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Omar Abdullah Addresses Public Concerns in Outreach Programme, Assures Priority Action on Key Issues

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Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several delegations and emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by various sectors of society.

The Chief Minister stated this during his public outreach programme at Raabita office here, where scores of delegations and individuals from various parts of Kashmir presented their concerns and demands.

The Chief Minister interacted with various stakeholders, including representatives from education, artisan, labour, and healthcare sectors, who brought forth issues requiring immediate attention.

Among the delegations, the J&K College Teachers Association urged the Chief Minister to consider the demand for enhancing the retirement age of college teachers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmiri Shawl Makers Welfare Foundation, comprising artisans from different areas, highlighted the challenges faced by the traditional shawl-making trade and sought the government’s support in safeguarding their livelihood.

Similarly, a five-member delegation of Hot Mix Plant owners apprised the Chief Minister of the issues confronting their industry, requesting timely interventions.

J&K Casual Labourers United Front, led by its State President, raised concerns regarding the welfare of casual labourers, while the Physiotherapists’ deputation briefed the CM about sector-specific challenges that require redressal.

Representatives from the Health Workers Welfare Association, led by their president, presented issues impacting healthcare professionals, and the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) emphasized the need to address employees’ welfare comprehensively.

A delegation of Saubhagya Contractors from Ganderbal and South Kashmir sought government support to address operational hurdles in the execution of projects under the Saubhagya scheme.

The public outreach programme also saw numerous individuals meeting the Chief Minister, presenting grievances and suggestions for improvement on a number of issues affecting them.

The Chief Minister assured all deputations and individuals of a patient and responsive approach, emphasizing that their genuine concerns would be addressed on a priority basis.

Also, a joint delegation of traders of different Bazar Committees of City Centre Lal Chowk and other areas called on the Chief Minister during the programme.

The delegation apprised the Chief Minister about various issues of the trader’s community of Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Poloview, Regal Chowk, Maisuma, Court Road and other areas of the City.

They also submitted a memorandum of demands to the Chief Minister demanding development and revival of business and increased customer footfall in City Central Lal Chowk and other markets of Srinagar City.

The Chief Minister assured the delegation of redressal of the genuine concerns and issues on priority.

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Anantnag’s Sufi Prodigy Ayan Sajad Bags India’s Top Honour – His Art Will Leave You Awestruck

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Anantnag’s Sufi Prodigy Ayan Sajad Bags India’s Top Honour

J&K’s Rising Star Ayan Sajad Wins India’s Prestigious Child Award for Stunning Sufi Singing and Artistry

Ayan Sajad, a gifted teenager from Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, has reached a monumental milestone by winning the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024, one of India’s highest accolades for children. His awe-inspiring achievements in art and culture, particularly his mesmerising Sufi singing, have captured the hearts of millions.

Ayan’s journey is pure inspiration. A master of creativity, he blends the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir into his artistic work. His performances reflect not just individual brilliance but also a deep connection to his region’s culture. This dedication has earned him national acclaim and admiration, making him a source of immense pride for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The award, which honours achievements in innovation, social service, academics, sports, bravery, and art, was presented at a grand ceremony in New Delhi. In a proud moment for Ayan, his family, and his home state, the President of India handed over the prestigious award to him, praising his outstanding contributions to the nation’s cultural tapestry.

Adding to the celebration, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah extended their heartfelt congratulations. In a joint statement, they described Ayan as a “beacon of hope and inspiration” for the youth. They lauded his dedication and talent, expressing optimism that his success will motivate aspiring artists across the region and beyond.

This recognition reaffirms the leadership’s commitment to empowering young minds and supporting excellence in diverse fields. For Ayan Sajad, this is just the beginning of a promising journey destined to enrich India’s cultural legacy.

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Low Visibility Procedures at Delhi Airport, Flights Running on Schedule Despite Fog and Poor AQI

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Low Visibility Procedures at Delhi Airport, Flights Running on Schedule Despite Fog and Poor AQI

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Delhi Airport

Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are currently being implemented at Delhi Airport, but all flights are operating as scheduled, according to an official advisory issued on Thursday.

Delhi Airport posted on social media platform X, stating, “Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal.” Authorities have urged passengers to stay informed about any flight updates by contacting their respective airlines.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 7°C in Delhi on Thursday, with dense fog expected. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the “very poor” category, with parts of the city experiencing a thick layer of fog affecting visibility.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the AQI at 372 at 8 a.m. on Thursday, an increase from Wednesday’s 360. Areas like Anand Vihar (372 AQI), Ashok Vihar (362 AQI), and Bawana (376 AQI) reported “very poor” air quality. AQI levels between 301 and 400 are classified as “very poor,” while those between 401 and 500 are “severe.”

Due to the drop in temperatures, many residents sought shelter in night homes across Delhi.

On Wednesday, Delhi Airport also issued a warning that flights not equipped with CAT III compliance might experience disruptions due to the low visibility. “While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may be affected,” the authorities stated in another post.

The CAT III approach system allows flights to land safely under poor visibility conditions. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for updates and were informed that any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.

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Indian Army and Local Forest Officials Successfully Contain Forest Fire in Bhaderwah, Doda District

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Forest Fire in Bhaderwah

Forest Fire in Bhaderwah: A potentially devastating forest fire that occurred in the Kellar Range near Bhaderwah of the Doda district was successfully extinguished through the combined efforts of the Indian Army 4 Rashtriya Rifles (Bravo company) and the local forest officials, as per a press release by the Indian Army.

Range Officer Suresh Jamwal, and his team coordinated efforts on the ground, ensured a swift and effective response.

The timely intervention of the Indian Army played a crucial role in preventing the fire from spreading further and causing significant damage to the ecosystem and nearby villages, a statement from the release said.

This operation highlighted the importance of collaboration between agencies in tackling natural disasters. The Indian Army’s unwavering support to the civil administration during crisis reaffirms its commitment to serving the nation and protecting its citizen. (ANI)

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Bicycle Man of India” Neeraj Kumar Prajapati” Promotes HADP, Highlights Farmers’ Needs in Jammu

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Neeraj Kumar Prajapati

 Neeraj Kumar Prajapati, famously known as the “Bicycle Man of India,” has highlighted the significant benefits of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) for farmers in Jammu.
Neeraj, who recently completed a 1,100-kilometer bicycle ride across six districts to promote horticulture schemes, observed that while farmers have gained from the initiative, there are pressing challenges that need attention.
“Farmers across Jammu have expressed their appreciation for HADP, but they want its scope to be broadened to address issues such as crop damage caused by monkeys and wild boars,” Neeraj said.
He explained that many farmers face significant losses as these animals destroy new orchards and pluck unripe fruits.
“Farmers are requesting that the programme include measures to protect their crops from these animals,” he added.
During his journey, Neeraj also observed that farmers in areas like Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban and Udhampur rely on portable tanks to store rainwater for irrigation. However, the current provision of four to five tanks per village is insufficient to meet the growing demand. “Farmers have urged that the number of water storage tanks be increased and that adequate budgetary provisions be made to address this need promptly,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, Neeraj praised the efforts of the horticulture department in Jammu, which has been working effectively despite staff shortages. “I was impressed with the dedication of the horticulture department, which has been supporting farmers despite limited resources,” he remarked.
Neeraj’s 1100 kilometre mission horticulture bicycle journey took him through Samba, Kathua, Bani, Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar, Batote, Ramban, and Reasi. The initiative aimed to create awareness about organic farming and the benefits of horticulture schemes under HADP.
Earlier, Neeraj undertook a similar journey across ten districts of Kashmir to promote the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other agricultural schemes, highlighting the valley’s niche crops like Saffron and Mushk Budji.

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LFB Announces 2025 Literary Awards: Farooq Nazki and Prof. Naseem Shifaye Honored for Contributions to Kashmiri Literature

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The Literary Forum Bandipora (LFB) on Wednesday unveiled its esteemed annual literary awards for 2025, recognizing two distinguished poets and scholars in Kashmiri literature.

The late Farooq Nazki, a celebrated poet and former Director of Doordarshan, has been posthumously honored with the Nazki Award for his extraordinary contributions to Kashmiri literature. Additionally, Prof. Naseem Shifaye has been selected for the Charaag-i-Sukhan Award for her acclaimed book, Bu Vanyeth Zaan Kass.

The announcement was made following an extensive meeting and consultation session, presided over by Mir Tariq Rasool, Vice President of LFB and Chairman of the Awards Committee. Other prominent members in attendance included Mubashir Saleem Nazki, Dr. Adil Mahiuddin, Sufi Showkat, Rouf Ghayal, Dr. Bashrat Fakir, Dr. Asrar, and Mansur Muntazir.

Mir Tariq Rasool emphasized that both awardees were selected after careful deliberation, noting that the decision came after receiving recommendations from various poets and writers. “The awards are based on merit, content, and significant contributions to literature,” Mir stated regarding the selection process.

He further mentioned that LFB has been recognizing eminent writers at award ceremonies held in Bandipora for the past decade. The awards were established in 2015 to honor the memory of Prof. Rashid Nazki, a prominent poet, academician, and the founder of Adbi Markaz Kamraz.

The Nazki Award, which honors poets and writers who have made outstanding contributions to literature, is named after Prof. Rashid Nazki. Meanwhile, the Charaag-i-Sukhan Award acknowledges poets and writers for exceptional publications in the previous year.

Mir also reflected on the illustrious recipients of the Nazki Award, including renowned figures such as Prof. G. R. Malik, Prof. Shafi Shouq, and Shahnaz Rashid.

The grand award ceremony will take place during the annual Nazki Day event, now scheduled for the last week of February 2025 in Bandipora. Originally planned for January 5, the event was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

“Nazki Day is an annual tradition to honor Prof. Rashid Nazki’s legacy and celebrate literary excellence. Invitations will be sent to the awardees or their representatives for the ceremony,” said Mir.

This year’s awards further reinforce Bandipora’s reputation as a center for literary and cultural growth, solidifying the district’s legacy and the Forum’s commitment to promoting Kashmiri literature.

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Altaf Bukhari Seek Ban on Sale of ‘The Satanic Verses’ in Delhi

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altaf

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Altaf Bukhari has expressed concern over the reported sale of Salman Rushdie’s controversial book The Satanic Verses at bookstores across Delhi-NCR.  

In a statement, Bukhari highlighted that the import of the book has been banned by the Indian government since 1988 due to its blasphemous content, which deeply hurts the sentiments of Muslims.  

“It is quite disturbing that a prominent bookstore in Delhi, through a post on social media, has announced the sale of Salman Rushdie’s controversial book The Satanic Verses,” Bukhari said.“Since the content of the book is highly provocative and blasphemous, I request the central government to ensure that the sale of the book is stopped immediately.”  

He urged authorities to take swift action to prevent further circulation of the book and to uphold the ban to respect public sentiment. (KNS)

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Chaos Erupts Over ₹250 Crore Vaishno Devi Ropeway: Protests, Shutdowns, and Stone Pelting in Katra

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250 Crore-Vaishno-Devi-Ropeway

Tensions escalated in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, as protests against the ₹250 crore Vaishno Devi ropeway project turned chaotic. Police resorted to lathi-charges and detained several demonstrators while trying to disperse the agitated crowd.

The ropeway, spanning 12 km from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, promises to enhance pilgrimage experiences but has triggered fierce opposition. Locals fear the project will devastate their livelihoods and disrupt the region’s ecological balance.

Protests and Shutdown: A Town on Edge

On December 25, local business owners, including pony wallas and shopkeepers, called for a 72-hour bandh. The usually bustling pilgrimage town came to a standstill, with all commercial activities suspended.

Earlier protests had already turned violent, with demonstrators pelting stones at police on November 25. The unrest began on November 22, spearheaded by pony and palanquin owners, who play a vital role in assisting thousands of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Police and Government Respond

Security forces conducted a flag march to maintain law and order, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Paramvir Singh addressed the unrest. “People have been protesting for three days. We’re working to restore normalcy,” he said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while reviewing another project in Jammu, acknowledged the locals’ concerns. He assured that losses caused by the project’s impact would be addressed.

Locals vs. Development

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board envisions the ropeway project as a safer and quicker alternative for pilgrims. However, locals remain adamant, citing the risk of job loss and environmental degradation.

With tensions running high, the future of the project hangs in the balance, as authorities attempt to balance development with the concerns of Katra’s residents.

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Fire Devastates House in Gursai village in J&K’s Poonch; Residents Seek Help

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Forest Fire in Bhaderwah

A fire broke out early this morning (Wednesday) in Gursai village of Poonch, engulfing a house and leaving it destroyed, a local resident said.

The fire began around 8 AM and spread rapidly.No casualties have been reported.

Safeer Hussain Shah, a resident of the area, expressed his distress, saying, “Today around 8 am, the fire suddenly broke out, engulfing a house… Nothing is left in the house.”

Shah made a plea to the local authorities, requesting the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Poonch, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and other local bodies to provide compensation for the loss of property.

He further urged the authorities to allocate a fire truck to the area, highlighting the need for better fire prevention measures to avoid such incidents in the future. (ANI)

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Controversy Erupts Over Exclusion of Regional Parties from Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Rules Committee

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Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

In a controversial move, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather announced the formation of a nine-member committee to draft rules of procedure for conducting business in the House, excluding several key regional parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Peoples Conference.

The committee, constituted under Rule 363 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, will include eight MLAs and the Speaker as its ex-officio chairman.

It has been tasked with finalizing the draft rules before the commencement of the upcoming Budget session. However, the absence of representation from the aforementioned parties has raised political tensions.

The panel comprises three MLAs from the National Conference (NC), two from the BJP, and one each from Congress and CPI-M, alongside an independent legislator aligned with the ruling coalition. The NC, which also holds the Speaker’s chair, dominates the committee.Members include Mubarak Gul (NC), Justice (Retired) Hasnain Masoodi (NC), Saifullah Mir (NC), Nizamuddin Bhat (Congress), Pawan Kumar Gupta (BJP), Ranbir Singh Pathania (BJP), Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami (CPI-M), and Muzaffar Iqbal Khan (independent).

The exclusion of regional parties like the PDP and AIP has sparked criticism.

 Inam Un Nabi, spokesperson for the AIP, expressed outrage on social media platform X, accusing the NC of betraying its electoral promises. “Excluding staunch advocates of Article 370 & 35A from the Assembly Rules Committee is yet another betrayal by the NC. Their cozying up to BJP, sidelining regional voices, and abandoning electoral promises expose their hypocrisy,” he wrote.

The move has also drawn attention to the growing divide in regional politics, with smaller parties like AIP and AAP accusing the major players of monopolizing legislative processes and sidelining grassroots concerns. (KNS)

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