Pune, Jan 15, : In a significant address marking the 77th Army Day, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the improving security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the peaceful completion of major events such as the Assembly elections, Lok Sabha elections, and the Amarnath Yatra as evidence of progress.
“The hinterland of Jammu and Kashmir has seen a considerable reduction in violence due to the sustained and stringent efforts of our security forces,” General Dwivedi stated.
He emphasized that this positive trend reflects a stronger and more stable environment in the region.
Touching upon the broader security situation, the Army Chief described the state of the northern borders as “normal but sensitive.”
He assured the nation that the Army is fully prepared to address any challenges while focusing on the development of modern and critical infrastructure along these sensitive zones.
On the western front, General Dwivedi acknowledged that while the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) is being maintained, attempts at infiltration are ongoing. The Army remains vigilant and committed to thwarting these efforts.(CNS)
Srinagar Locals Protest Plans to Replace Sports Stadium with Flats
Srinagar, Jan 15, CNS: Residents of Batapora Hazratbal, on the outskirts of Srinagar, have expressed outrage over reports that land earmarked for a sports stadium may instead be used for constructing flats. The locals have vowed to take to the streets if the plan moves forward, calling the proposal unacceptable and detrimental to the locals.
The site, spanning 60 to 70 kanals of Nazool land, had been designated for the construction of a much-needed sports stadium. However, recent rumors suggest that the Revenue Department, in collaboration with Nazool officials, is considering repurposing the land for residential flats.
“This land was specifically identified for a sports stadium that would benefit the youth and promote healthy activities in the area. We cannot allow it to be used for flats,” said a local resident to CNS.
Locals fear that such a move would deprive the community of a vital recreational facility and lead to unplanned urbanization. “Our youth deserve better facilities, not fewer opportunities,” said another local.
The announcement has sparked widespread anger, with locals warning of “serious repercussions” if the government proceeds with the plan. (CNS)
Disappointment in Kashmir Over Lack of Direct Train Service to Delhi
Srinagar, Jan 15, CNS: The long-awaited promise of a direct rail connection between Kashmir and Delhi has left the people of the Valley disheartened after it was clarified that passengers would have to deboard at Katra instead of traveling directly to the national capital.
This announcement has dashed the high hopes generated by earlier claims of seamless connectivity, sparking widespread frustration among locals.
The move has been criticized across various sections of society, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah leading the outcry. He called the arrangement “pointless” and questioned the rationale behind the lack of a direct service. “The hype around this rail service has been punctured,” said a trader.
“The promise was for a direct connection, and anything less does not meet the expectations or the needs of the people.”
Locals, including traders, students, and apple growers, have expressed their disappointment. Traders, who depend heavily on efficient transportation to send their goods to larger markets like Delhi, said the need to stop at Katra adds unnecessary hassle.
“A direct train would have reduced delays and costs. This indirect service offers no real benefit,” said a prominent businessman in Srinagar.
Students, who frequently travel to Delhi for educational purposes, have also voiced concerns. Many see this as a missed opportunity to make travel more convenient and affordable. “We were excited about the possibility of boarding a train here in Kashmir and getting off in Delhi without interruptions. Now, that dream feels far away,” shared a university student preparing for his semester in the capital.
Apple growers, a crucial economic force in the Valley, are particularly disappointed. Efficient transport to Delhi is essential for delivering their produce on time and maintaining its quality. “We had pinned hopes on this service for a smoother supply chain,” lamented an apple grower from Sopore. “This half-measure doesn’t help us at all.”
The broader public sentiment reflects a sense of betrayal, as the project was initially heralded as a major step toward better connectivity and integration of Kashmir with the rest of the country. Many believe that the authorities’ decision to terminate the train at Katra undermines the development potential of the rail link.
Officials, however, defended the current setup, citing operational and logistical challenges in extending the service beyond Katra. They assured the public that efforts to establish a fully direct route to Delhi are under consideration, though no definitive timeline has been provided. (CNS)
J&K Students Association Writes to Health Minister Nadda, Seeks Intervention and High-Level Inquiry into Tragic Deaths and Health Crisis in Rajouri
Srinagar, Jan 15, CNS: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association on Wednesday has written to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, urging immediate intervention in the health crisis and tragic deaths in the Rajouri area of Jammu and Kashmir. In its letter, the association stated that a severe health crisis has gripped the Badhaal village of the Kotranka sub-division in Rajouri, as a mysterious disease continues to claim lives. Tragically, this outbreak has already resulted in the deaths of over 16 people, including 11 children and three adults from three families, posing a significant threat to public health.
The National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that the first cluster of deaths, primarily affecting children, was reported in early December, when nine individuals from two related families succumbed to an unknown illness. In recent days, six more children have been hospitalized, with four dying at a Jammu hospital and three currently in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. Alarmingly, these fresh cases are also linked to the previously affected families, raising concerns about the disease’s transmission pattern.
He said that patients exhibit symptoms such as fever, vomiting, sweating, dehydration, and episodic loss of consciousness. Despite the deployment of expert teams to conduct field studies and collect food, water, and blood samples for analysis, the exact cause of the disease remains unidentified.
He emphasized, “Despite these efforts, the situation continues to escalate. Panic and fear have gripped Badhaal village as the outbreak spreads. Villagers live in constant anxiety, and the lack of clarity regarding the disease’s origin and mode of transmission is exacerbating the crisis. The absence of conclusive findings or a public statement from the administration has deeply disappointed the community, further increasing their distress. We demand the immediate deployment of medical experts, epidemiologists, and resources to contain the outbreak and provide relief to affected families.”
Khuehami urged the Union Health Minister to intervene immediately and ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of the outbreak. He also requested the deployment of medical experts, epidemiologists, and additional resources to assist with disease containment and patient care. “The affected families deserve transparency, relief, and adequate compensation for the tragic losses they have suffered,” he said.
In addition to deploying more medical teams and resources, Khuehami urged fast-tracking the laboratory analysis of samples to identify the pathogen causing the disease. Enhanced communication between healthcare authorities and the affected population is also crucial to dispel misinformation and encourage timely reporting of symptoms.
“Villagers are reportedly living in a state of panic, with the absence of conclusive findings from the administration further deepening their anxiety,” he asserted. The association has urged the government to constitute a high-level inquiry and deploy a team of experts to investigate the tragedy. “A time-bound report is essential to ensure accountability and justice,” he said. “This health emergency requires immediate attention to prevent further loss of life.”
He added that the Health Ministry must ensure the rapid analysis and sharing of test results to identify the pathogen responsible for the outbreak. Measures to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and provide logistical and financial support must also be implemented urgently.
“The tragedy in Rajouri is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by remote and underserved regions in terms of healthcare security,” Khuehami said. “The lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure in such regions makes them vulnerable to crises of this nature. Immediate and transparent action is crucial to prevent further loss of life and restore confidence among the affected communities.”
The association expressed hope that the Union Health Minister would take swift and decisive action to safeguard the health and well-being of the residents of Rajouri, prevent further loss of life, and alleviate the suffering of the affected population. (CNS)
Saffron cultivation in Kashmir in declining mode
Srinagar, Jan 15, CNS: Tucked in a valley is the town of Pampore, famed for its farms that grow the world’s most expensive spice – the red-hued saffron.
This is where most of saffron is farmed in India, the world’s second-largest producer behind Iran of the spice, which costs up to Rs 3,25,000 ($3,800) a kg (2.2 pounds) because it is so labour-intensive to harvest.
Come October, the crocus plants begin to bloom, covering the fields with bright purple flowers from which strands of fragrant red saffron are picked by hand, to be used in foods such as paella, and in fragrances and cloth dyes.
“I am proud to cultivate this crop,” said Nisar Ahmad Malik, as he gathered flowers from his ancestral field.
But, while Malik has stuck to traditional farming, citing the “rich colour, fragrance and aroma” of his produce through the years, some agrarian experts have been experimenting with indoor cultivation of the crop as global warming fears increase.
About 90 per cent of India’s saffron is produced in Kashmir, of which a majority is grown in Pampore, but the small town is under threat of rapid urbanisation, according to the Indian Council of Scientific Industrial Research.
Experts say rising temperatures and erratic rainfall pose a risk to saffron production, which has dropped from 8 metric tons in the financial year 2010-11 to 2.6 metric tons in 2023-24, the federal government told parliament in February, adding that efforts were being made to boost production.
One such programme is a project to help grow the plant indoors in a controlled environment in tubes containing moisture and vital nutrients, which Dr. Bashir Ilahi at state-run Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences said has shown good results.
“Growing saffron in a controlled environment demonstrates temperature resistance and significantly reduces the risk of crop failure,” said Ilahi, standing in his laboratory between stacks of crates containing tubes of the purple flower.
Ilahi and other local experts have been helping farmers with demonstrations on how to grow the crocus plant indoors.
“It is an amazing innovation,” said Abdul Majeed, president of Kashmir’s Saffron Growers Association, some of whose members, including Majeed, have been cultivating the crop indoors for a few years.
Manzoor Ahmad Mir, a saffron grower, urged more state support.
“The government should promote indoor saffron cultivation on a much larger scale as climate change is affecting the entire world, and Kashmir is no exception,” Mir said. (CNS)
SSP Kulgam holds PCPG meeting with inhabitants of far-flung areas of Kund Waltengoo
Kulgam, Jan 15, CNS: In order to foster trust and cooperation, SSP Kulgam Shri Sahil Sarangal-IPS held a Police Community Partnership Group meeting with inhabitants of far-flung areas of Kund at Waltengoo.
SSP Kulgam was accompanied by ASP NHW Qazigund Shri Mumtaz Ali Bhatti-JKPS, SDPO Qazigund & SHO Kund, who were given warm welcome by the public of village Kund. Public from all corners of area Kund including respectable citizens, DDC Kund Shri Sheikh Gulzar Auqaf committees, chowkidars, traders federations and various market associations attended said meeting.
During the interaction, participants raised various issues of public importance, and applauded the unwavering efforts for better policing under the aegis of SSP Kulgam especially for his cooperation towards general public. During meeting locals of the areas demanded concrete steps and proper counselling for unemployed youth.
Listening to the grievances patiently, SSP Kulgam assured them that their genuine grievances will be resolved on priority and every possible help will be provided to the people of the area, and also assured them that issues pertaining to civil administration will be taken up with concerned departments for their early redressal. While speaking SSP Kulgam thanked Public of the area for cooperation and their active participation. He urged youth to remain cautious against only scams and save themselves from anti-social and anti-national activities.
SSP Kulgam appealed the participants to cooperate with police in maintaining peace and in making the society drug free. He further assured people that no innocent person will be unnecessarily harassed and requested people to provide factual information regarding the persons involved in anti-social and anti-national activities so that curative steps at an earliest will be taken against the culprits.
The public of general areas of Kund thanked SSP Kulgam for visiting the area and conducting such a meeting and building a bridge of trust between Police and Public. Public of Kund area requested for regular meetings in future as well.
Police Kickstarts Awareness Programmes on New Criminal Laws in Kupwara
Kupwara, Jan 15, CNS: In pursuance of the directions issued by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K and senior formations, Police in Kupwara initiated a district-wide awareness programme on new criminal laws. These awareness sessions are being conducted across all Police Stations in Kupwara in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and the District Legal Service Authority (DLSA).
The initiative aims to educate and inform students and staff in educational institutions about the latest amendments and introductions to criminal laws, ensuring that young minds are aware of their rights and responsibilities. This effort is part of Kupwara Police’s commitment to building a well-informed and law-abiding society.
Senior officers present in these programmes highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding new laws and their implications. The programmes were well-received by participants, with interactive sessions and engaging in learning environment. In addition to these efforts, an Annual Calendar for Awareness on New Laws 2025 is being meticulously prepared to ensure systematic dissemination of information to the public.
Police remains steadfast in its dedication to promoting legal literacy and promoting a law abiding society.
Police organises awareness programme on New Criminal Laws in Kulgam
Kulgam, Jan 15, CNS: Police in Kulgam organized a mass awareness programme on three New Criminal Laws at Village Qaimoh and at various educational institutions in Kulgam.
The programme aimed to inform general public especially to educate the students about the recent amendments and additions to the criminal laws, ensuring that they are well-aware and compliant with the legal framework.
During the session, officers elucidated the nuances of the new laws, providing clarity on their implications and emphasizing the importance of adherence to legal statutes for the maintenance of law and order in society.
The initiative witnessed active participation from the students, who engaged in interactive sessions, seeking clarifications and expressing their queries regarding the legal provisions discussed.
Police remains committed to its mandate of ensuring public safety and security, and will continue to undertake such endeavours for the welfare of the community. (CNS)
Srinagar, contraband substances recovered
Srinagar, Jan 15, CNS: In its solemn resolve against the menace of drugs from the society, Srinagar Police has arrested four drug peddlers and recovered contraband substances from their possession.
A police party from PS Panthachowk during naka checking at Zafran Colony apprehended two individuals who have been identified as Furqan Majid Khan @ Kanda son of Majid resident of Kanipora and Sameer Hussain Dar so of Gh. Mohammad Dar resident of Chattergam. During their search, substantial quantity of narcotic substance was recovered from their possession.
Accordingly, case FIR No. 02/2025 U/S 8/21 NDPS Act has been registered in PS Panthachowk and both the accused persons have been arrested.
Similarly, during naka checking at Zawoora crossing, two chronic drug peddlers were arrested who were on board in a vehicle (Alto) bearing registration number JK16B-3205. They have been identified as Suhaibji Bhat son of Abdul Rashid Bhat resident of Ganderbal and Ubaidullah Lone son of Ifhtikhar Ahmad Lone resident of Hanji Danter Anatnag A/P Naz colony Panthachowk. During search, substantial quantity of contraband substance was recovered from their possession. Accordingly, case under relevant sections of NDPS Act has been registered.
Further investigation into both the cases is going on to unearth illegal narcotics network.
Pertinent to mention here that Ubaidullah Lone is chronic and known drug supplier in the vicinity to supply it to the younger generation resulting destruction of the many lives. As per the initial investigation and questioning, the drug supplier transports the drug from outside UT to the local area, especially the youth.
J&K Police yet again appeals to the general public to assist them in the fight against drug trafficking by sharing any relevant information. Together, we can work towards creating a safer, drug-free society.
Police Conducts Awareness Programme on New Criminal Laws In Handwara
Kupwara, Jan 15, CNS: In a significant move to educate the youth and general public on recent amendments to criminal laws, Police in Handwara organized an awareness programme at IRFA Coaching Institution, Handwara.
The initiative aimed to familiarize students with new legal provisions to ensure they remain informed and compliant with the evolving legal framework.
During the session, police officers highlighted the key aspects of the new criminal laws, explaining their impact on society and underscoring the importance of adhering to legal norms for maintaining law and order. Students actively participated in the interactive session, seeking clarifications on various legal provisions and voicing their queries.
Police reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and community welfare through educational programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at fostering a law-abiding society. (CNS)
Nazakat Choudhary Nominated as Brand Ambassador
Jammu, Jan 15, CNS: Nazakat Choudhary, a resident of Mendhar Sub-Division in District Poonch, has been nominated as the Brand Ambassador of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. His commendable contributions towards rural development and sanitation have already been recognized multiple times by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
The announcement was made by Mohammad Aijaz Asad IAS, Secretary to Government, and Anu Malhotra, Director General of Rural Sanitation, J&K. The official certificate of nomination has been issued by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K, underscoring Nazakat Choudhary’s dedicated efforts in promoting cleanliness and hygiene under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Nazakat Choudhary’s unwavering commitment to improving sanitation in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir has earned him this prestigious recognition, reflecting the government’s confidence in his ability to inspire others towards building a cleaner and healthier Jammu and Kashmir. (CNS)
