, focusing on response preparedness for contingency scenarios like boat capsizing and drowning incidents.

The team of Srinagar Police, Tourist Police and SDRF personnel, equipped with necessary resources and gear, practiced rescue and response procedures in real-time with the aim to mitigate effective rescue and response measures during contingent situations in accordance with established guidelines and safety protocols.

SDRF teams have also enhanced capacity building and logistical support to contain any future contingencies.

During the mock drill, SSP Enforcement, SP Zone East Srinagar, SP HQ Srinagar, DySP HQ Srinagar and DySP SDRF were present to monitor the preparedness exercise.

This mock drill underscores the commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Police in ensuring prompt and effective responses to emergencies, thereby, strengthening overall public safety and preparedness in the region.

Outrage in Kashmir as Nomadic Woman Gang-Raped and Murdered in Srinagar: Family Demands Justice

Nomadic Woman Gang-Raped

The family of the nomadic woman murdered in Nishat, Srinagar, spoke to the media, expressing grief and demanding justice. The 45-year-old woman, from the Bakerwal community of Reasi district, was allegedly gang-raped and killed by four men near Water Works Road on May 4, 2025. Her son, as reported, described how community members caught one of the accused with blood-soaked clothes and highlighted the lack of immediate medical care at a nearby hospital, leading to her death at a Srinagar hospital. The family and community members called for stern punishment for the accused. The victim’s body was taken to Hariganiwan, Kangan, where hundreds attended her funeral on May 5, 2025, reflecting widespread outrage.

Div Com Kashmir Reviews Final Hajj-2025 Arrangements at Hajj House Bemina Ahead of Pilgrims’ Departure

Final Hajj-2025 Arrangements

Ahead of the commencement of Hajj-25, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today visited Hajj House Bemina to take first hand appraisal of arrangements & basic amenities laid out by various departments.

Intending pilgrims would start leaving for the pilgrimage from Sunday, May 04, 2025.

During the visit, Div Com was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Bilal Mohi ud din Bhat. Other officers present during the visit included Director, Airport Authority of India, Srinagar International Airport, Regional Director of BCAS, representatives from Health, PHE, KPDCL, Information, Hajj Committee, SMC, JK Police, Customs, Emigration, SpiceJet, and various banks.

On the occasion, Div Com took comprehensive inspection of services and infrastructure, including forex counters set up by banks, luggage screening machines, e-bracelet counters, and boarding facilities.

Div Com also reviewed the cleanliness of lodging rooms and the availability of basic amenities, such as water and uninterrupted electricity supply.

On the occasion, Officers from the Hajj Committee briefed the Div Com on the extensive measures taken to ensure comprehensive arrangements for security, traffic management, sanitation, and other essential services.

Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com emphasized the importance of delivering meticulous services to the pilgrims during their time at the Hajj House and during their departure. He called for coordinated efforts to provide the best possible experience for the Hujjaj, ensuring their comfort and safety during the sacred journey.