Srinagar, Oct 12: Dr. Basharat Qayoom Monday assumed charge as Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), and Chief Executive Officer, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), with a focus on strengthening civic services and making urban governance more responsive to the needs and aspirations of Srinagar’s citizens. Dr. Basharat Qayoom succeeds Faz Lul Haseeb. A brief function was held at the SMC Headquarters to welcome the newly appointed Commissioner and CEO. Senior officers and officials of SMC and SSCL welcomed Dr. Basharat Qayoom and assured him of their full cooperation in advancing citizen-centric governance and ensuring efficient, accessible and responsive municipal services. Addressing the officers and officials, Dr. Basharat Qayoom reiterating the “Citizen First approach “ emphasised that citizens must remain at the centre of the Corporation’s policies, programmes and service delivery mechanisms. He stressed the importance of accountable administration, effective interdepartmental coordination and timely resolution of public grievances to address the everyday civic concerns of residents. He highlighted the need to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, improve the delivery of essential municipal services and ensure greater responsiveness to citizens’ complaints and feedback. He also underscored the importance of a coordinated and forward-looking approach towards transforming Srinagar into a sustainable, clean and liveable city where urban development translates into tangible improvements in the quality of life of residents.  His assumption of charge is expected to provide further impetus to ongoing urban development programmes, Smart City initiatives and efforts to improve the accessibility, efficiency and accountability of municipal services. As Commissioner, SMC, and CEO, SSCL, the focus will be on strengthening civic infrastructure, improving sanitation and other essential municipal amenities, promoting sustainable urban planning, enhancing public participation and ensuring the timely implementation of development projects. Greater emphasis on citizen engagement and responsive grievance redressal will remain central to efforts to address public concerns and improve service delivery. The overarching objective is to build upon the existing responsive, inclusive and citizen-friendly municipal administration, ensuring that the benefits of urban development are reflected in better civic amenities, improved public services and an enhanced quality of life for the people of Srinagar.

Srinagar, Oct 12: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Monday conducted an on-site inspection of the  construction work of District Circuit House, Srinagar at Bemina.  He also inspected the progress of ongoing works on the Additional Accommodation Block of the Zila Sainik Welfare Bhawan at Batamaloo. During the visit, the DC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Aadil Fareed, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, IAS Probationer Sai Kiran, Superintending Engineer R&B North Shabir Ahmad, Superintending Engineer R&B South Tatheer Manzoor, SDM West Seerat Baji, SDM East Zubair Ahmad ACR Umar Gulzar, Executive Engineer R&B, Fareed Khan, Executive Engineer R&B, Abdul Qayoom, Executive Engineer, KPDCl 3rd, Abrar Hussain, Executive Engineer, Water Works, Aijaz Rafiq, Tehsildar South, Sajad Rasool, Tehsildar North, Syed Shahid and other concerned Officers. At the construction site of the District Circuit House at Bemina, the Deputy Commissioner took stock of the progress of ongoing works and reviewed various components of the project, aimed at augmenting cost effective accommodation &  reasonable facilitation amenities in the District. On the occasion, the DC underscored the significance of the facility in strengthening cost effective accommodation and facilitation infrastructure in Srinagar and improving the availability of suitable accommodation for public, official and other designated purposes. The DC directed the concerned executing agency to expedite the pace of work while ensuring strict adherence to prescribed quality standards and stipulated timelines, stressing that all components of the project must be completed in a time-bound manner without compromising on quality. Later, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the progress on the construction of the Additional Accommodation Block at Zila Sainik Welfare Bhawan, Batamaloo aimed to enhance the accommodation capacity of the facility and strengthen the delivery of welfare services to eligible beneficiaries, particularly the wards of ex-servicemen and martyrs who visit or temporarily reside in Srinagar for educational purposes. During an interaction with Officers and Officials of Zila Sainik Welfare Bhawan, the DC was informed that more than 40 percent of the civil works had been completed, with the ground floor completed and work underway on the first floor. The DC stressed the need for expeditious execution of the remaining works, directing the concerned Officers to ensure timely completion of the project so that the facility can be made functional at the earliest. He emphasized that the timely completion of the Accommodation Block would enhance facilities for beneficiaries and contribute to the more effective delivery of welfare services to the wards of ex-servicemen

Anantnag, Oct 11: Police arrested ten alleged drug peddlers and recovered various narcotic substances in separate operations across Anantnag district, officials said on Sunday. In an official handout issued here JK Police said the arrests were made during intensified naka checking, patrolling and surveillance conducted across the district as part of the ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking. During naka checking at Lessu, a police team from Larnoo police station apprehended Mohd Iqbal Dangroo, a resident of Lessu Branard, and recovered approximately 2.393 kg of cannabis from his possession. In two separate incidents in the Arwani area, a team from Bijbehara police station apprehended Mukhtar Ali and Dolal Ali, both residents of West Bengal, and recovered charas from their possession. Meanwhile, a police team from Srigufwara police station apprehended Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Sirhama, near Hatigam Crossing and recovered around 55 grams of charas and 86 grams of charas powder. At Krad Bridge, a team from Uttersoo police station apprehended Mohd Arif Magray, a resident of Deethu Shangus, and recovered 15 grams of a charas-like substance, while a team from Mattan police station arrested Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie, a resident of Gund Bagh, Seer Hamdan, near the Bumzoo footbridge and recovered approximately 90.2 grams of charas. Police Post Dialgam also apprehended Fayaz Ahmad Magray, a resident of Donipawa, at a checkpoint in Bondialgam and recovered around eight grams of a charas-like substance. In another operation, police intercepted an Innova vehicle bearing registration number JK02AN-3114 at Shehlipora Crossing. The vehicle, driven by Irshad Ahmad Ganaie, a resident of Shehlipora, was searched, leading to the recovery of approximately 8.4 grams of a heroin-like substance. The driver was arrested and the vehicle seized. Separately, police apprehended Feroze Ahmad Sofi, a resident of Akingam, Achabal, during patrolling in the area and recovered 18.4 grams of a charas-like substance. In the Cheerpora area, a team from Uttersoo police station arrested Aijaz Ahmad Lone, a local resident, and recovered approximately 12 grams of charas from his possession. Police said cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at the respective police stations and further investigations are underway. Reiterating its commitment to combating drug trafficking, police appealed to the public to share credible information about drug-related activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in efforts to curb the drug menace.

Baramulla, Oct 11: Baramulla Police organised a day-long programme on drug abuse and gender sensitisation at Murtaza Memorial Educational Institute. The programme was organised as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through Police Station Chandoosa and the event aimed at educating students about the adverse consequences of drug abuse and promoting gender equality, mutual respect and social responsibility. During the programme, students were sensitised about the harmful impact of substance abuse on individuals and society, importance of gender-sensitive behaviour, and the role of youth in building a safe, inclusive and drug-free society. A debate competition was also organised to encourage critical thinking and active participation. Certificates and medals were awarded to participants in recognition of their performance. "The initiative reflects Baramulla Police’s continued commitment to youth engagement, preventive awareness and community partnership in addressing social challenges and fostering responsible citizenship," an official handout, released by Baramulla Police reads

Srinagar, Oct 10: Jammu and Kashmir Grand Mufti Nisar ul Islam on Saturday raised concern over dowry demands and expensive Nikah ceremonies, saying such practices were increasingly burdening families He called for restoring Kashmir's historical position as a seat of Islamic spirituality. Addressing a session of the Muslim Personal Board here, the Grand Mufti said the meeting was a continuation of the Board's work and aimed at examining the present situation in detail. "We would like to look at the current situation in a detailed manner and give our opinion on it, and show the public how we can find a solution to these issues," he said. Referring to the region's legacy as a centre of Sufi saints and spiritual figures, Grand Mufti said our aim is to restore the position of Kashmir which was the place of Sufiya. He said the objective was to enable people to face the challenges confronting the Ummah, and that representatives from all parts of Jammu and Kashmir had been invited to the meeting. He also announced the next session would be held on a large scale and asked people to prepare for it. "The Muslim Personal Board believes in co-operation and wants to work for co-operation," he said. He said participants spoke about moral degradation and the lack of co-operation, besides the validity of the Shariah. "We want Muslims to respect the validity of the Shariah and to follow it," he added. He also pointed to social practices burdening families saying that there are issues related to marriage, dowry, and Nikah has also become very expensive. "There are conditions for dowry, for employment, and moral degradation is increasing," he said. The Grand Mufti said he had instructed his wife, Dr. Nilofer, to bring together women from Srinagar and across Jammu and Kashmir on one platform. "We have called the women who have a strong voice. We hope that their participation will solve the problems we are facing, he added.

Srinagar, Oct 10: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Gurinder Pal Singh Saturday said the Police can deliver only when the public extends its support and appealed to the people to come forward with their issues and concerns without hesitation. "We are here for the protection and welfare of the people. Whenever there are concerns, the public should come forward to us — be it the SHO, SDPO, SSP or even the DIG for the redressal of their sufferings, issues and concerns," SSP Baramulla said while addressing a press conference at SDPO office in Pattan. He said the Police are successful only when people cooperate and support them, adding that only together we can make a peaceful environment for a successful society. The SSP was addressing the media regarding the Police's performance, particularly solving of several theft cases by Baramulla police, including three in Pattan and two in Kreeri. SSP Gurinder Pal Singh also praised his officers for their efforts in securing a peaceful environment for a better and successful society. (KNS)

Srinagar, Oct 10: The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), comprising retired civil servants and other concerned individuals, has called for substantial amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026, warning that several provisions could weaken regulatory oversight, undermine planned urban development and adversely affect public welfare. Addressing a press conference, GCC members said the legislation, while intended to reduce bureaucratic delays, attract investment and generate employment, appeared to prioritise the interests of entrepreneurs over environmental protection, urban planning and the needs of ordinary citizens. The group urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to revisit the Act, undertake wider consultations with experts and stakeholders, and introduce safeguards to ensure that the objective of facilitating business does not come at the cost of the region's fragile environment and quality of life. One of the major concerns raised by the GCC was the provision for deemed approvals, under which permissions could be treated as granted if authorities failed to act within the prescribed period. The group questioned the adequacy of a mechanism that could allow projects to proceed without explicit regulatory clearance. It also flagged the provision for a three-year inspection moratorium, arguing that restrictions on inspections and regulatory scrutiny could leave authorities with limited scope to intervene when activities cause harm to the public or the environment. GCC members said the inspections during the moratorium would be subject to specific conditions, including approval from the competent empowered committee, potentially restricting the ability of officials to ensure compliance with applicable norms. The GCC also expressed concern over the interplay of different schedules of the legislation, particularly provisions relating to prohibited activities, activities exempted from permissions and those not requiring no-objection certificates (NOCs). Members said that these provisions, when read together, could facilitate industrial and commercial activities in residential areas without adequate safeguards, raising questions about land-use compatibility, public health and the orderly development of urban settlements. The group warned that extensive construction and investment activity, without effective regulatory checks, could intensify pressure on Kashmir's limited land resources and affect agricultural and horticultural land. It also questioned provisions allowing relaxation of development-control norms and master plans, arguing that such relaxations could undermine planned urban development and weaken the purpose of preparing master plans for cities. The GCC specifically raised concerns over the powers provided under the Act to relax master-plan provisions, including the role assigned to the Chief Minister as chairman of the Ease of Doing Business Council at the UT level. It suggested that decisions on such relaxations should instead be handled through an appropriate administrative committee, following due process and transparent scrutiny. The group further questioned provisions relating to land-use changes, warning that deemed approvals and relaxed procedures could potentially facilitate the conversion of agricultural and horticultural land for construction and industrial purposes. Highlighting the possible consequences of accelerated construction, the GCC cautioned that unregulated building activity could increase dust pollution and further strain the region's already limited urban infrastructure. The group also objected to provisions concerning industrial plots, including those relating to transfer and freehold arrangements, questioning whether such measures would promote actual industrialisation or encourage the trading of industrial land. It argued that industrial policies should prioritise productive investment, manufacturing and employment generation rather than facilitate transactions involving industrial plots. The GCC also raised concerns over provisions relating to schools and higher education institutions, questioning whether relaxations in infrastructure requirements could compromise the availability of essential facilities such as classrooms, laboratories and playgrounds. It said educational institutions should be required to maintain adequate infrastructure to ensure that students receive quality education in a safe and appropriate environment. The group further questioned the proposed reliance on empanelled professionals for vetting and certifying project proposals, raising concerns about the standards of certification, accountability and the role of locally trained professionals. It also flagged the absence of a clearly defined percentage for local employment in the Act, arguing that the legislation should include stronger provisions to ensure that local youth benefit from investments facilitated by the government. The GCC expressed concern over the Act's overriding effect on 17 other laws, saying the implications of such a provision needed careful examination to ensure that existing regulatory safeguards were not weakened. Responding to questions about J&K's reported high ranking in ease of doing business, a GCC representative said the group was unaware of the criteria underlying the ranking and maintained that the provisions of the new legislation required substantial scrutiny irrespective of the ranking. The group also questioned whether the rules had undergone adequate public consultation before being finalised, stressing the need for greater transparency and engagement with stakeholders. GCC said it was not opposed to the government's objective of facilitating investment or reducing bureaucratic red tape. GCC members said that the legislation needed to strike a balance between economic growth and the broader interests of society. The group members said that responsible entrepreneurs, too, would benefit from a regulatory framework that provides clarity, accountability and safeguards against arbitrary decisions. GCC called on the government to amend and revisit the legislation through consultations with experts, urban planners and other stakeholders, saying the law should genuinely advance both ease of doing business and ease of living for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Bandipora, Oct 9: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, Friday chaired a comprehensive meeting to review winter preparedness for Gurez and Tulail at Dak Bungalow, Badugam, Tulail, with concerned district and sectoral officers. The meeting focused on ensuring uninterrupted essential services, timely snow clearance, road connectivity, availability of essential commodities and adequate healthcare arrangements in the snowbound areas ahead of the winter season. Reviewing the status of roads, bridges and ongoing infrastructure projects, the DC sought details from the concerned engineering departments, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and PMGSY. She directed the officers to expedite pending works, resolve bottlenecks and road alignment issues, and adhere to strict timelines to ensure completion of critical projects before heavy snowfall. The DC stressed the need for advance planning and effective coordination among BRO, Roads and Buildings (R&B) and Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) for timely snow clearance. She directed the concerned departments to submit road-wise snow clearance plans to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gurez, and ensure the availability of adequate machinery, equipment and manpower, with priority to main roads and vital link roads. On the occasion, SDM Gurez,  Mukhtar Ahmad highlighted the requirement for snow clearance machinery at Razdan Top and Kanzalwan, particularly for clearing the Z-Khushi curve and Rane Mode. The issue regarding mechanised snow clearance of the Dawar helipad was also discussed. The DC directed the Executive Engineers of PWD and MED to formulate a coordinated plan to ensure timely clearance of the helipad for emergency requirements. The meeting also reviewed arrangements for the deployment and monitoring of emergency vehicles, including GPS-based tracking, and the availability of adequate fuel and other essential resources to ensure an effective response during snowfall and emergencies. Reviewing the preparedness of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department, the DC took stock of ration distribution and the advance stocking of essential commodities in Gurez and Tulail before the onset of winter. The availability of LPG cylinders across the subdivisions was also reviewed, with directions to ensure adequate supplies and uninterrupted distribution. The DC further reviewed the healthcare preparedness including the stocking of medicines and other essential medical supplies, availability of staff and arrangements for providing healthcare services during winter. The Chief Medical Officer, Bandipora, informed the meeting that pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy had been identified for their timely relocation to the district headquarters, as per the established schedule, to facilitate safe deliveries and ensure access to necessary medical care. The preparedness of the Power Development Department was also reviewed. The Executive Engineer, KPDCL Bandipora, apprised the DC of the department's winter action plan, including the routine operation of generator sets to support power availability. Arrangements of the Jal Shakti Department for uninterrupted water supply were also discussed. The DC additionally reviewed winter preparedness measures of the Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, Education and Social Welfare sectors, including Anganwadi services, and stressed the need for advance planning to minimise inconvenience to residents during the harsh winter months. Emphasising the strategic importance of advance preparedness in Gurez and Tulail areas, the DC directed all departments to remain vigilant, strengthen interdepartmental coordination and ensure that men, machinery and essential supplies are positioned well in advance to meet any eventuality during the forthcoming winter. Among others, the meeting was attended by ACD Bandipora, OC BRO Gurez, Chief Education Officer Bandipora, District Information Officer Bandipora and Executive Engineers of PHE Hydraulic Division Gurez, PMGSY Bandipora, R&B Division Gurez, PDD Division Bandipora, besides AD Handicrafts/Handloom Bandipora.

Srinagar, Sep 26: Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Jammu & Kashmir Campus in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) organised a Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) programme on “Behavioural Forensics: Advancing Psychological Approaches to Investigation” here on Saturday. The programme marked a significant academic and professional initiative in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, being organised for the first time in the Kashmir region with a dedicated focus on behavioural forensics, forensic psychology and neuropsychology in the context of investigation and justice. The initiative provided professionals with an opportunity to engage with emerging interdisciplinary approaches and contemporary developments in the field. The programme commenced with Dr. Mohammad Akmal Shah, Assistant Director, RRU, J&K Campus, who delivered a session on “Introduction to Behavioural Forensics.” He provided participants with an overview of the fundamentals and investigative relevance of behavioural forensics. The session was followed by an interactive question and answer segment, during which Dr. Shah addressed the queries of the participants. Prof. Jamuna Rajeswaran, Professor and Former Head of Clinical Psychology Department (NIMHANS), subsequently delivered sessions on “Brain and Behaviour: A Forensic Neuropsychological Perspective” and “Mind, Brain and Law: Assessing Disability Through Forensic Neuropsychology.” She examined the interface between brain, behaviour and law, with emphasis on the application of forensic neuropsychology in assessment and justice-related contexts. The programme concluded with a valedictory function, graced by Dr. Mahesh A. Tripathi, Director, RRU, J&K Campus. Dr. Tripathi presented certificates to the participating professionals. The valedictory function formally marked the successful culmination of the CRE programme.

Srinagar, Sep 5: The Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), Bemina, Srinagar, observed World Spinal Cord Injury Day 2026 by organising an awareness rally and an auditorium programme. During the event, a wheelchair distribution camp was also held with a focus on spinal cord injury prevention, rehabilitation, inclusion and empowerment. The programme also marked the beginning of Spinal Week, being observed by VMS from September 5 to 12, 2026, under the theme “From Awareness to Action: Ten Years Advancing SCI Prevention.” The day’s programme commenced with the assembly of participants for the awareness rally at VMS, Bemina and flag-off of the awareness rally by Prof. Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Rather HoD department of General SKIMS Medical College Bemina and Dr. Farooq A Kaloo, secretary Voluntary Medicare Society. The rally, conducted from VMS, Bemina, towards the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Bemina, raised awareness about the prevention of spinal cord injuries and promoted the inclusion, dignity and rights of persons living with spinal cord injuries. Participants carried the message of “Prevention, Inclusion, Empowerment” and encouraged the community to adopt measures to prevent spinal injuries. The rally was welcomed by the Director Health services kashmir and praised the efforts of Voluntary Medicare Society for rehabilitation of Spinal Cord Injury Patients. The auditorium programme commenced  with the welcome address was delivered by the President, VMS Prof.  Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool followed by an address by the Vice President, VMS Prof. Masooda Yasin Dr. M. Ayoub Bhat delivered a presentation on the holistic rehabilitation programme for persons with spinal cord injuries at VMS, highlighting the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation and coordinated support for persons with spinal cord injuries. The programme also included certificate distribution to visually impaired students who have completed their 3 month computer fundamental course, followed by a wheelchair distribution programme  for persons with spinal cord injuries and other beneficiaries requiring mobility support. The initiative aimed at enhancing mobility, independence and participation of persons with disabilities in the community. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Secretary, VMS, Dr. Farooq A Kaloo who thanked all the dignitaries , stakeholders participants and event organizers for making this initiative successful. VMS will continue its Spinal Week observance from September 5 to 12, with a series of activities aimed at strengthening awareness about spinal cord injury prevention, rehabilitation, accessibility, inclusion and the rights and dignity of persons living with spinal cord injuries.

Srinagar, Sept 1: Qul Fruits conducted its fourth and fifth training sessions for field staff on Tuesday at Qulgah, Newa, bringing together 50 field staff members for focused learning on digital advisory, farmer communication, in-season crop management, pest and disease control, and pre-harvest quality. The training programme was aimed at strengthening the field team’s ability to provide farmers with timely, informed and practical support. As field staff work directly with farmers and their orchards, continuous capacity building is essential to ensure that technical knowledge is effectively translated into practical action at the ground level. Qul Fruits is a technology-driven horticulture platform working to advance modern apple cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir. The company works closely with farmers through its field network, with a focus on high-density apple plantations, scientific orchard management, technical advisory and farmer support. Training session four, led by Jasir Balkhi, Web Developer at Qul Fruits, focused on Digital Advisory, Record Keeping, Farmer Communication and Field Troubleshooting. The session highlighted the growing role of digital tools and systematic record keeping in modern field operations. Effective documentation and communication can help field staff better understand farmer concerns, maintain accurate field-level information and support faster and more informed troubleshooting. “Digital advisory is becoming an increasingly important part of modern field operations. When information is properly recorded and communicated, it becomes easier for field teams to understand issues and support farmers effectively,” said Jasir Balkhi. Training Session 5, led by Dr. Rabia, Pathologist at Qul Fruits, focused on In-Season Crop Management, Canopy and Fruit Management, Pest & Disease Control, and Pre-Harvest quality. The session was particularly relevant to the current crop cycle, as management practices during the growing season have a direct bearing on plant health, fruit development and final fruit quality. Strengthening the technical understanding of field staff enables them to identify potential issues more effectively and guide farmers on appropriate orchard management practices. "Healthy crops and quality fruit require attention throughout the season. Strengthening the technical knowledge of our field staff helps ensure that important aspects of crop, pest and disease management receive the right attention at the field level,” said Dr. Rabia. With 50 field staff participating, the two sessions marked another step in Qul Fruits’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its field-level capabilities and ensure that farmers have access to knowledgeable, responsive and timely support. The training brought together digital and technical learning, reflecting the growing importance of combining technology with scientific orchard management in modern horticulture. Qul Fruits has been working with farmers across the region to promote improved orchard practices and strengthen productivity and fruit quality through technology, technical expertise and field-level engagement. Through its field teams and continuous training initiatives, Qul Fruits aims to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and its practical application at the orchard level, enabling farmers to access timely guidance and informed support throughout the crop cycle.

Baramulla, Aug 12: In a major community outreach initiative, the Army  organised a programme for the Gujjar-Bakarwal community at Bandibala (Sultanpur Kandi) in Baramulla, focusing on education, healthcare, skill development and access to government welfare schemes. The programme was conducted by 52 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of Headquarters 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles/Counter Insurgency Force (Kilo), with 143 people from Bandibala and adjoining areas participating. A key highlight of the outreach was the distribution of solar lights among Gujjar-Bakarwal families residing in dhoks. The initiative is aimed at helping children continue their studies despite limited access to electricity in the remote seasonal settlements. The Army also organised a free medical camp and conducted awareness sessions on various government welfare schemes and benefits, besides interacting with local youth on skill development and career opportunities. During interactions with elders and community leaders, local issues were discussed with the objective of identifying concerns faced by the community and strengthening engagement between civilians and security forces. The outreach also laid emphasis on encouraging children to pursue education and motivating youth to explore avenues for employment, skill development and career advancement. The Army said the initiative was part of its continuing efforts towards community welfare and inclusive development, asserting that local communities have an important role in societal and nation-building. The programme provided an opportunity for direct interaction between residents and Army personnel and was aimed at further strengthening civil-military relations in the area. The Army said that beyond its primary responsibility of safeguarding the nation's borders, it continues to contribute to nation-building through such outreach initiatives, conveying the message of “Aman and Awam.”