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Preparations Underway for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Inauguration of Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg

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Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg

Preparations are in full swing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sonamarg on Monday, where he will inaugurate the strategically significant 6.4 km-long Z-Morh Tunnel in Ganderbal district.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at Srinagar’s technical airport at 11 a.m. and will be flown to Sonamarg by a special helicopter for the event. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other dignitaries.

This visit is PM Modi’s first to Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of an elected government in the Union Territory in October last year. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister will address a public gathering and interact with the engineers and workers who contributed to the project, commending their efforts in overcoming challenging conditions.

A multi-tier security setup has been deployed, with the Special Protection Group (SPG) taking charge at the event venue in Shutkadi village, Sonamarg. Security in Ganderbal district and along the Srinagar-Sonamarg route has been intensified, with the J&K Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) conducting random vehicle checks.

Meanwhile, logistical arrangements have been finalized despite the harsh winter conditions. The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) has deployed 250 buses to transport attendees to the venue.

Constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore, the Z-Morh Tunnel is a crucial infrastructure project. It ensures all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing landslide-prone routes and providing safer access to the strategically important Ladakh region. Situated at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the tunnel includes a main tunnel, an egress tunnel, and approach roads.

This development is expected to boost tourism by making Sonamarg a year-round destination, promoting winter sports, and enhancing local livelihoods.

The Ganderbal district administration has issued orders for all offices to remain open on Sunday to ensure smooth coordination during the event. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah personally reviewed the preparations on Saturday.

The inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel is being hailed as a landmark achievement in improving infrastructure and connectivity in the region.(KNS)

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Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya Praises Z-Morh Tunnel Inauguration, Urges Further Development in Sonamarg

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Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya

Prominent hotelier and industrialist Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya extended heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the landmark inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel, scheduled for January 13.

Chaya praised the government’s efforts in completing the state-of-the-art 6.5 km tunnel, which ensures year-round connectivity to Sonamarg. He highlighted the tunnel’s transformative impact on Kashmir’s tourism industry, emphasizing that uninterrupted access will lead to increased visitors, trade, and employment opportunities.

Acknowledging the Union Territory Government and the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for infrastructure development, Chaya expressed optimism about further initiatives to enhance Sonamarg’s appeal. He urged the UT Government and PM Modi to sanction a cable car facility in Sonamarg, stating it would elevate the tourism experience and solidify Sonamarg’s status as a premier hill station.

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Lolab Winter Festival Concludes with Grand Celebration and Massive Turnout in Kupwara

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Lolab Winter Festival

The picturesque Kariwan in Devar Lolab witnessed an overwhelming turnout and an unforgettable celebration as the Lolab Winter Festival concluded successfully today.

The event, held over the weekend, brought together thousands of visitors and locals, showcasing the beauty and vibrant culture of Lolab Valley of district Kupwara.

The festival, aimed to celebrate the winter season and promote the region’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, featured a series of exhilarating activities.

These included traditional music, snow volleyball championship, skiing, dance performances, folk music, local handicraft displays, nature walks, and a variety of culinary delights that drew both local and outside crowds of visitors.

The event also witnessed the participation of various dignitaries including DDC Chairman Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Pandipuri; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan; VC DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; SSP Kupwara, Ghulam Jeelani; DDC Sogam, Nasir Lone, besides, district/sectoral officers, Senior Police and Army officers and large number of employees were also present in the event.

Notable events included traditional folk songs, Kashmiri Rowf, Gojri and Punjabi Songs, snow volleyball championship, skiing, a craft market featuring artisans from the region, and guided tours that highlighted the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding area. Visitors were also treated to a diverse range of local foods, adding to the festival’s appeal.

The Deputy Commissioner said that the aim of holding the Lolab Winter Festival is to boost the tourism potential of picturesque Lolab valley.

She thanked all the stakeholders including line departments, Army, Police, public representatives and general public for making the event a grand success.

Local leaders and dignitaries who were present at the event, acknowledged the hard work and collaboration of the District Administration and different stakeholders that made the festival a success.

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Be Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day Celebrations

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Prabowo Subianto

The newly elected President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto is to be the Chief Guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations of India, as per sources.

The visit by the Indonesian leader becomes significant as India and Indonesia are commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Subianto held their first meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio last year. During their meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening bilateral ties in the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The leaders noted that had called for celebrating the occasion in a befitting manner, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.

“Indonesia and India have long-standing and excellent relations. We deeply value this relationship and are committed to enhancing it across various sectors,” said the President as per the Cabinet Secretariat of Indonesia.

In October last year, Indonesia’s former defence minister, Prabowo Subianto took oath as the eighth President of Indonesia along with Gibran Rakabuming, son of former President Joko Widodo who was elected Vice President of the country.

During his swearing-in ceremony, India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.

Earlier, Subianto had visited New Delhi during his role as the Defence Minister of Indonesia in 2020.

According to the Embassy of India in Indonesia, he was the first Minister of any country that was received in India during the COVID pandemic. During his visit, Prabowo met with the Defence Minister and National Security Advisor and held extensive talks on various bilateral issues.

Earlier, Pakistani media outlets had claimed that the Indonesian President would also pay a visit to Pakistan however there has been no confirmation on this.

In December last year, Radio Pakistan reported that Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif had extended an invitation to the Indonesian President to “visit Pakistan at his early convenience”, on the sidelines of the D-8 (Developing 8) Summit in Cairo. Radio Pakistan said, “The Indonesian President graciously accepted the invitation”.

India and Indonesia share cordial and friendly ties. The first Republic Day Parade was held on 26 January 1950, during which the President of Indonesia Sukarno was the chief guest.

Notably, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo graced the Republic Day celebrations in 2018 along with other leaders from ASEAN. (ANI)

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CM Omar Abdullah Reviews Arrangements for Sonamarg Tunnel Inauguration,Strategic Tunnel to Ensure Round the Year Connectivity and Boost Tourism Potential of Sonamarg

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Sonamarg Tunnel

Ahead of the formal inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conducted an extensive review of arrangements at the project site in Sonamarg, Ganderbal district. Accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, the Chief Minister was briefed on the comprehensive preparations for the inauguration of the strategic 6.4 km tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh Highway.

The Chief Minister inspected the tunnel tubes and interacted with the engineers and workers involved in the construction, expressing his appreciation for their efforts. He also visited the venue where Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a public gathering and formally dedicate the project to the nation.

Reflecting on the region’s tourism potential, CM Abdullah reiterated his vision of positioning Ganderbal as a premier winter sports destination. He emphasized that the Sonamarg Tunnel would ensure all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg and supplement Gulmarg as another skiing and winter sports destination, unlocking new avenues for tourism and economic growth.

The Sonamarg Tunnel is a significant milestone in improving connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, ensuring all-weather access to Sonamarg and enhancing the region’s economic and tourism prospects.

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Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) urges Centre Govt to Review Train Swapping at Katra Jammu

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Vande Bharat Sleeper trains

The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has issued a formal appeal to the Central Government to reconsider the current protocol that requires the swapping of trains at Katra station for the Srinagar-Delhi railway service. This logistical change, implemented as part of operational procedures, has led to significant delays and inconvenience for passengers traveling between these two critical regions.In a statement, KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar emphasized the detrimental impact of the train swapping requirement on the travel experience for commuters.

“Removing the need for train swapping at Katra will ensure a smoother, more efficient journey for those traveling from Srinagar to Delhi and vice versa,” Shahdhar stated. “This improvement is not just about convenience; it’s essential for fostering economic growth and better connectivity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

”The KTA argues that by eliminating the swapping of trains, the government would not only enhance the reliability of rail services but also encourage more visitors to explore the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Kashmir.Enhanced travel efficiency could lead to increased economic activity, ultimately benefiting local businesses and supporting the region’s recovery and growth.KTA has urged the  Ministry of Railways to take immediate action to address this pressing issue and reaffirms its commitment to working closely with governmental agencies to foster improved transportation services for the people of Kashmir.(KNS)

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Pattan Grenade attack Case Solved: 3 Arrested, 1 Pistol, 1 Grenade 21 Pistol Rounds, one AK-47 Rifle, 3 Magazines, and 256 Rounds of AK-47 Recovered

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Pattan Grenade attack

The Pattan police have successfully solved the grenade attack case on the Territorial Army’s 163 Battalion camp in Hamray, Pattan. The incident occurred on January 7 2025, when a grenade was lobbed at the army camp in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Following the attack, Baramulla police launched a massive operation, which led to the arrest of three terrorists involved in the incident. A top official told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that arms and ammunition were also recovered during the operation, including, 1 pistol, 1 grenade 21 pistol rounds, one AK-47 rifle, 3 magazines, and 256 rounds of AK-47 bullets.
The official refrained from disclosing the identities of the arrested individuals, stating that further arrests are expected as investigations continue.
Speaking at a press conference, SP ops. Baramulla revealed that the arrested individuals included a surrendered militant, the son of a surrendered militant, and a narcotics peddler. He emphasized that such incidents harm the trust between security forces and individuals who have left militancy behind.
The SP expressed gratitude to the public for their support in apprehending the terrorists and urged continued cooperation to maintain peace and security in the region.(KNS)

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PHDCCI and Animal Husbandry Department Collaborate to Boost Youth Employment in Kashmir

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PHDCCI delegation Meets with Dr. Parvinder Singh Sudan to Discuss Job

Today, a delegation from the PHDCCI, led by Co-Chair Mr. Himayu Wani, General Convenor Mr. Bilal Kawoosa, and Deputy Director Mr. Iqbal Fayaz, conducted a detailed meeting with Dr. Parvinder Singh Sudan, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, Kashmir. The primary focus of the meeting was to explore avenues for creating job opportunities and enhancing livelihoods for the youth of Kashmir.

Dr. Sudan assured the delegation of his unwavering support and collaboration with the PHDCCI to foster the development of enterprises in the livestock and poultry sectors. In alignment with this initiative, PHDCCI, with the backing of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Animal Husbandry Department, is set to organize poultry entrepreneurship training workshops. These workshops will provide essential skill development, handholding, and enterprise development to empower the youth.

The existing deficit in demand and supply within the poultry sector highlights a significant opportunity for the youth to earn sustainable livelihoods. With the government’s support through various schemes, there is immense potential to establish successful enterprises in this field. The achievements of the Animal Husbandry Department under various schemes of the Animal Husbandry Development Plan (HADP) stand testament to the success and viability of these initiatives.

The PHDCCI is committed to facilitating growth and opportunities for the youth of Kashmir and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department to realize these goals.

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Ajay Kumar Sadhotra Reaffirms NC’s Commitment to Peace and Development in J&K

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Ajay Kumar Sadhotra

National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra reaffirmed his party’s commitment to fulfilling all its poll promises and steering Jammu and Kashmir toward a new era of peace, prosperity, and development. Speaking at a One Day Convention held at Bishnah, Sadhotra highlighted the party’s legacy of public service and its commitment to addressing the aspirations of the people of J&K.

Sadhotra lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his tireless efforts in ensuring the welfare of the people and addressing pressing issues. He underscored the historic contributions of the National Conference under the leadership of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and now Omar Abdullah.

Reiterating the party’s resolve, Sadhotra urged the party cadre to intensify public outreach efforts and work toward resolving the concerns of the people. The convention concluded on a positive note, with party workers and supporters pledging to strengthen the party’s base and continue working for the betterment of the people.

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Amit Shah Praises Law Enforcement for Record Drug Seizures in Last Year,NCB and Police Successfully Seized Drugs Worth Rs 16,914 Crore in 2024

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Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the law enforcement agencies on Saturday for their continuous campaign against drug trafficking.

HM Shah revealed that more than Rs 16,000 crore worth of drugs were seized by the Narcotics Control Bureau and all the states police combined in the year 2024.

“It is a matter of joy that in the year 2024, breaking all records of the value of seized drugs, the police and NCB have succeeded in seizing drugs worth Rs 16,914 crores. This is the biggest figure after independence,” Amit Shah said.

Union Home Minister’s remarks were made during regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security,’ attended by representatives of different states in North India.

During his speech at the conference, Shah highlighted that along with curbing drug trafficking, it has simultaneously exposed the operations of various ‘terror networks’ in multiple states.

“Not only drugs, the terror networks which is connected to the drugs have been exposed in various states by the police force of various states in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh. This is a big achievement for us,” Shah said while addressing the attendees.

Talking about the fight against drugs, Shah mentioned how for the last two years it has been specific focus of the conference.

“For the last 2 years, it has been our routine that in the regional conference, we review our fight against drugs, discussions also take place and later the Home Ministry makes a new strategy on this basis and shares it with the states,” he added.

He further shared the figures from the previous years, comparing the amount of drugs seized between 2004-2014 to 2014-2024, highlighting that there has been a 7 fold increase within the decade.

Giving the figures, he added, “From 2004 to 2014, about 3 lakh 63 thousand kg of drugs were seized.

There is no count of the number of tablets, there has been such an increase, but against these 3 lakh 63 thousand kg, we have seized 24 lakh kg within 10 years. This is a 7-fold increase. This is a very big achievement and our efforts are getting a good response from the public, the courts and
the entire ecosystem.”

Shah also revealed that the law enforcement agencies have disposed off Rs 56,851 crore worth of drugs in 2014-2024, showing an eight fold increase from the previous decade.

“If we talk about the value, the value of the disposed drugs was Rs 8,150 crores in 2004-14 and now it has become Rs 56,851 crores in 2014-24, that is 8 times,” Shah mentioned.

The regional conference was attended by the Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Ministers and senior officers from eight participating states and UTs. Additionally, senior officers from various ministries, departments and law enforcement agencies will also attend the conference.

According to an official statement by the ministry, Shah also launched the Drug Disposal Fortnight effective from January 11 to January 25. During this, a total of 44,792 kilograms of seized narcotics, whose international market value is Rs 2411 crore, will be disposed of.

Additionally, the Home Minister also inaugurated the new office complex of the NCB’s Bhopal zonal unit, and announced the extension of the MANAS-2 helpline to all 28 states and 8 union territories.
The statement added, “The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is implementing a three-pronged strategy to achieve a drug-free India by 2047. This includes strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing coordination among narcotics agencies, and launching a massive public awareness campaign.” (ANI)

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