Srinagar, Oct 12: Positioning itself at the forefront of regional policy innovation and ecological governance, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) took centre stage on Monday as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) alongside the J&K Agriculture Science Congress 2026 at the university’s Shalimar Campus. The three-day national convention jointly organised by SKUAST-K in collaboration with the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) and the J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), has drawn top policymakers, domain scientists, and delegates from across 11 Himalayan states. Deliberations are centered around the university’s pioneering draft Sustainable Mountain Development Policy (JK-SMDP 2026)—the country’s first state-specific mountain framework, which experts from northeastern Himalayan states have already expressed keen interest in adapting as a template for their respective regions. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commended SKUAST-K for steering this vital policy initiative and called for an actionable, realistic roadmap that strikes an equitable balance between environmental preservation and community livelihoods. “We cannot stop global warming on our own, but we can certainly take better care of our own environment,” the Chief Minister said, citing erratic snowfall, receding glaciers such as Thajiwas near Sonamarg, and recurring flash floods as warnings of an intensifying climate crisis. Referring to recent disasters in Nepal, he urged the gathering to ensure science moves beyond conference halls into tangible statecraft. “Jammu and Kashmir aspires to become the first Himalayan territory to have its own dedicated mountain policy, and my government is keen to take this forward. However, those recommendations must be grounded in reality—balancing ecological sustainability with everyday economic survival," he said.  The Chief Minister highlighted that agriculture and horticulture – not tourism alone – form the actual backbone of J&K’s economy, underscoring that environmental resilience is directly linked to food security and rural prosperity. He advocated for a coordinated approach to hill infrastructure mandating scientific slope-stabilization standards during road construction to prevent recurrent landslides, planned vertical expansion to preserve scarce land, and developing new carrying-capacity-backed tourist destinations equipped with upfront waste and sewage infrastructure rather than abruptly curtailing livelihoods at high-pressure sites like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. Delivering the institutional vision, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, outlined the university's 11-point policy architecture designed to transition mountain governance into an enforceable model. The proposed framework prioritizes carrying-capacity-based visitor management, automated hazard early warning networks, mandatory clean-in-place and zero-waste systems, clean mobility transitions via green gateways, and close inter-departmental convergence anchored by scientific data. Emphasizing the campus-to-governance synergy, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) Mandeep Kaur pushed for deeper institutional collaboration between HUDD and SKUAST-K to integrate climate risk assessments into hill-town master planning and seismic-resilient urban development. Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, stressed the need for climate-resilient farming models to insulate rural livelihoods against environmental shocks, while Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, urged immediate checks on unregulated resource exploitation. The inaugural session also featured strategic perspectives from IMI leadership, including President Dr. S.T.S. Lepcha, former MP and former President P.D. Rai, and Lead Strategist Dr. Rajan Kotru, who emphasized regional pride, inclusive green economies, and cross-Himalayan solidarity. The opening proceedings witnessed the formal release of several landmark summit publications and the screening of Himalayan Voice, a documentary jointly produced by SKUAST-K and IMI. Earlier, Prof. Khursheed A. Dar, Organising Secretary of the Congress, delivered the formal welcome address, while Prof. A.H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry and Organising Secretary of the Summit, presented the concluding vote of thanks. Over the next two days, parallel technical tracks across twelve thematic verticals will deliberate on climate-smart agriculture, digital farm innovations, the bio-economy, and the draft mountain policy. The summit is set to culminate in the adoption of the historic Shalimar Declaration, consolidating SKUAST-K’s pivotal role as the primary knowledge anchor guiding the Himalayan arc toward a sustainable and resilient future.

Jammu, Oct 12: The new Director General (DG) of Prosecution, of Jammu & Kashmir Sunita Kargotra Monday underscored the need to strengthen the prosecution system through professional excellence, institutional discipline, strengthening, accountability and effective coordination among Prosecutors across the Union Territory. In her maiden address to the Prosecutors of J&K UT after taking over as the DG, Sunita Kargotra emphasised the pivotal role of the Prosecution Department in the Criminal Justice Delivery System. The Director General said that the foremost objective of the Directorate would be to ensure effective, fair and legally sound prosecution, while upholding the rule of law and public confidence in the Justice System. She stressed that every Prosecutor must discharge his or her duties with integrity, diligence and a high degree of professional competence. Timely examination of Judgments and Court Orders, prompt legal action wherever warranted, effective case preparation and close coordination with investigating agencies/ Stakeholders were identified as important areas requiring sustained attention. The Director General also emphasised the need to foster a work culture founded on responsibility, merit and performance. She observed that officers, who take initiative, demonstrate leadership and complete assignments with dedication, even under challenging circumstances, deserve recognition and encouragement. Underscoring the importance of collective responsibility, she called upon senior officers to lead by example, mentor their colleagues and ensure that the Directorate functions as a cohesive and professionally driven institution. She further assured that genuine professional concerns and issues relating to the working conditions and welfare of Prosecutors would receive due consideration and would be taken up with the higher authorities for early consideration. Reaffirming the core principles governing Prosecution, Kargotra observed that the role of a Prosecutor extends beyond securing convictions and includes assisting the courts in the fair administration of Justice. She emphasised that independence, impartiality and adherence to law must remain the guiding principles of every Prosecutor. The Director General expressed confidence that, with the collective commitment and cooperation of all officers, the Prosecution Department would continue to strengthen its institutional capacity and contribute meaningfully to an effective, transparent and credible Criminal Justice System in J&K UT.

Leh/Jammu, Oct 12: Ladakh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rahul Sharma on Monday urged eligible residents of Leh and Kargil to verify their names in the draft electoral rolls and submit claims and objections by October 15. Sharma chaired a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties in Leh to review the ongoing revision of electoral rolls for the municipal committees of Leh and Kargil, officials said. The CEO briefed the representatives on eligibility criteria, disqualification provisions and procedures for inclusion of names, correction of particulars and filing of objections. He stressed the importance of accurate and inclusive electoral rolls to ensure that all eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process. The draft municipal electoral rolls have been published and are available for public inspection. Sharma urged eligible residents to check their electoral details and submit the prescribed forms for enrolment or correction, or file objections wherever necessary, before the October 15 deadline. He also called upon political party representatives to spread awareness about the revision exercise, particularly among eligible residents whose names may be missing from the draft rolls, and encourage them to complete the required formalities within the stipulated timeframe. Prescribed forms were distributed during the meeting to familiarise the representatives with the procedures for inclusion, correction and filing of objections. Representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Indian National Congress (INC) attended the meeting, along with Joint Chief Electoral Officer Sonam Chosjor. There are 193 Panchayats in Ladakh, including 95 in Leh and 98 in Kargil. The last Panchayat and Municipal elections in Ladakh were held in 2018 when it was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. Both the bodies have completed their term. (PTI)

Srinagar, Oct 12: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Monday chaired the 31st meeting of Board of Directors of the Jammu & Kashmir Womens' Development Corporation (JKWDC) Limited  at SKICC, today. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Social Welfare Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray; Managing Director JKWDC, Purnima Mittal representatives of Planning & Finance Departments, J&K and Apex Corporations from New Delhi. During the meeting, the Board deliberated upon various important administrative, financial and policy matters concerning the functioning of the Corporation and took several key decisions. In her address during the meeting, Sakina Itoo emphasised the need for the Corporation to function with greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness. She advocated a focused approach towards ensuring that the intended benefits of welfare and development schemes reach the eligible Women beneficiaries in a timely manner. Sakeena Itoo called for strengthening the institutional mechanisms, streamlining procedures and improving coordination among the concerned stakeholders to facilitate easier access to financial assistance, self-employment opportunities and other support measures for the Women entrepreneurs. “Welfare interventions should translate into tangible improvements in the socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries, particularly through initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance”, maintained the Minister. The Minister directed the Corporation to maintain close engagement with the beneficiaries and community representatives, identify emerging requirements and take necessary measures to address genuine concerns within the prescribed framework. Sakeena Itoo appreciated the efforts of the Corporation and stressed upon all concerned officers to ensure transparency, accountability, efficiency and timely implementation of the decisions taken by the Board in the larger public interest. During the meeting, the Board directed the Corporation to intensify and expedite the recovery of outstanding loans, particularly long-pending dues and adopt all permissible measures for effective follow-up and timely recovery. She enquired about the establishment of online system for recovery and disbursement of various schemes. The Board further approved the Budget Estimates for the financial year 2026–27, covering the revenue and capital requirements of the Corporation and providing for effective implementation of its developmental and welfare-oriented programmes. Also, financial statements for the year 2024-25 were approved by the Board which shall be sent for Audit. The Board emphasized the need for greater financial discipline, improved recovery of outstanding loans, timely implementation of approved programmes and effective delivery of benefits to eligible Women entrepreneurs.

Srinagar, Oct 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday called for a practical and balanced approach to sustainable mountain development, stressing that environmental protection, economic growth and people’s livelihoods must go hand in hand. The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, jointly organised by SKUAST-Kashmir and the Integrated Mountain Initiative, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC). The summit, held under the J&K Agriculture Science Congress-2026, is themed around sustainable Himalayan landscapes for inclusive Viksit Bharat and the formulation of a Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir. Emphasising the urgent need to protect the region’s fragile mountain ecology, the Chief Minister said climate change, erratic snowfall, water scarcity, extreme rainfall and landslides were increasingly affecting Jammu and Kashmir, making sustainable development essential for its long-term survival. “We do not take care of our mountains, our environment as much as we should. We cannot stop global warming on our own, nor can we reverse it. The whole world will have to come together to address this challenge. But we can certainly take better care of our own environment,” he said. Referring to changing weather patterns, the Chief Minister observed that snowfall had become increasingly erratic, with reduced snowfall and delayed winter precipitation contributing to water shortages during the spring months. He said prolonged dry spells were often followed by intense rainfall, cloudbursts and flooding, creating fresh challenges for communities and infrastructure. Describing these developments as the new reality, Omar Abdullah said the challenge was to determine how Jammu and Kashmir could continue to develop while adapting to growing environmental risks. “We have to ask ourselves: how do we sustain our livelihoods and how do we develop? Development is essential, but it must be sustainable,” he said. The Chief Minister cautioned against viewing tourism as the sole cause of environmental degradation, while acknowledging the pressure that growing tourist numbers placed on popular destinations. He stressed that environmental responsibility had to be shared by the government, residents, businesses and visitors alike. “Tourism does put pressure on our environment, but to assume that the situation is bad only because of tourism or tourists would also be wrong. We will have to take some responsibility,” he said, urging people to avoid littering, reduce the use of single-use plastic and conserve water and energy. He called for a change in everyday practices, observing that people often discarded plastic wrappers and bottles in public places while expecting the government to clean up after them. While acknowledging the government’s primary responsibility for environmental management, he underlined that individual actions were equally important in protecting the natural surroundings. On tourism development, the Chief Minister said the answer was not to abruptly restrict visitors to established destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, where livelihoods depended substantially on tourism. Instead, he advocated developing new destinations through a planned and sustainable approach, with adequate arrangements for sewage treatment, wastewater management and solid waste disposal in place from the outset. “Some of our destinations do not have enough carrying capacity. We have to widen tourism, not to stop people from going to Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg, but to develop new and sustainable destinations where the systems for waste disposal and sewage disposal are already ready,” he said. Highlighting the need for environmentally sound infrastructure, Omar Abdullah said unscientific hill cutting during road construction had contributed to landslides and repeated damage to roads, particularly in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He said road construction agencies often resorted to indiscriminate cutting of mountain slopes without adequate consideration for slope stabilisation and appropriate cutting angles. While such practices might reduce initial construction costs, the resulting damage during rainfall frequently necessitated reconstruction, diverting resources that could otherwise be used to build new roads. The Chief Minister said he had asked the Forest and Environment Department and the Public Works Department to work together to ensure that development projects incorporated sustainable engineering practices and reduced the risk of landslides. “When you cut a mountain, cut it in a way in which the possibility of landslides may not be eradicated, but at least be reduced,” he said, emphasising that long-term sustainability must take precedence over short-term savings. On urban development and housing, the Chief Minister called for greater emphasis on energy-efficient and earthquake-resilient buildings, along with more efficient land use. With land becoming increasingly scarce in the Valley, he said, planners needed to explore vertical development wherever appropriate rather than continued horizontal expansion, while ensuring compliance with seismic safety requirements. Recalling the devastation caused by past natural disasters, including the 2014 floods and the earthquake that affected the region in 2005, he stressed the need to incorporate disaster resilience into future construction and examine cost-effective ways to retrofit existing buildings. The Chief Minister also highlighted the visible retreat of glaciers in the region, recalling how the glacier near Sonamarg once extended close to the meadows. Today, he said, younger generations have to trek considerably farther to reach the receded glacier. He said the changes underscored the responsibility of the present generation to protect the region’s natural heritage and preserve it for those who would inherit it. “That is what we owe the future generations. Protect what we have, retrieve what we can, and ensure that we do not do any further damage, while also ensuring that livelihoods are protected,” he said. Underlining the importance of agriculture and horticulture to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, Omar Abdullah said the region’s economic foundations were often misunderstood by those who viewed tourism as its principal source of income. Agriculture and horticulture, he pointed out, contributed substantially more to the economy than tourism. He said protecting the environment and promoting sustainable mountain development were therefore not merely conservation objectives but fundamental to the region’s economic security, livelihoods and long-term prosperity. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the three-day summit would move beyond academic discussions and produce concrete recommendations that could be translated into effective policies and practical action. He said Jammu and Kashmir aspired to become the first Himalayan territory to have its own mountain policy and that his government was keen to take the initiative forward. However, he stressed that the policy must emerge from wider consultation and reflect the realities of the region rather than being based on idealistic assumptions. “Those recommendations need to be grounded in reality. We need to balance the need for sustainability with the need for existence and livelihoods,” he said. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to delegates and participants who had travelled from different parts of the country to attend the summit and said he would look forward to its recommendations. “I cannot emphasise this point strongly enough. Sustainable development through actionable inputs and practical steps is what I hope this summit will deliver,” he said, wishing the participants success in their deliberations. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released several publications brought out for the summit. Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmed Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai, President, Integrated Mountain Initiative, STS Lepcha, former president IMI PD Rai, Councillor, Integrated Mountain Initiative, Rajan Kotru, delegates from 11 mountain states, representatives of NGOs, faculty members, scholars, students and other concerned persons were present.

Srinagar, Oct 11: The two-day special intensive voter nrolment drive organised across Jammu and Kashmir concluded on Sunday with a strong response from electors and election functionaries undertaking extensive outreach to facilitate voter registration. The event was also aimed at addressing public grievances and raise awareness about electoral services. The drive was conducted at polling stations across J&K from 9 AM to 5 PM and provided eligible citizens with an opportunity to enrol as voters, seek correction or updation of their electoral particulars, and obtain assistance with matters related to electoral registration, in keeping with the guiding objective of the Election Commission of India: “No Eligible Voter to Be Left Behind.” The drive was conducted under the overall supervision of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Shri Sanjeev Verma while the district election machinery was coordinating arrangements and facilitating the delivery of enrolment services across the Union Territory. District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers, Deputy Director Information (Nodal Officer SVEEP), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Election Naib Tehsildars (ENTs) oversaw the exercise in their respective jurisdictions, while Booth Level Officers (BLOs) played a key role in assisting electors at polling stations and at the grassroots level. BLOs remained available at polling stations to guide citizens through the prescribed electoral registration formalities. Assistance was provided regarding Form 6, Form 7 and Form 8. Citizens were also guided on accessing digital services through the Voter Helpline App. During the drive, grievances and queries raised by electors were taken up by the election functionaries concerned for redressal and appropriate action. Contact numbers of officials concerned were also shared with the public to facilitate direct communication and enable citizens to seek assistance regarding their electoral particulars and enrolment-related matters. The Election Department reiterated that the election machinery across Jammu and Kashmir remains available round-the-clock to assist the public, address grievances and provide guidance on voter enrolment and other electoral matters. The Election Department further clarified that any eligible person, including young and first-time voters, may apply to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) concerned for inclusion of their names in the electoral roll under the process of continuous updation. Meanwhile, a significant component of the special-drive exercise was door-to-door outreach, inspection by election officers and election functionaries to identify and reach eligible voters. The outreach also focused on encouraging eligible voters to avail themselves of the enrolment facilities. Deputy Director Information Salam Din who is also the Nodal Officer SVEEP in the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, interacted with the media during the drive and highlighted the importance of voter awareness, accessible enrolment facilities and sustained public participation in the electoral process. He also acknowledged the media’s role in ensuring that information about the drive reached the public and in encouraging greater awareness about voter enrolment. The two-day exercise reflects the continued efforts of the Election Commission of India and the Election Department, J&K, to make electoral registration more accessible and inclusive. It also underscores the importance of accurate and comprehensive electoral rolls in ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. With the conclusion of the current drive, the Election Department reiterated its commitment to making such camps and voter facilitation exercises a regular feature in the future.

Srinagar, Oct 10: Chairman Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners United Front (JKPUF) Abdul Qayoom Wani Saturday organised a massive protest demonstration at floriculture park near, Lal Chowk, Srinagar, to press for the pending demands of pensioners. The protest was attended by a large gathering of pensioners who unanimously adopted a twelve-point resolution demanding immediate intervention by the Central and State Governments on issues concerning pensioners, senior citizens, employees and the working class. The gathering conveyed a clear and unequivocal message to the governments that the patience of crores of pensioners and senior citizens must not be tested any further. The pensioners demanded that the government honour their contribution to the nation by ensuring dignity, social security and equitable treatment after retirement. The resolution called for immediate implementation of the 8th Central pay commission for pensioners, as has been done under previous Pay Commissions. It also demanded revocation of the present Terms of Reference and the Validation Act, 2025, which, according to the JKPUF, deny pensioners their rightful consideration under the new pay commission. Among the major demands endorsed by the gathering were implementation of the 8th CPC for all pensioners of the country, stopping recovery of commuted pension after ten years, in accordance with judgments of the Supreme Court and other courts. The association also demanded enhancement of the medical allowance to Rs 3,000 per month for every pensioner and removal of disparity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. JKPUF also demanded extension of the central goverment health scheme to all pensioners, irrespective of their date of retirement, and withdrawal of the restriction applicable to those retiring after October 10, 2019. "The government should announce enhancement of old-age and widow pension from Rs 1,000 to ₹5,000 per month," Wani in a statement said. He also demanded immediate withdrawal of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). JKPUF also demanded regularisation of eligible in-charge officers and other employees in the education and other departments as well. "Government should also speed up regularisation of daily wagers, casual labourers and other temporary employees and ensure implementation of minimum wages for vulnerable categories including contengent paid workers of education department, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, cooks, SPOs, Aaya workers and other similarly placed employees," Wani said. JKPUF Chairman asked the government to ensure job security and equal pay for equal work for contractual employees working under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) besides pitching for effective implementation of the Senior Citizens Act, 2017, including provision of Senior Citizen Cards through a single-window mechanism and dedicated counters at government offices, hospitals, airports and Civil Secretariats. "Government should release DA which was stopped in covid period," the statement reads. Wani demanded grant of additional pension at the rate of five percent each after attaing the age of 65years, 70 years and 80 years instead of 20 percent at the age of 80 years. "Pensioners cannot be ignored indefinitely. The Central and State Governments must come clear on the demands of pensioners and take immediate steps to resolve the issues as well," Wani said while addressing the protesting pensioners here. He said pensioners devoted the best years of their lives to public service and nation-building and therefore deserved respect, dignity, healthcare and financial security, rather than repeated delays and assurances. He criticised public representatives for "remaining vocal about their own privileges and protocol" while failing to adequately address the issues of employees, workers and pensioners despite repeated representations. Wani particularly appealed to Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Home Minister to personally intervene in the matter and respond to the concerns of crores of pensioners and senior citizens across the country. He warned that continued neglect of these legitimate demands would compel pensioners to intensify their peaceful and democratic struggle at the national level. Unconditional Support to National Pensioners’ Programmes The gathering unanimously resolved to extend unconditional support to national-level protest programmes being organised in favour of pensioners’ legitimate rights. Wani also informed the gathering that the Core Committee of the All India State Pensioners Federation is scheduled to meet in Delhi next month to deliberate upon and finalise the future course of action. “This Protest Is a Wake-Up Call” Calling the Srinagar demonstration a wake-up call to pensioners across Jammu & Kashmir and the country, Wani urged pensioners who have remained away from organised activities to come forward and join the movement. He appealed to pensioners to remain united, saying that only a collective and sustained democratic movement could compel the authorities to take their concerns seriously. “This is the right time to unite and act unitedly. If we remain silent today, it may be too late tomorrow. Pensioners must stand together to protect their dignity, rights and social security and to give a befitting democratic response to anti-pensioner policies,” Wani said. The gathering concluded with a unanimous pledge that the pensioners’ movement would continue through peaceful, constitutional and democratic means until the genuine demands incorporated in the resolution are addressed.

Srinagar, Oct 10: In a latest development, the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has withdrawn the charges of two officers handling purchases and stores functions following lapses in the maintenance of records related to the tendering and procurement of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). As per the order issued with the approval of Managing Director JKRTC on October 8 of 2026, the corporation has observed that records pertaining to the DEF procurement process were not maintained in a systematic and readily traceable manner, prompting administrative action against the officers holding the respective charges. As per the order, General Manager, Purchases and Stores earlier reported that several records were maintained in physical or offline mode instead of being properly maintained in the e-office system. "The General Manager, P&S JKRTC has himself reported that several records were maintained in physical/offline mode instead of being properly maintained in the e-Office system, with the result certain records could not be located immediately when the same were required to be produced before the Committee within the stipulated period of two hours," the order reads  As per the order, such lapse "indicate inadequate maintenance and mismanagement of official records" and warrants appropriate administrative action, besides examination of the matter under the applicable rules. "Now, the charge of purchases and stores presently held by Parvaz Abdullah, General Manager, P&S JKRTC, is hereby withdrawn and assigned to Bashir Ahmad Sofi, General Manager (Adm/Load) JKRTC, in addition to his existing duties, with immediate effect and until further orders," the order reads. As per the order, the charge of Manager (P&S) JKRTC Srinagar, presently held by Siraj has been also withdrawn and assigned to Abdul Mateen, Traffic Manager (Load), JKRTC Srinagar, in addition to his existing duties, with immediate effect and until further orders.

Jammu/Katra, Oct 10: Passengers travelling from Jammu and Katra to different parts of the country faced considerable inconvenience after four trains scheduled to depart on Friday were cancelled at short notice due to anticipated traffic congestion around New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations. The Jammu railway division said it has made special arrangements to help passengers, officials said. The Railway Board on Friday cancelled over 250 trains connecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations with destinations across the country ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) October 10 protest, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The cancellations cover passenger trains scheduled to depart from their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9, as well as those scheduled to arrive at New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10. Trains scheduled to depart from these two stations for their destinations, along with local trains, have also been cancelled. Scores of passengers were seen stranded with their luggage at the Jammu Tawi and Katra railway stations, unsure about their onward journeys and seeking alternative transport. Several passengers said they had booked their train tickets two to three months in advance but learned about the cancellations only after reaching the railway station, leaving them stranded with their families. "We booked our tickets two months ago, and our train was scheduled for today. However, we learned just half an hour to an hour before departure that it had been cancelled. We have to reach Delhi, but no alternative arrangements are available. We are travelling with our family and are extremely troubled and worried," Narinder Singh, a passenger from West Bengal, said. He questioned why passengers were not informed in advance and said they had approached the administration for help. "Many people are facing the same problem. Somehow, everyone has to reach Delhi. We are stranded at Katra railway station and are waiting to see what arrangements can be made," he said. At Katra railway station, Raj, a visitor from Dehradun, said he and his companions had booked tickets two months earlier and planned to travel to Delhi before proceeding to Dehradun. "The cancellation had disrupted their itinerary, forcing them to look for alternative transport and prolong their stay in Katra," he said. Raghav Kumar, a passenger from Sitamarhi in Bihar, said he had completed his pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and learned about the cancellation of his return train only after reaching the railway station. He had booked his ticket online nearly three months ago. "I am facing a lot of difficulties. I do not know where I will have to stay tonight or what problems I may face. I need help to reach home," he said, appealing to the government and railway authorities to arrange alternative transport or provide financial assistance for the journey. In Jammu, another passenger, Narinder Singh, expressed frustration over the disruption, saying people were struggling to reach their respective destinations. "Look at how much chaos has been created here. People are facing difficulties, and everyone is stranded. Those who need to reach their respective destinations are stuck here," he said. Sunita, a passenger from Mumbai, also expressed displeasure over the train cancellations, alleging that the disruption had caused considerable hardship to passengers travelling with their families. The railway division has set up help desks at major stations, including Jammu Tawi, Katra, Kathua and Pathankot Cantt, and deployed additional staff to manage crowds, assist passengers and operate special refund counters, a spokesperson said. Passenger information is being disseminated through bulk SMS, public announcements, display boards and social media, he said, adding that the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police had also been deployed and a dedicated helpline activated. Officials have advised passengers to plan their journeys accordingly and seek assistance through railway helpline 139 or the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app. (PTI)

Srinagar/New Delhi Oct 09: Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Friday said that Northern Command destroyed seven terrorist camps during ‘Operation Sindoor,’ while nearly 12,000 artillery rounds were exchanged along the Line of Control (LoC) during an 88-hour operation in May 2025. Addressing Defence Summit in New Delhi Lieutenant General Sharma said the Northern Command was assigned the responsibility of destroying seven out of the nine camps. “The task was accomplished successfully,” he added. He said that while fighting continued in the air and missile domains, troops along the Line of Control (LoC) were also involved in frequent exchanges of fire and faced heavy ceasefire violations. “Exchange of artillery fire continued for nearly 88 hours. Almost 12,000 rounds were used. It was a successful execution,” Sharma said. (KNO)

Srinagar, Oct 09: In a major administrative shake-up, the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday ordered the transfer and posting of 100 senior police officers across the Union Territory with immediate effect. According to an order issued by the Home Department, the reshuffle includes officers from both the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Jammu and Kashmir Police Service (JKPS) cadres. Senior IPS officer Danesh Rana, who was awaiting posting, has been appointed Managing Director of the J&K Police Housing Corporation, relieving S.J.M. Gillani of the additional charge. Garib Dass, Director of the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy (SKPA), Udhampur, has been posted as ADG Homeguards, Civil Defence and SDRF, while Dr Mohd Haseeb Mughal has been appointed Director of SKPA Udhampur. Abdul Jabbar has been posted as IG Armed Police Jammu, while Shahid Mehraj Rather has been appointed IG Technical Services J&K, retaining the additional charge of Director Police Telecommunications. Rayees Mohammad Bhat has been transferred from DIG CID Kashmir to DIG CID Headquarters J&K. At the range and directorate levels, Shiv Kumar Sharma has been posted as DIG Railways, while Swarn Singh Kotwal has been appointed DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range. Zahid Naseem Manhas has been posted as DIG Armed Police Jammu, and Hareesh H.P. has been appointed Director of the Special Security Force (SSF). The government has also effected several changes in district police commands. Sudhanshu Dhama has been appointed SSP Kupwara, replacing Syed Al Tahir Gilani, who has been transferred as SSP PCR Kashmir. Harshal Rajesh Mahajan has been posted as SSP Ganderbal, Neha Jain as SSP Sopore, Anna Sinha as SSP Ramban and Vaibhav Meena as SSP Poonch. Tahir Saleem Khan has been appointed SSP Bandipora, Sajad Khaliq Bhat SSP Handwara and Irshad Hussain Rather SSP Awantipora. In traffic policing, Bisma Qazi has been appointed SSP Traffic City Srinagar, replacing Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, who has been posted as Commandant of the 23rd JKAP IR Battalion. K.M. Priyanka has been appointed SSP Traffic National Highway, while Master Popsy has been posted as SSP Rural Traffic Jammu. Anand Kumar Mishra has been posted as head of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) J&K. The order also entails the transfer and posting of several commandants across Armed Police and India Reserve (IR) battalions, besides changes in intelligence wings, training institutions and other key police formations. The sweeping reshuffle is aimed at reassigning responsibilities across various operational, administrative and specialised wings of the J&K Police, with the transfers taking effect immediately. (KNO)

Qazigund, Sep 26: The Ministry of Railways has withdrawn two proposed projects in Jammu and Kashmir — the Baramulla-Uri new rail line and Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam railway doubling project. In a communication addressed to the General Manager, Northern Railway, the Ministry of Railways, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) stated that the two projects “have been returned by Cabinet Secretariat and are no longer under consideration.” The ministry had earlier proposed a 46-km Baramulla-Uri new rail line and a 118-km Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam doubling project to strengthen rail connectivity in the region. The survey for the Baramulla-Uri new line and the doubling project had been completed and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) prepared. However, the ministry has clarified that preparation of DPRs did not amount to final sanction of the projects. As per the ministry, final approval of such projects requires consultations with stakeholders and clearances, including appraisal by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance. The proposed Baramulla-Uri line was planned as an extension of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link from the existing terminus at Baramulla towards Uri, close to the Line of Control (LoC). A senior Railway official told KNO that the projects could have been returned due to issues related to utility or availability of funds. “The DPR preparation does not mean final approval. There are several other requirements and clearances before a project receives final approval,” the official added. He, however, said that the projects could be considered again in the future, subject to the required approvals and other factors. (KNO)