Kashmir

Kashmir

PDP Expresses Grief Over Sudden Demise of Manzoor Ahmad Baba

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Dead

The leadership and members of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sudden demise of Manzoor Ahmad Baba, son of Late Assadullah Baba and nephew of Fayaz Kaloo, Editor-in-Chief of Greater Kashmir. Baba passed away earlier today at 12 PM due to a cardiac arrest at his residence in Nallabal Nowshehra, Srinagar.

Party President Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, along with senior party leaders, extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, particularly his mother, wife, and two daughters, in this moment of immense grief. Ms. Mufti prayed for the departed soul to be granted Jannat-ul-Firdous and for strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

The party also extended heartfelt condolences to Fayaz Kaloo on the tragic loss of his beloved nephew, Manzoor Ahmad Baba. Recognizing the deep bond between families, the PDP leadership acknowledged the grief of losing such a close family member and expressed solidarity with Kaloo Sahib in this painful time.

“Fayaz Kaloo Sahib has always been a voice of resilience and integrity through his work in journalism, and we stand with him as he mourns this personal loss. Losing a nephew so suddenly is heartbreaking, and we pray for strength and patience for him and his family,” said Madni.

A delegation of senior party leaders led by Mohammad Sartaj Madni, Abdul Rehman Veeri, Abdul Haq Khan, Dr. Mehboob Beg, Mohd Khursheed Alam, Gh. Nabi Lone Hanjura, Nayeem Akhter, Basharat Bukhari, Waheed Para, Fayaz Mir, Ali Mohd Naik, Aasiya Naqash, Anjum Fazili, Firdous Tak, Qayoom Bhat, Yaseen Bhat, Mohit Bhan, Arif Laigroo, and others, also conveyed their condolences and expressed solidarity with both grieving families.The PDP leadership prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the family to bear this irreparable loss.(KNS) 

Kashmir

Mehbooba Mufti Questions Government’s Commitment to Justice After Removal of SP Abdul Wahid from ACB

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Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes

 Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that removal of SP Abdul Wahid from ACB raises questions about the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.

In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti said:
The removal of Abdul Wahid & his colleagues from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) highlights the risks faced by officials who challenge corruption. It exposes nexus between the corrupt &most powerful.This action of punishing the whistleblower has revealed the government’s true intentions behind using various agencies including ACB to raid properties of Kashmiris under the guise of corruption investigations. Raises questions about the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.”

Day before SP ACB in a press conference had revealed about the malpractices of two senior officers in execution of Srinagar Smart City works.(KNS) 

Kashmir / News

Jammu and Kashmir is Hub of Tunnels, Bridges and Ropeways, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugural Address at Sonamarg Tunnel

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narender modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, bridges and ropeways, adding that the world’s highest tunnel, railroad bridge and rail lines are being built here.

The Prime Minister was speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg located in Jammu and Kashmir.The Prime Minister said that the world is in awe after witnessing the marvellous engineering of the Chenab Bridge.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Sonamarg Tunnel, PM Modi said, “Our Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, bridges and ropeways. The highest tunnel in the world is being built here. The highest railroad bridge in the world is being built here. The highest rail lines in the world are being built here. The world is in awe after seeing the engineering of the Chenab Bridge.”

PM Modi said that there’s a time for everything, and all things will happen in its designated time. As PM Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg Tunnel today, he said that he has come here as ‘sevak’

“Today I came here as ‘sevak’ in between you. A few days ago I got the opportunity to lay the foundation stone of your own railway division in Jammu. This was your very old demand. Today I have got the opportunity to hand over the Sonamarg Tunnel to the country. One more long pending has been fulfilled. This is Modi, ‘wada karta hai to nibhata hai’. There’s a time for everything, and all things will happen in due course. When I speak about Sonarmarg Tunnel, this will ease the life of people of Kargil and Leh. This tunnel will reduce the hardships of the people of J-K and Ladakh,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi reminisced his old days stating that he used to come to Kashmir valley as BJP worker and used to travel several kilometres on foot for hours.

He said, “Two days ago, our CM has shared some pictures, after seeing those pictures, I was excited to come between you people. When I worked as BJP worker, I had to come frequently. I have spent a lot of time here, whether Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Baramulla or Ganderbal. we used to travel several kilometres on foot for hours and the snowfall used to be very heavy even then. But the warmth of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is such that we did not feel the cold. Today is a very special day, as every corner of state is in a festive mood. From today, Maha Kumbh has started in Prayagraj, crores of people have come for holy dip. The whole India is celebrating Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu. I wish for all success of all.”

Highlighting that this weather is called ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ in the valley, the Prime Minister stated that this weather brings new opportunities for tourist destinations like Sonamarg, as tourists from all over the country are flocking here.

PM Modi said, “This time of the year is of Chilla-i-Kalan here in the valley. This weather brings new opportunities for tourist destinations like Sonamarg. Tourists from all over the country are coming here. The work of this tunnel was actually started in 2015 only, when our party came into government. I am happy that this tunnel is completed in our government. This tunnel will bring various tourism opportunities in Sonamarg.”

“Now, Kashmir is being connected with railways. People are happy with the developmental works. Schools and colleges are being constructed. This is the new Jammu and Kashmir. The whole nation is engaged into making India a developed nation. It is possible when no any part of family is not left in the race of development. For this, our government with resolution of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is working,” he added.

The Sonamarg Tunnel project, around 12 km long, has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore.

It comprises of the Sonamarg main tunnel of 6.4 km in length, an egress tunnel and approach roads. Situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, it will enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute to Leh, bypassing landslide and avalanche routes and ensuring safer and uninterrupted access to the strategically critical Ladakh region.

The newly inaugurated Sonamarg tunnel will also promote tourism by transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination, boosting winter tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods.

Along with the Zojila Tunnel, set for completion by 2028, it will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and boost vehicle speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Ladakh.

This enhanced connectivity will boost defence logistics, and drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Kashmir

Dr. Farooq Abdullah Emphasizes Tourism Potential to Boost Jammu’s Economy

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Farooq Abdullah Calls for Better Safety

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah stated that the government led by Omar Abdullah is dedicated to bolstering Jammu’s economy by fully tapping into its tourism potential. During his visit to Charwa Mansar, Dr. Farooq engaged with local people and addressed their concerns, emphasizing the need to enhance tourist infrastructure to attract more visitors.

Public delegations expressed frustration over the lack of attention from the government since 2015, highlighting issues such as inadequate access to basic utilities, the deteriorating state of the lake, and poor road conditions. Dr. Farooq acknowledged the immense potential of the Jammu region and called for a comprehensive policy to boost the economy by leveraging its tourism offerings.

He stressed the importance of creating a well-structured tourism circuit that includes must-visit destinations like Shiv Khori, Patnitop, Mansar, and various spots in Doda-Kishtwar-Bhaderwah and Kathua. Dr. Farooq emphasized the need for an itinerary that encourages longer stays and increased economic activity in the region, ensuring sustained growth and prosperity.

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Kashmir / Weather

PM Modi to Inaugurate Z-Morh Tunnel on January 13, Transforming Sonamarg into All-Weather Destination

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PM Modi

PM Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on January 13, 2025, to inaugurate the much-awaited Z-Morh Tunnel, a crucial infrastructure project on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road.

This development will transform Sonamarg into an all-weather tourist destination, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the year.

The Z-Morh Tunnel, spanning 6.5 km, bypasses the avalanche-prone Gagangir-Sonamarg stretch, which often remains blocked during winter. The tunnel will significantly reduce travel time, enabling vehicles to cover the stretch in just 15 minutes.

It also enhances connectivity to key locations such as Baltal (Amarnath cave), Kargil, and the Ladakh region.

Strategically located on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, the tunnel will bolster military logistics, ensuring year-round access for the Indian armed forces. It is also expected to provide a major boost to tourism, allowing Sonamarg to attract visitors throughout the year.

The project has created employment opportunities during its construction phase and will further benefit the local economy by enhancing tourism and allied industries like hospitality, transport, and retail.

The construction of the tunnel began in 2018, facing several challenges due to the rugged Himalayan terrain and extreme weather. The project suffered a setback on October 20, 2024, when terrorists attacked a workers’ camp at Gagangir, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven civilians. Despite these challenges, the project continued, demonstrating resilience and commitment to development.

The Z-Morh Tunnel, along with the adjacent Zojila Tunnel, marks a significant step in improving connectivity in the region, strengthening both economic growth and national security. (KNS)

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Kashmir

Fire Breaks Out in Hazratbal, Srinagar, Fire Tenders Rush to Douse Flames

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fire at hazratbal

Fire broke out in around two to three residential houses in the Hazratbal area of Srinagar on Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

An official said that the fire broke out in one of the house and soon engulfed the nearby houses today afternoon.He said that soon after the incident fire tenders reached to the spot to douse off the flames—(KNO)

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Amit Shah to Preside Over Book Release on Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh in New Delhi on January 2, 2025

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Amit Shah to release book

Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, will preside over a book release function on 2nd January 2025 in New Delhi as the Chief Guest.

Union Minister for Education,  Dharmendra Pradhan will be the Guest of Honour. Eminent authors, academicians, officials of the Ministry and other dignitaries will also be present at the event

The book, titled ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages’ seeks to present the story of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. The title attempts to document the story of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh from a perspective and format that enables an overview for both the subject specialist and those less conversant.

It is presented in seven sections that cover over three thousand years of the region’s history. Each illustration selected for inclusion has been done with care, being representative of an age, its importance and contribution to the larger historical canvas of Indian history.

Published in Hindi and English, this book is the result of collaborative efforts of the National Book Trust, India, and the Indian Council of Historical Research.

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Local Recruitment of Terrorists is very low, In J&K only in 2024 60% of Killed Militants Were Pakistanis

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army

Notwithstanding the economic issues faced by it back home, the Pakistan Army is fully backing the terrorist infrastructure as 60 per cent of terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year were Pakistanis.

The local recruitment of terrorists in the Pakistan-sponsored terror groups ia also very low as only four locals have joined these groups this year, Army officials told ANI.

In different encounters and operations, the security has been able to eliminate around 75 terrorists in different regions of the state including the Jammu region and the Kashmir valley along with the firefights that take place during infiltration attempts by terrorists on the Line of Control, they said.

Notably, Pakistan has traditionally been seen as one of the biggest hubs for exporting terrorists to almost all parts of the world with a main focus on India.

Islamabad has tried to give a strong push to terrorism in the Jammu region since last year but the activities of the Pakistani terrorists in this area of Jammu region including districts in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua and Reasi govern been curbed with additional deployment of troops and filling up of the vacuum created thereafter withdrawal of the Uniform Force of Rashtriya Rifles from there for the China border deployments.

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen MV Suchendra Kumar have been laying focus on eliminating the terrorists from the area looked after by the White Knight Corps of the force. (ANI)

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Kashmir

CIC Operators in J&K Demand Long-Overdue Regularization, Salary Hike

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CIC Operators

CIC Operators of the Rural Development Department (RDD) in Jammu and Kashmir, recruited in 2004 through a rigorous merit-based process, are raising their voices over long-pending demands for regularization and salary revision.

Despite nearly two decades of dedicated service, these employees receive a meager salary of Rs. 10,000 per month, with no increments since 2010.

Efforts to address their plight began in 2014, when a cabinet order directed the RDD to regularize their services. However, the directive remains unimplemented. In 2016, the government created 172 Data Entry Operator positions to facilitate their regularization, and the Finance Department’s High-Level Empowered Committee approved the process in its 58th and 60th meetings. Legal opinions from the Advocate General and the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs have also supported their case.

Following the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the General Administration Department (GAD) advised the RDD to submit details of CIC Operators to the Establishment Cum Selection Committee. While this process has been completed, progress remains stalled, leaving these employees in financial distress.

With no salary increase in over a decade, the operators are struggling to meet basic living expenses. They have now appealed to Hon’ble Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah, urging decisive action to secure their regularization and a much-needed salary revision.

The CIC Operators emphasize that addressing their issues is not just a matter of fairness but also a recognition of their longstanding contributions to the department. They hope that swift action will bring stability and dignity to their professional lives.(KNS).

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Kashmir

Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo Chairman NTTA Calls for Provision of Designated Parking Spaces to Avoid Unnecessary Fines

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Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo

Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman of the Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA), has called for a balanced and practical approach to addressing the issue of wrong parking fines in Srinagar. He emphasized the need for designated parking spaces, especially in high-traffic business hubs, to ensure convenience for citizens and prevent unnecessary penalties or confusion.

“Providing ample and clearly designated parking spaces is essential to maintain smooth traffic flow while avoiding undue inconvenience to the public,” said Wangnoo. “Before fines for wrong parking are issued, it’s imperative that proper infrastructure is in place to support the growing parking demands, especially in commercial areas where parking is often a challenge.”

The NTTA Chairman highlighted that accessible parking facilities not only help citizens but also contribute to organized traffic management and a better urban environment.

“We suggest a practical solution that involves creating more parking zones and raising awareness among the public about their availability. This will benefit everyone and make Srinagar a more visitor-friendly city.” He said.

He urged the concerned authorities, stakeholders, and local businesses to work together to identify and develop sufficient parking facilities. Such initiatives, Wangnoo noted, will not only streamline traffic management but also enhance the experience for tourists and locals visiting Srinagar’s bustling markets and business hubs.(KNS)

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