Lt Governor attends Launch of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme & Foundation laying ceremony of Redevelopment of 508 Railway Stations by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji
We are grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji for including three stations of J&K UT, Jammu Tawi, Udhampur and Budgam under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: LG Sinha
The redevelopment of Railway stations in the UT will give huge boost to connectivity and ease of travel for passengers: LG
Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, we are witnessing rail projects of unprecedented magnitude in Kashmir Valley: LG Sinha
Kashmir will be connected to Kanyakumari by the end of this financial year. It will connect the valley with all important commercial centres of the country: LG
Railway connectivity is the lifeline of a society: LG Sinha
A railway line not only strengthens connectivity with different regions but it also brings economic prosperity and transforms standard of living and creates a new destiny of the concerned region: LG
Railway Board has sanctioned 5 Final Location Survey works in Kashmir-Doubling of Baramulla-Banihal Railway Line, New Baramulla-Uri, Awantipora-Shopian, Sopore-Kupwara & Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam Rail Line: LG
Once approved, the new networks will boost rail connectivity in valley: LG Sinha
BUDGAM, AUGUST 06: In a landmark day for the railways sector, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and laid foundation stone for redevelopment of 508 railway stations across the country under the scheme, through video conferencing, at a cost of more than Rs 24,470 crores.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the ceremony at an event at Budgam Railway station.
In his address, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for including three stations of J&K UT, Jammu Tawi, Udhampur and Budgam under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
He said, the redevelopment of Railway stations in the UT will give huge boost to connectivity and ease of travel for passengers.
“I believe railway connectivity is the lifeline of a society. A railway line not only strengthens connectivity with different regions but it also brings economic prosperity and transforms standard of living and creates a new destiny of the concerned region,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor highlighted the ongoing railway projects and the overall transformation taking place in the railway sector. Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, we are witnessing rail projects of unprecedented magnitude in Kashmir Valley, he said.
“Kashmir will be connected to Kanyakumari by the end of this financial year. It will connect the valley with all important commercial centres of the country,” the Lt Governor added.
He further informed that the Railway Board has sanctioned five Final Location Survey works in Kashmir-Doubling of Baramulla-Banihal Railway Line, New Baramulla-Uri, Awantipora-Shopian, Sopore-Kupwara and Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam Rail Line. Once approved, the new networks will boost rail connectivity in the valley, he added.
He also shared the reforms introduced by the UT Administration to strengthen the air and road connectivity catering to the growing aspirations of the people.
Sh Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chairman, District Development Council, Budgam; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Jammu Sh Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam; Sh Vijay Pratap Singh, Principal Chief Engineer Northern Railway, PRI members, youth and people in large numbers were present.
Lt Governor attends Launch of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
National Convention of Sufism stressed the need to bridge the gap between communities
The ‘National Convention on Sufism’ organised by Cluster University Srinagar witnessed a clarion call from scholars to revive the essence of Sufism to bridge the gap between the communities.
Speaking during the technical session of the convention, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Qayyum Husain said that Kashmir is known as a bastion of Sufi traditions. “Infact, it won’t be an exaggeration to call Kashmir as the cradle of Sufism in South Asia. This tradition has been an integral part of the people’s ethos in the valley,” he said.
“Principles of Sufism are as relevant today as they were in medieval times because love and compassion, the two main planks of Sufism, will never age. By their humanistic teachings, Sufis bridged the gulf between people of different faiths,” said Prof. Qayyum.
In the technical session of the convention, scholars like Dr. Satish Vimal, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Haleem, Prof. Shad Ramzan, Prof. Mushtaque Barq and Prof. P. P. Singh presented their papers on the theme ‘Sufism: A Bridge between communities’. The session was chaired by Prof. Naseem Shifai.
Dr. Satish Vimal spoke about the different dimensions of Sufism while quoting different Sufi saints while as Prof. Shad Ramzan said that the younger generation needs to realise the vastly rich heritage of Kashmir including the Sufi movement.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Haleem spoke about the tradition of tolerance embodied by personalities like Sheikh-ul Aalam (RA) while as Mushtaque Barq spoke about the distinction between a ‘learned sufi’ and a ‘living sufi’ while stressing on the practical aspects of the Sufi tradition.
Prof. P. P. Singh spoke about the affinity of Sikh community with Sufi traditions. He cited the example of Baba Farid who is revered by Punjabi Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs alike.
In her concluding remarks, Prof. Naseem Shifai congratulated Cluster University Srinagar for organising the convention on theme of Sufism and said more such programmes should be organised to rekindle the spirit of Sufism.
The programme was attended by Dean Academic Affairs, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Deans of various faculties, Cultural Secretary of the university. The event was also attended by faculty members and students of constituent colleges.
During the valedictory ceremony, mementoes and certificates were also distributed among the paper presenters and participants.
Pertinently, the inaugural ceremony of convention was attended by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha while Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan was the Chief Guest and keynote speaker of the event.
Har Shikhar Tiranga team calls on Lt Governor
The team of Har Shikhar Tiranga campaign called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan Srinagar today.
The team led by Col R S Jamwal comprising Nb Sub T Chosgail, Hav Rakesh Yadav, Hav Kewal and Sh Amit Chowdhury apprised the Lt Governor of their Har Shikhar Tiranga campaign in which they are climbing the highest mountains/points of all the states of the country.
The Lt Governor conveyed his best wishes to the team for their unique endeavour. He also congratulated Col Jamwal for his achievements in mountaineering and bringing laurels to J&K and the country.
Pertinently, the Har Shikhar Tiranga campaign team has already scaled the highest mountains of Seven North eastern states, highest peaks in Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Jammu Kashmir. Now the team is on the way to climb the highest points of 18 states.
Arrangements for Independence Day celeberations reviewed
Chief Secretary, DrArun Kumar Mehta today chaired a high-level meeting of senior civil and security officers to review the final arrangements for the Independence Day 2023 at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Home, RK Goyal; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Mandeep Kumar Bhandari; Administrative Secretaries of all Departments, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir/Jammu, ADGP Jammu/Kashmir, Director Information J&K, HoDs of various Departments, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of all districts, senior officers of Army, CRPF and other security agencies as well as other concerned officers both in person and through video conferencing.
During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on various aspects of the event, including security measures, traffic management, cultural programs, flag hoisting ceremonies, public engagements and other related arrangements.
Addressing the officers, Dr. Mehta remarked that Independence Day of any nation holds immense significance for its citizens. He observed that the day symbolizes the spirit of freedom and unity and therefore grand celebrations right from Panchayat level should be held with due fervour to mark this grand occasion. He emphasized on the need for meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a seamless and befitting celebration, showcasing the nation’s pride and achievements.
While reviewing the preparedness of the main event to be held at Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned officers to ensure fool proof security in-and-around the main venue. He directed the traffic department to identify space for proper parking of vehicles with due adherence to protocol near the venue.
Calling upon the officers to make the event a festive occasion, the Chief Secretary asked the officers that all government offices, buildings, schools, colleges and universities should hoist the national flag on August 15 with proper flag code. He asked the DCs that similar kind of celebrations should be organised from in their respective districts. He also asked them to hoist flags near AmritSarovars constructed in different Panchayats.
The Chief Secretary directed the Commissioner Secretary Information Department that the recently inaugurated National Anthem Singing Competition should be organised in collaboration with the education department so that maximum students can participate in it. He directed all DCs to popularise this campaign in their respective districts by keeping synergy with concerned district information offices.
He also asked the Director Information that proper Media Plan should be drafted well in advance to facilitate the media persons at the venue.
Dr Mehta also directed all the officers that the Swachta campaigns should be organised in all government offices. He also asked them to illuminate all government buildings to mark this occasion.
The Chief Secretary enjoined upon all DCs that taking selfie with ‘Mitti’ of the village or earthen ‘Diya’ in hand as well as ‘VasudhaVandan’ under which each Gram Panchayat will replenish mother earth by planting at least 75 plant saplings preferentially around the already established AmritSarovars, should be popularized in their districts so that maximum people participate. He also asked them that ‘MittiYatras’ from Panchayats should be organized on massive scale.
Dr. Mehta also asked the officers that one person from each block of all districts being sent to New Delhi with its ‘Mitti’ for construction of the National Memorial at Kartavya Path should be selected well in advance and preference should be given to youth who have excelled in sports or have been National Awardees or State Awardees.
The Chief Secretary also directed the Culture Department that the programs to be performed by their artists during the event should create patriotic fervor among the audiences and give message of unity and spirit of freedom.
The Chief Secretary directed the officers that that all District Development Council members, participating in the event should be facilitated. He urged that the speeches of public representatives on the I-Day event should emphasize on ‘Digital J&K’ initiative and highlight government achievements like NashaMukht JK, Jan Baghidari, Apki Zameen Apki Nigrani and other remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir made during the past few years.
Dr. Mehta also asked all the officers that ‘HarGharTiranga’ campaign should be held on massive scale and all the people should participate in this event quite enthusiastically. He also asked the security agencies to facilitate the movement of people on the day.
He advised the concerned officers that in case of inclement weather, arrangements should be made beforehand so that I-Day celebrations would pass off smoothly.
On the occasion, all the officers gave their inputs and the status of arrangements wherein the Chief Secretary expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements and preparedness for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
Shri Amarnathji Yatra surpasses previous years numbers
Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2023 has achieved a momentous milestone, surpassing the total number of pilgrims from the previous year. This year’s Yatra has been distinguished by its seamless arrangements, unwavering services, and meticulous management, garnering widespread acclaim and nurturing a sense of harmony among people hailing from diverse backgrounds.
Today a total of 9,150 yatries have had the privilege of performing darshan at the sacred Holy Cave, contributing to the cumulative figure of 369,288. This surpasses last year’s total of 365,721, signaling a significant increase in the number of devotees undertaking this holy pilgrimage.
The resounding success of Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2023 can be primarily attributed to the impeccable arrangements orchestrated by the administration. Every facet of the Yatra, from the provision of langar services to healthcare facilities, sanitation, transportation, and security measures, has been meticulously managed to ensure unparalleled convenience for the pilgrims. The seamless execution of these arrangements has led to a surge in the influx of devotees who are eager to embark on the spiritually enriching journey, and they have expressed their deep appreciation for the well-coordinated efforts.
Beyond the spiritual significance, the Yatra has also witnessed the arrival of distinguished personalities from various walks of life, renowned badminton player Saina Nehwal, and Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan. This diverse gathering serves as a testament to the universal appeal of the Amarnath Yatra, attracting individuals from all corners of the globe, united in their reverence for this sacred pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2023 has also witnessed a significant increase in the number of foreign pilgrims visiting the holy shrine. The pilgrimage’s allure extends beyond national boundaries, drawing people from all over the world to partake in this spiritually enriching experience.
The pilgrims have wholeheartedly lauded the administration’s tireless efforts in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey. The efficient organization of the Yatra has provided them with a sense of comfort and security, fostering an environment of gratitude and admiration.
Additionally, the Yatra coincided with the commemoration of Kargil Diwas at all Yatra Base Camps, wherein the triumph of the Kargil War was honored. The event saw active participation from various security departments, including the Army, CRPF, Police, NDRF, SDRF, Civil Administration, and Yatries, further strengthening the bond between the armed forces and the civilian population. The Yatra served as an opportunity to pay tribute to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the defense of the nation.
As the Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2023 continues to witness an ever-growing number of devotees and garners widespread praise for its well-organized arrangements, it stands as a shining example of communal harmony, unity, and devotion. This sacred journey transcends geographical boundaries, bringing people from all walks of life together in a shared spirit of oneness and reverence.
In conclusion, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2023 has not only surpassed the previous year’s numbers but has also touched the hearts of countless devotees, leaving an indelible impression of unity, spirituality, and appreciation for the administration’s meticulous efforts. The Yatra remains a cherished experience for all pilgrims and continues to inspire a sense of reverence and devotion in the hearts of those who undertake this sacred expedition.
Youth4PanunKashmir moves intervenor application in Supreme Court of India
Youth4Panun Kashmir (Y4PK), the prominent and impassioned youth organization epitomizing the fervent
aspirations of the resilient Kashmiri Pandits, has taken an audacious and momentous stride by deftly moving an
Intervenor Application in ongoing Writ Petitions challenging the abrogation of article 370 and 35A to the august
Supreme Court of India. Their earnest plea implores the inclusion of “Youth4PK” as a party in the ongoing
momentous hearing pertaining to the historic neutralisation of Article 370, an unparalleled constitutional
amendment that has brought hope and justice to the aggrieved community, long haunted by the harrowing
shadows of the heart-wrenching genocide they endured.
The historic decision to neutralise Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and
Kashmir, has been a pivotal milestone in addressing the grievous genocide that befell the resilient Kashmiri
Pandits. Enabled by this constitutional provision, the genocide cast a long, dark shadow over the community,
subjecting them to unspeakable hardships and indescribable atrocities that scarred generations.
In the face of these immense adversities, the Youth4Panun Kashmir firmly espouses the belief that the
neutralisation of Article 370 stands as a crucial and indispensable step towards ensuring long-awaited justice and
redressal for the suffering endured by the Kashmiri Pandit community. The decision has unfettered their voices,
providing an invaluable opportunity for a fair and impartial examination of the tumultuous past, where the
collective and heartrending perspective of the aggrieved youth can finally find resounding acknowledgement.
Mr. Vithal Chowdhary, Organizing Secretary of Youth4Panun Kashmir, passionately articulated, “The abrogation of
Article 370 resonates as an awe-inspiring milestone, brimming with hope for justice to be served to our
beleaguered community. As vibrant youth, we are unequivocally committed to playing an integral role in the
hallowed judicial process, ensuring the poignant voices of the victims echo resoundingly, demanding long-overdue
recognition.”
Adv.Siddarth Acharaya added, “Youth4Panun Kashmir, being the leading, dynamic, and visionary youth
organization, exudes an invigorating and indispensable perspective to the profound discourse on the abbrogation
of Article 370. Our representation in the august chambers of the Supreme Court is poised to illuminate the
historical injustices suffered by the illustrious Kashmiri Pandit community, epitomizing the indomitable spirit of the
youth in their tireless pursuit of justice.”
In an impassioned and heartfelt appeal, Youth4Panun Kashmir beseeches the Honorable Supreme Court of India
to lend earnest and sagacious consideration to their intervenor application in support of Historical Decision taken
by Government of India on August 5th 2019, embracing the noble opportunity to represent “Youth4PK” in the
ongoing historic hearing. Driven by an unwavering determination to uphold the lofty spirit of justice, they ardently
seek to become the righteous advocates for the inalienable rights and poignant redressal of the illustrious
Kashmiri Pandit community, whose resilience and courage in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations
to come.
8th Muharram procession taken out on the traditional route in Kashmir valley after 34 years
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha remembered the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala.
In a statement, the Lt Governor said: “I bow to the martyrs of Karbala and recall sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his ideals. Today is a historic occasion for Shia brethren in Kashmir valley as after 34 years 8th Muharram procession is taking place on the traditional route, from Guru Bazar to Dalgate”.
The 8th Muharram procession used to come out from Guru Bazar and culminate at Imambargah Dalgate before it was banned in 1989.
“For 34 years, Muharram procession was banned on the traditional route. We respect the sentiments of Shia brethren and I assure the community that the administration will always stand by them. It is also the testimony to change and normalcy in J&K UT,” the Lt Governor said.
Today the entire world is witnessing commitment and determination of the government to ensure peaceful environment, freedom, love, compassion and harmony in society, he added.
“It is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to peace and dedicate ourselves to the progress and prosperity of J&K UT. Several historic decisions have seen the light of the day in a few years and a peaceful J&K has emerged on the horizon. Let’s further strengthen our bonds and unity,” the Lt Governor said.
NIA summons Islamic Scholar in an alleged terror funding case
Renowned Islamic Scholar and head of Dar ul Uloom Rahimya Bandipora, Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi, has been summoned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in an alleged terror funding case. The NIA is currently investigating the case RC-07/2022/NIA/JMU dated 03.09.2022, which pertains to the raising of funds in Jammu and Kashmir for unlawful activities aimed at radicalizing the youth in the region. Maulana Qasmi has reportedly arrived at the NIA office in Srinagar in response to the summons issued to him.
Militants escape from Shopian encounter site
Militants hiding in Shopian Kashmir have managed to escape after a brief exchange of fire. Militants fired upon civilians in the area and gave slip to the security forces in Haripora Imamsahib area of Shopian district where an encounter between security forces and militants broke out last night. One civilian sucembed to injuries in hospital.
Pakistani terrorist trapped in an encounter
Kulgam Encounter Update: Both the trapped terrorists killed. Incriminating materials including arms & ammunition recovered.
@JmuKmrPolice
Beauty of Jammu & Kashmir
