Jammu, Feb 11: In a significant cultural event, M. Jackson Cultural Institute and Society, in collaboration with the Jammu Civil Society for Art and Culture, organised a distinguished felicitation ceremony in Jammu to honour Jenab Rafiq Masoodi Sahib, a highly respected scholar and cultural icon of the subcontinent.

The ceremony brought together prominent personalities from the fields of art, literature, culture and social service, who lauded Masoodi Sahib for his extraordinary contributions to the promotion of cultural values, intellectual discourse and social cohesion. Speakers underscored his role in preserving heritage and nurturing inter-cultural understanding, describing his work as both visionary and transformative.

They noted that his decades-long commitment to scholarship and community engagement has left an indelible mark on society, inspiring generations of students, writers and cultural practitioners.

As a mark of honour, Masoodi Sahib was presented with a traditional shawl, a commemorative memento and a formal citation in recognition of his exemplary services and enduring legacy.

The organisers stated that the programme aimed to acknowledge individuals whose work has significantly enriched society and strengthened cultural consciousness. Reaffirming their resolve, they said such initiatives would continue to promote artistic excellence, heritage conservation and cultural dialogue.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, participants and organisers for their collective efforts in making the programme a memorable success.

Jammu, Feb 10 : A Powerful Call to preserve Jammu and Kashmir’s rich multilingual heritage and a resounding demand for granting classical language status to Kashmiri marked the opening day of the 46th three-day Annual Literary Conference of Adbi Markaz Jammu & Kashmir (AMK), which began here on Tuesday under the theme “Mother Tongue Day.”

The conference opened on an inspiring and inclusive note with a multilingual mushaira, presided over by eminent literary figures Manshoor Banihali, Syed Sad-ud-Din Saidi, K. D. Maini and others, setting a vibrant cultural tone for the deliberations. Poets and writers representing Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi and other regional languages showcased the Valley’s linguistic diversity and shared literary legacy.

Inaugurating the conference, Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, urged poets, writers and intellectuals to take the lead in preserving and promoting the region’s multilingual ethos, describing it as the cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity.

“Jammu and Kashmir is a land of many languages, and this diversity is our collective strength. Poets and writers have a historic responsibility to nurture and protect this priceless heritage,” Rather said, lauding Adbi Markaz Kamraz for providing a common platform to different linguistic communities and fostering unity through literature.

He said that honouring genuine and quality writers not only enriches literature but also motivates the younger generation to remain rooted in their cultural traditions, thereby strengthening social harmony.

The proceedings were conducted by Vice-President AMK Shakir Shafi, while General Secretary Shabnum Tilgami presented the annual report of the organisation, outlining its literary and cultural activities.

In his welcome address, President Adbi Markaz Kamraz J&K highlighted the vital role of language and literature in building bridges among diverse identities and guiding society toward a higher sense of unity. Expressing concern over the growing cultural disconnect among youth, he called for collective efforts to revive and strengthen linguistic and civilisational bonds.

A major highlight of the inaugural session was the strong and united demand for granting classical language status to Kashmiri. Most speakers passionately advocated this long-pending recognition, asserting that Kashmiri fully meets the established criteria for classical languages.

Delivering the presidential address, Sahitya Akademi Convener (New Delhi) Professor Shad Ramzan made a compelling case for the classical status of Kashmiri, citing its rich cultural ethos, vast literary treasure and history spanning thousands of years.

“Kashmiri is one of the oldest living languages, with a profound philosophical and literary tradition. Its recognition as a classical language is both justified and overdue,” he said, urging that the demand be vigorously pursued at all government and academic levels.

Participants echoed his views, noting that classical status would significantly enhance research, preservation, and promotion of Kashmiri language and literature.

The day-long proceedings also saw the felicitation of eminent poets and writers representing various regional languages, including Aseer Kashtiwari (Kashmiri), Vijay Verma (Dogri), Javid Rahi (Gojri), K. D. Maini (Pahari), Khalid Hussain (Punjabi) and Prem Nath Shad (Kashmiri), in recognition of their contributions to literature.

Throughout the sessions, speakers and participants underlined the need for sustained and collective efforts to promote mother languages, preserve linguistic diversity and strengthen cultural harmony, setting a positive and purposeful tone for the remaining two days of the conference.

Jammu, Sept 3 2025 HT: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, with Reasi topping the chart at 203 mm between 0830 hrs yesterday and 0530 hrs today.

According to official rainfall data, Katra received 193 mm, Batote 157.3 mm, Doda 114 mm, Banihal 95 mm, Baderwah 96.2 mm, and Ramban 82 mm of rain. Jammu observatory recorded 81 mm, Samba 48 mm, Rajouri 57.4 mm, and Kishtwar 50 mm during the same period.

In Kashmir division, Kokernag received 68.2 mm, Qazigund 68 mm, Pahalgam 55 mm, while Srinagar observatory recorded 32 mm of rainfall.

The continuous downpour has raised concerns about landslides, flash floods, and disruption of surface transport in hilly districts. Authorities have advised people living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to remain cautious.

Jammu, Aug 20 : Congress on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Central Government over the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, with the party’s Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma describing it as a deliberate attempt to suppress dissenting voices and undermine democratic rights.

Sharma told that the bill will be introduced not in the interest of the people but as a political weapon against those opposing the Bharatiya Janata Party. 

“This bill is being presented to scare and suppress the parties that are not aligned with the BJP. People of Jammu and Kashmir had genuine hopes that statehood would be restored, but instead, the government is bent on muzzling their voices,” he remarked.

He questioned the timing of the legislation, stressing that instead of empowering the region, the BJP was resorting to centralised control. “BJP wants to run Jammu and Kashmir through remote control, caring little for the people and their democratic aspirations. This bill is draconic and against the spirit of representation,” Sharma asserted.

The Congress leader further alleged that the ruling party intends to exploit the bill for electoral and political gains. “This move is nothing but a tool to harass and target those who refuse to fall in line with the BJP’s agenda. It strikes at the very roots of democracy and the rights of elected representatives,” he added.

Sharma confirmed that the Congress party will firmly oppose the bill in Parliament, calling it an assault on the constitutional rights and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]

Mussoorie, August 17:- Bringing pride to Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Mohammad Aijaz Asad, IAS, has been recognised as one of the Best Five Officers in Overall Assessment at the prestigious 23rd Round of the Mid-Career Training Programme (Phase-III) for IAS officers, conducted at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.

The Mid-Career Training Programme is designed to prepare officers for leadership roles in governance, policy innovation, law and order management and technology-driven administration. Shri Aijaz’s performance was adjudged outstanding, reflecting his strong administrative acumen, innovative governance practices and commitment to public service.

Hailing from the border region of Rajouri–Poonch, Shri Aijaz has served in several challenging assignments as District Magistrate of as many as six Districts including Srinagar. Presently he is Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J & K Government. 

This recognition highlights Shri Aijaz’s exemplary performance during the programme and his consistent record of dedicated public service.

The accomplishment at the national academy underscores the contribution of officers from Jammu & Kashmir in shaping the future of governance and sets a benchmark of excellence in Public Administration.

Srinagar, Aug 14 - CNS:- In the wake of the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced the cancellation of the “At Home” tea party scheduled for tomorrow evening. The Chief Minister also stated that the cultural events planned for the morning Independence Day celebrations will not be held as a mark of respect for the victims.

However, the formal proceedings of the day — including the ceremonial speech, march past, and other official components — will continue as scheduled. The decision comes amid widespread grief and mourning across Jammu and Kashmir over the loss of lives and devastation caused by the natural disaster.(CNS)

**Jammu, 29.06.2025** - As part of ongoing efforts to enhance green cover and promote ecological balance, a plantation drive was organised by the JKAP 8th Battalion, Miran Sahib Jammu, in collaboration with the Social Forestry Department at Ghu Manhasan, Marh, District Jammu. The initiative was supervised by Sh. Suram Singh, JKPS (SSP), Commandant of the JKAP 8th Battalion.

In this initiative, over 1,000 saplings of various native and environmentally friendly species were selected for their resilience and ecological benefits. Officers and staff from both departments actively participated in the drive.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Suram Singh emphasised the importance of community involvement in forest conservation efforts. He noted that collaboration with the Social Forestry Department is a crucial step toward restoring the natural environment and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In addition to these benefits, the plantation aims to prevent soil erosion and protect the land from the adverse effects of floods during the upcoming rainy season, while also enhancing the beauty of the area adjacent to the Tawi River.

The Social Forestry Department provided technical support, saplings, and expert guidance for the drive, ensuring that the planning and planting of species were suitable for the region. This green initiative not only aims to improve the local environment but also seeks to raise public awareness about the critical role trees play in maintaining ecological balance. 

During the drive, 300 members of the JKAP 8th Battalion participated, alongside personnel from the Social Forestry Department, including the department's officers. The team was led by Sh. Majid Sofi, Range Officer, for this noble cause.

Jammu, 10 May 25:- Vivek Bali, State President Jammu and Kashmir of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic and untimely demise of Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thappa, who lost his life due to unprovoked shelling from across the border.

In a solemn message, Mr. Bali conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and described the loss as not just a personal tragedy but a great blow to the administrative fraternity and the nation at large. “Mr. Thappa’s dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to duty was exemplary. His loss will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” said Mr. Bali.

The SBSP stands united in mourning the loss of brave officials and civilians who fall victim to senseless violence and border hostilities. “Such acts of aggression only result in grief and disruption for innocent lives. As a party, we reiterate our call for peace and the safety of those serving the nation in difficult circumstances,” he added.

While paying respects to the departed soul, Mr. Bali prayed for eternal peace for Mr. Thappa and strength for his family in this hour of grief. He also emphasized that the legacy of such selfless service must be honored and remembered.

Srinagar, May 9 : The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has stayed an order issued by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu, which had earlier rejected an appeal for the issuance of a Scheduled Tribe certificate to Garvit Raina, a 27-year-old student claiming to belong to the Pahari-speaking ethnic group.

The stay was granted by a single-judge bench of Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, who also instructed the ADC Jammu to conduct a prompt review of the previous decision dated October 19, 2024.

Garvit Raina had initially applied for an ST certificate on August 8, 2024, with the Tehsildar of RS Pura, Jammu, asserting his identity as a member of the Pahari ethnic clan, with roots in Tehsil Plandari, Poonch (currently in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir). He also stated that Pahari was his mother tongue. However, his application was denied by the Tehsildar, and the appeal against that rejection was later dismissed by the ADC Jammu.

Challenging the decisions, Raina filed a writ petition in the High Court through his legal counsel, Advocates Chetan Prabhakar and Karan Prasher. The petition sought to quash the ADC’s order and requested that directions be issued to the authorities to grant him the ST certificate.

In his petition, Raina emphasized that the legislative intent behind granting reservations to the Pahari Ethnic Group is based on linguistic and cultural identity, not confined to specific geographic areas. [KNT]

Jammu, Apr 29 : The Estates Department has informed the High Court that the cases related to the retention of government quarters of former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and former BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina have been placed before a Designated Committee for recommendations.

The department, through Senior AAG S.S. Nanda, submitted a status report dated April 21, 2025, in compliance with the High Court’s March 26 directive. It stated that deliberations of the committee held on February 28 have been forwarded to the Competent Authority for final orders.

Previously, the government had sought closure of the PIL claiming most politicians, including ex-CMs Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, had vacated the official residences. However, petitioner’s counsel Advocate S.S. Ahmed argued that exceptions like Azad and Raina defy the principle of uniformity in law, stressing that nearly 200 politicians have already been evicted.

He also cited a 2022 HC order rejecting former MP Ch. Lal Singh’s plea, underlining that security concerns and eligibility for government housing are separate matters. The court had then imposed a Rs 25,000 cost on Singh for misusing legal provisions.

The PIL is scheduled for next hearing on May 27, when the High Court is expected to assess the latest report from the Estates Department. [KNT]

Srinagar, Apr 22 : The ongoing closure of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway due to massive landslides and flash floods in Ramban district has begun to cast a shadow over the Valley’s upcoming marriage season, with a looming shortage of livestock threatening to derail wedding plans.

A senior member of the ‘All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association,’ told that more than 100 trucks laden with sheep and goats are currently stranded at multiple locations, including Rajouri, Poonch, Bafliaz, and Samba. “Each truck carries around 150 animals, and in the suffocating conditions of halted traffic, we are witnessing the death of two to four sheep daily per vehicle,” he said.

The prolonged highway blockade, triggered by Sunday’s devastating weather events, has not only disrupted the essential supply chain but has also exposed the mutton dealers to massive economic losses. “We fail to understand why drivers carrying livestock are not being allowed to move during the evening hours on the Mughal Road,” Mehrajuddin lamented. “The authorities’ silence is deafening. We have been left at the mercy of God.”

The crisis is particularly alarming for families preparing for marriage ceremonies in the coming days. With no fresh supply of mutton entering the Valley and stock at local butcher shops already dwindling, dealers fear an imminent price surge that could make meat unaffordable for many. “If the situation continues for even another couple of days, the price of mutton will skyrocket, and ceremonies will be directly affected,” said another dealer.

In a desperate plea, the mutton dealers’ association has appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene and facilitate the movement of the stranded livestock trucks. “We urge the Chief Minister to issue directions for immediate clearance of the Mughal Road for livestock vehicles. These are not just economic goods, they are tied to people’s traditions, celebrations, and livelihoods,” Mehrajuddin added.

He went on to make a somber appeal to the public, suggesting that marriage functions be postponed if possible. “We are not in a position to guarantee the supply of mutton in the current scenario. If things don't improve quickly, there will be no livestock left to sell,” he warned. [KNT]