The Gupkar Tribune, Jammu and Kashmir (2025)

22/06/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐔 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭

Paras Health Srinagar has launched a state-of-the-art Mother and Baby Care Unit, featuring a 24×7 Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — one of the most advanced in Jammu and Kashmir. This development marks a significant advancement in maternal and neonatal healthcare in the Valley.

The newly inaugurated five-bed NICU is equipped with high-frequency ventilators, CPAP systems, transport incubators, and portable life-support tools, designed to provide critical care to premature and medically fragile newborns. The unit operates around the clock, staffed by neonatologists, paediatricians, and skilled nurses, ensuring personalized, evidence-based treatment.

“This facility closes a critical gap by offering advanced neonatal care within the Valley, sparing families the need to seek urgent treatment elsewhere,” said Dr. Sajaad Ahmad Bhat, Consultant Paediatrics and Neonatology.

The unit is part of a comprehensive maternal care initiative that includes high-risk pregnancy management, painless labour options, and continuous care from diagnosis through delivery and recovery. Dr. Nazeefa, Consultant in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, emphasized the hospital's 24/7 capacity to manage complex deliveries with specialist support, even during night hours.

Dr. Waseem Yousuf, Paediatric Consultant, underscored the importance of maternal proximity in improving neonatal outcomes. “Our NICU is designed to keep mothers and babies close, following globally recognized protocols for treating respiratory distress, infections, and prematurity.”

The facility also includes NABH-accredited safety protocols, an in-house diagnostic lab, surgical emergency services, a blood bank, ambulance support, ROP screening, lactation counselling, and well-baby clinics.

Dr. Murtaza Habib, Facility Director, said the hospital’s low neonatal mortality rate reflects its commitment to prompt and quality interventions. He also revealed plans to expand into oncology care in response to the rising cancer cases in the region.

22/06/2025

𝐒𝐌𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬

Following directives from Commissioner Faz L*l Haseeb (IAS), Joint Commissioner (Administration) Nuzhat K Qurashi (JKAS), along with senior officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), carried out a comprehensive inspection of Muharram arrangements in key Shia-populated areas of Zadibal and Hassanabad.

The visit focused on ensuring that all civic services are adequately in place to facilitate a smooth and respectful observance of Muharram processions. During the inspection, officials engaged with local residents to hear their suggestions and address any concerns.

Ms. Nuzhat instructed SMC teams to maintain continuous sanitation and waste management operations throughout the Muharram period. She also directed the Municipal Veterinary Officer to deploy teams for stray dog control to enhance public safety.

Ensuring uninterrupted water and electricity supply during peak procession hours was emphasized, with immediate coordination requested between departments to avoid any service disruptions.

Additionally, street lighting was reviewed, and instructions were given to carry out timely repairs to ensure adequate illumination for evening gatherings.

This on-ground assessment underlines the SMC’s proactive approach to community care, aiming to facilitate a peaceful and dignified environment for Muharram observances.

22/06/2025

𝐌𝐁𝐁𝐒 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

MBBS interns from government medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir have voiced serious concerns over prolonged delays in the registration process being carried out by the J&K Medical Council (JKMC).

Recent graduates revealed that the Council is currently verifying documents for only four applicants per day, leading to lengthy waiting periods.

“With hundreds of new MBBS graduates applying for registration, verifying only four applications daily has created a massive backlog. Many of us have been waiting for over three months to complete the process,” said an intern from GMC Anantnag.

The delay is having a direct impact on the interns’ ability to join as junior residents, apply for postgraduate courses, or pursue further education — all of which require a valid registration from the Council.

“This situation isn’t just delaying our careers; it’s also causing financial and emotional stress after years of intense training,” the interns added.

They called on the JKMC to increase the number of daily verifications and to adopt digital measures such as online document submission and appointment scheduling to ease the process and reduce waiting time.

“We understand that verification must be thorough, but with proper planning and digital systems, this can be done without causing months-long delays,” the interns said, urging Council leadership to take immediate corrective steps.

Responding to the concerns, Dr. M. Salim Khan, President of JKMC, stated that the registration pace has already improved significantly in recent years.

“We now process around 50 to 60 applications daily. With 11 medical colleges in the region, the number of applicants is high. Each graduate needs a provisional certificate, and we’ve received over 2,500 applications just this past month,” he said.

Dr. Khan noted that foreign medical graduates (FMGs) often require additional time due to incomplete or delayed documentation, adding to the overall workload.

22/06/2025

𝐓𝐞𝐡𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭

In a striking corruption case, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Tehsildar of Qaziabad Kralgund, Handwara, for allegedly soliciting a bribe of ₹1 lakh in exchange for permission to cut walnut trees.

He was apprehended red-handed while accepting the second installment of ₹50,000 from a complainant at his private residence in Handwara.

According to the ACB, the complainant, a financially constrained local resident, approached the bureau alleging that the tehsildar had demanded a total of ₹1 lakh to approve two walnut tree-cutting permits. Despite expressing his inability to pay the full amount, the applicant was allegedly coerced into making an initial payment of ₹50,000. Bhat allegedly withheld the permits until the remaining amount was paid.

After verifying the complaint, the ACB registered FIR No. 04/2025 under Section 7 of the amended Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018, and laid a trap. Bhat and his alleged accomplice, Rafi Ahmad Lone from Pathora Kralgund, were caught accepting the remaining ₹50,000 at Bhat’s residence.

The ACB recovered the bribe money during the operation, along with an additional ₹79,000 in unexplained cash. Both individuals have been remanded to seven days of police custody by the Special Anti-Corruption Court, Baramulla.

Notably, this is not the first time Bhat has faced corruption charges. In 2021, he was implicated in a separate case related to illegal land mutations. Investigations are ongoing to determine his involvement in other potentially corrupt practices, including the possible role of other officials.

The incident highlights the persistent misuse of administrative authority for personal gain, especially in routine matters such as tree-cutting permissions.

22/06/2025

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐡𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐦 𝐍𝐚𝐛𝐢 𝐆𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐫

Rich tributes were paid to renowned writer, jurist, and novelist Ghulam Nabi Gowhar on his 7th death anniversary at a literary function held at Government Model Degree College, Chrari Sharif. The event was jointly organised by Kashmir Markaz Adab-o-Saqafat, Gowhar Memorial Trust, and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages.

The programme was graced by noted scholar Prof. Mohammad Zaman Azurda as the chief guest, while Dr. Hafeez Masoodi, Special Secretary, Information Technology, was the guest of honour.

Distinguished figures who shared the presidium included Prof. Farooq Fayaz, President of Markazi Adab Kamraz; Mohammad Amin Bhat; Dr. Arshid Hussain, Principal of the host college; Syed Shabir, Joint Director Education, Kashmir; and Begum Haseena Gowhar, Chairperson of the Gowhar Memorial Trust.

On the occasion, the Gowhar Memorial Award was presented to veteran writer and Secretary of Kashmir Markaz Adab-o-Saqafat, Inayat Gul, while Shabir Qureshi Ibne Shahbaz, a celebrated teacher and writer, received the Khilat-i-Sheikh-ul-Alam Award. Guest speakers were also honoured with mementos.

In his address, Prof. Azurda described Gowhar’s literary contributions as reflective of Kashmir’s social and political landscape. Dr. Masoodi and Prof. Fayaz hailed Gowhar as a multifaceted personality whose work deeply enriched Kashmiri literature and culture.

Writers and poets Mushtaq Mehram and Younis Waheed presented detailed papers on Gowhar’s life and contributions, emphasizing the need for further scholarly study of his work.

Tributes were also paid to Gowhar’s close associates, including late writer-poet Assadullah Afaqi and his uncle, poet Molvi Jalal-ud-Din Waiz.

The event began with a welcome address by Nazrul Islam, Director of Life School Foundation. Family members Batool Gowhar and Zeenat Gowhar, along with Ali Ahsan, Ghulam Nabi Adfar, Manzoor Ahmad Jalali, and a large gathering of students, poets, and faculty members, attended the function.

22/06/2025

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐠𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

More than one lakh students and teachers from government and private schools across Kashmir Valley participated in the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations on Saturday, organised by the Youth Services and Sports Department, Kashmir.

According to Mohammad Rashid, Joint Director of Youth Services and Sports, a total of 101,521 students from all ten districts of the valley took part in events conducted at the district and zonal levels.

The department had made comprehensive arrangements to ensure large-scale participation, with events featuring live-streamed yoga demonstrations, group activities, and educational sessions highlighting the benefits of yoga.

The day began with attendees watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Visakhapatnam, which was displayed on large screens at various venues. Guided yoga sessions followed, led by qualified instructors demonstrating postures and breathing techniques.

In Srinagar district, the celebration saw enthusiastic participation from both government and private schools. A mass yoga session was also held at the SKICC lawns, where students witnessed the national-level “Yoga Sangam” event.

A special collaborative celebration took place at SP Higher Secondary School Srinagar, organised by Samagra Shiksha J&K in partnership with 92.7 BIG FM Jammu. Attended by Project Director Bhawani Rakwal and Director of School Education Kashmir Dr. G.N. Itoo, the event was particularly notable for the active involvement of Children with Special Needs (CWSNs).

Schools throughout the district showcased strong engagement, and both students and staff acknowledged the holistic value of yoga in education. Chief Education Officer Rifat Qadri extended gratitude to all contributors for the successful ex*****on of the program.

The celebrations concluded with a strong message of wellness, unity, and the vital role yoga plays in cultivating a healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, in Beerwah, the Youth Services and Sports Department organised a parallel Yoga Day event at DIET Beerwah under the supervision of Zonal Physical Education Officer (ZPEO) Beerwah.

19/06/2025

Records Break: Srinagar Records Highest June Temperature in 20 Years

The summer heat intensified in Kashmir as Srinagar city recorded a scorching 35.2°C today, marking the highest June temperature in the past two decades.

According to data from Kashmir Weather, this is the hottest June day since June 25, 2005, when the mercury had soared to 36.5°C. Despite the intense heat this year, the all-time record for June still stands at 37.8°C, recorded on June 29, 1978.

The rising temperatures come amid a prolonged dry spell across the Valley, raising concerns about water supply, agricultural impact, and increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

Meteorological officials have advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, and take necessary precautions, especially for the elderly and children.

(File Photo)

19/06/2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has formally nominated Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) posted at District Headquarters in all districts of the Kashmir Division as Nodal Officers to monitor and facilitate the resolution of complaints from Kashmiri migrants.

19/06/2025

Abdullahs Travel on High-Speed Train Connecting Kashmir to Katra

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with National Conference (NC) President and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, travelled in recently-inaugurated Vande Bharat Express from Srinagar to Katra on Thursday.

Accompanied by NC General Secretary Nasir Aslam Wani, the Abdullahs arrived at the Katra railway station to a warm reception by party leaders, workers, and local supporters.

According to officials, this marks the second such journey for Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who first travelled on the route on June 10.

The Vande Bharat Express connecting Srinagar with Katra is not only a technological milestone but also a symbol of infrastructural integration and regional connectivity. Since its launch, the service has seen exceptional demand, with tickets booked out weeks in advance.

As the high-speed train continues to bolster tourism and improve mobility, stakeholders across sectors are hopeful for the economic and social ripple effects it promises to bring to the region.

19/06/2025

First Batch of 9 Kashmiri Students Return from War-hit Iran

The first group of nine Kashmiri students stranded in conflict-hit Iran landed in New Delhi on Thursday before continuing their journey home to Kashmir by road. Their return marks the beginning of a long-awaited evacuation effort amid escalating tensions in the region.

Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office had issued a statement saying that CM Omar Abdullah had taken note of the transportation concerns and directed the Resident Commissioner in Delhi to arrange JKRTC deluxe sleeper buses to facilitate the students’ journey home.

In a separate statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) acknowledged the efforts of the administration while reiterating their primary demand for connecting flights in future evacuations.

Families of other Kashmiri students still stranded in Iran have urged the government to expedite the evacuation process, expressing concern over their safety as regional hostilities continue.

The students’ evacuation comes amid a wider Indian government initiative to bring back nationals from the region, following recent missile strikes and military escalations involving Iran and Israel.

(File Photo)

19/06/2025

𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during a visit to the historic Naranag temple complex in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to safeguarding and revitalizing the country’s cultural legacy.

Speaking at the ancient site, Shekhawat stressed that heritage preservation goes beyond maintaining structures—it is about reconnecting with the nation’s roots and passing on a meaningful legacy. He stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will step up restoration work across India, focusing particularly on overlooked heritage sites.

Describing Naranag as a "hidden gem" of Jammu and Kashmir, Shekhawat said significant efforts will be directed toward the conservation and development of key locations like Naranag, Mansbal, and Kheer Bhawani in Ganderbal.

He also emphasized the need to spread tourist activity beyond Srinagar, advocating for sustainable tourism in heritage-rich areas across the Valley. "Kashmir’s cultural and natural beauty should be experienced beyond the capital city. Our aim is to blend heritage protection with responsible tourism development,” he said, adding that both the central and UT governments are united in this vision.

On the potential opening of the Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) trekking routes, the Minister affirmed that security remains the top priority and such activities will resume only after appropriate agency clearances.

“The rise in Kashmir’s tourism sector benefits the region and contributes to national progress,” Shekhawat concluded.

19/06/2025

𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲, 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬

In a high-level cabinet meeting held at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir government prioritized the long-debated reservation policy while reviewing various administrative matters.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) report proposing changes to the existing quota system was among the foremost items discussed. The report, compiled over several months, has sparked public concern, particularly among merit-based aspirants and sections of civil society. Following the discussion, the report was forwarded to the Law Department for a constitutional and legal review.

Critics have argued that the proposed changes risk diluting merit by potentially exceeding a 70% cap on reservations. Prominent voices, including political leaders and student bodies, have raised objections, calling for a thorough examination of the policy’s implications.

The Law Department is now tasked with assessing the report's compatibility with the constitutional framework and the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. The revised proposal is expected to be returned to the cabinet for further consideration after legal vetting, although no timeline has been set.

The meeting also addressed the decline in tourism, particularly following the recent attack in Pahalgam, which led to a noticeable drop in visitor numbers. Efforts are underway to formulate a revival strategy, including rebranding campaigns and the reopening of sites that had been closed for security reasons. The promotion of eco and adventure tourism in lesser-known destinations was also emphasized.

Additionally, the cabinet reviewed the state of the Forest Department, focusing on the need for new appointments and possible restructuring to better address environmental challenges affecting forests, wetlands, and tourism infrastructure.

With the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra nearing, preparations along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes were reviewed. Discussions included ensuring adequate medical services, functional base camps, and the availability of essential supplies like food and water.

The Gupkar Tribune

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