JK News Express

31/05/2026

First-Ever Night Kabaddi Tournament held in Rajouri under Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign

RAJOURI, MAY 31: In a landmark initiative under the ongoing 100 Days Campaign of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Rajouri, under the guidance of DC Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today organized the first-ever Night Kabaddi Tournament for Boys and Girls at the Mini Stadium Sports Complex, Rajouri.

The historic event witnessed enthusiastic participation from young sportspersons and sports enthusiasts, transforming the stadium into a vibrant arena of athletic excellence, discipline and sportsmanship. The tournament marked a significant milestone in the district's sporting journey and reflected the growing enthusiasm for sports among the youth.

The event was graced by Principal Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School Rajouri, Muslim Wani, as the Chief Guest, while Principal Army Goodwill Public School Rajouri, Gurnam Kour attended as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the participants, the dignitaries appreciated the efforts of the Youth Services and Sports Department in providing meaningful sporting opportunities to the youth and promoting the message of a healthy and drug-free society through sports. They particularly lauded the dedicated efforts and visionary leadership of District Youth Services and Sports Officer Rajouri, Wali Mohd for successfully conceptualizing and organizing the historic tournament.

The speakers emphasized that sports play a vital role in shaping character, building confidence, fostering discipline and steering youth away from social evils, particularly drug abuse. They expressed hope that such innovative sporting events would continue to inspire young people and strengthen the sporting ecosystem across the district.

The tournament was organized in line with the vision of Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, whose commitment towards youth empowerment, grassroots sports development and the creation of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir continues to inspire sporting initiatives across the Union Territory.

The event was conducted under the guidance of Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta, whose continued support and encouragement have significantly strengthened sports infrastructure and expanded opportunities for young athletes across Jammu and Kashmir.

District Youth Services and Sports Officer Rajouri, Wali Mohd reiterated the department's commitment to providing a vibrant sporting environment for the youth and advancing the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan. He highlighted that sports remain one of the most effective tools for promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering unity and developing responsible citizens.

The tournament concluded amid great enthusiasm and appreciation from participants, officials and spectators, further reinforcing Rajouri's emergence as a vibrant sporting hub and setting a new benchmark for future sporting events in the district.

31/05/2026

Speaker inaugurates NTPHC at Challyan; emphasises easy access to essential amenities

BUDGAM, MAY 31: In a major boost to the local healthcare infrastructure, Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today formally inaugurated a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Challyan, Chrari-Sharief constituency.

The Speaker underscored that NTPHC is set to significantly augment the medical services in the area, bringing quality healthcare directly to the doorsteps of the local population.

Following the inauguration, the Speaker addressed a large public gathering, where he highlighted the government's ongoing developmental achievements and welfare initiatives aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of the region.

Addressing the gathering, the Speaker emphasized that the primary focus of the administration remains the equitable development of all regions, with a special emphasis on ensuring easy access to essential amenities.

"The government is deeply committed to provide top-tier basic facilities to the public. Our core priority sectors like Health, Roads, Education, Power and Clean Drinking Water are receiving unprecedented focus. The inauguration of this NTPHC is a testament to our resolve to ensure that no citizen has to travel long distances for fundamental medical care," the Speaker said.

Recalling establishment of this health centre in 1979-80, he said it reflected his commitment to work for the remote, under developed and underprivileged communities of the region.

"Today, I see infrastructure like roads, drinking water, healthcare, electricity, education has reached every nook and corner of this constituency and people are harping on the benefits of these facilities at their doorsteps", he said.

He further elaborated on various ongoing government schemes and urged the public to actively participate and avail benefit of these initiatives. He assured the community that the government will continue to accelerate infrastructure projects to ensure comprehensive growth and improve the overall quality of life for the common citizens.

The event was attended by CMO Budgam, senior administrative officials, prominent citizens and representatives from the health department.

31/05/2026

Delegation Led by BJP District President Baramulla Gh. Hussain Dar Calls on Lieutenant
Governor Shri Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, May 31: A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from Baramulla, led by District President Gh. Hussain Dar, called on the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting several important public issues and developmental demands concerning Baramulla district.
The delegation comprised District Minority Morcha President Amanjeet Singh, District Yuva Morcha President Shafqat Abdullah, Haji Muhammad Muzzafar, and social activist Mushtaq Hussain Wani.
During the meeting, the delegation urged the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to intervene and ensure the timely resolution of various issues affecting the people of Baramulla. The memorandum emphasized the need for effective traffic management in view of the ongoing National Highway construction works, which have caused severe congestion and inconvenience to commuters.

31/05/2026

Dy CM inaugurates double-lane bridge at Greater Kailash; says govt prioritising surface connectivity in J&K

JAMMU, MAY 31: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today inaugurated the newly constructed double-lane bridge over the Nallah at Greater Kailash in Jammu.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is deeply focused on creating robust surface connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the inauguration of the bridge marks a significant step towards strengthening the urban connectivity and improving the public infrastructure in the region.

The newly constructed bridge is expected to provide seamless connectivity, ease traffic movement and enhance convenience for the residents of Greater Kailash and adjoining areas. The project has been executed to improve accessibility and support the growing transportation needs of the locality.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is working under a well knit system to ensure robust, inclusive and people-centric development across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that strengthening the basic infrastructure remains a key priority for the government, as it plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life of the people and accelerating socio-economic growth.

“The government is creating durable and modern infrastructure that directly benefits the public. Projects like this bridge not only improve the connectivity but also contribute to the overall development of the region,” he asserted.

The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s continued efforts towards upgrading the road networks, bridges and other essential public infrastructure to meet the aspirations of the people and facilitate balanced development across the Union Territory.

Chief Engineer, Roads and Buildings (R&B), along with other senior officers of the department, were present on the occasion. They briefed the Deputy Chief Minister about the technical aspects of the project and other ongoing infrastructure works in the area.

The local residents expressed satisfaction over the completion of the bridge and appreciated the government’s efforts in enhancing the civic infrastructure and public convenience.

30/05/2026

Health Minister convenes grievances redress camp; emphasizes enhanced public service delivery

PULWAMA, MAY 30: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today convened a public grievances redress camp at Circuit House Pulwama.

The event was attended by MLA Pampore Justice Hasnain Masoodi, MLA Zainapora Showkat Hussain Ganie, Programme Officer ICDS, Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, Assistant Commissioner Development Pulwama, Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE and other line departments besides officers from the Health, Education and Social Welfare departments.

During the camp, deputations from different villages and urban areas of Pulwama and Shopian, representatives of trade bodies, social organisations, senior citizens and other stakeholders projected a wide range of public issues and development demands and submitted memoranda of demands concerning their respective areas.

The issues raised during the interaction included strengthening of healthcare facilities, improvement of educational infrastructure, augmentation of sports facilities, water supply schemes, development of public parks, establishment of scientific dumping sites, road connectivity, widening and upgradation of roads, deployment of adequate staff in health and educational institutions besides concerns related to agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry sectors.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to all the deputations and sought on-the-spot feedback from the concerned officers regarding the issues raised. She directed the officers to take immediate measures and ensure timely resolution of genuine public grievances.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Pampore expressed gratitude said that such interactions provide an effective platform for addressing the genuine concerns of the people. He expressed hope that similar programmes would continue in future to strengthen the public participation in governance and ensure prompt redress of public issues.

MLA Zainapora, while addressing the gathering, said that the visit of the Minister to directly interact with the people and listen to their concerns at their doorstep demonstrates a people-centric approach aimed at ensuring that the voice of every citizen is heard and considered in the decision-making process.

Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo assured the participants that all genuine issues projected during the meeting would be examined and addressed in a timebound manner. She said that a follow-up review meeting would also be conducted to assess the progress achieved on the issues raised and ensure their effective redressal.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the people from different areas of Pulwama and Shopian, particularly senior citizens, community representatives and members of the civil society, for participating in the interaction and sharing their valuable suggestions for development of the districts.

Sakeena Itoo further directed the officers to adopt a people-centric approach in discharge of their duties and ensure improved delivery of public services. Stressing the importance of accountability and responsiveness, she called upon all the departments to work in close coordination for welfare and betterment of the people.

Highlighting the significance of the agriculture and horticulture sectors, the Minister said that these sectors form the backbone of the local economy and livelihood of a large section of the population. She directed the concerned officers to ensure the availability of irrigation water and other essential facilities to the farmers and orchardists during the ongoing growing season so that productivity and income generation are not affected.

Sakeena Itoo also instructed the officers to strictly adhere to the prescribed timelines in ex*****on of development and infrastructure projects. She emphasized the need for regular monitoring and supervision of works to ensure quality standards and timely completion. She added that delays in project implementation directly impact the public welfare and must be avoided. She asked the officers to maintain transparency and accountability while executing the development works and delivering public services.

30/05/2026

Transport Commissioner felicitates CBSE toppers

JAMMU, MAY 30: Transport Commissioner J&K, Vishesh Mahajan, attended a felicitation programme at a coaching institute in Jammu as the chief guest and honoured students for their performance in the CBSE Class 12 examinations.

The Transport Commissioner congratulated the students for their hard work and success. He encouraged them to remain focused, work with dedication and pursue their future goals. He interacted with the students and shared guidance on career opportunities, personal growth and facing challenges.

Vishesh Mahajan also appreciated the efforts of the institute for their contribution towards students' academic development.

Those felicitated include Diya Rakesh, Ananya Slathia and Arham Jain.

29/05/2026

*Abdul Majeed Bhat Passes Away, Mourned Across the Community*

Waqar Manzoor

Kreeri 29/May 26 : (JKNE) : The demise of Abdul Majeed Bhat, popularly known as “Gautam,” has cast a wave of grief and sorrow across the community. Known for his cheerful personality, deep love for cricket, and warm-hearted nature, he was widely respected and admired by people from all walks of life.

Abdul Majeed Bhat was regarded as one of the finest human beings in the area, remembered for his sense of humor, friendly demeanor, and unwavering passion for the game of cricket. A well-known cricket supporter and sports enthusiast, he remained closely connected with local youth and sports circles, earning immense affection and respect over the years.
Friends, relatives, and members of the community described him as a humble and compassionate individual who always spread positivity and joy wherever he went. His passing has created a void that will be difficult to fill.

People from different sections of society have expressed heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. They also prayed for strength and patience to the family during this difficult time.
May Almighty grant him the highest place in Jannah.

29/05/2026

إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

With deep sorrow, we inform the demise of Mrs. Ateeqa Begum of Tilagam, Pattan, beloved mother of Mohammad Suliaman Rather and Abdul Majeed Rather.

May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and bless the bereaved family with patience, strength, and courage in this difficult time.

27/05/2026