Srinagar, Jan 15: Ahead of the forthcoming Budget Session, the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), under the leadership of its Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting several long-pending and legitimate demands of pensioners, in-service employees, senior citizens and workers across the Union Territory.
In the memorandum JKCSF has sought enhancement of the Medical Allowance from Rs 300 to Rs 1000, a benefit already extended in many states across the country and in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
JKCSF recalled that the Chief Minister had assured action on the issue soon after taking oath, but the demand continues to remain unaddressed, causing hardship to lakhs of beneficiaries.
JKCSF also draws attention to the non-implementation of the Senior Citizens Act, 2017, stating that the Act exists only on paper in J&K, depriving senior citizens of their lawful rights.
The Forum noted that the issue was discussed with the Chief Minister and his Advisor in 2025, yet remains unresolved.
The memorandum stresses that the Minimum Wages Act must be enforced in letter and spirit, not only in government establishments but also in the private sector, including companies, factories, hotels and other business establishments. JKCSF demands strict accountability to prevent exploitation of skilled and unskilled workers and educated youth.
Further, the Forum calls for job security for private-sector workers and the creation of a separate department to safeguard their rights, observing that the present Labour Department has failed to address grievances effectively.
It urged the elected representatives to table a comprehensive bill to protect private-sector employees.
JKCSF also appealed for granting special pilgrimage leave to employees of Jammu and Kashmir, recommending that at least once in service, employees be allowed special leave for performing Umrah and Hajj.
Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani expressed hope that the Chief Minister will honour his assurances and issue necessary instructions on these genuine demands during the upcoming Budget Session, providing much-needed relief to employees, pensioners, senior citizens and workers.
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.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students â 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 studentsâ56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Srinagar, Jan 17: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday strongly condemned PDP Chief Mehbooba Muftiâs statement suggesting that if religious places are to be âprofiledâ, the process should start with temples and Hindu priests, instead of mosques and Imams. Inam Un Nabi said AIP was categorically against profiling of any religious place, irrespective of faith or community and such statements only deepen mistrust and polarisation in society. âLet it be Masjids and Imaams or temples and priests, profiling of religious institutions is unacceptable. AIP rejects it completely. Had the issue involved only temples or priests, AIP would have shown the same resentment and protest as we do for Masjids and Imaams,â he said. The AIP spokesperson said faith is a matter of personal conscience and religious belief and it should not be dragged into a culture of surveillance or administrative interference. âWe do not want policing of faith. The role of the administration is to ensure peace and law and order, not to monitor religious identity or religious spaces,â Inam Un Nabi added. He appealed to all political parties to act responsibly and avoid statements that pit one community against another, stressing that Kashmir has a long history of communal harmony which must be protected. âAIP stands for dignity, equality and justice for all. We will oppose any attempt that targets places of worship, whichever religion it belongs to,â he said.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmirâs youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the governmentâs firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. âAs Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,â he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the governmentâs resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
Jammu, Jan 22: State President Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) Vivek Bali on Thursday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic road accident in Jammu and Kashmirâs Doda district, resulting in death of ten Army soldiers. Bali said the devastating incident has plunged the entire region into mourning and triggered an outpouring of grief across the Union Territory. In a statement issued to Kashmir Square, Vivek Bali expressed sorrow over the "unfortunate loss of precious lives" and paid rich tribute to the bravery and supreme sacrifice of the Army soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He said the nation would always remember the outstanding service, dedication, and courage of the fallen soldiers. âI am deeply saddened by this tragic incident. The sacrifice of our brave soldiers will never be forgotten. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families. In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with them in solidarity and support,â Bali said. He said the news left him deeply distressed and shaken. Vivek Bali also saluted the courage and commitment of the Indian Army personnel and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. He said the entire nation stands firmly with the Army and the affected families during this difficult time. The SBSP leader further urged the Government of India to extend compassionate support to the families of the deceased soldiers, including the provision of government jobs to eligible next of kin. He also called for adequate assistance and compassionate care for the injured Army personnel, stressing that the nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to its brave soldiers and their families.Â
Srinagar, Jan 21: The former Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, Rashmi Ranjan Swain said that J&K effectively functioned under two parallel authorities, India and Pakistan during the peak years of militancy. He further said that militant influence extended deep into civil administration. In an interview, Swain said that the late separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani remained in contact with officers in the civil administration, and that officials often obliged him as well. He said the influence of militant-backed leadership during those years was visible across multiple layers of governance. Sharing figures related to the prolonged conflict, Swain said that over 47,000 people lost their lives in militancy-related violence over the last 36 years. He said around 22,000 militants were shot dead, while nearly 12,000 civilians were killed by militants. "Over 6000 personnel from security forces were also killed during this period," he said. The former Police chief described the period between 1999 and 2000 as a turning point in counter-militancy operations. He said political pressure began building up during this time, restricting security agencies from probing the wider militant ecosystem. Swain claimed that while militants were allowed to be neutralised, security forces were not permitted to investigate the sources of the finances, logistics of militants and those propagating anti-India ideology. Swain further said that there was no political interference in anti-militancy operations immediately after the formation of an elected government in 1996, but the approach later changed, weakening the ability of agencies to dismantle the support networks behind militancy. He highlighted the role of forces from the Pir Panjal region and said Rajouri and Poonch contributed some of the finest personnel to the Special Operations Group (SOG). He described them as the cream of the force who fought active militants on the ground. Swain said the prevailing narrative in Kashmir was such that people do not believe that Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq was killed by militants, alleging that false operations were often flagged to shape public opinion.
Says displaced Kashmiri Pandits can come here as visitors, donât think they can stay here Srinagar, Jan 19: The National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that nobody is stopping Kashmiri Pandits from coming back to home, saying they can come anytime and stay in their homes like those who never left the Valley. Talking to reporters, Farooq Abdullah said that he had told them (Kashmiri Pandits) on time to return to their homes and had made a comprehensive rehabilitation policy when he was at the helm. âThen we were not in power. Now itâs the job of New Delhi to rehabilitate them,â he said. He said that it is also up to them (Kashmiri Pandits) who left their homes, they are settled in other parts, have grown old and their children are now studying in schools, colleges and universities. âThey can come here as visitors only. I donât think they will come here to stay,â he added. Farooq Abdullah said hatred was being spread across the country in the name of religion and Hindus and Muslims are divided to win elections. âThis nation belongs to everyone and it is known for unity in diversity. Every religion and caste exists here but some people want to fight in the name of religion who can stop them. It is not a new thing,â he said. Referring to Vaishno Devi medical admission row, he said that students were given admission based on NEET score and the majority of them were Muslims, but its approval as medical college was withdrawn. âWho were these people who did this. Who is responsible for the hatred being spread in Jammu in the name of religion. Who is saying that Jammu should be separated,â he questioned. He also said that Pakistan would never stop its actions in Jammu and Kashmir and he has been saying this time and again. âWe have confronted Pakistan. Had we desired, we would have gone with Pakistan in 1947, but we chose India. We stayed in Gandhiâs Bharat, but is it his Bharat today. Are people living with ease here, who are fighting religious fights,â he said. (KNO)