Srinagar, June 28: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone Sunday launched a fierce political offensive against the National Conference government over what he describes as a deeply compromised outsourcing regime in Jammu and Kashmir, promising explosive disclosures within a week. In a statement directed squarely at the ruling party, Lone declared, "To my friends in NC please be ready to answer a range of questions on Outsourcing. As promised within a week we will put every fact about outsourcing in the public domain." While stopping short of holding NC responsible for originating the outsourcing policy, Lone made the party's complicity unmistakably clear. "Agreed NC didn't start it. We knew that from Day 1. But you didn't stop it either. You went along with it. And in fact encouraged it," he stated, leaving no room for the ruling party to distance itself from the consequences of a policy it inherited but chose to sustain and expand. Lone then made his most serious allegation, one that goes beyond policy failure into the territory of outright wrongdoing. "Outsourcing is prone to corrupt collusion. And that corrupt collusion I can see very clearly," he said, signalling that his upcoming disclosures are backed by concrete information rather than political conjecture. Adding a documented dimension to his offensive, Lone revealed that he had formally raised a Starred Question before the General Administration Department during the last Assembly session, demanding full disclosure on the government's outsourcing activities. The question, a photograph of which he shared publicly, sought information on the total number of outsourced jobs across the government sector, the names and addresses of every outsourcing company currently engaged by the government, the total payments made to these companies across all departments, whether standardised salary guidelines exist for outsourced workers, and a complete department-wise breakdown of outsourced positions. The government responded only partially, and Lone pointed out that it chose to stay completely silent on the two most revealing and consequential parts of his question. It failed to respond to part (f), which asked, "What is the government's objective in outsourcing jobs? Does the government see outsourcing as means to reduce costs or as means to improve efficiency?" It equally avoided part (g), which asked, "Will government as a policy encourage or discourage outsourcing of government jobs?" Lone underlined the gravity of this silence, saying, "That remains unanswered and the devil is in the details," making clear that a government unwilling to state its own policy objectives on outsourcing has questions far bigger than administrative gaps to answer.
Srinagar, June 28: The School Education Department (SED) has released the Draft Transfer Policy-2026 and initiated the process for rolling out the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD)-2026, paving the way for a comprehensive, online and merit-based transfer exercise for its teaching fraternity across Jammu and Kashmir. The draft policy, placed in the public domain for 15 days, invites comments, suggestions and objections from stakeholders before its formal notification. It marks the department's third structured transfer exercise after similar drives conducted in 2023 and 2024. The draft has been uploaded on the official websites of the School Education Department to ensure transparency and wider public participation in finalising the policy. According to the draft, the proposed policy aims to establish a transparent, fair and accountable framework for transfers and postings of teachers, masters, lecturers, headmasters, principals, Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and equivalent officers across the Union Territory. "The proposed policy seeks to ensure equitable deployment of staff, particularly in remote and underserved areas, while maintaining uninterrupted academic functioning and keeping students' interests at the centre of the transfer process," the draft reads. Transfers will ordinarily be processed through a dedicated Online Transfer Portal, with the Annual Transfer Drive scheduled to be completed before the commencement of every academic session. However, the policy also allows offline transfers in exceptional administrative circumstances with the approval of the competent authority. The draft introduces a revised zonal tenure system by categorising schools into five zones based on accessibility. Employees posted in Zones I, II and III will ordinarily serve three years in a school, while those serving in the more difficult Zones IV and V will have tenures of two years and one year, respectively. Employees completing their tenure in inaccessible Zone-V areas will be given preference for postings in comparatively accessible locations. To address disparities in staff distribution, the policy proposes rationalisation and redeployment of surplus teachers based on pupil-teacher ratio, student enrolment, subject requirements and institutional needs. It, however, stipulates that no rationalisation exercise should leave any institution without adequate teaching staff or adversely affect classroom instruction. The draft identifies five categories of transfersâgeneral, mutual, administrative, compassionate and special rotational transfers. Compassionate transfers may be considered in cases involving severe medical conditions, benchmark disabilities, widowhood, safety concerns and other humanitarian grounds, subject to documentary verification. The policy also proposes special provisions for government-employed spouses, women employees, single parents, widows, divorcees, employees nearing retirement and persons with benchmark disabilities. Employees aged 58 years and above would ordinarily not be posted to the most difficult Zones IV and V. The draft also provides for inter-cadre transfers under specified circumstances, including marriage and exceptional medical or security grounds. A key feature of the proposed policy is the introduction of a Transfer Assessment Matrix (TAM)âan online point-based merit system that allocates weightage for service in difficult areas, age, disability, spouse posting, outstanding academic performance, national and UT-level teacher awards, serious illness, proximity to retirement and caregiving responsibilities to objectively determine transfer priority. The draft also lays down an indicative annual transfer calendar. Vacancies will be published in April, applications invited in May, merit lists and representations processed in June, and transfer orders issued during June and July. To address transfer-related disputes, the policy proposes a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism at the institutional, district and Union Territory levels, with representations to be ordinarily disposed of within 15 days. However, the proposed policy will not apply to Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) and Regularised Rehbar-e-Taleem (RReT) teachers, whose appointments remain school-specific unless separate government orders are issued. An official said the ATD has been revived following the successful implementation of similar exercises in 2023 and 2024, with the objective of making teacher transfers more transparent, equitable and technology-driven while strengthening accountability and improving human resource management in SED.
Srinagar, June 28: The Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ganderbal has deputed 62 teachers and other staff from government schools to manage RFID, e-KYC and on-the-spot registration facilities for SAJY-2026 at the Baltal base camp. As per the order issued by the CEO, Ganderbal on June 27, the officials were directed to report at Yatri Niwas Baltal and the RFID Building by 9:00 pm on the same day and remain on duty throughout the Yatra period or until further orders. The move comes in wake of the preparations underway for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SAJY) -2026. The deputation has been made in pursuance of an order issued by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, to ensure the smooth functioning of the RFID, electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) and on-the-spot registration centres established for pilgrims. As per the order, a detailed code of conduct has been laid down for the deputed officials, directing them to report to designated nodal officers, maintain punctuality and discipline, safeguard government equipment and ensure courteous behaviour while dealing with pilgrims. Officials have also been instructed to maintain strict confidentiality of pilgrims' personal data and refrain from sharing login credentials, passwords or other digital access with unauthorized persons. The CEO has warned that unauthorized absence, negligence, dereliction of duty, password changes, misuse of official credentials or any activity hampering the functioning of the registration centres will invite disciplinary action under the applicable service rules. The order further reads that the salaries of the deputed officials will continue to be drawn by their respective Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) upon production of attendance certificates issued by the nodal officer of the RFID centres. All the officials have been directed to acknowledge the instructions and ensure strict compliance. The deployment list comprises 62 teachers, laboratory assistants, physical education teachers, library staff and multi-tasking staff drawn mainly from the education zones of Kangan and Hariganiwan. Most of them have been assigned to the New Building of Yatri Niwas Baltal, while others have been posted at the RFID Building and assigned supervisory and technical responsibilities.Â
Srinagar, June 25: Jammu Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) on Thursday condoled the demise of JKAS officer Romeen Ahmad Sheikh. In a statement issued here, Provincial President JKTF Javaid Ahmad Bhat expressed grief and sorrow over the shocking demise of Romeen Ahmad Sheikh a young JKAS officer who was currently serving as Joint Director Handloom department. The deceased was the brother in law of SDPO Kreeri Aeshal Nisar. Bhat remembered the deceased as a noble soul with a human heart. "Demise of Romeen Sheikh is a personal loss to me and the whole teaching fraternity across JK UT. People of Kreeri stand with the bereaved family particularly Aeshal Nisar at this hour of grief," Bhat in a statement said. Bhai also prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul and patience to bereaved family to Bear this irreparable loss.
Srinagar, June 28: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone Sunday launched a fierce political offensive against the National Conference government over what he describes as a deeply compromised outsourcing regime in Jammu and Kashmir, promising explosive disclosures within a week. In a statement directed squarely at the ruling party, Lone declared, "To my friends in NC please be ready to answer a range of questions on Outsourcing. As promised within a week we will put every fact about outsourcing in the public domain." While stopping short of holding NC responsible for originating the outsourcing policy, Lone made the party's complicity unmistakably clear. "Agreed NC didn't start it. We knew that from Day 1. But you didn't stop it either. You went along with it. And in fact encouraged it," he stated, leaving no room for the ruling party to distance itself from the consequences of a policy it inherited but chose to sustain and expand. Lone then made his most serious allegation, one that goes beyond policy failure into the territory of outright wrongdoing. "Outsourcing is prone to corrupt collusion. And that corrupt collusion I can see very clearly," he said, signalling that his upcoming disclosures are backed by concrete information rather than political conjecture. Adding a documented dimension to his offensive, Lone revealed that he had formally raised a Starred Question before the General Administration Department during the last Assembly session, demanding full disclosure on the government's outsourcing activities. The question, a photograph of which he shared publicly, sought information on the total number of outsourced jobs across the government sector, the names and addresses of every outsourcing company currently engaged by the government, the total payments made to these companies across all departments, whether standardised salary guidelines exist for outsourced workers, and a complete department-wise breakdown of outsourced positions. The government responded only partially, and Lone pointed out that it chose to stay completely silent on the two most revealing and consequential parts of his question. It failed to respond to part (f), which asked, "What is the government's objective in outsourcing jobs? Does the government see outsourcing as means to reduce costs or as means to improve efficiency?" It equally avoided part (g), which asked, "Will government as a policy encourage or discourage outsourcing of government jobs?" Lone underlined the gravity of this silence, saying, "That remains unanswered and the devil is in the details," making clear that a government unwilling to state its own policy objectives on outsourcing has questions far bigger than administrative gaps to answer.
Srinagar, May 31: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Sunday lashed out at Mehbooba Mufti saying that teachers in Jammu and Kashmir do not need "seasonal sympathy tweets" but deserve consistency, dignity and honesty in public life. He was referring to tweet of former JK chief minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti wherein she accused the National Conference government of its silence over Teachers Eligibility Test (TET). In a tweet, Mehbooba Mufti said thousands of teachers in J&K were face uncertainty, anguish, and the looming threat of termination. "While other states are fighting to protect their teachers by filing review petitions before the Supreme Court on the TET issue our government chose silence despite earlier assurances of support.Teachers deserve advocacy and protection, not indifference at a moment that could determine their livelihood and future," she wrote on X. Reacting to her tweet, Inam Nabi lashed out at Mufti saying that one cannot ignite fear in power and preach compassion in opposition. "Kashmir remembers both the statements and the signatures," he said. He said that Mehbooba Mufti today speaks about âadvocacyâ and âprotectionâ for teachers as if people have forgotten her own tenure. "The same Mehbooba Mufti, while heading the government, ordered screening tests for nearly 65,000 ReT teachers and questioned their competence, qualifications and credibility," he said. He said today Mufti sheds tears for teachers facing uncertainty, but when she was in power, it was her own government that pushed thousands of teachers into anxiety, humiliation and fear. "What changed now? Opposition benches? Political convenience? Or selective memory? It is astonishing to see those who once treated teachers with suspicion now presenting themselves as their protectors," Inam U Nabi said. "Even Omar Abdullah had then questioned PDPâs move and asked whether the government had similarly screened its own political appointees before rewarding them with positions," he added. Inam Un Nabi, however, urged J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to rise above political differences and protect the teachers of Jammu and Kashmir by immediately filing a review petition before the Supreme Court on the TET issue. âTeachers are the backbone of society. Their livelihoods and dignity cannot be subjected to political silence or administrative indifference. The government must stand with them legally and morally at this critical juncture,â he added.
Udhampur, Jan 10: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday conducted an extensive tour of far-flung areas of Tehsil Panchari of District Udhampur and felicitated the winners of 6th ISKOI India Karate Championshipâ2025 during an impressive medal ceremony held at Government Higher Secondary School, Panchari here. Mission Director POSHAN Sajad Ahmad Ganai, Director Social Welfare Jammu Ranjeet Singh, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Colleges, PO Poshan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Joint Director School Education Udhampur -Reasi, DDC Member Panchari, other district officers, parents of medal winners and large number of locals were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the girl achievers, their parents and the local populace on the remarkable accomplishment of young girls. She lauded their dedication, discipline and fighting spirit and expressed pride in the fact that many of these medal winners hailed from far-flung and remote areas, overcoming limited resources and challenging circumstances, to bring laurels to Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Sakeena said that the achievements of these young girl sportspersons reflect their hard work and their parents as well as the growing sports culture in the region. âYour success proves that talent knows no geographical barriers. With determination and proper guidance, our youth can excel on any national and international platform,â she stated. Highlighting the importance of sports, the Minister said that sporting activities provide a common platform for budding sportspersons to showcase their talent and prepare them to face challenges in life. She urged the participants to actively engage in sports for physical fitness, mental well-being and overall personality development. She assured continued government support for promoting sports activities, especially in rural and far-flung areas, to ensure equal opportunities for talented players. She also lauded the efforts of the International Shito-Ryu Karate Organisation of India for promoting sports culture among youth, especially in rural areas. During the ceremony, the Minister interacted with the players, coaches and parents, appreciating the role of coaches and families in nurturing young talent. She encouraged the medal winners to continue their training and aim for greater achievements at national and international competitions. During the ceremony, as many as 47 medal winners of the 6th ISKOI India Karate championshipâ2025 were felicitated by the Minister and presented trophies and prizes to them. On the sidelines of the event, Sakeena Itoo Later distributed school bags and umbrellas under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Later, the Minister also interacted with DDC Member Panchari, former PRI members and locals who projected several issues and demands pertaining to health, education, road and other sector before the Minister. While interacting with them, the Minister said that the Director Health Services Jammu has been given strict instructions to prepare a holistic plan for upgradation of medical care facilities at the PHC Panchari as well as addressing shortage of staff, owing to the remoteness of area from district head quarters. She further added that the maintenance of road and allied works will be taken up with concerned quarters for immediate redressal. She reaffirmed that the Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthen road connectivity, health infrastructure and other essential facilities to ensure every basic service is available at the doorsteps of common people. She also said that the Tourism potential of the Panchari area will be tapped to its full extent by the Government, which will eventually lead to overall development of the area and add to its economic efficiency.
Baramulla, Jan 25: The Indian Army on Sunday organised Know Your Army event at District Police Line (DPL) Baramulla. From Artillery guns to Fly past by Drones in action and from new generation vehicles and latest equipment on display, the Dagger Division of Indian Army put on display its weapons to instill national pride among locals in Baramulla. The event was organised to commemorate 77th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. The event was organised by Dagger Division of Chinar Corps to showcase the operational capabilities of the Indian army and to inspire local youth to pursue careers in the Armed Forces, reinforcing National pride and unity. GOC, Dagger Division was the Chief Guest at the occasion while other and senior army officers and officials from civil administration were also present at the occasion. The event was declared open by the by GoC Dagger Division for the public. "Weather did not dampen the spirit of the enthusiastic locals and children who thronged the event in large numbers to witnessed the display," an official handout reads. Major highlights of the celebrations were an impressive capability display of Swarm of Drones, martial arts by Army and children of Chinar Yuva. "Children witnessing the event were enthralled by the mesmerising show of the Canine companions of soldiers," the handout reads. The people present at the occasion were entertained by vibrant, energetic and melodious Kashmiri renditions of famous songs sung by the local band, Strings of Baramulla of Chinar YUVA Center.  A captivating display of state of the art weapons and military equipment found favour with the youth. The event witnessed by approximately 1500 spectators, including Army and government officials besids the students from schools and colleges. The event received widespread appreciations from students and the local community, who expressed admiration for the discipline, dedication and combat readiness of the Indian Army. "Event successfully strengthened public confidence in the armed forces and fostered a renewed sense of patriotism among the youth of Baramulla," the handout reads.
Jammu, Mar 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Congress protested against the LPG price hike here on Sunday, saying this "anti-poor" decision by the government will add to the financial burden on the common man. Led by PCC president Tariq Hamid Karra and working president Raman Bhalla, the protesters also criticised the Indo-US trade deal, alleging that it will adversely impact the country's economy, according to a party spokesperson. The protesters gathered in Model Town, Digiana, near here, raised slogans against the ruling BJP and criticised what they described as the government's "surrender" in the Indo-US trade negotiations. The price of domestic cooking gas LPG was hiked on Saturday by a steep Rs 60 per cylinder, the second increase in less than a year, as the spike in global energy rates following the West Asia crisis weighed on the world's third largest energy consumer. Non-subsidised LPG -- the one that common households use in kitchens -- will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. The protesters said the continued rise in the prices of essential commodities, particularly cooking gas, has added to the financial burden on ordinary households. Addressing the protesters, Karra termed the LPG price hike "cruel". Many rural households still do not have access to piped gas supply and rely entirely on LPG cylinders. This will force them to plan their monthly budgets more carefully, he said. He demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike. The Congress leader described the Indo-US trade deal as a "major blow" to the country's economic interests. Instead of safeguarding the nation's economic and strategic priorities, the Centre "bowed to pressure" from the United States, he charged. He also expressed concern over the possible implications of the trade deal on India's agriculture and dairy sectors, and claimed that orchardists and dairy farmers in Jammu and Kashmir will be severely affected if safeguards are not put in place. "Our apple growers, walnut producers and small dairy farmers could face serious challenges if cheap imports enter the market without minimum support guarantees," Karra said. He demanded that the government present a white paper on the trade deal in Parliament. PCC working president Bhalla also strongly condemned the "unprecedented" hike in LPG prices and said poor and middle-class families will be badly affected by this decision of the Union government. He called for an LPG relief package for families belonging to the BPL (below poverty line) category, along with a special subsidy buffer for Jammu and Kashmir, citing the higher transportation and logistics costs in hilly regions. (PTI)
Srinagar, Jan 15: After the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) declared the result of the class 10th and 12th annual (regular) examinations, the whole focus shifted to the achievers, particularly the toppers. Amidst the appreciation and celebrations for the successful candidates, a stark reality has emerged in society that none of the stakeholders talk about those students who could not pass the examination. This emerging trend has become dangerous for the young students particularly the average performers or those who do not pass the exam in their first attempt. Amid this, a government school teacher has put forth a clear message for the parents of those children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams. Aasima Jan, a government school teacher from Baramulla district said that expectations of the parents should not make the students victim of depression. She believes that the parents must stand by their children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams or qualified it with average grades. After the announcement of the results, some students qualified the exams with good marks in class 10th and 12th exams while qualified with average grades while some could not qualify the exams. "Those parents whose children either took less marks or could not qualify for the exam, must be a little upset with their children. As a parent, it is natural to feel disappointed when your child does not come up to your expectations," Aasima Jan said. She however said that the high expectations of parents should not make the child a victim of depression. "Class 10th exam is just a first step in the educational journey of these children. This is not the end of life. Life will provide more opportunities, with more chances and more ways to excel," Aasima Jan said. She said the parents must support their child at this time deal with this setback. "If parents support their child at this time, their kids will bounce back more stronger in future. Parents must tell their children that failures are not opposite to success but are actually part of success," she said. She said there were many people who did not qualify normal exams but proved their worth in life after facing setbacks. "Parents must put in their efforts. Embrace their child, support them instead of letting them down," she said. As the JKBOSE declared the result of class 10th and 12th class examination, the stakeholders and society at large pour praise and attention on the top performers while there was a deafening silence surrounding those who do not pass the examination. The move raised a serious concern, particularly about the way children are being brought up. It raised big question that: âAre we preparing our students to be strong enough to cope with the failure?â
Srinagar, June 28: The Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ganderbal has deputed 62 teachers and other staff from government schools to manage RFID, e-KYC and on-the-spot registration facilities for SAJY-2026 at the Baltal base camp. As per the order issued by the CEO, Ganderbal on June 27, the officials were directed to report at Yatri Niwas Baltal and the RFID Building by 9:00 pm on the same day and remain on duty throughout the Yatra period or until further orders. The move comes in wake of the preparations underway for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SAJY) -2026. The deputation has been made in pursuance of an order issued by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, to ensure the smooth functioning of the RFID, electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) and on-the-spot registration centres established for pilgrims. As per the order, a detailed code of conduct has been laid down for the deputed officials, directing them to report to designated nodal officers, maintain punctuality and discipline, safeguard government equipment and ensure courteous behaviour while dealing with pilgrims. Officials have also been instructed to maintain strict confidentiality of pilgrims' personal data and refrain from sharing login credentials, passwords or other digital access with unauthorized persons. The CEO has warned that unauthorized absence, negligence, dereliction of duty, password changes, misuse of official credentials or any activity hampering the functioning of the registration centres will invite disciplinary action under the applicable service rules. The order further reads that the salaries of the deputed officials will continue to be drawn by their respective Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) upon production of attendance certificates issued by the nodal officer of the RFID centres. All the officials have been directed to acknowledge the instructions and ensure strict compliance. The deployment list comprises 62 teachers, laboratory assistants, physical education teachers, library staff and multi-tasking staff drawn mainly from the education zones of Kangan and Hariganiwan. Most of them have been assigned to the New Building of Yatri Niwas Baltal, while others have been posted at the RFID Building and assigned supervisory and technical responsibilities.Â
Srinagar, June 25: Jammu Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) on Thursday condoled the demise of JKAS officer Romeen Ahmad Sheikh. In a statement issued here, Provincial President JKTF Javaid Ahmad Bhat expressed grief and sorrow over the shocking demise of Romeen Ahmad Sheikh a young JKAS officer who was currently serving as Joint Director Handloom department. The deceased was the brother in law of SDPO Kreeri Aeshal Nisar. Bhat remembered the deceased as a noble soul with a human heart. "Demise of Romeen Sheikh is a personal loss to me and the whole teaching fraternity across JK UT. People of Kreeri stand with the bereaved family particularly Aeshal Nisar at this hour of grief," Bhat in a statement said. Bhai also prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul and patience to bereaved family to Bear this irreparable loss.
Srinagar, Jun 24: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, on Wednesday said that elaborate security, traffic and civic arrangements have been put in place for the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar, with drone surveillance being used to ensure its smooth and peaceful conduct. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the procession at Lal Chowk, SSP Srinagar said the arrangements cover the entire traditional route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate and Imamabad. âThe Srinagar Police, in coordination with paramilitary forces and the traffic police, has meticulously planned security arrangements from the starting point to the end point of the procession. Drone surveillance is also being used to enhance security and provide comfort to mourners as well as the general public,â Dr. Chakravarthy told reporters here. He urged the public and procession organisers to adhere to traffic advisories and the notified doâs and donâts issued by the police. âOur only aim is to ensure that the procession is conducted smoothly and in a dignified manner. For that, we require the cooperation and support of all stakeholders and the public,â he said. The SSP said police personnel have been deployed round-the-clock to facilitate the event and appealed to mourners to cooperate with the security agencies. âWe are on duty day and night to serve the public. We request everyone to cooperate so that the programme concludes peacefully and smoothly,â he added. Replying to a query regarding the upcoming 10th Muharram procession, Dr. Chakravarthy said similar comprehensive arrangements have already been planned for the main procession in the Jadibal area. âThat is the main procession and we have made elaborate arrangements for it as well. We are committed to ensuring its successful and peaceful conduct,â he said. (KNO)
Srinagar, Jun 24: Beneath a blanket of black flags and mourning banners, thousands of devotees streamed into Srinagarâs city centre at dawn on Wednesday as the traditional 8th Muharram procession began, transforming the Guru Bazar-Dalgate route into a river of mourners moving in remembrance of the martyrs of Karbala. From Guru Bazar to Dalgate, roads wore a sombre look. Sabeels, medical camps and volunteer-run service stalls lined the route, offering water, refreshments and assistance to participants, while elegies echoed through the streets as mourners joined the procession in large numbers. The procession commenced from Guru Bazar in the early morning hours and proceeded along the traditional route via Budshah Kadal and M.A. Road, with mourners carrying black standards and participating in commemorative rituals. âIt is not just a procession, but it is a journey of remembrance and sacrifice. People wait all year to be part of this day,â said, Tahir Ali, a mourner from central Kashmirâs Budgam district. Another participant, Mubashir Hassan said the atmosphere reflected both grief and unity. âYou can see people from every corner of Kashmir here. The arrangements by volunteers and authorities have helped everything move smoothly,â he said. As the procession advanced through the city centre, residents watched from roadside spaces, while volunteers remained busy attending to mourners and managing the service stalls set up along the route. Officials said elaborate arrangements had been put in place for the smooth conduct of the procession, including security deployment, drone surveillance, medical facilities, traffic regulation, sanitation measures, and uninterrupted essential services. Traffic diversions remained in force on major roads connected to the route, while designated parking facilities were made available for participants arriving from different districts and localities. The procession was continuing peacefully when this report was filed. (KNO)
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
