Srinagar, Feb 22 : Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi has welcomed the response of the Union Ministry of Railways to the concerns raised by MP Baramulla Er Rashid regarding the proposed Baramulla–Uri railway alignment passing through densely populated areas of Baramulla town. In a statement issued here, Inam Un Nabi said MP Er Rashid had taken up the matter with Union Railway Minister, highlighting that the present alignment affects residential localities including Sherwani Colony, Jetty Khawajabagh and Fatehpora besides adjoining residential colonies and may lead to displacement of families and disruption of community infrastructure. Quoting the reply received from Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, Inam Un Nabi said the Ministry has received the letter dated 02.02.2026 regarding representation concerning the proposed Baramulla–Uri Railway alignment affecting densely populated residential areas. "The above-mentioned letter has been forwarded to the directorate concerned for necessary action," the reply reads. Inam termed the response a positive development and expressed hope that Northern Railways will review the present alignment, explore alternative routes and ensure proper consultation with local residents before finalising the project. He added that AIP will continue to follow up the matter to safeguard public interests while supporting development.

Kupwara, Feb 22: For the young men and women of Tangdhar, ambition has always had to wait for the weather to clear and the ceasefire to hold. Wedged against the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Karnah sector, the town is defined by its borders—geographical, political, and psychological. This week, a small delegation attempted to redraw the last of those lines. A team from Young Indians (Yi), the youth wing of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), traveled to this frontier outpost to scout for what the military calls “hearts and minds” but what the industry calls “human capital.” Facilitated by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, the visit represented a rare intersection between the corporate world and a conflict zone. The setting was a modest government conference hall. On one side sat local entrepreneurs, students from Government Degree College Tangdhar, and district officials—Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mumtaz, BDO Muddasir, and Tehsildar Ameen Bhat. On the other were men in blazers who had flown in from the cities, armed with PowerPoint potential and market linkages. The agenda was simple, yet for this valley, revolutionary: How does a village overlooking a militarized border build a business? The answer, the delegates suggested, lies in the very geography that has held it back. The delegation explored models for border tourism, where visitors could walk through history along the LoC. They discussed homestays, where a tourist might wake up to noon chai with a view of the peaks that define the frontier. Cottage industries, they argued, could find a market if the supply chain were de-clogged. “This isn’t just a meeting; it’s a message,” a  YI member said. "These kids see the fence every day. We want them to see a future beyond it.” Yi has committed to a sustained program of mentorship and hand-holding, a promise to walk with the local entrepreneurs beyond the initial handshake. For the administration, it was a validation of ground-level work. For the army, it was a soft-power win. But for the youth in the room, it was perhaps the first time they saw the mainstream economy as something that could exist on their side of the mountains. Peerzada Waseem, a local who also met the delegation. “It was truly a moment of happiness for the people of Tangdhar, especially for the youth, who have been waiting for years for the green light for border tourism, which had been suspended," he said. Waseem said the dreams they had seen years ago, when border tourism was first promoted, were cut short after Operation Sindoor.  "The youngsters had just started to see their businesses thrive, as tourism here was boosted and tourists from across the country were coming, giving a push to the local economy. But with this visit, we are hopeful that once again we will host tourists and earn our livelihoods," he said. Mohsin Khan, a student at GDC Tangdhar, said they were used to see the Army for security. "But today, we are grateful to see them as hosts for development. They brought the country to our doorstep," he said. “It felt like a bridge was built today." For a long time, the youth felt disconnected from the rest of the country’s progress. "But seeing the Confederation of Indian Industry come all the way here tells us that Viksit Bharat includes us too," he said. Arshid Ahmad, a local, said they have always opened our homes to guests with a cup of salt tea. "Now, the Young Indians delegation is telling us that this hospitality can become our livelihood. We are ready to learn how to turn our traditions into a profession," he said. Notably, the road to Tangdhar is long, often blocked by snow or shut by shelling. But this week, a few travelers made it through, carrying not supplies, but possibilities.

Gulmarg Feb 21: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa Saturday conducted a comprehensive inspection of various venues and key locations at Gulmarg ahead of the 6th edition of Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)-2026. The mega sporting event is scheduled to commence from February 23 of 2026. Officers from sports, tourism, health, police, civil administration, and other line departments accompanied the DC during the inspection. During the visit, the DC inspected the Gulmarg Golf Club and other designated competition and accommodation sites to ensure that all necessary arrangements have been put in place for the smooth and successful conduct of the prestigious winter sporting event. Minga Sherpa reviewed venue preparedness, lodging facilities for athletes and officials, transportation plans, medical facilities, emergency response mechanisms, sanitation, power and water supply, and security arrangements.  Earlier, the DC chaired a comprehensive meeting of officers from the concerned departments at Golf Club Gulmarg to review the status of preparations for ensuring a seamless experience for participants and visitors. The DC directed all departments to remain alert, ensure prompt response to any requirement, and maintain high standards of hospitality and professionalism throughout the event. He emphasised the importance of the national-level event and said that hosting the Winter Games was a matter of pride for the district and showcases Gulmarg as a premier winter sports destination.

Srinagar, Feb 21: At least nine CRPF personnel were injured on Saturday after a bunker vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a canal in the Dagpora area of Soura, Srinagar, officials said. An official said that the accident occurred near Umar Hair on Dagpora Road in Ahmad Nagar when the driver lost control of the vehicle. Initially, seven injured personnel of 21 Battalion CRPF were shifted to hospital. Later, two more injured personnel were brought to SKIMS Soura for treatment. “All the injured personnel are stable. While most sustained multiple injuries, two suffered minor injuries,” the official added. (KNO)

Jammu, Feb 18: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that some of the road stretches in Old Srinagar were old alignments developed several decades ago with limited Right of Way (ROW). He said this while replying to a question raised by MLA Tanvir Sadiq. Sadiq raised a query that despite passage of several decades many of the main arterial roads in the downtown areas of Srinagar continue to remain structurally outdated, un-widened and poorly maintained, resulting in chronic traffic congestion. The deputy chief minister who is the minister in-charge for Roads and Buildings Department said that traffic congestion was experienced particularly during peak hours due to the substantial increase in traffic volume, urbanization and commercial activity. The minister said the routine maintenance and necessary repairs were being carried out periodically to ensure traffic ability and road safety.  "Preliminary assessments for improvement and widening of select stretches have been undertaken. Comprehensive widening in most cases entails substantial land acquisition, shifting of utilities and removal of encroachments, requiring inter-departmental coordination," the minister said. The House was informed that the land acquisition process has also been affected in certain stretches due to court litigation's, thereby impacting progress. The government said structures near Nalbal Bridge stand acquired for widening of Nowshera to Sour (KZP Road). "Acquisition of remaining structures shall be taken up after settlement/negotiation in the High Level Committee (HLC) and finalization of pending court cases," he said. About Saida Kadal to Ashaibagh (SMS Road), the government said that the survey for widening was presently underway for a length of approximately 1.75 km. "The proposal envisages widening of the carriageway from 7.50 meters to 21.00 meters. The Detailed Project Report (DPP) shall be submitted after completion of survey and feasibility formalities," the minister said. He informed the House that the preliminary project report for widening and upgradation of Devi Angan-Hawal Road has been prepared by Chief Engineer, R&B Central Kashmir under CRIF scheme for an estimated cost of Rs. 31.25 Crores for a length of 1.40 km. "This includes land acquisition and utility shifting cost of Rs.30.00 Crore and development cost of Rs. 1.25 Crore. The project shall be taken up upon approval under the scheme and subject to the availability of funds," he said. He said that the Alamgiri Bazar Chowk project stands approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for an amount of Rs. 335.00 lakh, which includes acquisition of 05 structures and junction redesigning. "The DPR is under process for Accord of Administrative Approval/Technical Sanction and shall be considered subject to the availability of funds," he said. He said that redesigning of Mirza Kamil Sahib (MK Sahib) Chowk stands approved under UT Sector 2025-26 for an amount of Rs. 135.00 lakh. "The DPR is under process for Accord of Administrative Approval/Technical Sanction," he said. The minister said the government was cognizant of the traffic congestion issues in downtown Srinagar and the necessity of ensuring smooth movement of ambulances, fire services and other emergency vehicles. "Road up-gradation and improvement works are being undertaken in a phased junction and prioritized manner based on traffic density, public safety considerations, land availability and financial feasibility," he said. The minister said that the improvement works including resurfacing, strengthening, drainage correction and junction re-modelling are being executed under regular R&B grants and other infrastructure development schemes.

Srinagar, Feb 9:  The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the JK Legislative Assembly that Gurez was witnessing a steady rise in tourist arrivals over the past few years. The government further informed the House that several measures taken to strengthen sanitation and waste management in the ecologically sensitive region. The details were shared by the  Minister in-charge, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in response to a question raised by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan. As per the government figures, tourist footfall in Gurez has increased consistently, with 40,105 visitors in 2022, 48,797 in 2023, and 1,11,613 in 2024. In 2025 so far, the destination has already recorded 54,675 arrivals. About the concerns over sanitation, the government informed the House that it has undertaken considerable and sustained efforts to improve waste management infrastructure. "These include construction of community compost pits, soakage pits and waste segregation sheds, alongside regular door-to-door solid waste collection," the minister informed the House. A Plastic Waste Management Unit is under construction, while twin-pit dustbins have been installed at key locations - including along the banks of the River Kishenganga - to ensure scientific disposal and discourage littering. The government said that dumping of garbage into the Kishenganga was strictly prohibited, and no such practice is allowed by residents, hotels or commercial establishments. The department said it remains committed to safeguarding the fragile ecology of Gurez through strengthened waste collection and segregation systems, expanded sanitation interventions in and around Dawar town, installation of dustbins at high-footfall points, and creation of durable community assets. "Regular awareness and sensitization programmes are also being conducted for residents, shopkeepers and tourists to promote responsible waste disposal and maintain environmental cleanliness in the region," the reply reads.

Srinagar, Feb 7: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday welcomed the approval of a major horticulture project in Kupwara district, terming it a positive outcome of sustained political intervention and follow-up. In a statement, Inam Un Nabi said that the Development of Model Orchard–cum–Nursery (Public Sector) at Watayan, Chogal, Kupwara has been approved at a cost of ₹17.20 crore, with funding committed under the NABARD scheme. He said the project was initially taken up by Er Rashid, Member of Parliament from Baramulla, who consistently pushed for strengthening public-sector horticulture infrastructure in the region. He added that the project was later actively pursued at multiple levels by Sheikh Khursheed, MLA Langate, whose follow-up ensured that the proposal moved from approval to tendering. “This project will play an important role in improving quality nursery production, supporting orchardists, and creating employment opportunities for local youth. It reflects what focused representation and continuous follow-up can deliver for people,” Inam Un Nabi said.

Srinagar, Feb 04:  The Jammu and Kashmir government Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that as many as 20 government offices in Budgam district were functioning from rented premises. The government further informed the House that there was no proposal under consideration for constructing a unified government office complex at the sub-district level. In a written reply by minister in-charge Public Works (R&B) Department, the House was informed that as on date, 20 government offices of different departments in District Budgam are functioning from rented buildings. "There is no such proposal under consideration for construction of a unified Government Office Complex at sub-district level either with this Department or with the Revenue Department," the minister in-charge informed the House.

Srinagar, Feb 4: The district administration Kupwara launched an overnight rescue and evacuation operation at Sadna Top after heavy snowfall left dozens of vehicles stranded in the high-altitude stretch. The officials said that despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility, coordinated teams were pressed into service late night who worked through the early hours to evacuate vehicles stuck due to intense snow accumulation.  Officials said at least 35 stranded vehicles were safely evacuated during the operation. The rescue effort was carried out on a war footing, with snow clearance machinery and field teams deployed to prevent further distress to commuters and avert any medical or weather-related emergencies. Authorities said priority was given to clearing vulnerable stretches and ensuring the safety of passengers. They said the situation at Sadna Top had deteriorated rapidly following fresh snowfall, leading to disruption of vehicular movement.  Timely intervention by the administration, they said, helped restore partial movement and prevented escalation of the situation. The administration has advised travellers to avoid unnecessary movement towards high-altitude areas and urged strict adherence to traffic advisories until weather conditions stabilise. Authorities said weather conditions were being closely monitored and further action would be taken as required to ensure road safety and public convenience.

Baramulla, Feb 03: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa Tuesday distributed 94 ice boxes among the registered fishermen and fish farmers of the district. The boxes were distributed in a step towards strengthening the fisheries sector. Assistant Director Fisheries was also present at the occasion. The ice boxes have been procured by the Fisheries Department under the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) to support post-harvest management and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities. Speaking at the occasion, DC Baramulla highlighted that the initiative is part of the long-term goal of the Jammu and Kashmir Government to double the income of people associated with agriculture and its allied sectors. Minga Sherpa said that the initiative aims to enhance the shelf life of fish produce, minimize post-harvest losses, and promote hygienic handling, especially among street fish vendors.  Furthermore, DC Baramulla added that by enabling safe storage and transportation of fish, the intervention is expected to help beneficiaries avoid distress sales and access better market opportunities, thereby improving their income levels. The DC also said that the ice boxes would play a key role in maintaining the quality and freshness of fish, ensuring the supply of safe and hygienic produce to consumers, adding that such measures not only benefit producers but also enhance consumer confidence in locally produced fish.

Srinagar, Feb 1: Senior AIP Leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khurshid along with AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, addressed a press conference here today, outlining a series of political and humanitarian initiatives taken by the Awami Itihaad Party both inside and outside the Assembly. During the press conference, Sheikh Khurshid informed that on January 24 he had personally handed over a letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, requesting him to convene an all-parties meeting. The proposed meeting seeks to deliberate on the participation of incarcerated Doda MLA Mehraj Malik in the forthcoming Assembly session by passing a resolution urging the Lieutenant Governor to ensure his presence in the House. The MLA Langate also strongly condemned recent attacks on Kashmiris living and working in different parts of the country.  He questioned the silence of the Lieutenant Governor and urged him to speak up on these incidents and to take up the matter with Governors, Chief Ministers, the Union Home Secretary and the Union Home Minister to ensure the safety and protection of Kashmiris across India. While discussing legislative initiatives, Sheikh Khurshid said he has brought a resolution seeking citizenship and legal status for women and children who returned from Pak and settled in Jammu and Kashmir under the Government’s Rehabilitation Policy. He noted that despite residing in the Union Territory for many years, many of these families remain without citizenship or legal recognition, leading to denial of basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment opportunities and identity documents. The resolution urges both the J&K Government and the Government of India to grant citizenship or appropriate legal status, issue valid domicile and identity documents, and ensure dignity, security and constitutional safeguards for these individuals. Another resolution highlighted by the MLA concerns the termination of government employees in Jammu and Kashmir without issuance of show-cause notices or providing them an opportunity to defend themselves. Terming such actions a blatant violation of principles of natural justice, Sheikh Khurshid said the House should demand a transparent and fair mechanism allowing affected employees to prove their innocence. The resolution also seeks reinstatement of those found innocent through proper legal and administrative review. Sheikh Khurshid further informed that a resolution has been moved seeking the return and transfer of all power projects to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. He said this would help ensure cheaper electricity, strengthen power infrastructure, enhance revenue generation and provide relief to electricity consumers in the Union Territory. Additionally, the MLA said a Bill has been introduced to promote participation of local youth in gravel and other minor mineral mining activities. The proposed legislation aims to provide a statutory framework for outsourcing mining activities to locals and was introduced to safeguard local interests and generate employment opportunities. The AIP leadership reiterated its commitment to raising public issues through democratic and constitutional means, both inside the Assembly and on public platforms.

Srinagar, Feb 1: Srinagar Police organised a farewell ceremony in two officials who attained superannuation from their services. The farewell function was organised to give a send-off to Sub-Inspector Deedar Singh and Follower Qismat Jan, at District Police headquarters Srinagar. Both officers have rendered years of dedicated and commendable service to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr. G V Sundeep Chakravarthy, lauded the Retirees for their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and integrity throughout their careers.  He expressed his deep appreciation for their valuable contributions and extended his best wishes for their post-retirement life. The event was also attended by DySP Headquarters Syed Sleet Shah, DySP DAR Nazir Ahmad, ADO Manzoor Ahmad and other officers, who joined in expressing their gratitude and admiration for the retiring personnel. As a token of recognition, SSP Srinagar presented certificates of appreciation to both officials, acknowledging their dedicated service and significant role in maintaining law and order over the years.