The News Expressions

28/07/2025

Development must be judicious; for every tree uprooted, a hundred must be planted: CM Omar Abdullah

"Let’s find joy in planting trees and pass on a better environment to future generations," says CM

JAMMU, JULY 28: Climate change is real, and the signs are all around us. The earth and our environment are a heritage we must pass on to the next generations—if not improved, at least preserved in our lifetime, asserted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as he inaugurated the Van Mahotsav 2025 celebrations organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department at Abhinav Theatre. Let’s find joy in planting trees and gifting plants, he remarked, calling on people to transform the festival into a vibrant people's movement.

He was joined by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs; Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Commissioner and Secretary to the Government, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Secretary Tribal Affairs, Prasanna Ramaswamy G; Principal Chief Conservators of Forests; DDC Member (Dansal) Shamima Begum; besides senior officers from various departments.

The event was marked by broad community participation including tribal members, students, and citizens across the Union Territory.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised that our actions today would have repercussions long afterwards. There needs to be a check on greed; only our needs must be met. Uncontrolled deforestation must stop. Genuine afforestation efforts are required to produce results that matter, not just statistics. He added that development is a need, but it should be judicious. There must be a balance, development carried out with sincere concern for the environment. For every tree uprooted, a hundred must be planted.

Reaffirming the government's resolve, the Chief Minister said that the administration will ensure the benefits of the Forest Rights Act and minor forest produce reach every intended beneficiary. Addressing the youth and tribal communities, he celebrated the enduring value of trees and the importance of collective stewardship.

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana recognised the unique responsibility of the tribal population in protecting forests. He emphasized that the Tribal Affairs Department must become the nodal agency for implementing the Forest Rights Act. The Minister detailed government initiatives for tribal welfare, with special focus on water conservation in Kandi areas through check dams, rainwater harvesting and percolation pits. He also highlighted youth-focussed employment opportunities under the Van Dhan Yojana and spoke of upcoming sustainable tourism plans currently being developed, such as eco trek activities. Referring to holistic empowerment, he mentioned the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, under which several projects have been proposed to support inclusion, infrastructure, and the saturation of government guarantees for tribal communities.

Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, reflected that forests are not just resources—they are living guardians that gift us firewood to warm our homes, fodder to feed our cattle, timber to build our shelters, and the very air we breathe to stay alive. He urged people to reconnect with the age-old traditions of tree planting, which once formed an integral part of rituals. These were not mere customs, he noted, but deeply rooted acts of gratitude and responsibility towards nature. The government, he assured, will make every effort to revive these traditions and ensure that the rights of forest dwellers, as well as the forests themselves, are upheld and protected. Development matters, but never at the cost of nature, he asserted.

The ceremony also witnessed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah handing over appointment letters to newly selected candidates in the Forest Department and felicitating individuals and organizations for their environmental contributions.

28/07/2025

*Section 109 BNS Invoked in Gandhi Nagar Thar-Scooty Collision Case; Vehicle Seized, Owner Detained for Questioning, Investigation Ongoing*

Jammu,
July 28, 2025

In reference to the incident that occurred on 27/07/2025 near Green Belt Park, Gandhi Nagar, involving a Mahindra Thar SUV and a scooty, an FIR was registered at Police Station Gandhi Nagar, and an investigation was promptly initiated.

As per initial information received from a reliable source, a Mahindra Thar bearing registration number JK02DP-9594, being driven in a rash and negligent manner from Gandhi Nagar towards Green Belt Park, collided with a scooty (JK02BS-6435) near Allora Textiles, Green Belt Park, at approximately 1330 hrs. The scooty, which was coming from the opposite direction, was struck by the Thar, resulting in injuries to the rider. The injured individual was shifted to GMC Jammu by passers-by, while the Thar driver fled from the spot.

On this basis, FIR No. 163/2025 was registered under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Gandhi Nagar.

Subsequently, SHO PS Gandhi Nagar and his team acted swiftly upon receiving the information and have ensured that all critical evidence are being seized and scrutinised to corroborate facts and as material evidence in the case. CCTV footage of the incident was obtained and the statement of an eyewitness was recorded, which revealed a more serious aspect of the case. It came to light that after the initial collision, the driver of the Thar reversed the vehicle and deliberately hit the victim again, resulting in grievous injuries. In light of the statement recorded and other material evidences collected, Section 109 of BNS is being invoked.

The victim is currently unconscious and undergoing treatment at GMC Jammu. The Thar vehicle has been seized and mechanical examination will be conducted. The owner of the vehicle has been detained for questioning, and a manhunt is underway to trace and arrest the driver, who is presently absconding.

The investigation is being carried out under the close supervision of SDPO South and SP South, ensuring that all legal, procedural, and forensic angles are thoroughly pursued. Jammu Police reiterates its commitment to deliver justice in a fair and time-bound manner and urges the public to come forward with any relevant information.

28/07/2025

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28/07/2025

Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025”

Lieutenant Governor flags off the holy Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra from Jammu

LG extends his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe and spiritually-fulfilling journey

The sacred journey to the abode of Mahadev is an enlightening experience. I strongly believe this pilgrimage is the greatest alchemy and unveils secrets of life before the devotees: LG Sinha

JAMMU, JULY 28: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of devotees for the holy Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas today.

The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe and spiritually-fulfilling journey.

“The sacred journey to the abode of Mahadev is an enlightening experience. I strongly believe this pilgrimage is the greatest alchemy and unveils secrets of life before the devotees," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the meticulous work done by Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas, tourism department, district administration, other stakeholders and organisations serving langar.

All the arrangements have been made for the annual pilgrimage and Budha Amarnath Ji Mela, the annual festival.

Interacting with the media persons, the Lieutenant Governor said: “In the first batch, more than 1000 pilgrims from across the country set off for the holy yatra of Shri Budha Amarnath Ji. Till yesterday, 3.77 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at holy cave of Shri Amarnath ji. I hope that pilgrims from across the country will also arrive to pay their obeisance at Shri Budha Amarnath ji and pray to Bholenath for the peace and progress of J&K and the nation.

Eminent spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations; public representatives; senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces, prominent citizens, and devotees in large number were present at the Flag-off ceremony.

28/07/2025

11/07/2025

headquarters across Jammu region to pay tributes to Madr-e-Meharban.



Earlier in the morning Quran Khawani was performed at Sher-e- Kashmir Bhavan, Jammu which was organized by G. H Malik Senior NC leader as per the programme already announced.



Prominent among those present on the occasion in Jammu included Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretaries Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women Wing,S. Tejinder Singh Provincial President Jammu YNC, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Vijay Laxami Datta Senior leader, Jugal Mahajan Treasurer, Chander Mohan Sharma District President Jammu Urban, Naresh Bittu District President Jammu Rural B, Pinky Khalsa District President Jammu Urban Women Wing, Dilshad Malik, Rita Gupta , Ashok Kumar Attri Vice Presidents Central Zone, Waris Gill, Mohani Devi District President Reasi Women Wing,Daljeet Kour District President Jammu Rural B, Kuldeep Kour District President Jammu Rural A, Bharti, Santosh, Baljeet Kour, Madhu, Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu, Raj Kour, Nar Singh President Labour, Joginder Kour District Vice President Jammu Urban Women Wing, Sapna Gill Block President Jammu Urban Women Wing, S. Gurnam Singh Block President Jammu Urban, Ashwani Charak Block President Jammu East, Farooq Mughal, Ch. Razak, Devi Dayal Jogi, Ashanand, Robin Kumar, Kuldeep Sharma, Mohsim and others.

11/07/2025

*Jammu & Kashmir Police establish dedicated helpline for victims of terrorism in District Jammu*

Jammu,
11.07.2025

🔵In a significant move to support victims of terrorism, District Police Jammu established a dedicated grievance cell at the District Police Lines, Jammu.

🟡The initiative aims to facilitate the registration and redressal of complaints and concerns from families affected by acts of terrorism, specifically within the jurisdiction of District Jammu.

🟣Affected individuals and families can now reach out to Jammu Police through the following helpline numbers–
0191-2433900,Landline
+91 95419 51100,Whatsapp
(Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

🟢The District Police Jammu shall provide all possible assistance and assured that the collected information will be promptly shared with the concerned authorities for necessary action.

🔵Jammu Police reaffirms its commitment to supporting victims of terrorism and ensuring necessary logistical and administrative support through sustained efforts and community engagement in an effective manner.

08/07/2025

Modi Govt must table Statehood Bill in upcoming Parliament Session: Rattan Lal Gupta



Says Omar-led Govt giving due focus on development in far-flung areas



Jammu, July 6: Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), expressed optimism that the Modi-led Central Government will bring the Statehood Bill for Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Parliament session.



Addressing the day-long convention of Zone, District, Block Presidents and party functionaries of Udhampur District at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here, the senior NC leader said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have full confidence that the Modi-led Central Government will bring the Statehood Bill for Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Parliament session.



Rattan Lal Gupta asserted that the present dual power structure is not in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has only created administrative confusion and chaos. “This arrangement undermines democratic accountability and delays redressal of public issues,” he stated.



The senior NC leader further assured that once statehood is restored, Omar Abdullah-led Government will promptly implement all promises made in its manifesto. “Our roadmap for equitable development, safeguarding the rights of the people, and ensuring democratic empowerment will be activated without delay,” he said, reiterating the NC’s unwavering stand on the restoration of full statehood with dignity and the return of democratic rights to the people including right of Jobs and right of lands. He also asked the party cadre to strengthen the hands of Party’s President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in their ongoing mission to safeguard the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to restore its democratic and constitutional rights.

08/07/2025

Lieutenant Governor addresses Tourism Secretaries’ meet of UTs at Srinagar

This conference is a befitting reply to terrorism and reflects J&K’s march towards peace, progress and prosperity: LG

Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, J&K is an unstoppable force and it will continue to flourish: LG Sinha

The development of tourism sector is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment. In J&K, Security forces have a huge role in ending terrorism but the role of society is also no less. Terrorists’ attempt to draw their sustenance from society should be foiled: LG

Ordinary citizens are taking a stand against terrorism. Street protests against Pak-backed terrorists is a good sign to establish permanent peace in the valley: LG

Entire Jammu Kashmir must rise and make sure terrorists have no place in this beautiful union territory: LG Sinha

08/07/2025

Arvind reviews healthcare upgrade plans at SDH Sarwal

Says CT Scan, Dialysis facilities soon available at SDH Sarwal

Jammu, July 8: Senior BJP leader and MLA Jammu West Constituency, Sh. Arvind Gupta today visited Sub District Hospital (SDH) Sarwal to assess the proposed infrastructure upgrades aimed at significantly boosting healthcare services for the residents of Jammu.

During the visit, Medical Superintendent Dr. Sunil Kailu apprised the MLA about the upcoming enhancement plans which include the addition of more hospital beds, establishment of a CT Scan facility, and a dedicated Dialysis Centre, among other essential healthcare services. The planned developments are part of a broader vision to improve accessibility and quality of care in the region.

Speaking to media persons after the visit, MLA Arvind Gupta reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare network across Jammu & Kashmir. “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we are working to ensure modern healthcare reaches every citizen. Upgrading SDH Sarwal is a step forward in that direction,” he said.

The senior BJP leader further added that the health and well-being of the people remain a top priority, and assured that necessary funds and administrative support would be extended to expedite these upgrades. He praised the hospital administration and staff for their tireless service and emphasized the need for continuous monitoring to ensure timely implementation of the planned facilities.

Arvind Gupta also interacted with patients and attendants to take stock of their grievances and feedback, promising swift resolution of any ongoing issues. The visit marks yet another step in the BJP-led government’s sustained efforts to create robust public health infrastructure in the Union Territory.

Among those who accompanied the MLA included Arun Gupta, Naresh Sawhney and Karan Sharma.

25/06/2025

Shiv Sena releases poster 'Spend a day in Jammu'!*

*Demand to promote Dogra culture, cuisine with proper arrangements; Targets BJP leaders*

Jammu. Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu-Kashmir unit has appealed to the holy Shri Amarnath and Shri Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrims to visit other famous religious and tourist places of Jammu and has appealed to the administration for free e-bus service and other proper arrangements. Along with this, BJP leaders have been criticized for remaining silent on Jammu.

During a program organized at Jammu Press Club, party state chief Manish Sahni said that about 4 lakh devotees are expected to participate in the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra going on from 3 July to 9 August, about 3.5 lakh have been registered. We believe that this is a great opportunity to promote the tourism and religious places of Jammu. On this occasion, Manish Sahni and other party leaders present released a poster titled "Spend a day in Jammu" with details of the main tourist and religious places of Jammu. This poster is to be distributed among the devotees with an appeal to visit the tourist and religious places of Jammu during the Amarnath Yatra. Sahni has also demanded from the administration to make the "Spend a day in Jammu" campaign a success to give impetus to the economy and trade of Jammu, and to arrange special e-buses from the main base camp, bus station and railway station in Jammu and make other appropriate arrangements. Sahni said that the tourism department should start a one-day special package and the devotees should be made to visit the main religious and tourist places of Jammu including the historic Raghunath temple, Har ki Pauri, Bahu Fort, Baghe e Bahu, Mubarak Mandi Palace, Bawe Wali Mata, Peer Kho Cave, Tirupati Temple, Amar Mahal, Jammu Zoo, Suchetgarh Border, Tawi River Front etc. Along with this, he has also suggested to put up hoardings at various places to promote these places. Sahni, while taking a dig at the activism of BJP leaders in promoting the tourist places of Kashmir, said that the BJP leaders who win from Jammu division and shine their politics, keep mum in the name of development of Jammu. Sahni has appealed to all the leaders who have affection for Jammu to rise above the party level and raise their voice for the development of Jammu. On this occasion president Mehila wing , Meenakshi Chhibber, Sr Vice president Sanjeev Kohli and social activist Romesh Chib were present.
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*Demand to promote Dogra cuisine and culture*

Jammu. Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu-Kashmir unit chief Manish Sahni has welcomed the decision of serving Dongri and Kashmiri food in Vande Bharat Express. Along with this, for the promotion of Dogra culture, he has demanded to serve Dogra cuisine to the devotees in the main base camp of Jammu during Shri Amarnath Yatra and to organize Dogra cultural programs. Sahni said that a written request has also been sent to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (who is the Chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board) regarding the above demands.