Pulwama, Mar 05 : Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Minister, Sakina Itoo on Wednesday informed that there was no proposal before the government for the construction of a 100-bed maternity hospital in Sirnoo, Pulwama.
While replying to questions of MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para, Itoo said that there is no such proposal before the government and existing health facilities are being strengthened.
“At present, there is no such proposal for construction of 100 Bedded Maternity Hospital at Sirnoo Pulwama as the maternal healthcare facilities to the people of District Pulwama including Sirnoo area are available at District Hospital, Pulwama.” Sakina said.
“As of now, J&K is working on consolidation of existing health facilities as around 4000 health institutes at various levels (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) exists. J&K is among the top runners amongst large States/UTs (with population more than 1 crore) in health institution density in the country. The calculations worked as per the Report published in 2023 by MoHFW, GoI indicates that J&K has health institution on every 3500 souls against an average 6000 souls at national level,” she said.
“No future creations/upgradations are planned as of now. The upgradation of health institutions mainly depend upon multiple parameters viz; population, infrastructure, distance from nearby Health institutions, work load and fulfillment of conditionality of IPHS norms-2022 and circular instructions of the Government issued from time to time (latest vide 10-F of 2025 dated: 11/01/2025 by FD that no new posts shall be created, refer point 7(1) of Govt,” Sakina added.
“However, to improve the Health services further, among other things, the department has conceptualized to strengthen the existing health facilities through rationalization of Manpower and Resource Sharing and developing a robust e-sanjeevani/tele-medicine facilities through a well designed hub & spoke model under digital initiatives,” she said—(KNO)
Srinagar, March 5: Police on Wednesday said that there was a suspected grenade attack near police post old town Baramulla.
In a handout, the police said that during the night intervening March 4-5, at approximately 2120 hrs, a blast-like sound was heard from the backside of Police Post Old Town, Baramulla, causing concern among the general public. No casualty or damage was reported.
Police parties immediately cordoned the area in coordination with sister agencies.
During the search, at around 2240 hours, a grenade pin was recovered from rear side of the Police Post, outside its boundary wall, which is suspected to be of a grenade and leading police to suspect it was an attempted grenade attack. The grenade landed and detonated inside Police Post Old Town in an area where no damage or casualties occurred. Impact crater is yet to be located.
A thorough inquiry has been initiated, and search operations in and around the area are ongoing.
Baramulla Police remains committed to ensuring public safety and urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police unit, reads the statement.
Peshawar — Two suicide bombings breached a wall at a military base in northwestern Pakistan before other attackers stormed the compound and were repelled in violence that killed at least 12 people and wounded 30 others, according to officials and a local hospital.
A group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in Bannu, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and said that dozens of members of Pakistani security forces were killed. The military didn’t immediately confirm any casualties, but Bannu District Hospital said that at least a dozen people were dead.
The two suicide bombers blew themselves up near the wall of the sprawling military area, a security official said on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to speak with reporters.
“After a breach in the wall, five to six more attackers attempted to enter the cantonment, but were eliminated,” the security official said.
The attack happened after sunset, when people would have been breaking their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Jaish Al-Fursan claimed responsibility for the attack, the third militant assault in Pakistan since Ramadan started Sunday. In a statement, the group said the source of the blasts were explosive-laden vehicles.
Plumes of gray smoke rose into the air and gunshots continued after the two explosions, police officer Zahid Khan said. Four of those killed were children, hospital officials said. The victims lived close to the scene of the blasts.
A spokesman for Bannu District Hospital, Muhammad Noman, said that the evening blasts badly damaged homes and other buildings.
“The roofs and walls collapsed and that’s why we are receiving casualties,” he said.
Hospital director Dr. Ahmed Faraz Khan said: “So far we have received 42 victims, 12 dead and 30 injured. A few of them are critical, but most are stable. All doctors, particularly surgeons and paramedical staff, have been called for duty as a medical emergency has been imposed.”
The blasts caused the roof of a nearby mosque to collapse while a number of worshippers were inside, rescue workers and provincial government spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif said.
Rescue workers trying to free people from underneath the rubble said that they had retrieved the body of the mosque’s imam.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed his grief over the loss of life. The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, ordered an inquiry.
Militants have targeted Bannu several times. Last November, a suicide car bomb killed 12 troops and wounded several others at a security post.
In July, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden vehicle and other militants opened fire near the outer wall of the military facility. — (AP)
Imran asks “why a bill to ban alcohol consumption tabled in the Legislative Assembly in 2016, was scuttled by Mehbooba Mufti as CM”
Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar Tuesday said PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s criticism of Omar Abdullah government is solely to remain in limelight, asserting that she is more focused on creating noise rather than making a difference.
Imran strongly criticized Mehbooba Mufti, stating that her relentless and unfounded criticism of Omar Abdullah stems from her lack of relevance after being rejected by the people. He emphasized that Mufti’s recent attacks on Omar and her party’s signature campaign against alcohol consumption are merely distractions to conceal the detrimental actions of the PDP, which led to Jammu and Kashmir’s demotion from a fully empowered state to a Union territory.
“This blatant attempt to shift blame only further exposes PDP’s desperation and lack of accountability. She should answer why a bill to ban alcohol consumption tabled in the Legislative Assembly in 2016, was scuttled? Why didn’t she take decisive action against alcohol at that time? Why now? People see through her propaganda and have made it a point not to fall prey to it,” Imran added.
Imran emphasized that the promises outlined in the NC manifesto were not hastily written, but were carefully crafted through months of thoughtful consideration. He highlighted that the government is diligently working to address the long-standing concerns of our people, which have accumulated over the years.
“With the unwavering support of our people, a new era has been ushered in where the voices of the people are finally being heard in the highest echelons of power,” he said.
Journalism, once considered the backbone of democracy, is slowly crumbling before our eyes in Jammu and Kashmir. What was once a respected profession built on truth, verification, and responsibility has been reduced to a stage where anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection declares themselves a journalist. Today, all it takes is a phone, a Facebook account, and a hunger for views. Sadly, society seems to applaud this performance, regardless of how damaging it may be.
As someone who deeply values the role of genuine journalism, I cannot remain silent while our region’s media landscape gets hijacked by individuals who possess neither the knowledge nor the ethics to carry the title of “journalist.” Without any degree in journalism, without understanding the weight of words, and without adhering to any code of conduct, these so-called reporters spread chaos instead of clarity. They confuse assumptions with facts and believe that breaking news is a race to see who goes live first, rather than who reports the truth best.
There is a proverb that says, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,” and that perfectly describes the present situation. In a sensitive region like ours, where emotions run high and misinformation can ignite fires, untrained reporting is not only reckless—it’s dangerous.
Unfortunately, the situation has now reached a point where even the most private moments of people’s lives are broadcast without consent, merely for the sake of social media engagement. Tragedies are turned into spectacles, and the suffering of ordinary people becomes nothing more than content to fill timelines. There is no respect for privacy, no understanding of responsible coverage, and no consideration of the long-term consequences.
Genuine journalists, who spend years learning the craft and dedicating their lives to balanced, accurate reporting, now find themselves competing with viral videos and clickbait content. Their hard work is often ignored, buried under the noise of sensationalism. “When the drum is loud, the flute is never heard.” The drum of fake journalism is beating louder than ever in Kashmir, and the people who suffer most are the ordinary citizens who are being misled and misinformed.
We must ask ourselves: Where are we headed if this continues? When did truth become less important than trending? When did the ethics of journalism get replaced by the algorithms of social media? More importantly, how long will we tolerate this mockery of a profession that was once considered the fourth pillar of democracy?
It’s time for serious introspection. Journalism is not a hobby; it is a responsibility. It requires knowledge, patience, balance, and, above all, a commitment to the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Unfortunately, today’s self-styled journalists seem to follow just one rule: “If it goes viral, it must be right.”
As a student and observer of society, I believe it’s high time we differentiate between genuine journalism and this new wave of amateur reporting that serves personal fame over the public good. We must bring back the dignity of journalism, where news is verified, balanced, and presented with responsibility—not rushed online for instant applause. The public, too, has a vital role to play. We must stop blindly believing everything that appears on our screens. We must ask for sources, demand accuracy, and value the difference between responsible reporting and reckless storytelling.
If we lose real journalism, we lose the truth. When the truth is lost, society is left blind.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve better. We deserve facts, not fiction; accountability, not attention-seeking; news, not noise. Let’s restore the profession of journalism to its rightful place before it is too late.
JAMMU, Mar 4: More than 32,000 posts are lying vacant in 37 departments of the Jammu and Kashmir government with the health and medical education department accounting for the highest 7,851 vacancies, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday.
The JK Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and JK Public Service Commission (JKPSC) have been tasked with fulfilling 3,727 vacancies since the formation of the government on October 16, last year, he told the Assembly.
Chief Minister Abdullah, who is also in charge of the General Administration Department, said this in reply to a question raised by Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone.
Lone had sought information about the total number of vacancies in various departments in Jammu and Kashmir as of January 31 and those referred to the two government recruiting agencies after the formation of the National Conference-led dispensation.
The chief minister said 32,474 posts — 2,503 gazetted, 19,214 non-gazetted and 10,757 multi-tasking staff (MTS) –- are lying vacant as of January 31.
Of these vacancies, 738 gazetted, 1,754 non-gazetted and 1,235 MTS posts were referred to JKSSB and JKPSC after the government formation, he said, adding 594 gazetted posts are to be filled in the school education department, 56 in the health and medical education department, 45 in the power department and 41 horticulture department.
The health and medical education department has 7,851 vacancies, the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) department has 3,759 posts vacant, Animal Husbandry department 2,589 vacancies, Industries and commerce 2,517, Housing and Urban Development 2,420, agriculture production and farmers welfare 1,340, power department 1,305, Food and supplies department 1,131, finance department 1,009, revenue department 1,004, Jal Shakti 856 and the School Education department has to fill 770 vacancies.
The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction is the only one that has no vacancies.
In response to another question, the chief minister said JKPSC collected over Rs 8.44 crore and JKSSB over Rs 5.72 crore as application fees from the candidates since October 16, last year.
“Presently, no such proposal (to make job application forms free for aspirants) is under consideration,” Abdullah said. (Agencies)
BANDIPORA, Mar 4: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, North Kashmir Range, Maqsood-ul-Zaman said on Tuesday that drug menace has deep roots in the society and its eradication has become a top priority of police. He also said that undisclosed properties of drug peddlers are being identified and will be seized soon.
“The drug menace has deep roots in the society, which is why it remains top priority of Jammu and Kashmir Police. We have taken significant steps in north Kashmir, including huge recoveries and action against key elements involved in drug trafficking,” DIG North Kashmir Maqsood-ul-Zaman expressed these remarks during an event held at Dak Bungalow Sumbal in north Kashmir’s Bandipora. He said that properties linked to drug money had been seized. “We have already acted on four properties acquired through drug proceeds, and investigations are ongoing. We are tracing both forward and backward linkages to identify and seize assets accumulated by drug peddlers and kingpins under different names,” he stated.
J&K Thrives on Self-Reliance, PoK Struggles Despite Foreign Aid: Omar
SUHAIL KHAN
JAMMU, Mar 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a spirited address to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday, underscored the stark contrast between the development in J&K and the deteriorating situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He asserted that while PoK has received significant external assistance, particularly from China, its condition remains dire, whereas Jammu and Kashmir has built its progress on self-reliance.
Abdullah, as reported by Kashmir Despatch, emphasized that J&K has not depended on foreign aid from global powers like China, the United States, England, or France. “We have never sought help from these nations to build our roads or infrastructure,” he stated, highlighting the region’s independent development.
Assembly Debate Turns Heated Over PoK Comparison
The Chief Minister’s remarks came amid a fiery debate between the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The discussion was triggered after NC MLA Saifullah Mir noted that some areas in PoK had better border infrastructure, leading to sharp criticism from BJP leader R.S. Pathania. While Mir clarified that his intention was not to compare but to highlight the difficulties faced by locals—especially during harsh winters when roads remain blocked for months—the BJP viewed it as an unnecessary glorification of PoK.
Abdullah defended Mir, stating that as someone living near the Line of Control (LoC), he was merely presenting facts. “The situation in PoK is extremely bad. Whatever development exists there is due to Chinese support, not Pakistan’s efforts,” he remarked, downplaying the supposed progress across the border.
Taking a swipe at PoK’s dependence on external aid, Abdullah quipped, “The coats given to people across the border have empty pockets,” a remark that sparked laughter in the assembly. He stressed that J&K’s development model prioritizes the welfare of its people, ensuring sustainable growth without foreign dependence.
BJP Highlights Sacrifices in Fight Against Terrorism
The debate took a solemn turn when BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma reminded the assembly of the sacrifices made by his party members, including MLAs’ families who had lost loved ones to terrorism. “Terrorist bullets do not differentiate between people,” Sharma said, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in the region.
Abdullah responded by calling for constructive discussions instead of partisan debates. “Wherever development is needed, it will be done, and wherever improvements are required, they will be made in the interest of the people,” he assured.
J&K’s Development Model Stands in Contrast to PoK’s Struggles
The session, which saw moments of both intensity and humor, ultimately reinforced the ongoing challenges and achievements in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah’s remarks positioned J&K’s development as a testament to its resilience, in contrast to PoK’s dependency on foreign aid—a message that resonated strongly within the assembly.
JAMMU, Mar 4: The Research and Advocacy Group (RAAG), a voluntary organization consisting of legal professionals, academicians, media persons, and scholars, organized an in-depth seminar on “POJK: Parliament’s Resolution & Legal Discourse” at the Lawyers’ Chamber, J&K High Court Complex, Jammu, bringing together eminent legal minds and strategic experts to discuss India’s rightful claim over Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK).
The event featured Dr. (Captain) Alok Bansal, Executive Director of India Foundation, along with Senior Advocates Sunil Sethi and Upinder Krishen Jalali (U.K. Jalali), former Advocate General of J&K. The speakers delved into the constitutional, historical, and geopolitical aspects of POJK, aligning their arguments with India’s Parliamentary resolution on the issue.
Seminar Proceedings: Legal & Strategic Aspects of POJK
The program commenced with a welcome address by Advocate Deepak Sharma, Convener of RAAG, who introduced the distinguished guests and set the tone for the discussion. The seminar aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of India’s legal and constitutional rights over POJK while highlighting Pakistan’s continued illegal occupation and its strategic consequences.
During the session, the speakers explored legal provisions, historical events, and strategic concerns related to the issue, stressing that India’s claim over POJK is not just a political stance but a constitutionally and legally backed assertion.
U.K. Jalali: Shimla Agreement a Strategic Mistake
Senior Advocate and former Advocate General U.K. Jalali raised serious concerns over the Shimla Agreement, stating that India’s leadership made a critical error by returning strategic areas to Pakistan.
“It is unfortunate and against international law that Pakistan and its military continue to use POJK as a terror-launching pad against India,” Jalali remarked.
He revisited the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh, asserting that better political negotiations at the time could have ensured the return of POJK to India. Jalali also criticized Pakistan’s military establishment for exploiting its own people, recalling how the same Pakistani military that oppressed Bangladeshis in 1971 now subjugates the people of POJK.
Sunil Sethi: Parliamentary Resolution is India’s Commitment to POJK
Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi provided a legal perspective, stating that the Parliamentary resolution on POJK is not just a document but India’s firm commitment to reclaiming its lost territories.
“India’s stance on POJK is legally and historically valid. The illegal occupation was not a result of any internal rebellion, but due to Pakistan’s external aggression,” Sethi emphasized.
He also pointed out that India’s claim extends beyond POJK to include regions of Jammu and Kashmir under Chinese control and areas illegally ceded by Pakistan to China.
Captain Alok Bansal: POJK Residents Treated as Second-Class Citizens
Addressing the gathering, Captain Alok Bansal contrasted the democratic values of India with the dictatorial governance imposed by Pakistan in POJK.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, people enjoy freedom of speech and democracy. In contrast, Pakistan treats POJK residents as second-class citizens, denying them access to their own resources and fundamental rights,” Bansal stated.
He further highlighted how Pakistan exploits POJK’s natural resources for its military and government, leaving local residents deprived of their land’s wealth. Bansal also provided insights into POJK’s demographics, terrain, and administrative setup, painting a grim picture of Pakistan’s exploitative policies.
Engaging Discussions & Thought-Provoking Debates
The seminar attracted legal professionals, scholars, media representatives, and civil society members, all of whom actively participated in the discussions. The interactive session allowed attendees to engage with the experts, seeking clarity on various legal and strategic dimensions of the issue.
RAAG’s Commitment to Legal Advocacy
The program was coordinated by Advocate Prem Sadotra, while the formal vote of thanks was delivered by Advocate Arvind Khajuria, who expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants. He reaffirmed RAAG’s dedication to legal research and advocacy on national issues, emphasizing that such discussions play a crucial role in shaping public understanding of India’s territorial integrity.
The seminar concluded with a Question & Answer session, followed by high tea, leaving attendees with deeper insights into the legal and strategic imperatives of India’s rightful claim over POJK.
The prominent lawyers who attended the event include Jammu Bar Association team including Baldev Singh Vice President, Pardeep Majotra Secretary, Anshu Mahajan Joint Secretary, Rahul Aggarwal Tresurer and Amandeep Sharma, president Young Lawyers Association and his team. Other prominent advocates who were present include Raghu Mehta Sr. Advocate,Adv. Vishal Sharma DSGI, Sr.Adv Vikram Sharma, Adv. Ranjeet Singh jamwal, Adv. Sudarshan Sharma , Adv. Subodh Jamwal, Adv. Vandana Sharma, Adv. Ayush Sharma, Adv. Harshwardhan, Adv. Ashwani Khajuria, Adv.Rakesh Sharma, Adv. Dewakar Sharma, Adv. Hunar Gupta, Adv. MP Singh Palli,Adv. Rajnish Raina, Adv. Deepali Arora, Adv. Sarfaraz Rather, Adv. Rajesh Thappa, Adv.Pawan Kundal, Adv. So ia Manhas, Adv. Madhvi Sambyal. Adv. Karan Prashar, Adv. Pawan Choudhry, Adv. Sanjeev Kohli, Adv. Saket Rathore, Adv. Aditya Raina,Adv. Chetan Prabhakar, Adv. Gaurav Jamwal Adv. Divyashan and others.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has tightened the regulations regarding family members’ presence around Player and Match Officials Areas (PMOA) before and during the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Additionally, it has made it mandatory for players to travel by the team bus, a rule that Team India players have been strictly instructed to follow during international matches.
“Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches (sic),” a new BCCI rule says. It was communicated to all franchises through a mail, seen by Cricbuzz, recently after explaining the changes in regulations to all team managers during a meeting. The managers meeting was held on February 18 through a Zoom call.
The new clause about the family members (of players and support staff) says they cannot enter the dressing room even on practice days. They are, anyway, not allowed on match days. “On practice days (during pre-tournament & tournament), only accredited staff is allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play.
“Player family members and may friends travel in a different vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area. For extended support staff (throw down specialist/net bowlers) list need to be submitted for approval to the BCCI. Once approved, non-match day accreditations will be issued for the same,” the mail states.
The BCCI has further stated that fitness tests on players cannot be conducted on the main square during match days. Normally, physios use the main track to test the fitness of the players just before the start of a match. The BCCI has further said that the players must wear Orange and Purple caps at least for two overs and during post-match presentation ceremonies, the players must not wear sleeveless jerseys.
To elaborate the rules further, the BCCI has scheduled an in-person meeting with all captains on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai. Normally, these meetings are held in the host city of the inaugural match. The IPL is set to begin in Kolkata on March 22.
Below are some of the changes being effected this year:
Practice during tournament
1. Teams will get 2 nets in the practice area and 1 of the side wickets on the main square to do range hitting. For the Mumbai venue, if both the teams are practicing at the same time, teams will get 2 wickets each.
2. No open nets will be allowed.
3. If one of the teams finishes their practice early, other team is not allowed to use the wickets for their practice.
4. No practice will be allowed on Match days.
5. No fitness test will take place on the Match Day on the main square.
6. On practice days (during pre-tournament & tournament), only accredited staff is allowed in the dressing room and on the field of play. Player family members and friends to travel in a different vehicle and can watch team practice from the hospitality area. For extended support staff ( throw down specialist/net bowlers) list need to be submitted for approval to the BCCI. Once approved, non- match day accreditations will be issued for the same.
7. Players to use the team bus while coming for practice. Teams may travel in two batches.
8. For any request related to practice, fitness test on Match days, Venue Manager will be the POC.
Match Day
1. It is mandatory for PMOA accredited staff bring their accreditation on match day. On the first instance failure of not carrying the accreditation, a warning will be issued. On the second instance, a monetary fine will be issued to the team.
2. Despite providing hitting nets, players keep hitting on the LED boards. We request teams to adhere to it.
3. Players and support staff not to sit in front of the LED boards. Sponsorship team will mark places across the FOP where substitutes carrying towels and water bottles can be seated.
4. Players to wear Orange and Purple Cap. In case where players do not wear caps, we request players to wear for the first two overs till broadcast captures it.
5. In the post-match presentation, floppies and sleeveless jersey are not allowed. Failure to do so will result in warning on the first instance. On the second instance, there will be a financial penalty.
6. On match days, similar to IPL 2024 season, only 12 accredited support staff will be permitted which includes team doctor.
Jersey Number
1. In case of change in jersey numbers, please inform 24 hours in advance as mentioned in clothing & equipment guideline
