News and Views

22/04/2025

Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Srinagar, heads straight to Raj Bhawan. He is scheduled to visit Pahalgam tomorrow.

22/04/2025

Two foreign tourists also killed in terrorist attack, One likely an Israeli and one Italian, death.

22/04/2025

Perpetrators will face harshest consequences: Union tourism minister on Pahalgam terror attack

New Delhi, Apr 22: Describing the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam as a "cowardly act", Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday said its perpetrators will face the "harshest consequences".

Multiple tourists were feared killed and at least 20 injured when terrorists opened fire in a picturesque meadow near Kashmir's Pahalgam town. The death toll could be more than 20, estimated a high ranking official without getting into details.

"Deeply pained by the brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, J and K. My thoughts are with the families of the victims of this cowardly act, perpetrators of which will face the harshest consequences," the Union minister posted on X.

Baisaran, about six kilometres from the resort town of Pahalgam, is an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains and a favourite with tourists and trekkers.

Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed 'mini Switzerland', and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking and taking in the sights, officials said.

08/03/2025

03/12/2024

We are pleased to announce that admissions for Nursery to 10th classes are now open for the year 2025.



Admission Open -2024-25.

29/08/2024

Renowned scholar, historian, and legal commentator A.G. Noorani passed away, leaving behind a significant legacy in the fields of law, history, and politics. Known for his incisive writings and deep understanding of India's legal and political landscape, Noorani's work has been influential in shaping public discourse. His extensive contributions to journalism, his legal commentaries, and his books on sensitive political issues have earned him a respected place among intellectuals. Noorani's passing marks the end of an era for many who valued his sharp insights and unwavering commitment to truth

13/06/2024

Class 10th results announced.
Pass percentage 79.25%

As usual private schools surpass govt schools, with 91.83% pass percentage while govt schools fall at 72.91

07/06/2024

Class 12 Results Out: 74 percent qualify exams

The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education on Thursday announced results of annual exams of 12th standard with an overall pass percentage of 74 percent.

According to BOSE, the total pass percentage includes 72 percent in boys and 77 percent among girl students.

BOSE said that a total of 93,340 candidates were enrolled for the exams in which 69,385 successfully qualified it.

Stating the overall performance of the candidates, BOSE said that a total of 46,500 male and 46,786 female candidates were enrolled for the examination out of which 74 percent qualified it.

In the exams, a total of 25,435 students have registered distinctions, 33,437 secured first divisions, 10,318 bagged second division and 195 candidates registered third division.

BOSE further said that in the examination, 1034 students couldn’t qualify the exams while 22,921 have been asked to reappear in the exams.

Pertinently, the annual regular examination of class 12th commenced from April 8 in hard zone areas while the examination in the soft zone areas commenced from March 6.

Following the implementation of Uniform Academic Calendar, JKBOSE has classified regions via soft and hard zone areas keeping in view the different weather conditions.

BOSE had said that the annual regular examinations held by the board for classes 10th, 11th and 12th shall be held in the month of March in both the divisions of Union territory of JK and Union Territory of Ladakh excluding hard zones.

The Board however had said that the annual regular examination of hard zone areas of Union territory of JK and Union territory of Ladakh shall be held in the month of April.

The board had further said that the results of annual regular examination of Kashmir division and Jammu division and Union territory of Ladakh including hard zones shall be declared simultaneously in the month of June۔

25/05/2024

JK Records 58% polling- Highest Voter Turnout in 35 Years, surpassing the 49.58 % in 2014, 47.99% in 1996: CEO P.K Pole

*53% polling in Anantnag-Rajouri Constituency, 58 % overall voting %age on JK's five parliamentary seats*

Srinagar, May 25: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P.K. Pole announced on Saturday that the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat witnessed a remarkable 53 percent voter turnout, the highest in 35 years. The previous highest was 50 percent in 1996. Overall, voter turnout across all five parliamentary seats in Jammu and Kashmir was 58 percent, surpassing the 49.58 percent recorded in 2014 and the 47.99 percent in 1996.

CEO Pole in a press conference here, as per the news expressed gratitude to the voters, polling staff, security personnel, and candidates for their roles in achieving this historic turnout. "The credit goes to the voters for making new records," he stated, emphasizing the collective effort that made the electoral process a success.

Anantnag-Rajouri's 53 percent turnout marks a significant increase from the dismal 9 percent in 2019. Surankote reported the highest turnout at 68 percent, while Kulgam and Anantnag saw lower participation with 32 percent and 33 percent, respectively. Migrant polling booths also recorded over 50 percent turnout, with 9,000 postal ballots cast.

A total of 9,000 polling staff were deployed in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency to facilitate the voting process. Across Jammu and Kashmir, the turnout percentages for the other constituencies were as follows: Baramulla at 59.10 percent, Srinagar at 39 percent, Udhampur at 68 percent, and Jammu at 72.22 percent.

With 11,600 polling stations set up across the Union Territory as per P.K Pole.

Voting commenced at 7 a.m. on Saturday in the newly delimited Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat, amid stringent security measures across the entire area. The Election Commission had implemented robust arrangements, including satellite phones and special equipment at polling stations with poor mobile signals, to counter threats and contingencies, particularly from potential cross-border shelling in border regions.

This election, the last of five in Jammu and Kashmir, presented significant security challenges. The region has recently experienced four terrorist incidents in the Rajouri-Poonch area.

Election officials assured that comprehensive measures have been taken to ensure free, fair, and peaceful voting. The constituency spaned 18 assembly segments, with the Election Commission establishing 2,338 polling stations to accommodate over 18.36 lakh voters.

Out of 542 polling stations in Rajouri district, 278 were categorized as sensitive. Additionally, 45 polling stations were within the direct firing range from across the Line of Control (LoC). In Poonch district, 55 out of 171 polling stations are located along the LoC.

To safeguard voters in critical areas, the district administration had devised contingency plans. Rajouri DC confirmed that five villages lie between the LoC and the fencing.

21/05/2024

Jail-Free Kashmir and Case-Free Kashmiri is Mehbooba M***i's Priority for Parliament: Waheed Parra in Anantnag

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth President Waheed Ur Rehman Parra here on Tuesday said that "Jail-Free Kashmir and Case-Free Kashmiri" is Mehbooba M***i's priority for Parliament. Intensifying his ongoing campaign for Party President Mehbooba M***i, Parra addressed several public meetings in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag District.

During the campaign, Parra also held numerous meetings with activists and supporters. Conducting a door-to-door campaign, he aimed to communicate the vision and justice upheld by party president Mehbooba M***i. He was accompanied by Youth General Secretary Najmu Saqib and other party functionaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Parra said, "We are committed to rallying support for her in the upcoming parliamentary elections, ensuring that the voices of the voiceless are finally heard and respected. Mehbooba M***i's agenda for Parliament is clear and resolute: Jail-Free Kashmir and case-free Kashmiri. This powerful vision underscores her unwavering dedication to advocating for the fundamental rights and freedoms of every Kashmiri."

Parra further added, "She stands as a beacon of hope for those who have long been marginalized and oppressed. Her commitment to justice, peace, and prosperity for Kashmir resonates deeply with all of us who yearn for a brighter future. Each conversation reaffirms our belief that, together, we can create a Kashmir where every individual is free from fear and persecution. We envision a Kashmir where our youth can dream without limits, where our elders can live with dignity, and where our voices can rise in unity and purpose."

He urged the people in Bijbehara and beyond to join this pivotal moment. "Stand with Mehbooba M***i and the PDP. Let us transform our collective aspirations into reality. Together, we will ensure that our voices echo in the halls of Parliament, bringing about the change we so desperately need. Our journey is just beginning, and with your support, we will achieve a Kashmir that is truly free and just," Parra stated while addressing a public meeting in Bijbehara.

Parra empathetically voiced Party President Mehbooba M***i's solidarity with the incarcerated youth, emphasizing their plight and the necessity of amplifying their voices on a national platform. He said, "Mehbooba Ji will draw the attention of the government to address the genuine aspirations of the people and to grant amnesty to youth and students so they can live normal and dignified lives."

He continued, "The Party President has vowed to fight for political prisoners languishing in different jails across the country and make efforts to bring them back to their homeland so their families can meet them regularly. These families are going through terrible pain since it costs them thousands to travel and meet their kin. She will highlight these issues and make significant efforts to bring them to Kashmir if elected in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections."

Waheed highlighted the efforts launched by Party President Mehbooba M***i when she, as Chief Minister, announced an amnesty for first-time offenders of stone-pelting for 4,500 youth in the valley. He said, "The PDP has always believed in dialogue and reconciliation processes. The coercion and oppression methods tested by this government have failed to bring changes in Kashmir. Dialogue and reconciliation have been effective in ending alienation among youth and bringing considerable change. We proved it during M***i Sahib’s regime and again when Mehbooba Ji revoked the cases of hundreds of students."

Her determination to champion their cause in Parliament, if elected, is resolute. She pledges to be a vocal advocate for justice and the restoration of their fundamental rights. "She is firmly resolved to ensure that the voices of these imprisoned youths are heard in the highest legislative institution of the country and their grievances are addressed," Parra said.

21/05/2024

19/04/2024

Kashmiri Pandit body lauds EC for scrapping 'Form M' urges community to vote in large numbers

A Kashmiri Pandit organisation on Friday lauded the Election Commission's move to scrap the mandatory filing of 'Form M' for displaced Kashmiri voters ahead of the parliamentary elections and urged the community to turn up in large numbers for the polls.

Speaking to reporters, R K Bhat, president of Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS), said the Form M process was the biggest hurdle in migrant votes share, resulting in a low turnout in the polls.

Fulfilling a long-standing demand and making changes to the existing voting scheme for the displaced people, the EC on April 11 announced that Kashmiri migrants from Jammu and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir would no longer be required to fill up 'Form M' to cast their votes.

Instead, they shall be mapped with the special polling stations falling in the zones they are registered or residing in, the poll panel had said.

Earlier, the filing of the form was mandatory for displaced voters from the Valley ahead of every parliamentary and Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.

In addition, the commission also eased the process of filing Form M by the migrants staying in Delhi and other places in the country, by allowing self-attestation instead of the earlier required certification by Gazetted officers.

"We welcome the abolishment of the mandatory M-Form filing for displaced Kashmiri Pandit voters. This decision will facilitate greater participation and a higher turnout in the polls, ensuring the community's voice is heard," Bhat said.

Highlighting the significance of the move, Bhat emphasised the need for 100 per cent voter turnout in the upcoming parliamentary and Assembly elections.

"Our votes are decisive and will determine the outcome of the elections. It is crucial for the community to demonstrate its presence and make a difference through voting," he added.

Bhat said participation in the election process and casting votes is the victory of democracy and the defeat of separatist forces.

The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory will be held in five phases. Voting in the first phase was held in Udhampur Lok Sabha seat on Friday.

Polling in remaining constituencies will be held on April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar) and May 20 (Baramulla). The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

Bhat also called for a mechanism to conduct elections within the community for the two Assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri migrants. This, he hoped, will allow grassroots leadership to emerge democratically and counter the influence of self-styled leaders and vested interests.

The Lok Sabha in last December passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, which sought to nominate two members from the Kashmiri migrant community and one representing the displaced persons from PoK to the legislative assembly.

YAIKS urged all political parties to include in their manifestos a commitment to help Kashmiri Pandits return and rehabilitate, as well as provide them with political representation in state and central legislatures.

"The whole nation is now asking the Centre to come up with a comprehensive return and rehabilitation plan for the displaced community of Kashmiri Pandits, who have been away from their motherland for the last 34 years," he added.

The scrapping of the M-Form requirement is seen as a significant step towards facilitating the participation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits in the electoral process, ensuring their voices are heard in the democratic setup, he added.

Announcing the new arrangement, the EC had said it ordered suitable changes to the existing scheme of voting by Kashmiri migrants at special polling stations as part of its ongoing efforts to make electoral participation more inclusive and hassle-free for all sections of society.

It said in a release that the amended arrangement envisages the mapping of all 22 special polling stations -- 21 in Jammu and one in Udhampur -- to the 21 zones -- 20 in Jammu and one in Udhampur -- individually, ensuring that every zone has at least one special polling station.(PTI)