Kashmir Reader

Tremors felt in Delhi-NCR

Press Trust of India — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:19:12 +0000

NEW DELHI:An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 shook parts of Delhi-NCR on Thursday morning, according to initial reports.

The tremors were felt around 9 am.

Further details are awaited. PTI

Trump administration resumes sending some weapons to Ukraine after Pentagon pause

Press Trust of India — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 03:07:19 +0000

WASHINGTON:The Trump administration has resumed sending some weapons to Ukraine, a week after the Pentagon had directed that some deliveries be paused, US officials said on Wednesday.

The weapons heading into Ukraine include 155 mm munitions and precision-guided rockets known as GMLRS, two officials told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been announced publicly. It’s unclear exactly when the weapons started moving.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the pause on some shipments last week to allow the Pentagon to assess its weapons stockpiles, in a move that caught the White House by surprise.

Omar for utilizing SKICC to its optimal level, checking JKTDC assets ‘misuse’

KR Desk — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:38:37 +0000

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday chaired the Board meetings of Sher-i- Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) after the Boards were reconstituted recently with Chief Minister as chairman of both the Boards.
CM chaired back-to back board meetings here at SKICC Srinagar. He presided over the 19th board meeting of SKICC which was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Administrative Secretaries of Finance, Tourism, DG Planning, Director Tourism, MD JKTDC and Director SKICC.
Chief Minister emphasized the need for SKICC to emerge as a prominent place for conferences and other events so that the SKICC is utilized to its optimal level and it is able to earn sufficient revenue to bear its own expenses. He called upon the SKICC management to employ strategic marketing tools to acquaint corporates and private organizations about this facility which has the potential to be hub of activities all the year round. CM expressed concerned over under-utilization of SKICC and asked Tourism department to build a distinct MICE brand identity for the SKICC so as to utilize this facility. “It is essential to target corporates, event planners, and government agencies to ensure higher bookings for SKICC and minimize unutilized days. This would help SKICC to augment its revenue”, CM said during the meeting. CM also called upon making recoveries of outstanding dues pending with departments, private entities and individuals. CM also called for assigning clear roles to the staff and better supervision to get best out of the available human resource.
This was the first Board meeting of SKICC after the Board was recently reconstituted with Chief Minister as chairman of the Board. The last board meeting of the SKICC Board had been held in November 2020.
The agenda delved on action taken on decisions of previous board meetings, audit reports, reconciliation of accounts with AG’s office, status of segregation of utilities between SKICC and Centaur Hotel which has been outsourced to Leela Palace & JSW Realty by the UT Administration last year, HR matters and absorption of Centaur Hotel staff in other organizations of Tourism department.
In another meeting, Chief Minister chaired 95th Board of Directors meeting of the J&K Tourism Development Corporation and stressed on the need to increase the visibility of JKTDC assets so that tourists and people in general seek accommodation in JKTDC hotels and guest houses earnestly. He called upon improving the services and facilities in JKTDC properties to enhance the experience of guests so that they prefer to take JKTDC accommodation every time they visit J&K.
CM expressed concern over misuse of JKTDC properties and revenue leakages. “Every single JKTDC asset be installed with an independent smart meter,“ CM asserted, underlining the need to improve monitoring of JKTDC huts and hotels and to check misuse of assets. He called upon improving the overnight-stay potential of huts in remote tourist areas. CM gave directions to make maximum number of rooms including premium ones available for better marketability through Online Travel Aggregators so that JKTDC hotels and huts are used to optimum capacity. He called for developing JKTDC App for efficient marketing and better accessibility to its services.
CM called for audit of assets to evaluate the lacunae and how to improve deficiencies. The JKTDC management was directed to adopt best practices being followed in the private sector to improve its functioning.
Among various agenda points discussed in JKTDC board meeting, the onboarding of Online Travel Aggregators for marketing and sale of hotel rooms and accomodations, reimbursement of outstanding dues from other departments, revision of rentals of JKTDC accommodation allotted to various departments & organizations, financial statements, unpaid dues of retired officials and action taken on previous board decisions figured prominently.
JKTDC Board meeting was also attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secy to Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries of Finance, Tourism, Industries, DG Planning, Director of Tourism & Managing Director JKTDC.

Omar Arrives In Kolkata, To Participate Tourism Fair Today

KR Desk — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:38:02 +0000

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the tourism sector is once again getting revived in Jammu & Kashmir and the number of tourists visiting the Union Territory is increasing with each passing day.

“Things are not as bad as you are describing. A good number of tourists are returning to the region. The Amarnath Yatra has also commenced a few days back and a good number of devotees too are visiting the holy cave shrine via two routes. They (devotees) are happy with the situation there,” Omar told reporters in West Bengal where he is scheduled to attend the Tourism Fair.

Omar further added that he has come to Kolkata to participate in the Tourism Fair. “We want a good number of people from West Bengal to visit Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Pertinently, the tourism activities have once again gained pace amidst the ongoing Amarnath Yatra with the Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal yesterday asserting that the sector is reviving again and last year’s figures will be matched soon.

She was talking to the reporters on the sidelines of the two-day National Secretaries Conference, held at SKICC here in which the tourism secretaries from all the states and union territories participated.

During the conference, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had on Tuesday termed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, as an “Amavas ki kali raat” (a dark night of no moon), stating that while the tragedy was painful, the nation must look ahead and move forward with resilience and unity.

Addressing a Tourism Secretaries’ Meet of Union Territories here, Shekhawat had said, “We must not let one dark night define the future. We have to forget the Pahalgam terror attack as ‘Amavas ki kali raat’ and focus on building a brighter tomorrow.”

Yatra: CS takes detailed review of security protocols

KR Desk — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:37:02 +0000

Visits Nunwan, Chandanwadi Base Camps

Srinagar:Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today visited the Nunwan Base Camp at Pahalgam to review the arrangements made for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025.
He chaired a high-level meeting with senior officers of the civil administration, police, security forces, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and other line departments to assess the facilities being provided to the pilgrims for ensuring their yatra in a seamless manner.
During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary was given a comprehensive briefing on various aspects of Yatra management including accommodation facilities, tent arrangements, water supply, power supply, health care services, sanitation measures and other essential logistics. It was informed that round-the-clock monitoring mechanisms have been established to ensure uninterrupted services and promptly address any emergent issues faced by the pilgrims.
The Chief Secretary took a detailed review of the security protocols, including the deployment of personnel, surveillance measures and technology-based interventions such as facial recognition systems, CCTV surveillance and integrated control rooms for real-time coordination. He laid emphasis on multi-tier security arrangements for safety of the devotees.
Following the review, Dulloo conducted an extensive inspection of the Nunwan Base Camp. He interacted with a cross-section of stakeholders including pilgrims, medical and paramedical staff, officials from various departments, service providers and langar sevadars. He took first-hand stock of the facilities on the ground and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the collective efforts of all the departments and agencies and urged them to continue working with the same commitment to ensure the safe, smooth and successful conduct of the Yatra.
The pilgrims also expressed their satisfaction with the overall arrangements and commended the administration for its dedicated and proactive approach in facilitating the sacred pilgrimage.
Later, the Chief Secretary visited the Chandanwadi Camp, where he inspected the medical facilities, availability of emergency response systems and preparedness for high-altitude health emergencies. He interacted with the health officials and directed them to ensure adequate deployment of medical staff, ambulances and medicines to cater to the needs of pilgrims traversing this critical point of the Yatra route.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by the District Magistrate, Anantnag, S. F. Hamid; Senior Superintendent of Police, Amrit Pal Singh; Camp Directors and senior officers of Civil Administration, Police Department, SASB and others.

People are denied legitimate demand of statehood: Karra

KR Desk — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:36:25 +0000

Jammu,: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress on Wednesday said it will intensify the statehood restoration movement ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament that is set to start from July 21.
At a meeting of party coordinators for different districts of the Jammu region, the Congress’ Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Tariq Hameed Karra alleged that people were being denied their legitimate demand of statehood restoration “without any justified reason”.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are suffering due to the double control system… The time has come to fulfil the promises made (by the Centre) on the floor of Parliament and before the Supreme Court,” he said.
Karra also asked party colleagues to go to the people and “awaken, educate and unite” them to fight for their “rights, status and dignity” and support the Congress’ movement for statehood.
At the meeting, the party decided to intensify the ‘Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq’ movement to force the Central government to pass a bill in the upcoming Parliament session to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
About the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls, Karra accused the BJP of attempting to rig the assembly elections slated to be held in Bihar in the next few months.
“The election commission has come up with a novel way to verify the voters in Bihar. After every election, the BJP prepares itself to rig the next polls. In the Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP used a different method to rig and win it,” he alleged.
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief said the party considers this voter verification exercise “anti-constitutional”.

Maintain high level of vigilance throughout Yatra: DIG

KR Desk — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:35:53 +0000

Jammu: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shiv Kumar Sharma on Wednesday conducted a thorough security review of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and stressed the significance of maintaining a high level of vigilance throughout the duration of the pilgrimage.
The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine commenced on July 3 from the Valley via the twin tracks — the traditional 48-kilometre-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The yatra will conclude on August 9.
The number of pilgrims, who have paid obeisance at the cave shrine, has crossed one lakh.
The DIG, who looks after the operational area of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, conducted a review of the security and other arrangements for the ongoing yatra by undertaking ground-level checks and convening a high-level meeting to get feedback from officers, a police spokesperson said.
During the review, Sharma visited the lodgement centres and Langar sites in the three districts and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, he added.
The DIG highlighted the need for meticulous planning and execution of security measures to address any potential threats and challenges.
He stressed the significance of maintaining a high level of vigilance throughout the duration of the yatra.
Sharma instructed the officers to conduct regular reviews and mock drills to ensure that all plans are effectively implemented.
He also directed proper checking of vehicles plying on the roads and thorough verification of vendors, with immediate necessary action to be taken in case of any suspicious activity.
The DIG directed all officers to lay special focus on the security being extended to the pilgrims en route, at places of stay — especially the base camp at Bhagwati Nagar — and at all lodgement centres and Langar sites.
“All officers were exhorted to implement Operation Third Eye in their respective jurisdictions in coordination with other stakeholders for foolproof security of the yatris,” he said.
Sharma further directed that officers and personnel deployed for yatra security and on the highway remain extra vigilant at their designated points.
The DIG also interacted with the yatris during the review and advised passengers travelling in private vehicles to follow police instructions and preferably travel in official convoys for a safe and secure journey.
He also inspected all en route joint checkposts, ambush points, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), Road Opening Parties (RoPs) and border posts, and met with Village Defence Guard members of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts.
The DIG briefed them about the sensitivity of their duties and directed them to remain extra vigilant.
“Moreover, all officers were directed to strengthen all nakas, especially in the border areas as well as within the city during night hours and early morning. They were also tasked with identifying locations where additional nakas need to be established for the security of yatris,” he said.
Sharma also instructed officers to maintain proper liaison with intelligence agencies of the Army, paramilitary forces and other security agencies in their respective jurisdictions, and to share intelligence on a real-time basis.

Rains Lash Valley, MeT Predicts More Today

KR Desk — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:34:32 +0000

Srinagar: Rains lashed many parts of Kashmir Valley on Wednesday, bringing relief from the intense heat wave conditions.
The weather department forecast intense showers at some places of the valley over the next 36 hours and said the current weather system would continue till Thursday “Intermittent light to moderate rain/ thundershowers would continue at many places. Few places of Kashmir may receive intense showers/ torrential rains with possibility of heavy rain at isolated places,” the MeT office said.
It said there is a possibility of flash floods at few vulnerable places with landslides, mudslides and shooting stones. It may also lead to the rise in the water levels in rivers, streams, and water logging in few low-lying areas.
The weather office said hot and humid weather with a spell of light rain at scattered places is likely from July 11-13
The rainfall brought relief from 15-days long heatwave and the two month long hot weather during which temperature hovered between 33-37 Degree C.
The IMD advised the flash floods may occur at few vulnerable places with landslides and mudslides, and shooting stones during 9-10 July. There will be rise in water level in rivers, streams, local nalas and water logging in few low lying areas.
The heatwave and dry spell had impacted paddy and other agricultural activities, causing drought-like conditions at many places. It has caused water scarcity in the valley, drying up springs, streams and compelling the Jal Shakti department to supply water tankers.

‘Vande Bharat, Chenab Bridge Take Spotlight At World Expo In Osaka’

KR Desk — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:33:33 +0000

New Delhi: Vande Bharat and Chenab Bridge have emerged as a star attraction at the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, drawing enthusiastic crowds and high praise from visitors for its remarkable journey of modernisation and technological innovation, the Railway Ministry on Wednesday said.
“Held at Yumeshima, an artificial island on Osaka’s waterfront, the World Expo 2025 opened its doors on April 13 and will continue till October 13, welcoming millions of visitors from across the globe. Amid the vibrant international exhibits, the Indian Pavilion, particularly the section dedicated to Indian Railways, has become a focal point of admiration,” the ministry said in a press note.
“In the showcase, the magnificent Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest Railway bridge soaring across the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir; the iconic Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in the challenging Himalayan terrain; the state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express trains, known for their speed and passenger comfort; and many more latest advancements in electric locomotives underscore India’s commitment to sustainable mobility,” it added.
According to officials, several Japanese visitors gathered around the Indian Railways exhibit, keenly listening to presentations about the genesis of one of the world’s largest Rail networks and its incredible transformation over the decades.
The ministry stated that the blend of engineering marvels and sustainable technology left many in awe.
“Visitors have praised not only the scale of the projects but also India’s vision of integrating modern infrastructure with environmental consciousness,” the press note said.
The theme for the Expo 2025 is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, with three sub-themes namely Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives, beautifully aligns with the Indian Railways’ vision of delivering safe, inclusive and sustainable transportation, it added.
The officials said the Indian Railways through interactive sessions and immersive digital displays is actively engaging global audiences, reinforcing its image as a modern, innovative and eco-conscious mobility leader. (Agencies)

Aadhaar Now Mandatory To Avail Benefits: Govt

Agencies — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:32:24 +0000

Skill Development Scheme For Persons With Disabilities

New Delhi, Jul 9: The Centre has made it mandatory for beneficiaries under the National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities to either furnish their Aadhaar number or provide proof of having applied for it in order to receive scheme benefits.
At the same time, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment clarified that no eligible child would be denied benefits due to the lack of Aadhaar or authentication failure.
In a gazette notification, the ministry said Aadhaar authentication is essential for accessing cash benefits under the scheme, including transport allowance, boarding and lodging, conveyance and post-placement support.
The National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (NAP-SDP) is a central scheme launched in March 2015 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).
It aims to provide high-quality vocational training to enhance the skills of persons with disabilities (PwDs), enabling them to gain meaningful employment and become self-reliant. The scheme is part of the larger “Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act” (SIPDA).
The notification clarified that if an eligible individual does not have an Aadhaar number, they must apply for enrolment.
For children, such application must be made with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Until Aadhaar is assigned, beneficiaries can establish their identity using specified alternative documents, including birth certificates, school records or legal adoption or guardianship papers.
The ministry has instructed its implementing agencies to set up Aadhaar enrolment centres at accessible locations or become registrars themselves to facilitate enrolment and updates for persons with disabilities.
In cases where biometric Aadhaar authentication fails due to reasons like poor fingerprint or iris quality, alternative methods such as OTP-based authentication, Aadhaar QR code scanning or offline e-KYC verification may be used, the notification said.
To raise awareness, the ministry will also undertake a media campaign informing beneficiaries about the Aadhaar requirement.
A designated officer will verify submitted enrolment and identity documents through the UIDAI portal and may seek assistance from other government departments.
The notification comes into effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette — which is July 2.