SRINAGAR: Addressing the massive gathering at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, in presence of Prime Minister Modi, LG Sinha said that gone are the days when Kashmir was known for separatism, terrorism, and bloodshed. “It was only possible because of the personal efforts of PM Modi that Kashmir was turned into an abode of peace as it was known for being the land of Sufis and Reshis,” LG Sinha thundered from the stage.

He said that in the past five years, J&K has witnessed a huge transformation. “No innocent life is going to waste on the streets. Nobody’s eyes are snatched by pellets. Street protests are over forever,” LG Sinha said.

He said that tricolour flying high at Clock Tower Lal Chowk signifies the change and reminds everyone of the Kashmir of yesteryears. “Bloodshed is a history and peace has taken a front seat with every citizen of Kashmir wearing a smile on their faces,” the LG said.

He said Kashmiri people have a great love and respect for PM Modi as evident today as the Bakshi Stadium where there is total capacity for 35000 people and 25000 chairs is fully jam-packed. “People are standing as there is no place to sit. This is the love of Kashmir for PM Modi. Had there been a ground for two lakh people, that too would have been overcrowded today,” the LG said.

He said that Indoor Stadium is also full and at SKICC, the hall is full as well while 10,000 people are waiting to listen to PM Modi on the big screen.

LG Sinha said that PM Modi has always stayed in touch with the people of Kashmir through ‘Man ki Baat’. “PM Modi has praised Kashmir’s famous Lotus Stem (Nadru), Pashmina and Saffron besides various other things in his speeches and programs,” he said.

While hailing PM Modi for his keen interest in developing Kashmir, LG Sinha said that today pedestrian markets in Srinagar resemble those of Europe. “This all was possible because of you (PM Modi),” the LG said, adding that “new markets have provided great livelihood opportunities to shopkeepers and youth.”

He said that till 2022, there was no concept of nightlife and multiplex cinemas. “Today, youth spent time on Jehlum front and tourists enjoyed cinemas and night life across Srinagar. This change wasn’t possible without your support (PM Modi),” LG Sinha said. He named various developmental projects to be completed by 2025.

Speaking on the occasion, MoS in PMO Dr Jitendera Singh said that the flooded Bakshi Stadium reflects the people’s love for PM Modi. “This huge crowd has been desperately waiting for you to listen to your speech,” he said, adding that “Today, J&K is changed and I-Pads and Laptops have replaced stones and guns. Fingers that were once drenched in blood are now weaving Pashmina.”

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a cut of Rs 100 per cylinder in cooking gas prices on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.

The price reduction, which comes just days before the likely announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabh polls, is set to benefit nearly 33 crore domestic consumers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

For over 10 crore poor households covered under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the price cut would be in addition to the existing subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder.

“Today, on Women’s Day, our Government has decided to reduce LPG cylinder prices by Rs. 100. This will significantly ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country, especially benefiting our Nari Shakti,” Modi said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“By making cooking gas more affordable, we also aim to support the well-being of families and ensure a healthier environment. This is in line with our commitment to empowering women and ensuring ‘Ease of Living’ for them,” the Prime Minister said.

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Srinagar to participate in the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ programme during which he would unveil multiple development projects worth more than Rs 6,400 crore, and address a public meeting, officials told PTI.

This is the Modi’s first visit to the Kashmir valley after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

He landed at the Srinagar airport and then flew to Badamibagh Cantonment, the headquarters of the Army’s 15 or Chinar Corps, the officials told the news agency.

They said at the Badamibagh Cantonment, Modi would lay a wreath at the War Memorial and pay tributes to slain armed forces personnel. Modi would then drive to Bakshi Stadium — the venue of the event.

However, former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, on their social media handles have claimed that thousands of government employees were coerced to attend Modi’s rally. They said the crowd is not there by choice but due to coercive measures by the administration.

SRINAGAR: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to summer capital Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday declared the City as 'temporary red zone' for the operation of drones and quadcopters. 

"Srinagar city has been declared as "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, as per provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect," wrote District Police Srinagar in a post on microblogging site 'X'. 

"All unauthorized drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to being penalized as per relevant provisions of Drone Rules, 2021. As responsible citizens, your cooperation is solicited in this regard," reads the post further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the integrated development project of the Hazratbal shrine virtually from Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium on March 7. Furthermore, PM Modi will also inaugurate the Sonamarg ski drag lift in Ganderbal district.

Hazratbal, one of the most esteemed Muslim shrines in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar has been developed under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD).

PM Modi is also set to unveil 42 new tourist destinations and launch nine tourism projects, alongside the ‘Chalo India’ campaign, aimed at engaging the Indian diaspora worldwide.

Zargar Gulzar

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated a 50-bedded intensive care hospital at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The hospital has been set up by mobile digital movie theatre company Picturetime in collaboration with the American Indian Foundation.

The PM also laid the foundation stone for 13 other healthcare projects and six food testing vans in the union territory under various schemes. He said that these projects will boost the health infrastructure and ensure quality and affordable healthcare for the people of J&K.

The hospital in Baramulla is equipped with modern facilities and equipment, including eight beds with ICU facility and 42 beds with oxygen facility. It will cater to the needs of the patients from the northern Kashmir region, especially in the wake of the possible third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PM appreciated the efforts of the local administration, the health workers and the civil society in tackling the challenges posed by the pandemic. He also praised the role of the Indian Army and the security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

He said that the Centre is committed to the development and welfare of J&K and is working on various projects in sectors like education, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, power, connectivity and sports. He urged the youth of J&K to take advantage of the opportunities and participate in the progress of the nation.

The PM also interacted with some of the beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in J&K. He said that these schemes have provided free health insurance cover to over 21 lakh families in the union territory and have benefited more than 2.5 lakh people so far.

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Article 370 was a barrier to development and now it is effectively removed. This, he said will make Jammu and Kashmir a developed place. He was speaking to a huge gathering in MA Stadium at Jammu.

“Article 370 was a barrier to our progress,” Modi declared, his voice resolute. “But we have removed that hurdle.” For years, Article 370 had divided the region, hindering its potential and depriving its people of opportunities. But now, with its abrogation, a new era of possibilities dawned upon Jammu and Kashmir.

“Today, we stand united, ready to usher in a new era of progress and prosperity,” Modi continued, his gaze sweeping across the stadium. “But our journey does not end here.”

Article 370, he asserted was the biggest roadblock in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the BJP government has abrogated it. “Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards an overall development now,” he said. “It is because of the abrogation of Article 370, I have urged the people to help BJP win 370 seats and NDA win 400 seats in (2024 Lok Sabha) elections.”

Prime Minister referred to the upcoming Bollywood film Article 370 during his speech. “I have heard that a film on Article 370 is going to be released this week. It is a good thing as it will help people in getting correct information.”

Mukaram Ali Sarfaraz

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the dreams of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been 70 years in the making, will soon be fulfilled under his leadership.

Speaking at a large gathering in Jammu as per news agency Kashmir Scroll, PM Modi highlighted the positive changes that have taken place under his leadership, signifying a departure from the previous narrative of violence and instability in the region.

The Prime Minister underscored the newfound freedom experienced by the youth, who are now actively shaping their own futures, transcending the limitations imposed by dynastic politics. He commended their efforts in creating their own success stories and emphasized that a vibrant and peaceful Kashmir is no longer just an aspiration but a reality currently being realized.

One of the longstanding hurdles in the region has been the lack of local opportunities for professional education, resulting in the migration of young individuals to other areas. Recognizing this, the Modi government has implemented policies to address this issue, ensuring that soon all education needs can be met within the region, eliminating the need for outmigration.

PM Modi also reflected on his previous visit to the same location in 2013, during which he made a commitment to fulfill the aspirations of the people. He took pride in announcing that this commitment has been honored, pointing to the establishment of prestigious institutions such as IIT and IIM in the region as a testament to the progress being made.

PM Modi expressed his optimism for a new Kashmir where peace, prosperity, and development are flourishing, signifying a marked departure from the past. 

SRINAGAR: The Supreme Court verdict, upholding the abrogation of Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, drew mixed reactions from a spectrum of top political leaders across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the verdict saying the judgement was a beacon of hope to build a stronger, more united India.

Calling the verdict " historic", Modi said it constitutionally upholds the decision taken by Parliament on August 5, 2019. "It is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh".

"Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that we, as Indians, hold dear and cherish above all else"," he said.

Welcoming the judgement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said "The Supreme Court’s verdict has proved that the decision to abrogate Article370 was completely constitutional".

After the abrogation of Article 370, the rights of the poor and deprived have been restored, and separatism and stone pelting are now things of the past, Shah said in a post on X.

"The bonds of unity have strengthened, and integrity with Bharat stands reinforced," he added.

Over four years after the Modi government revoked Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the Supreme Court during the day upheld the decision in a landmark judgement, saying the Union Territory does not have any “sovereignty” different from other states of the country.

The 5-member Constitution Bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud, said Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a “temporary” feature and the President of India had the powers to abrogate it.

However, Kashmir's mainstream political parties said they were "disappointed" after the top court's verdict.

Former Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah said the “ struggle” would continue and they were prepared for the "long haul." “Disappointed but not disheartened. The struggle will continue. It took the BJP decades to reach here. We are also prepared for the long haul. #WeShallOvercome #Article370,” Omar said in a post on X.

"The bonds of unity have strengthened, and integrity with Bharat stands reinforced," he added.

Over four years after the Modi government revoked Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the Supreme Court during the day upheld the decision in a landmark judgement, saying the Union Territory does not have any “sovereignty” different from other states of the country.

The 5-member Constitution Bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud, said Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a “temporary” feature and the President of India had the powers to abrogate it.

However, Kashmir's mainstream political parties said they were "disappointed" after the top court's verdict.

Former Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah said the “ struggle” would continue and they were prepared for the "long haul." “Disappointed but not disheartened. The struggle will continue. It took the BJP decades to reach here. We are also prepared for the long haul. #WeShallOvercome #Article370,” Omar said in a post on X.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said the fight for “honour and dignity” would continue and the SC verdict was not the end of the road.

PDP has decided to suspend all of its political activities for the next one week to stand in solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir in the wake of the Supreme Court Judgment, the party said.

Another former Chief Minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party chief Ghulam Nabi Azad said people of J&K were not happy with the verdict.

“People of J&K were hopeful … The SC bench was good. …It was a mistake to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019. It was done in a hurry. ..J&K political parties should have been also asked.... The people of Jammu and Kashmir are disappointed with this judgment,” Azad told reporters.

Peoples Conference head Sajad Lone said Article 370 may have been legally obliterated but will always remain a "part of our political aspirations."

Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the Supreme Court’s verdict was “sad” but not “unexpected”.“370 verdict sad but not unexpected. Those people who at the time of the partition of the subcontinent, facilitated the accession of J&K and reposed their faith in the promises and assurances given to them by the Indian leadership must feel deeply betrayed,” Mirwaiz posted on X.

Senior Congress leader and MP P Chidambaram said, prima facie his party 'disagree(s)' with the judgment on the manner in which it was abrogated in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We respectfully disagree with the verdict. Article 370 deserved to be honoured,” he said.

At a press conference held at AICC headquarters here, Chidambaram said, “We reiterate the CWC resolution that Article 370 deserved to be honoured until it was amended strictly in accordance with the Constitution of India.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the verdict and said that it will strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.

Taking to X, the Chief Minister wrote, "The decision given by the Honourable Supreme Court regarding Article 370 and 35 A is commendable. This is going to strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat'."

Communist Party of India (Marxist) said the Supreme Court verdict on Article 370 is 'disturbing' and it will have 'serious consequences' for the federal structure of the constitution.

In a statement, the CPI(M) Politburo said the verdict of the Supreme Court dismissing the challenges to the abrogation of Article 370 and dissolution of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is disturbing.

“It has serious consequences for the federal structure of our Constitution which is one of its fundamental features”, the statement said.

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party in a statement said the verdict has "deeply saddened" the people of the Union Territory.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed the judgement.

He said the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, has paved the way for peace and development in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: More than 230 schools laced with modern facilities of PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) Yojana are to be established in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Official sources said that during the year 2023-24, a total of 233 schools have been brought under PM Shri Yojana and the Government of India has issued approval to the Jammu and Kashmir Samagra Shiksha.

Notably, the PM Shri School is a centrally sponsored scheme initiated by the Government of India with an objective to establish over 14,500 PM Shri Schools, overseen by the Central Government, State/UT Governments, local bodies, as well as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS).

“The centre’s ambitious scheme for holistic education is becoming a boon in changing the picture of education in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and work has started towards modernizing 233 schools in Jammu and Kashmir under PM Shri Yojana,” they added.

“As many as 74 elementary and 159 secondary schools have been selected for PM Shri Schools and these schools will be developed as green schools and will have arrangements for solar panels, LED bulbs, nutrition garden, waste management, plastic free, water conservation etc,” they added. 

“The work on schools under PM Shri Yojana has started and for the first phase, an instalment of Rs 26 crore has also been released,” said an official.

He added that tenders have been floated for various works while approval has been given for the selection of 261 schools under the PM Shri Yojana in the second phase for Jammu and Kashmir.

Pertinent to mention here that in the first phase, 6448 schools across the country have been brought under the ambit of PM Shri Yojana, which includes 233 schools in Jammu and Kashmir.

Teaching learning material, sports physical education and all other facilities will be available in these schools. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Bringing laurels for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in general and for district Baramulla in particular, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar has achieved the coveted Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration-2022, India’s highest award in civil services.

Dr Sehrish has been selected for this prestigious achievement in the category of Aspirational Districts programme as she has brought transformative changes in the identified parameters envisaged in the said programme.

As per reports, key aspects for Aspirational District Programme in Baramulla for which the Deputy Commissioner was awarded by the Prime Minister include establishment of Birth Waiting Wards in Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Upgradation of diagnostic services at all delivery points and Poshan Tracker Tabs for all Anganwadi workers.

The Deputy Commissioner supported farmers through mechanism, plant protection, nursery strengthening, robust root stocks, quality planning material etc and organized marketing facility established at Sopore which is the second largest Fruit Mandi in Asia.

Severe Acute Malnutrition has been reduced in the district to 0.01 percent from 3 percent and Moderate Acute Malnutrition to 0.039 percent from 11.93 percent. A two-year paramedical diploma course has been introduced for 300 border area students to fill up the critical gap in the health sector.

Under financial inclusion, 56,215 PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts have been opened in Baramulla district.

Meanwhile, various stakeholders including Lieutenant Governor have extended their warm appreciations and felicitations to Dr. Syed Sehrish for this achievement besides earning accolades from several other quarters. (UNI)

Former Jammu Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik has claimed that late senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani had lauded him for his role in Jammu and Kashmir.

Malik quoted former minister Muzaffar Beigh as having said to him while his (Beigh’s) meeting with Geelani.

In an interview with senior journalist Karan Thapar, Malik said: “He (Muzaffar Beigh) was coming to meet me one day and was a bit late. When I asked the reason he (Beigh) said Geelani (Syed Ali Geelani) had called him. I said what is he (Geelani) saying, Beigh said Geelani told him where is he going and he (Beigh) informed him (Geelani) he (Beigh) is going to meet the Governor.”

Satyapal Malik while quoting Beigh went on to say that  Beigh informed him (Satyapal) that Geelani said that he (Satyapal) is a great Governor and we can enter into a deal.

Hearing this revelation, the interviewer Karan Thaper quipped, “Geelani had said this, about you,” to which Satyapal replies in affirmative.

“That poor leader (Geelani) is not alive today, but Muzafar Beigh is alive.

Quoting Beigh, Satyapal said that Geelani had told Beigh that Satyapal doesn’t resort to deceit and treachery but calls a spade a spade.

Meanwhile, responding to the claim made by the former Jammu Kashmir Governor, the Deputy Chief Minister in Mufti Sayed’s cabinet, Muzafar Beigh told a media outlet that Malik has lost his memory as he never met Syed Ali Geelani. (KNT)