Tauseef Ahmad

Srinagar, Jan 26: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday awarded 56 individuals for their outstanding contributions to public life, courage and achievement across diverse fields, including journalism, arts, public service and social reform.

Among the recipients was Adil Hussain Shah, a pony rider who was recognised for his bravery of saving tourists during the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley that claimed 26 lives.

Shah, a resident of Hapatnar village in Pahalgam, was killed while attempting to intervene during the terror assault on tourists, officials said. The government cited his bravery in confronting the armed attackers, which included efforts to neutralise a terrorist before he was fatally shot. For his actions, Shah was conferred a medal, a citation and a cash award of ₹1 lakh.

Also recognised for his role during the attack was Police Sub-Inspector Nikhil Kumar of Gangyal Police Station, who received a ₹51,000 cash award and a citation for his service during the incident.

The Republic Day honours list, issued by M Raju, Commissioner Secretary of the General Administrative Department, spans multiple categories including media, literature, performing arts, sports and public service.

In the media category, 12 journalists were recognised, among them PTI Srinagar Bureau Chief Inayat Jehangir, PTI video journalist Somil Abrol, and others including Avtar Krishan Bhat, Vivek Suri, Neeta Sharma and Syed Khalid Hussain.

The lifetime achievement award was conferred posthumously on former IAS officer Mohammad Shafi Pandit. Public service honours included senior administrative and medical officials such as V S Senthil Kumar, Tariq Ganai, Rohit Sharma, Pooja Wazir and Dr (Prof) Majid Jahangir.

It is pertinent to mention, Republic day was celebrated with patriotic favor across Jammu and Kashmir which witnesses participation of thousands of students, citizens and force personnel.

FIRDOUS AHMAD

SRINAGAR, Jan 26: As the nation prepared to celebrate Republic Day, the announcement of gallantry awards by President Droupadi Murmu once again brought the spotlight on India’s bravest.

While decorations such as the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra drew public attention, a quieter yet deeply respected military distinction—the Mention-in-Despatch (MiD)—also featured prominently in this year’s honours list.

In 2026, as many as 98 personnel from the armed forces were recognised with the Mention-in-Despatch, an honour that acknowledges acts of exceptional service often carried out far from the public gaze.

Among those cited were two senior intelligence officers whose recognition has sparked particular interest due to their association with the highly classified Operation Sindoor.

What is a Mention-in-Despatch?

In military parlance, a despatch is an official operational report submitted by a commanding officer to higher authorities, detailing the conduct and outcomes of a mission. When the name of an individual service member is formally included in such a report for displaying outstanding courage, professionalism or devotion to duty beyond normal expectations, it is recorded as a Mention-in-Despatch.

Unlike conventional gallantry awards, the Mention-in-Despatch does not come with a standalone medal. Instead, it is symbolised by a small lotus leaf insignia, worn on the ribbon of an existing service medal.

For wartime achievements, the emblem is affixed to the relevant war medal, while for peacetime operations it is worn on the General Service Medal. Though understated in appearance, the honour carries immense prestige within the armed forces.

Spotlight on Operation Sindoor

This year’s citations drew attention to Operation Sindoor, a mission described by defence observers as exceptionally sensitive. Two officers from the Intelligence and Field Security Units were recognised for their roles: Colonel Amit Kumar Yadav of the 615 Intelligence and Field Security Unit and Colonel Vinay Kumar Pandey of the 357 Intelligence and Field Security Unit.
Given their affiliation with the Intelligence Corps, analysts believe Operation Sindoor was a fully covert undertaking, likely involving deep intelligence penetration, counter-intelligence measures or strategic disruption in hostile or denied environments.

Such operations are often executed without direct combat, yet they carry significant risk and can have far-reaching strategic consequences.
Military experts note that intelligence officers usually operate behind layers of secrecy, making public recognition rare. A Mention-in-Despatch in such cases signals that the officer’s contribution was of exceptional operational value, even if the details of the mission remain classified.

Scope and eligibility

The Mention-in-Despatch can be awarded to personnel of all ranks across the Army, Navy and Air Force, including members of the Territorial Army and Reserve Forces. It is typically conferred for distinguished service during combat operations, counter-terrorism missions, high-risk rescue efforts or critical intelligence tasks. Importantly, the honour may also be awarded posthumously.

In 2026, five personnel received the Mention-in-Despatch after laying down their lives in the line of duty, underscoring the sacrifice often associated with such recognition.

Of the 98 recipients this year, the Indian Army accounted for 81, reflecting its extensive operational commitments. Personnel linked to major military engagements and long-running deployments—including Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Sindoor—featured prominently in the list.

A legacy rooted in history

The tradition of Mention-in-Despatch dates back to the First World War, when British commanders submitted operational reports to authorities in London, and soldiers named in those communications earned special distinction.

After India gained Independence in 1947, the practice was retained but indigenised. The British oak leaf insignia was replaced with the lotus, India’s national flower, giving the honour a distinct national identity.

Today, the Mention-in-Despatch remains a powerful symbol of recognition for acts that may never be publicly detailed but are deeply valued within the military establishment. It stands as a reminder that not all heroism is visible—and that some of the most decisive contributions to national security are made quietly, beyond the glare of medals and ceremonies.

Srinagar, Jan 26: The father of Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, Syed Fakhrudin Hamid, IAS, passed away on Monday at GMC Anantnag.

Abdul Hamid Shah, a retired teacher and a resident of Imam-Sahib Shopian, father of DC Anantnag breathed his last in the hospital.

The news has brought deep sorrow to the family, colleagues, and the administrative community.

As of this moment, further details including funeral arrangements are awaited. More updates will follow as information becomes available.

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 26: under the directions of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, the District Judiciary Srinagar, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, celebrated the 77th Republic Day at the District Court Complex, Srinagar, with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor.

The celebrations commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman DLSA) Srinagar, Haq Nawaz Zargar, followed by a solemn salute to the guards, symbolizing national unity and integrity.

The event witnessed participation from Ld. Judicial Officers of District Judiciary Srinagar, Officers of the Prosecution Department, Members of Bar, the Assistant Commandant of CRPF Battalion 144, officials from the Roads & Buildings Department, Treasury, Court staff, DLSA staff, Legal Aid Defense Counsels (LADC), Support Staff for LADCs, members of the Kashmir Advocate Association, Panel Lawyers, Mediators and Para-Legal Volunteers. The gathering reflected a collective sense of national pride and commitment to justice.

Addressing the gathering, Haq Nawaz Zargar emphasized the constitutional values and duties of the citizens.

Thereafter, the children of Palash and Pareesha presented patriotic songs which filled the atmosphere with national pride, followed by distribution of certificates of appreciation to the children and the officials of the Pipe Band of DPL Srinagar.

The program concluded with the vote of thanks by Umi Kulsoom Presiding Officer POCSO Court, Srinagar.

KD NEWS SERVICE
A fresh Western Disturbance is set to influence Jammu and Kashmir from this evening onwards. Under its impact, light to heavy rain and snowfall is expected across many areas, with heavier snow confined mainly to higher reaches.

This Western Disturbance is not a strong one, but it is active enough to bring moderate to locally heavy snowfall at higher elevations. For the plains, snowfall chances do exist since precipitation is expected to begin during the night hours. However, the probability of good snow accumulation across most plains remains low.

But, moderate/heavy accumulation in plains will largely depend on whether dry snow sets in during the night. If temperatures hover around 3–4°C, accumulation will be limited or unlikely. At present, snowfall chances for plains stand at around 50%, while chances of decent accumulation are 30–40%.

The probability of dry snow is estimated at around 30 – 40% for north and central Kashmir plains, while Shopian and Kulgam, especially areas closer to the Pir Panjal range, have a relatively higher chance — around 60–70% — of receiving dry snow and better accumulations.

Chenab Valley, Poonch district, and the Qazigund–Banihal stretch are also likely to witness snowfall with this system.
The remaining areas will witness a rain spell.

As for winds, a few areas may experience gusty conditions, but strong or prolonged winds are unlikely with this Western Disturbance.

Srinagar, Jan 26 ; The divisional administration on Monday said that Republic Day celebrations at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium are being conducted “strictly in accordance with established official protocol,” with Deputy Chief Minister presiding over the flag-hoisting ceremony.

Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) confirmed that all logistical and security arrangements have been finalized by concerned departments for the main event in the summer capital. He said that citizens had begun arriving at the venue since morning.

While extending Republic Day greetings to the people, the commissioner emphasized that similar official functions—featuring parades and state-organized cultural programmes—were being held at all district headquarters across the Kashmir Valley. (KNS)

TAUSEEF AHMAD

SRINAGAR, Jan 25: Two distinguished citizens from Jammu and Kashmir and one from Ladakh have been selected among the 45 recipients of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for their outstanding contributions to social work, literature and traditional medicine.

The awardees include Brijlal Bhatt and renowned scholar Prof. Shafi Shauk from Jammu and Kashmir, and Dr. Padma Gurmet from Ladakh, whose work has earned national recognition for strengthening social harmony, preserving Kashmiri literature, and promoting the ancient Himalayan medical system of Sowa-Rigpa.

Brijlal Bhatt, a native of Jammu region, is a veteran social worker known for fostering communal harmony across the Valley and Jammu plains. Through yoga shiksha shivirs, spiritual retreats and bhandara seva, Bhatt revitalised spiritual institutions while encouraging youth participation in social service.

He has also reclaimed barren land to develop apple and walnut orchards, linking livelihood generation with environmental restoration. His interfaith festivals and volunteer networks have helped bridge social divides in conflict-affected areas.

Shafi Shauk

Celebrated author and academic Prof. Shafi Shauk, born in 1950 in Srinagar, is regarded as one of the most influential voices in Kashmiri literature. After serving more than 33 years at the University of Kashmir, he retired as Dean, Faculty of Arts, in 2010. Prof. Shauk has authored, edited and translated over 100 works in Kashmiri, Urdu, English and Hindi.

His writings on Lal Ded, Nund Rishi and Kashmiri Sufi traditions are considered foundational. He has also written scripts and screenplays for over 55 television films and serials and contributed to major national and international literary projects, including the Goethe-Institute’s Poets Translating Poets initiative.

Calling the recognition special, Prof Shauq said it was “a matter of immense pride” to be counted among those who have made a real difference in society.
“I have received many awards in the past, but the Padma Shri is given to very few. Being among them brings great joy,” he told the media. He said he was informed early in the morning and added, “I never wrote for awards or recognition. I simply accepted whatever came my way.”

With an academic background in science and English, Prof Shauq devoted over five decades to Kashmiri language and literature. He served more than 30 years at the University of Kashmir, guiding students and research scholars.

He has authored dozens of books on poetry, history, dictionaries and grammar in Kashmiri and English. Highlighting the need for research-based writing, he said languages grow through indigenous knowledge, noting that documentation of flora, fauna and local culture is as important as poetry for future generations.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, termed the Padma Shri honour to Prof. Shafi Shauq a proud moment for the institution and the region.

She said the recognition reflects Prof. Shauq’s lifelong commitment to scholarship and cultural preservation.

“Prof. Shauq’s work has played a crucial role in strengthening the Kashmiri language, culture and literary traditions at both national and international levels,” she said, adding that generations of students and researchers have benefited from his academic guidance and literary contributions.

Prof. Khan said that during his more than 33 years at the University of Kashmir, Prof. Shauq not only enriched classrooms but also elevated the Department of Kashmiri through research, publications and mentorship.

Dr. Padma Gurmet

From Ladakh, Dr. Padma Gurmet, born in Leh district, is the Director of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR). He has been instrumental in institutionalising Sowa-Rigpa under the Ministry of AYUSH by launching academic programmes, documenting over 1,000 classical formulations and medical texts, and training more than 200 practitioners in remote Himalayan regions. He also established the Trans-Himalayan Herbal Garden to conserve medicinal plants.

Speaking to Kashmir Dispatch, Dr. Gurmet said the honour belongs to the people of the Himalayas. “Sowa-Rigpa is not just a medical system, it is our cultural heritage. This recognition will help us preserve, research and integrate it with modern healthcare for the benefit of future generations,” he said.

KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Jan 25: Following is the text of the message of the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha on the eve of Republic Day.

“On the auspicious and momentous occasion of the 77th Republic Day of our beloved nation, I convey my heartfelt greetings and sincere good wishes to every citizen of UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

I bow in reverence to the visionary architects of our Republic, whose exceptional wisdom, courage, and sacrifice won us freedom and gifted us a constitution rooted in the timeless ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These enduring principles and values uphold our ethos and reinforce the democratic and socialist ideals that define our nation.

I extend my warm salutations to our dedicated workers, farmers, doctors, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, teachers, students, youth, women, businesspersons, artists, writers, industry leaders and volunteers of civil society. Through their steadfast commitment and tireless efforts, they continue to fortify our democracy and drive holistic progress across the Union Territory.

I offer special commendation to the brave personnel of our armed forces, paramilitary forces, and the Jammu & Kashmir Police. Their unwavering vigilance, courage, and sacrifice stand as a shield for our people, enabling us to live in an atmosphere of peace, security, and harmony.

I express my sincere gratitude to all members of the armed forces, police, paramilitary units, and civil administration who upheld the nation’s pride through their duty, dedication, and bravery during Operation Sindoor. Following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor emerged as a defining moment in India’s national security doctrine. India made it unequivocally clear that any terrorist attack on its soil would be treated as an act of war. Operation Sindoor was not merely a military action; it was a declaration of India’s strategic resolve. I also commend exemplary courage and professionalism displayed by the personnel of Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police and the CRPF. Through Operation Mahadev, they eliminated the three Pakistani terrorists involved in the attack and delivered justice for the dignity of our mothers and sisters.

I further appreciate the Jammu & Kashmir Police for uncovering a nationwide terror network last October- November and preventing several attacks in time. They are India’s true heroes, and I am proud of them.

With renewed purpose and collective determination, let us commit ourselves to guiding Jammu & Kashmir towards greater heights of development and prosperity. We must harness and consolidate our collective strengths to accelerate economic progress with unwavering determination. By reinforcing our established areas of excellence and creating robust, future-ready infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir, we must also pursue with courage and consistency the new and emerging engines of growth. Our institutions of higher education must prepare themselves for a future driven by constant innovation, technological proficiency, and a dynamic entrepreneurial ethos.

Let us set our sights on a leadership role in the knowledge-based economy and in information technology. Let us resolve to ensure that every citizen, especially our youth and women, has fair access to quality education, healthcare, and equal opportunities to fully realise their potential.

May each one of us rise to our responsibilities with sincerity and selflessness, working for the greater good of society. Together, let us reaffirm our steadfast dedication to building a strong, prosperous, and developed India”.