J&K Reporter

18/01/2025

| Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the 6.4-kilometer-long Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Accompanied by Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, J&K Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the inauguration marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a gathering on the occasion, stated that the vision of a developed India will be fulfilled when its crown, Kashmir, is adorned with the jewels of progress. Union Ministers of State Dr Jitendra Singh and Ajay Tamta among other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

With this landmark project, India reaffirms its focus on building robust infrastructure that connects its diverse regions. Z-Morh Tunnel is not just a passage through mountains; it is a gateway to prosperity and a symbol of engineering excellence. By Tashi Sonam Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently...

03/01/2025

| The District Administration Doda, in collaboration with the Municipal Committee Doda and various NGOs, recently organised a cleanliness cm awareness drive at Sadiqabad Mohalla under the able leadership and guidance of Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, IAS. This initiative aimed to promote responsible waste management practices while inspiring collective efforts to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. With Doda and Bhaderwah emerging as prominent tourist hubs, the drive underscores the importance of maintaining the surroundings to attract and sustain tourism. Clean and hygienic tourist spots not only enhance visitors experiences but also contribute to the region's long-term development. The District Administration's proactive approach reflects its commitment to fostering environmental consciousness and preparing the area for its promising future in tourism.

02/01/2025

| Bhadarwah, Doda, Kishtwar and Patnitop - Winter Paradise in Jammu.
Nestled in the middle Himalayas, these stunningly picturesque regions are becoming popular tourist hotspots, especially in winter, offering tranquil and refreshing vistas.
The recent heavy snowfall has blanketed the mesmerising landscapes of in , in , in , and , turning them into mesmerizing winter wonderlands. The snow-clad peaks, dense pine forests and pristine white valleys are providing an idyllic environment that attracts nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Visitors are indulging in activities like snow trekking, sledding and photography, making it a hub of winter tourism in the region.

01/01/2025

| Battling sub-zero temperatures, Snow Clearance Teams of Project HIMANK worked tirelessly and restored Air Operations at Leh Airport, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

24/12/2024

CS lists contact tracing, intensive sampling & community involvement among the focal areas to make ‘TB Mukt J&K’

RED |Jammu
December 24, 2024
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today in a meeting of Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department impressed upon the concerned to make untiring efforts in making J&K Tuberculosis (TB) free by the end of the year 2025 as envisaged under PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Besides the Secretary H&ME the meeting was attended by Principal GMC, Jammu/Srinagar, MD, JKMSCL, Director Health, Jammu/Kashmir; State TB Officer, Kashmir/Jammu and other concerned officers.

While taking note of the incidence of this disease in the UT, the Chief Secretary stressed on enthusiastic tracing of contacts, intensive sampling and involvement of community to make J&K free from TB.

He further advised for efficient utilization of the services of ASHA workers, women SHG members of JKRLM and other rural institutions to reach out to al the people and areas in identifying the potential affected persons and drawing of samples for carrying out necessary diagnostics.

As far as the IEC for creating general awareness among public is concerned, Dulloo enjoined upon the Department to send bulk messages to the family members of the patients for their sensitization and care about their health.

He also asked them to make it a regular feature to keep check on the Health &Wellness Centres and Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs for sending samples from their areas of service. He also directed the senior officers of the Department to visit the TB facilities created across the length and breadth of J&K.

In his presentation the Secretary, H&ME, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah gave out the overall view of the TB scenario here along with the aims and objectives of this ongoing PMTBMB Abhiyan.

He revealed that J&K has a TB affected population of around 11,650 persons who are provided free treatment through different facilities established across the districts of the UT.

He also revealed that besides the free treatment of these patients they are being provided Rs 1000/ month under Nikshay Poshan Yojana and a food basket to 6146 patients through 5406 Nikshay Mitras, who had given their consent to receive the community support.

In addition it was given out that the districts of Anantnag, Budgam and Pulwama had already been declared ‘TB Free’ with Baramulla, Srinagar, Bandipora, Kupwara, Kulgam, Shopian and Ganderbal submitted for this declaration to Sub-National Certification.

The meeting was further apprised that this year about 463872 presumptive tests were done against a target of 486887 (1000/lakh of population) at the rate of 3047 persons per lakh of population here.

It was also apprised that out of 4243 Panchayats, 1516 had been declared ‘TB Free’. In addition a ‘100-Days TB Campaign’ has been launched from Dec, 7 this year to hold Ni-Kshay Shivir, targeting 347 high-priority districts across India, including Jammu, Srinagar &Baramulla districts of J&K under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).

The campaign aims at accelerating TB case detection among vulnerable populations, reducing TB mortality through better management of cases and preventing new infections by implementing focused interventions in districts with the highest TB burden.

22/12/2024

| The settlement of illegal immigrants in Jammu, if left unchecked, could dilute the cultural and political dominance of the local population. This shift could have far-reaching implications - By Ramneek Manhas

The settlement of illegal immigrants in Jammu, if left unchecked, could dilute the cultural and political dominance of the local population. This shift could have far-reaching implications By Ramneek Manhas The recent statements by former Chief Minister and National Conference President Dr Farooq Ab...

10/12/2024

| The egregious assaults against Hindus in Bangladesh and the blatant refutal of these actions appear to align with every aspect of the interim administration. However, the world is neither blind nor has it turned a completely blind eye. Former United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Johnnie Moore recently criticized the interim government in Bangladesh for the treatment of Hindus and other minorities -By Rukma Rathore

The egregious assaults against Hindus in Bangladesh and the blatant refutal of these actions appear to align with every aspect of the interim administration. However, the world is neither blind nor has it turned a completely blind eye. Former United States Commission on International Religious Freed...

08/12/2024

Amazing Bhadarwah Tourism Association (ABTA) Elects New Executive Body

RED | Bhadarwah
December 08, 2024
The Amazing Bhadarwah Tourism Association (ABTA) successfully conducted its Executive Body elections. The election saw the enthusiastic participation of over 30 stakeholders representing Hospitality, Heritage, Adventure & Sports, and Art & Culture businesses.

In the elections, Mr. Sanjay Kotwal was unanimously elected as the convener while Mr. Sunny Sharma was elected as the co-convener. Apart from this, ten other executive members have also been elected, who are renowned for their dedication and expertise in promoting Bhaderwah as a major tourist destination.

ABTA Chairman, Mr. Ravi Thakur, stated, "The new leadership is poised to bring fresh energy to the association, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and unlock the region's full potential for visitors." He expressed gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and called for collective dedication to advancing sustainable tourism. Mr. Thakur emphasized that under the new leadership, the association aims to enhance its efforts to showcase Bhaderwah's breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and adventure tourism opportunities.
The newly elected team has pledged to work tirelessly towards achieving the association’s objectives, creating growth opportunities for all members, and positioning Bhadarwah as a must-visit destination.

07/12/2024

Hindu Raksha Manch Bhadarwah protests against violence on minorities in Bangladesh, calls for immediate steps to stop brutality

RED | Bhadarwah
December 07, 2024
In remarkable show of unity and compassion, the people of Bhadarwah—men, women, and children—came together to demonstrate solidarity with the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh. Organised by the Hindu Raksha Manch Bhadarwah, the protest saw various Hindu organisations participating. The march began from Vasuki Nagji temple, passed through Mohalla Khakal and ended at the additional deputy commissioner's office after a demonstration at Seri Bazar. Around 1,000 participants covered a distance of 1,200 metres during the protest.

Reaching Seri Bazar, the protesters burnt tyres and an effigy of Bangladesh and expressed their concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh. They demanded strict action against those who committed violence and demanded international sanctions against the Bangladeshi government for failing to protect the minority communities.

Vijay Inder Singh Kotwal, convenor of the Hindu Raksha Manch, condemned the recent targeted killings of minorities in Bangladesh. He emphasized that Hindu organisations across India stand united and are prepared to take a firm stance against fundamentalist forces in the region. "If these acts of violence do not cease immediately, those responsible will have to face severe consequences," he warned, adding that Hindus would not hesitate to march into Bangladesh to protect their fellow brethren. Kotwal highlighted that such heinous acts not only violate the sanctity of life but also threaten the core principles of equality, diversity, and harmony that are vital to any just society.

Other prominent figures spoke at the rally MLA Bhadarwah Daleep Singh, DDC Chairman Dhanter Singh, Mahant of Gupt Ganga temple Manisha Anand Giri ji, Arpna Kotwal echoed these sentiments, advocating for justice and human rights. They strongly condemned the recent spate of targeted killings and expressed outrage over the unjust arrest of ISKCON monk Pujya Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, describing it as both atrocious and illegal.

At the conclusion of the rally, a memorandum was handed over to ADC Shri Sunil Kumar for transmission to the President of India. The memorandum highlighted urgent concerns including the need for immediate action to stop violence against minorities in Bangladesh and the need for global attention to put pressure on the Bangladeshi government. It advocated promoting inter-religious dialogue and coexistence, implementing mechanisms to monitor minority rights, and ensuring justice. Additionally, it demanded the immediate release of Pujya Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das from unjust detention and his right to legal representation.

The Hindu Raksha Manch Bhadarwah reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and safety of minorities and pledged to continue raising awareness until justice is achieved.

01/12/2024

| Ironically, the two parties, supposedly devoted to Parliamentary supremacy in a democratic Pakistan, have done more to strengthen the Army’s stranglehold on Pakistan’s politics than any other groups. -By Sant Kumar Sharma

Ironically, the two parties, supposedly devoted to Parliamentary supremacy in a democratic Pakistan, have done more to strengthen the Army’s stranglehold on Pakistan’s politics than any other groups. By Sant Kumar Sharma “History will hold all of us responsible for circumventing the parliament...

18/11/2024

Doda Celebrates the Power of Cooperation at 71st Cooperative Week

RED | Doda
November 18, 2024
The 71st Cooperative Week celebration in Doda witnessed an enthusiastic turnout as people from diverse walks of life gathered to honor the spirit of cooperation, unity, and progress. The event, held with great fervor and enthusiasm, showcased the vibrant contributions of cooperative societies to community development and self-reliance.

The event was graced by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Doda, Mr Pran Singh, as the Chief Guest, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Doda, Mr Sudarshan Kumar, as the Guest of Honour. Other prominent attendees included EO MC Doda, Mr Ravi Kumar, and Deputy Registrar Cooperative Society (Agri) Doda, Mr Vishal Deep Chauhan, who joined the festivities in celebrating the cooperative movement.

The program commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing enlightenment and collective progress, followed by the National Anthem, which filled the atmosphere with patriotism and unity.

The event featured a variety of activities, including debates and cultural performances, where participants showcased their talent and shared insights on the role of cooperative societies in fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.

An inspection of stalls highlighted the diverse and innovative ventures undertaken by cooperative societies across the region, showcasing their role in empowering local communities. The stalls demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of members who have been instrumental in transforming lives.

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where participants and cooperative societies were honored for their outstanding contributions and performances. The dignitaries applauded the dedication and perseverance of these groups, emphasizing the significance of cooperative movements in achieving self-reliance and sustainable development.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Guest Pran Singh remarked, "Cooperative societies are the backbone of rural and urban development. Their collective strength has the power to bring prosperity to communities and inspire self-sufficiency."

The celebration of the 71st Cooperative Week in Doda served as a testament to the unity and progress achieved through collective efforts. It also reinforced the commitment of cooperative societies to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability in the region.

17/11/2024

| The Trophy Tour will now comprise Karachi, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, apart from Abbottabad in the Khyber Pakhtunwala Region

The Trophy Tour will now comprise Karachi, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, apart from Abbottabad in the Khyber Pakhtunwala Region By Press Trust of India Cities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) found no mention in the Champions Trophy tour unveiled by the ICC on Saturday (November 16, 2024) as the world...