To Discuss Winter Tourism Preparations Cheif Minister Omar Abdullah Meets MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah

Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday met with MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Shah, to discuss preparations for the upcoming winter tourism and ski season in the region.

With recent snowfall and more expected in the coming days, the winter season is set to begin, marking a significant boost for tourism.

The meeting focused on ensuring necessary infrastructure and facilities are in place for visitors to enjoy the upcoming season in Gulmarg, a popular destination for winter sports.

In a post on X, CM Omar said “Met with Hon MLA Gulmarg @FarooqShah_JKNC to discuss with him the preparations for the forthcoming season. With the recent snowfall & more expected in the next few days the winter tourist/ski season is finally beginning.”

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan Urges Security Forces to Achieve ‘Terror-Free Jammu and Kashmir’ Goal

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Monday called on the top security brass to work towards achieving the goal of ‘terror-free Jammu and Kashmir’ at the earliest.

The Union Home Secretary arrived in Srinagar this morning and chaired a high-level security meet at SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake here.

The meeting was attended by the top officers, including General Officer Commanding of Srinagar based Chinar Corps Lt General Prashant Srivastava, GOC of Nagrota-based 16 Corps Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, Additional Director General (Law and Order) Vijay Kumar, Additional Director General Jammu, Anand Jain, Inspector General of Police (IGP)-Kashmir, V K Birdi, top officers of Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Intelligence Bureau and other agencies.

Sources privy to the meeting, which commenced at 2:30 pm, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the Union Home Secretary emphasized on the need to act tough against the terrorists, their supporters and anti-national elements.

He reiterated the government’s resolve about zero tolerance towards terrorism.

The Union Home Secretary appreciated the security agencies for working in close coordination with each other in the decisive action against the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized on the implementation of “Area Domination Plan” and “Zero Terror Plan” in mission mode.

Sources said that other issues that came up for discussion during the meeting included anti-terror operations and infiltration threats along the Line of Control (LoC).

Top security officials, according to the sources, briefed the Union Home Secretary about the counter-infiltration grid reinforcement and coordination between security agencies.

He was also briefed about the preparations being made to ensure that upcoming Republic Day passes peacefully.

The meeting which continued till late in the evening discussed strategies to counter infiltration attempts and strengthen anti-terror operations in the Union Territory.

Pertinently, earlier this month Union Home Minister Amit Shah had chaired a high-level security meet on J&K in New Delhi.

The Union Home Minister had reiterated that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Zero Tolerance Policy against terrorism, the goal of ‘Terror Free Jammu and Kashmir’ would be achieved at the earliest and all resources will be made available for this.

He had said that the PM Modi led government, with the joint efforts of all security forces, is committed to establish complete dominance over terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

He had appreciated efforts of the security agencies for a significant decline in terrorist incidents, infiltration and recruitment of youth in terrorist organizations.

Shah had said that due to the sustained and coordinated efforts of the PM Modi led government, the ecosystem of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has almost ended.

UNION HOME SECRETARY TO CHAIR KEY MEETING TODAY

Meanwhile, the Union Home Secretary will chair a key meeting in Srinagar on Tuesday to assess key flagship schemes funded by the Government of India.

The meeting, according to the sources, will also evaluate the progress of infrastructure and employment-driven projects, particularly those funded by the Centre—(KNO)


Missing Since 8 Days, Umer Yaseen Shah Found Dead inside a Thar Vehicle Near Gandool, Ramban

Umer Yaseen Shah

A man, hailing from Central Kashmir’s Nowgam area of Srinagar, was found dead inside a Thar vehicle near Gadool, Ramban, on Monday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the man from Srinagar, who had reportedly been missing since December 22, was found dead inside a Thar vehicle near Gandool, Ramban.

He said the body was spotted this afternoon, and police have arrived at the scene and took the body into their custody.He was later identified as Umer Yaseen Shah, a resident of Railway Colony, Nowgam, Srinagar.Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident—(KNO)

Apni Party President Syed Altaf Bukhari Voices Concern Over Growing Online Gambling in Kashmir

online gambling in Kashmir

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, on Monday, expressed his deep concern over the growing menace of online gambling in Kashmir.

He urged the administration to initiate a widespread awareness campaign to educate the youth about the risks of such activities.

He also requested religious leaders to offer their valuable guidance and protect the young population from this rising threat.

In his statement Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “I have been informed that online gambling is an emerging issue in our society, and many youngsters are falling prey to this menace in the valley. This is a grave issue, as our youth are already grappling with vulnerabilities such as unemployment, drug abuse, and other social challenges. In this context, online gambling further threatens our social fabric and makes our young population more vulnerable.”

He further said, “It is very important for the authorities to start an awareness campaign to educate the youth about the risks associated with online gambling. I also humbly request our religious leaders, especially the Aimma Masajid, to guide and protect people from such harmful activities.”

Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani Takes Charge as Incharge Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora

Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani

Dr. Masarat Iqbal Wani officially took charge as the Incharge Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora on Monday.

Upon assuming charge, Dr. Wani convened an introductory meeting with the hospital staff, including doctors, paramedics, and administrative personnel. During the meeting, he stressed the importance of accountability, discipline, and a patient-first approach in delivering healthcare services.

Dr. Wani laid out a comprehensive plan to address existing challenges and improve hospital operations. He issued strict guidelines for ensuring punctuality and accountability, including mandatory biometric attendance for all staff members. “Biometric attendance is essential to ensure discipline and timely service delivery,” he said, directing the administrative team to conduct periodic reviews of staff performance and attendance.

Dr. Wani also emphasized the need for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment across the hospital. He instructed staff to ensure strict adherence to infection control protocols and urged the cleaning staff to maintain the highest standards of sanitation. To streamline patient care, he also proposed measures to reduce waiting times and improve the efficiency of outpatient services.

Dr. Wani called for strengthening the emergency response system, ensuring that all emergency services are operational 24/7. He also directed the pharmacy department to maintain an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines and surgical items.

Notably, during his tenure as BMO Bandipora, Waevan Village became the first in the district to achieve 100% COVID-19 vaccination—a milestone that won widespread appreciation. His previous roles include BMO Langate, BMO Zachildara, BMO Kupwara, and twice as BMO Pattan, where he introduced innovative measures like biometric attendance for the first time in Kupwara.

Dr. Wani concluded the meeting by reaffirming his commitment to deliver patient-centered care and working collaboratively with the hospital team to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people of Bandipora.

Newly Constructed Wayil Bridge in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal is safe and secure: R&B officials

Wayil Bridge in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal is safe and secure

 The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department has reassured the public about the safety of the newly constructed Wayil Bridge in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

Concerns were raised after a video shared by a local resident on social media showed minor cracks on the bridge’s approach road, creating panic among citizens.

In response, R&B officials, including Executive Engineer and Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Ganderbal, visited the site on Monday to assess the situation. AEE R&B Ganderbal, Soleh Shah, clarified that the main bridge is completely safe and secure.

“There is a minor separation in the flexible portion of the approach road, which is normal due to natural settlement. The main bridge remains unaffected and is absolutely safe,” Shah told Rising Kashmir.

He explained that the minor cracks were caused by a one-inch settlement in the earth filling of the approach road. “This is a routine issue in such constructions and will be addressed. Once winter ends and temperatures rise, the department will apply a one-inch layer of macadam to fix the settlement,” he added.

Shah also emphasized that the approach slab and road are distinct from the main bridge, which has no structural issues.

The viral video, showing minor cracks on the approach road, led to widespread concern among residents. However, authorities have urged the public not to panic, assuring that the Wayil Bridge is completely safe for use.

Terror Associate Mohd. Rafiq Booked Under PSA in Udhampur: Police 

Mohd. Rafiq

Acting tough against terror supporters in the district, Police on Monday have detained and lodged in Jail a hard-core terror associate under the Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA) in Udhampur district.

A Police spokesperson said, The accused has been identified as Mohd. Rafiq S/O Mohd. Qasim R/O Balota Chigla, Basantgarh who has involved in multiple terror cases and was working as active guide/facilitator for terrorist organisations till his arrest.

Keeping in view the activities of accused he was ordered to be detained under Public Safety Ac

Political Storm Erupts Over Omission of Sheikh Abdullah’s Birth Anniversary from 2025 Holiday List in J&K

Sheikh Abdullah

A political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir following the release of the 2025 public holiday list, which notably omits the observance of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary on December 5.

Sheikh Abdullah, widely revered as Sher-i-Kashmir, was the founder of the National Conference (NC) and a prominent figure in the region’s political history. His birth anniversary had previously been a recognized public holiday, but this was discontinued after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.

In response, the National Conference has strongly criticized the BJP-led administration for the exclusion, accusing it of showing disrespect to Kashmir’s rich heritage. An NC spokesperson condemned the move, stating, “This is a clear indication of the BJP’s lack of regard for the region’s historical significance.”

The party also pointed out that it had previously submitted a formal request to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, urging the reinstatement of the holiday to honor Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy, but it was disregarded.

Meanwhile, former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu took to social media to take a jibe at the NC, questioning its effectiveness. In a sharp tweet, he mocked the party’s unfulfilled promises, including their commitment to restore the July 13 Martyrs’ Day holiday.

“Didn’t NC promise to restore these holidays? Or are they too preoccupied with new wardrobes and cars to address such matters?” Mattu quipped.

Srinagar Police Crack Theft Cases, Two Accused Arrested 

theft case

Srinagar Police has solved theft cases and arrested 02 accused persons involved in the commission of crime & recovered stolen property from their possession.

On 22-11-2024, Police Station Harwan received a complaint from one individual namely Muhammad Azhar Gilkar son of Zahoor-u-Din resident of Chandpora, Harwan stating therein that on the intervening night between 18-11-2024 and 19-11-2024, some unknown thieves have barged into his residential house at Chandpora and stolen some jewellery/ other items.

Subsequently, a case vide FIR No. 65/2024 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Harwan and investigation initiated.

During the course of the investigation, based on CCTV footage and technical evidences, some suspects were called for questioning and identification of suspect involved in the commission of crime.

Meanwhile one suspect namely Umar Shafi Dar resident of Ghat, Shalimar was called for questioning, who after monitoring the CCTV footage disclosed the identity of the accused as Adil Shabir Khan son of Shabir Ahmad Khan resident of Kumar Mohalla Ishber Nishat.

Accordingly, the accused was arrested and his involvement in the instant case as well as his involvement in case FIR No. 24/2024 under section 457, 380 IPC and FIR No. 39/2024 under section 331(3), 305 BNS of this Police Station was ascertained.

Upon his disclosure, another accused (receiver of stolen property) namely Muhammad Maqbool Dar son of Abdul Karim resident of Sethargund, Pulwama, (goldsmith running his shop under the trade name Al-Maqbool Jewellers) situated at Bakal Complex, Near Fire service, Samboora Road Kakapora, Pulwama was arrested. From his possession, golden items weighing around 84.02 grams, worth Rs. 5,71,000/- were recovered.

J&K police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community and urge citizens to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police unit.

CRPF Head Constable Kharat Prakash Dies In South Kashmir’s Anantnag

Dead body

A CRPF head constable died after suddenly falling unconscious in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday.

Officials said that a head constable of CRPF suddenly fell unconscious, he was immediately shifted to District hospital Anantnag where doctors declared him brought dead.

He has been identified as Kharat Prakash of G Coy 116bn of CRPF. He was deployed in district jail Anantnag.Meanwhile, police have registered a case in this regard and investigation have been taken up.(GNS)