Jammu, Mar 12: Former J&K chief minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday said he was saved by God and that he doesn't know the attacker. The statement comes a day after he escaped unhurt in an assassination attempt made by an individual on him during a wedding function in Jammu. Talking to reporters in Jammu, Farooq Abdullah said that he does not know the attacker and had no personal dispute with him. "I don't know this man at all. He has said that he had been waiting for 20 years and had a personal grudge, but I don't know what his purpose was. I have never tried to harm anyone," he said. He said he initially mistook the gunfire for firecrackers before being informed by his security personnel that a man attempted to open fire at him. "I felt a sudden heat but did not immediately realise that gunshot had been fired. My security personnel quickly put me inside my car. Then they told me that the man fired two bullets from his revolver," he said. The NC president also raised questions over the absence of adequate security arrangements at the venue. "To say there was a security lapse is a big statement, but the fact is there was no police arrangement there. Many high profile people had come to attend the wedding, so there should have been protection," he said. "I thank Allah that my security personnel were there. Our ministers and MLAs also gave me courage at that time," he said. He added that he also received a phone call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the incident and that he assured a thorough probe would be conducted into the incident. "I extended gratitude to the Union Home Minister for calling me and I was assured that proper investigations will be conducted in this case," he said.
Srinagar, March 12: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has produced a chargesheet in case FIR No. 07/2013 before the Court of Special Anti-Corruption Judge Baramulla against seventeen (17) accused persons for offences punishable under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B and 201 RPC read with Section 5(2) PC Act. In a handout issued here, the CBK said that the case was registered following the receipt of official communications from the Deputy Director Health Services (HQR) Kashmir, Srinagar, alleging fraudulent insertions in Government Order No. 235-HME of 2010 dated April 19 of 2010. It was alleged that certain officials, in conspiracy with others, manipulated the said order and fraudulently showed the creation of additional posts in the Health Department in Medical Block Bandipora. "During investigation it surfaced that, under a well-planned criminal conspiracy involving departmental officials and beneficiaries, fake transfer and appointment orders were prepared and used to illegally adjust several individuals against non-existent posts in PHC Chuntimullah, PHC Ashtangoo, SDH Bandipora and PHC Sheikhpora Gurez," the handout reads. "By using these forged documents, the accused beneficiaries managed to secure illegal appointments and subsequently drew salaries and 6th Pay Commission arrears from the Government treasury," it reads. As per the handout, the investigation established that the accused persons, by resorting to forgery and fraudulent means, caused crores of rupees wrongful loss to the State exchequer while deriving corresponding wrongful gain for themselves. "Accordingly, after completion of investigation, the chargesheet has been filed before the court for judicial determination," the handout reads. The chargesheet has been filed against 17 accused persons including Chief Medical Officer, Block Medical Officer, doctors/medical officers, a senior assistant, office/dealing assistants of the Health Department and 12 beneficiary employees who were fraudulently adjusted against non-existent posts, reads the statement.
Srinagar, Mar 12: Political leaders across party lines have strongly condemned the assassination bid on Dr Farooq Abdullah and demanded a thorough probe into the major security lapse that allowed an armed man to allegedly open fire at him during a private function in Jammu late Wednesday evening. Senior Abdullah, president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, escaped an assassination attempt late Wednesday evening when a man allegedly opened fire at him during a marriage function in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his father had a âvery close shaveâ and credited the security personnel for preventing a major tragedy. âAllah is kind. My father had a very close shave. The details are sketchy at the moment but what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get within point blank range and discharge a shot. It was only the close protection team that deflected the shot and ensured that the assassination attempt failed,â Omar Abdullah wrote on his X handle. He also raised serious concerns about the security breach, questioning how an armed individual could get so close to a former Chief Minister who is under Z+ security cover by the National Security Guard. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who was accompanying Abdullah at the time along with Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, said all those present were safe and the circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation. âIt is by Godâs grace that the unfortunate attack on Dr Farooq Abdullah ended without harm. I was accompanying him along with Nasir Sogami and we are safe,â he said. Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmad Rana termed the incident âvery unfortunateâ and expressed relief that Abdullah and others escaped unharmed. He said the former chief minister had returned safely to his residence in Bathindi. He expressed concern over the security situation in J&K UT and questioned the effectiveness of the existing security arrangements. âIf Dr Farooq Abdullah, a towering national leader, is not safe in this environment, then who else can be?â he asked and urged a thorough investigation into the incident. Several political leaders across party lines condemned the attack and demanded strict action against the perpetrators. Former MLC Vikramaditya Singh described the incident as âgravely shocking and disturbing,â while expressing relief that Abdullah, Choudhary and Wani were safe. "I sincerely hope this serious security lapse is thoroughly investigated at the earliest and that the perpetrator is punished. Such blatant lawlessness is unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly and swiftly," he wrote on X. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra said the firing incident was deeply disturbing and raised serious concerns about the prevailing security scenario in the region. âThe increasing criminalisation and lawlessness cannot be ignored. Those entrusted with maintaining law and order must be held accountable,â Karra said. "Such acts of violence are deeply disturbing and raise serious concerns about the prevailing security scenario in the region," he wrote on X. He said the people deserve safety, stability, and a secure environment. "It is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that such incidents are not repeated," he said. JK Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone also condemned what he termed a âcowardly firingâ at Abdullah and other leaders and thanked Almighty that they were safe. "Condemn the cowardly firing at Dr Farooq sahib and Surinder Choudhary Ji and Nasir Aslam sahib. Thanks to Allah Almighty that they are safe," he wrote on X. Former minister and senior leader JKPC Imran Raza Ansari expressed concern over the reports of the attempt on Abdullahâs life and said it was a matter of serious concern despite the fact that he had escaped unhurt. "Deeply concerned by reports of an attempt on Dr. Farooq Abdullah Sbâs life at a wedding in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. Details remain sketchy at the moment, but it is a matter of serious concern," he wrote on X. National Conference leader Ali Mohammad Sagar said he was appalled by the âheinous and cowardlyâ shooting and demanded a time-bound probe to bring the perpetrators and conspirators to justice. "Appalled by the heinous, cowardly shooting targeting veteran leader and JKNC President Jenab Dr. Farooq Abdullah Sahab and others present alongside him including the Deputy CM Surindher Kumar Chowdhary," he wrote on X. "I stand in absolute condemnation of this assault and urge the security establishment to look into this failure on part of security present there," the post reads. "We demand a thorough investigation in a time bound manner and whosoever are the perpetrators and who conspired must face the law." Health minister Sakina Itoo also condemned the incident, saying such a serious attack involving a Z+ protected former chief minister raised troubling questions about security arrangements. "Strongly condemn the shocking attack on Farooq Sb. Such a serious incident involving a Z+ protected former Chief Minister raises deeply troubling questions about how this was even possible," she wrote on X. "The entire matter must be thoroughly investigated and accountability fixed for this grave security lapse," the post reads. Police have apprehended the accused who was in intoxicated condition and identified himself as Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, son of late Ajit Singh Jamwal, resident of Purani Mandi, Jammu. He claimed to have owned shops in Purani Mandi. Further investigation was underway. Police, however, ruled out any terror angle in the incident.
Accused taken into custody: CMâs adviser says he attempted to kill Farooq Abdullah; Dy CM calls it âmajorâ security lapse Jammu, Mar 11: Panic broke out during a wedding function near Royal Park in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu on Wednesday after a man opened fire, officials said. The function was attended by National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and several political leaders. An official said that the man, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, was intoxicated when he opened the fire. He was soon overpowered by people present at the scene and handed over to the police. He said that no one has suffered injuries in the incident, while the man has been taken into custody with further probe into the incident underway. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministerâs Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani told reporters that the man attempted to kill Farooq Abdullah by opening fire from his revolver. "Almighty saved Farooq Sahab and no one was injured in the incident. The man has been taken into custody and it is too early to comment as to why he attempted to kill Farooq Sahab,â he said. He added that the police are investigating the matter, while Farooq Abdullah is unhurt and is in âgood spiritsâ. Meanwhile, talking to reporters outside the wedding venue, the Deputy Chief Minister termed it as a major security lapse, saying that no police personnel or security official was present there at the time of the incident. (KNO)
Jammu, Mar 12: Former J&K chief minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday said he was saved by God and that he doesn't know the attacker. The statement comes a day after he escaped unhurt in an assassination attempt made by an individual on him during a wedding function in Jammu. Talking to reporters in Jammu, Farooq Abdullah said that he does not know the attacker and had no personal dispute with him. "I don't know this man at all. He has said that he had been waiting for 20 years and had a personal grudge, but I don't know what his purpose was. I have never tried to harm anyone," he said. He said he initially mistook the gunfire for firecrackers before being informed by his security personnel that a man attempted to open fire at him. "I felt a sudden heat but did not immediately realise that gunshot had been fired. My security personnel quickly put me inside my car. Then they told me that the man fired two bullets from his revolver," he said. The NC president also raised questions over the absence of adequate security arrangements at the venue. "To say there was a security lapse is a big statement, but the fact is there was no police arrangement there. Many high profile people had come to attend the wedding, so there should have been protection," he said. "I thank Allah that my security personnel were there. Our ministers and MLAs also gave me courage at that time," he said. He added that he also received a phone call from Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the incident and that he assured a thorough probe would be conducted into the incident. "I extended gratitude to the Union Home Minister for calling me and I was assured that proper investigations will be conducted in this case," he said.
Srinagar, Feb 25: Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday evening on his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir, marking his first official engagement in the Union Territory since assuming office. The officials said the Vice-President was received at Srinagar Airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdulah and other senior officials. âDelighted to welcome Honâble Vice-President of India, Shri C P Radhakrishnan Ji at the Srinagar Airport,â LG Sinha wrote on X.     Office of the J&K Chief Minister wrote on X that the CM received Honâble Vice-President of India upon his arrival at Srinagar Airport today. After landing in Srinagar, the Vice-President drove to Lok Bhavan where LG Sinha presented him with a souvenir, said an official.  He said the Vice-President will attend the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir as a chief guest at its Hazratbal campus on Thursday. âThe programme is scheduled to begin in the forenoon with the academic procession, followed by the Vice-Chancellorâs annual report highlighting the Universityâs academic achievements, research output and institutional milestones,â said the official, adding, âVice-President Radhakrishnan will then deliver the convocation address and formally confer degrees upon graduating students.â He said that Lieutenant Governor and KU Chancellor, Manoj Sinha, will preside over the convocation, while Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor, Omar Abdullah, will attend the event as a guest of honour. âA total of 59,558 degrees â 44,910 graduates, 13,545 postgraduates, 461 MD/MS, four MCH, 18 MPhil and 620 PhDs â will be conferred at the convocation,â said an official. KU Vice-Chancellor Nilofer Khan said the convocation "celebrates the academic accomplishments of our students and reaffirms our commitment to quality education, research and public engagement." She added that the presence of the Vice-President of India at the event reflects the growing national recognition of the university's academic and research contributions. Elaborate and multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place across Srinagar, particularly in and around the HazratbalâNishatâHarwan axis. Senior police and civil administration officers have reviewed the security and logistical preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Meanwhile, authorities have also issued a detailed traffic advisory for parts of Srinagar tomorrow, with restrictions to remain in force from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
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, March 12: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has produced a chargesheet in case FIR No. 07/2013 before the Court of Special Anti-Corruption Judge Baramulla against seventeen (17) accused persons for offences punishable under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B and 201 RPC read with Section 5(2) PC Act. In a handout issued here, the CBK said that the case was registered following the receipt of official communications from the Deputy Director Health Services (HQR) Kashmir, Srinagar, alleging fraudulent insertions in Government Order No. 235-HME of 2010 dated April 19 of 2010. It was alleged that certain officials, in conspiracy with others, manipulated the said order and fraudulently showed the creation of additional posts in the Health Department in Medical Block Bandipora. "During investigation it surfaced that, under a well-planned criminal conspiracy involving departmental officials and beneficiaries, fake transfer and appointment orders were prepared and used to illegally adjust several individuals against non-existent posts in PHC Chuntimullah, PHC Ashtangoo, SDH Bandipora and PHC Sheikhpora Gurez," the handout reads. "By using these forged documents, the accused beneficiaries managed to secure illegal appointments and subsequently drew salaries and 6th Pay Commission arrears from the Government treasury," it reads. As per the handout, the investigation established that the accused persons, by resorting to forgery and fraudulent means, caused crores of rupees wrongful loss to the State exchequer while deriving corresponding wrongful gain for themselves. "Accordingly, after completion of investigation, the chargesheet has been filed before the court for judicial determination," the handout reads. The chargesheet has been filed against 17 accused persons including Chief Medical Officer, Block Medical Officer, doctors/medical officers, a senior assistant, office/dealing assistants of the Health Department and 12 beneficiary employees who were fraudulently adjusted against non-existent posts, reads the statement.
Urges minister Javed Rana to intervene, ensure swift resolution Srinagar, March 11: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Tuesday expressed deep concern over an ongoing protest by contractors of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department in Handwara, who have been demonstrating for two consecutive days over the non-release of long-pending dues dating to 2019. Lone described the situation as emblematic of a deeper administrative failure as the contractors claim that payments have remained withheld for over five years, driving many into acute financial distress. "These contractors have been suffering for years. Every new Executive Engineer arrives with a new narrative, but the reality on the ground remains unchanged," he said. PC President disclosed that during a departmental review meeting held some months ago, he had put forward a viable mechanism for settling the outstanding liabilities, a proposal that was initially accepted by the officers present. He expressed strong displeasure that the same understanding was subsequently reversed. "They backtracked later, leaving the contractors in the same uncertainty and distress," he said. Furthermore, he had also raised the matter in the Assembly to underscore its urgency and to press for justice for contractors who had executed government works in good faith. Appealing for swift intervention, Lone urged Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana to personally examine the matter and if necessary, convene a meeting between the concerned officers and the protesting contractors. "I would strongly recommend such an engagement so that a fair and immediate resolution can be reached," he concluded.
Bandipora, March 8: Department of Social Welfare Bandipora, celebrated International Women's Day 2026 with the inspiring theme, âGive to Gain" at the Auditorium Hall, Kaloosa, Bandipora. The program was graced by ADC Bandipora Zaffar Husson Shawal as the Chief Guest and was attended by District Social Welfare Officer, Bashir Ahmed Malik, supervisors from Mission Poshan, teachers from the Education Department, officials from Mission Shakti/Vatsalya, and students from various schools. Speakers from the DLSA, Education Department, and Mission Shakti highlighted the importance of womenâs rights, empowerment, and equal opportunities. On this occasion, women achievers from across the district were felicitated for their contributions to various fields. Additionally, female students who secured top positions in the 10th and 12th-grade examinations, as well as outstanding female athletes, were honoured for their remarkable accomplishments. During the event, a boutique owner shared her success story, explaining how the initiative helped her start a business and achieve financial independence. Her journey served as a motivation for young women to pursue entrepreneurship and self-reliance. The event featured engaging cultural performances, including a Skit, Laddishah, and a Nukkad Natak focused on women's empowerment. The program concluded with a powerful message of unity and a collective responsibility to support and uplift women in every sphere of life. In a separate function the district administration Bandipora, District Employment and Counselling Centre (DE&CC) Bandipora in collaboration with NRLM Bandipora organised a Women Entrepreneurship and Self Help Group (SHG) Mela under Mission YUVA at Town Hall Hajin on Sunday. Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Zaffar Husson Shawl, presided over the event and highlighted the important role of women in entrepreneurship and economic development. He emphasised that initiatives under Mission YUVA aim to promote self-employment and provide necessary institutional and financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, enabling them to establish sustainable livelihood ventures. The mela provided a platform for women entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups (SHGs) to showcase their products and business initiatives. Various SHGs and women-led enterprises displayed locally produced goods, highlighting their skills and entrepreneurial potential while also creating awareness about opportunities available under Mission YUVA and other self-employment schemes. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from women entrepreneurs, members of Self Help Groups, officials from different departments, and local residents.
Sopore, Mar 4: Authorities on Wednesday issued a stern warning against the illegal extraction of sand and other minerals in the Manzseer area of Sopore, vowing to take stringent action against those involved in what officials termed as "looting" water bodies. Reacting to reports of illegal mining activities in the area, District Mining Officer (DMO) Zulfikar Ahmad stated that no one will be allowed to damage the Kashmir's natural resources. "There have been reports of wrong practices in the Manzseer area. We have taken action in the past, but we will not tolerate any further violations," the DMO told media. The official confirmed that the ADC Sopore, S.A. Raina, has been directed to impose a complete ban on illegal mining operations at the site. "We will instruct the ADC to ensure a complete ban so that our water bodies are saved and the health of the people is safeguarded," the officer said. Â "The department will leave no stone unturned in safeguarding our water bodies. No one will be allowed to damage nature or get involved in any wrong practices," he added. The reaction from the mining department comes in the wake of media reports highlighting the activities of the sand mafia in the Manzseer belt. Meanwhile, ADC Sopore S.A. Raina assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of engaging in illegal practices, in accordance with the law.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmirâs Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). âAbout a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,â he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.âIf we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,â he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeebâs research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. âIn this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,â he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. âIt is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,â he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,â he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. âMy parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,â he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. âJust as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.â âYoung people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,â he further added.
