Jammu — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday handed over the appointment letter, on compassionate ground, to Renu Sharma, sister of Arjun Sharma, who was killed in Reasi militant attack.
Arjun Sharma, a resident of Reasi, was the conductor of the bus carrying pilgrims which was attacked by the militants on June 09,2024.
The Lieutenant Governor assured all possible assistance and support from the J&K Administration to the family of the martyred civilian.
JAMMU, Mar 26: Wait of several years for connecting Kashmir with train will be over on April 19 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off first train to the Valley from holy town of Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine in the presence of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah among others Daily Excelsior reported.
This will end wait of several decades for direct train to Kashmir as presently the train services are operational between Sangaldan to Baramulla and from across the country to Katra.
With trial runs successful and clearances from all channels for safety and security of train and passengers, Modi today gave his nod for flagging off first train to Kashmir on April 19.
When contacted, Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed that the Prime Minister will inaugurate train services to the Valley from Katra on April 19.
When contacted, Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed that the Prime Minister will inaugurate train services to the Valley from Katra on April 19.
Official sources told the Excelsior that Narendra Modi will land at Udhampur Army airport from New Delhi in the morning of April 19 and then fly to world’s highest railway bridge over river Chenab in Reasi district. He will inspect the bridge which has become an engineering marvel not only in India but across the world. The Railways officials will brief him on construction of the bridge and other aspects.
Modi will then reach to Katra and flag off the train. Later, he will address a rally in the holy town before returning to New Delhi from Udhampur Army airport.
As per the sources, initially the train will run from Katra to Baramulla. However, after completion of expansion work at Jammu Railway Station including increase in number of platforms, the train to Valley will start operations from Jammu, most likely in July-August.
“There will be no direct train from Delhi or any other part to Kashmir. The passengers will have to de-board at Katra and change the train. Later, the same process will shift to Jammu,” the sources said but added that details are expected to be announced within the next few days.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan visited Jammu few days back and reviewed launch of train service to Kashmir with particular reference to all security aspects. The same day the Chairman Railways Board and Director General RPF had also reviewed various aspects of the situation before launch of train to the Valley, at Katra.
Several trials of train from Katra to Baramulla including that of Vande Bharat have been successful and now security issues have also been taken into account, the sources said.
Out of the total 272-kilometer, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, 209 kilometer was commissioned in phases with the first phase of the 118-kilometre Qazigund-Baramulla section commissioned in October 2009, followed by 18-kilometre Banihal-Qazigund in June 2013, 25-kilometre Udhampur-Katra in July 2014 and 48.1-kilometre long Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February, last year.
The work on the 46- kilometer Sangaldan-Reasi section was also completed in June last year, leaving a total of 17 kilometer stretch between Reasi and Katra which was also completed nearly three months back leading to start of different trials of trains including that of Vande Bharat.
The project involved a cost of Rs 41,000 crore
On January 4, a successful trial run of an electric train was successfully conducted on the Katra-Banihal section. The Railways have conducted series of trials over the past few months on various segments of the track, including the two major milestones of the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.
Kashmir will get a new specially designed Vande Bharat Express Train. This new semi-high-speed train will connect Katra and Srinagar. The new semi-high-speed train connecting Katra and Srinagar will be the third such train in J&K.
The Vande Bharat Express Train between Katra and Srinagar has been specially designed with anti-freezing features. Manufactured by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), this new Vande Bharat train can operate smoothly in extremely cold conditions, i.e. as low as -20 degrees Celsius. To ensure comfort for passengers and drivers, the train is equipped with advanced heating systems.
The Vande Bharat train for Kashmir valley has several safety features including CCTV cameras, and Emergency Talk Back Unit, among others. The train is not equipped with bulletproof windows but does feature shatterproof windows.
After a loss in their opening game, Kolkata Knight Riders hit the straps with a comfortable eight-wicket victory against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. KKR’s spinners, despite the absence of Sunil Narine, did a fine job as they restricted RR to 151/9. Quinton de Kock then powered the reply with an unbeaten 97 off 61, which included 8 fours and six sixes, as KKR cantered to the target in 17.3 overs.
Where was the game won?
The middle overs. On a wicket assisting the spinners, KKR used spin for seven out of the nine overs in this period, with Moeen Ali, replacing an unwell Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakaravarthy hampering RR’s progress. Between them, they conceded just a six and a four while picking up four wickets, as RR managed only 56/5 in this phase, with only 22 runs in boundaries. In contrast, de Kock paced his innings well, chose his shots wisely and ensured KKR did not fall behind in the middle overs even though spin was used predominantly by RR as well. De Kock got good support from Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi as KKR got 22 more than what RR did in the 7-15 overs phase, with 38 runs coming in boundaries.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS
PowerPlay – A decent start despite losing Samson early
Phase score – 54/1 [RR: 9.00, 4s/6s: 4/4]
The RR openers started with nine off Spencer Johnson in the opening over, including a top-edged pull for a four by Yashasvi Jaiswal and a well-placed boundary behind square on the off side for Sanju Samson. An economical 5-run over from Vaibhav Arora was followed by a 12-run over off Johnson, with Jaiswal striking his first six by going over the leg side. Samson, who was tied down by Arora in his first over, decided to move around in the crease and struck a boundary but was bowled soon after as he yorked himself coming down the track. Despite Riyan Parag’s six off Harshit Rana, the bowler conceded only 7 runs in the fifth over. A six apiece for Parag and Jaiswal off Arora helped RR cross 50 in the final over of the powerplay.
Middle overs – Spinners run riot to leave RR in disarray
Phase score – 56/5 [RR: 6.22, 4s/6s: 4/1]
Despite scoring two sixes and two fours in the powerplay, Jaiswal wasn’t at his fluent best, mistiming and not able to find the gaps. Parag, on the other hand, was scoring a lot quicker and hit his third six when he put away a short ball from Varun. But RR’s stand-in skipper departed in the same over, a lofted attempt going awry as Quinton de Kock held on to a high catch. Moeen was doing a tidy job at the other end and got his reward as Jaiswal handed a catch to long on. Wanindu Hasaranga, coming in for Fazalhaq Farooqi, was promoted up the order but the move didn’t work as he became Varun’s second scalp. To add to RR’s woes, Nitish Rana tried to make room for himself but was bowled by Moeen, who finished with impressive figures of 2-23. Dhruv Jurel got a couple of lucky boundaries off Harshit as RR got to the 100 mark in the 14th over. Shubham Dubey, the impact sub, fell to Arora after striking a boundary, leaving RR with a lot of work to do at 110/6 after 15 overs.
Death overs – An underwhelming finish for RR
Phase score – 41/3 [RR: 8.20, 4s/6s: 3/2]
Varun finished his spell at the start of the death overs, conceding only 2 off his last over to end up with 2 for 17. Jurel struck two fours off Harshit in the 17th, which yielded 11 runs. But only 8 came off the next over, bowled by Johnson. Harshit ended his spell with a fine over, bagging the wickets of Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer, with only 7 coming in the 19th over despite Jofra Archer’s six. Archer also hit a six off Johnson in the final over before getting bowled by the Australian pacer as RR just about managed to cross 150.
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
PowerPlay – RR keep KKR openers in check
Phase score – 40/0 [RR: 6.66, 4s/6s: 4/2]
Fresh off bowling the most expensive IPL spell, Archer started with good pace and bounce as he troubled Moeen in the opening over, conceding only 2 runs. De Kock pulled Maheesh Theekshana for the first four of the innings before taking on Archer, fiercely cutting and pulling the England pacer for a four and a six. The South African then swept Theekshana for a six but only nine came in that over, followed by a six-run over from Parag as RR kept KKR in check by slowing it down. Sandeep Sharma, with his variations, completed the containing job in the powerplay for RR, albeit without any wicket, as he gave away only 5, with KKR becoming the first team with a sub-50 PP total in this IPL.
Middle overs – De Kock keeps KKR on track
Phase score – 78/2 [RR: 8.66, 4s/6s: 5/3]
Moeen’s struggle (5 off 12) eventually came to an end when he was run out attempting a second. Hasaranga then came into the attack and was struck for a four each by de Kock and Ajinkya Rahane as KKR went past 50 in the eighth over, two more than what RR took. On a wicket aiding the slower bowlers, Parag bowled a third and continued to keep it tight. Theekshana and RR then burnt a review going upstairs for an lbw decision, followed by a well-executed pull for a six by Rahane that eased some of the pressure. In the same over, de Kock reviewed an leg-before decision and this time too, the eventual decision went against RR. Hasaranga struck in his second over, getting Rahane to top-edge a sweep before de Kock cleared the deep midwicket fence to bring up a 36-ball fifty. He also struck a six off Parag in his final over, while Hasaranga was hit for two fours (one each for de Kock and Raghuvanshi) as KKR crossed 100 in the 13th over, an over quicker than RR. A boundary for Raghuvanshi off Rana brought down the required rate, which was 8.2 at the end of the 10th over, to 6.8 at the end of the 15th.
Death overs – KKR win with plenty to spare
Phase score – 35/0 [RR: 14.00, 4s/6s: 2/2]
With 34 needed off 5 overs, it was smooth sailing for KKR. A boundary of Tushar Deshpande, was followed by Theekshana giving away 5 wides, making it easier for KKR. De Kock finished it off in the 18th over, striking a four and two sixes off Archer to power his team’s convincing victory.
Brief scores: Rajasthan Royals 151/9 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 33, Yashasvi Jaiswal 29; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-17, Moeen Ali 2-23) lost to Kolkata Knight Riders 153/2 in 17.3 overs (Quinton de Kock 97, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 22; Wanindu Hasaranga 1-34) by 8 wickets.
What next?
The Royals stay back in Guwahati where they’ll play their next home game against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. The Knight Riders will fly to Mumbai for their next match against Mumbai Indians on March 31.
© Cricbuzz
Umaisar Gull Ganie
Qazigund, Mar 26 : At least a dozen people were injured in a road accident inside the Banihal-Qazigund Nayug Tunnel on Wednesday evening.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that an SRTC bus met with an accident inside the Banihal-Qazigund Nayug Tunnel, leaving around one dozen people wounded. Their condition was being ascertained when the report was last filed.
They said that the bus was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. “The traffic inside the tunnel has been suspended,” officials said, adding that all the injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital in Qazigund for treatment—(KNO)
More details are awaited.
Jammu, Mar 26 – The Kashmir Sikh Sangat, an organization established by Kashmiri Sikhs residing in Jammu, successfully held its annual convention today at the Abhinav Theatre. The event, supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, witnessed the participation of prominent figures from various sections of society who shared their perspectives on community and societal issues.
A key highlight of the convention was the address by Advocate Neetu Kaur Bali, who emphasized the significant role of women in society.
She stated, “A woman is an integral part of society; an empowered woman plays an emphatic role in the development of society.”
Drawing upon Sikh philosophy, she quoted Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s revered words, “So kyu manda aakhiye, jit jamme rajaan,” underscoring the high status accorded to women within Sikhism.
During her address, Advocate Bali passionately urged the Sikh community to focus on several critical issues requiring attention and action:
i) Official Language Status for Punjabi:
She advocated for Punjabi to be recognized as an official language in Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging its cultural and historical significance in the region.
ii) Inclusion under SRO 412 for Kashmiri Sikhs: Advocate Bali stressed the need to include Sikhs residing in Kashmir under the purview of SRO 412, a measure aimed at ensuring their welfare and addressing specific needs.
iii)Establishment of Minority Commission: She called upon the government to expedite the announcement of a Minority Commission in Jammu and Kashmir to safeguard the rights and interests of minority communities.
iv) Recruitment of Punjabi Language Educators: To preserve and promote the Punjabi language, Advocate Bali emphasized the importance of creating provisions for the recruitment of qualified teachers, lecturers, and professors at the school, higher secondary, and college levels.
The convention was graced by the presence of Lieutenant General (Retd.) R.S. Reen and Smt. Harvinder Kaur (JKAS) as chief guest & guest of honour. The proceedings of the event were expertly conducted by the key members of Kashmir Sikh Sangat, including President Karamjeet Singh, General Secretary Suraj Singh, and Publicity Secretary Balbir Singh.
The annual convention also served as a platform to recognize and honor several distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions in various fields.
This acknowledgment underscored the community’s appreciation for their efforts and achievements.
The Kashmir Sikh Sangat’s annual convention provided a significant platform for the community to voice its concerns and aspirations. The discussions and resolutions from the event are expected to guide the organization’s future endeavors in advocating for the welfare and progress of the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir.
FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Mar 26: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regulating the personal appearance of government officials in court proceedings.
This notification follows the Supreme Court’s directive issued in the matter of Civil Appeal Nos. 23-24 of 2024 in Special Leave to Appeal (C) Nos. 8575-8576 of 2023, titled “The State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors. Vs Association of Retired Supreme Court and High Court Judges at Allahabad & Ors.”
The notification, numbered 09 of 2025/RG and dated 26 March 2025, has been issued by the Registrar General of the High Court, Shahzad Azeem, directing all subordinate courts under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to adhere to the SOP in all relevant proceedings.
Scope of the SOP
The SOP will be applicable to all court proceedings involving the government, including civil and criminal cases, proceedings before the High Court, subordinate courts, and contempt of court proceedings.
Key Guidelines of the SOP
1. Personal Presence Pending Adjudication of a Dispute
The SOP categorizes court proceedings into three types:
Evidence-Based Adjudication: Proceedings that involve oral statements or documentary evidence where the personal presence of a government official may be necessary.
Summary Proceedings: Proceedings governed by High Court rules and principles of natural justice, often based on affidavits or documents, where physical presence may not be required.
Non-Adversarial Proceedings: Proceedings where a court may require the presence of a government official to clarify policy or technical matters beyond the knowledge of government law officers.
Presence Not Required Unless Necessary:
Physical presence should not be routinely directed if issues can be resolved through affidavits or documents.
The court may, however, direct the presence of an official if it suspects intentional withholding, misrepresentation, or suppression of facts.
Courts should not direct personal presence merely because the affidavit filed by the official does not align with the court’s view.
2. Procedure Before Directing Personal Presence
Video Conferencing as First Option: Courts should prefer allowing government officials to appear through video conferencing before summoning them physically.
Advance Notice for VC Link: The Registry must send video conferencing links at least one day prior to the hearing via SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
Recording of Reasons: If personal presence is deemed necessary, the court must record specific reasons justifying the requirement.
Adequate Notice: When personal appearance is ordered, due notice with sufficient time must be given to enable the official to prepare adequately.
3. Procedure During Personal Presence
When the court mandates the physical presence of a government official, the following guidelines must be followed:
Scheduled Time Slot: The court should, as far as possible, designate a specific time slot to address matters involving personal presence.
Dignity and Respect: Officials are not required to stand throughout the hearing and should only stand while responding or making statements.
No Humiliating Remarks: Courts should refrain from making oral remarks that could potentially humiliate the official.
No Comments on Appearance or Background: Courts should avoid making comments on the physical appearance, educational background, or social standing of the official.
Respect for Dress Code: Comments on attire should only be made if there is a violation of the specified dress code applicable to their office.
4. Timeframe for Compliance with Judicial Orders
Consideration of Policy Complexities: Courts must consider the complexity of policy matters and the multi-level decision-making involved before setting timelines for compliance with judicial orders.
Reasonable Timeframe: A reasonable timeframe should be provided for compliance, depending on the specifics of the case.
Request for Extension: If compliance within the initial timeframe is not feasible, the government may seek a revision, which the court may grant after a hearing.
5. Personal Presence in Contempt of Court Proceedings
Caution in Initiating Contempt Proceedings: Courts should exercise restraint and caution before initiating contempt proceedings.
Preliminary Notice for Contempt: A notice should be issued seeking an explanation from the alleged contemnor before directing personal presence.
Evaluation of Response: The court should assess the response before deciding on the next course of action.
Advance Notice and VC Option: When personal presence is required, sufficient notice should be given with an option for video conferencing as the first choice.
Consideration of Non-Compliance: In cases of non-compliance, courts should consider procedural delays or technical reasons and may allow an extension if required.
6. Addressing Non-Compliance and Extensions
Request for Extension: If difficulties arise in complying with a court order within the prescribed time, the contemnor may apply for an extension or stay before the issuing court or relevant appellate court.
Implementation and Compliance
The notification directs all courts under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to strictly follow these SOPs. It emphasizes that all procedures outlined must be adhered to for ensuring dignity, fairness, and professionalism during judicial proceedings involving government officials.
KD NEWS SERVICE
Srinagar, Mar 26: In a landmark ruling, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of Rs 12.62 crore on the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for gross violations of waste management regulations at the Achan Saidapora landfill site. The tribunal also directed the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to initiate legal action against eight former SMC Commissioners who served between 2017 and 2025 for their failure to enforce effective waste management practices.
The case, Raja Muzaffar Bhat v/s Union of India & Others, was heard on March 20, 2025, by a three-member bench comprising Justice Prakash Srivastava (Chairman), Justice Sudhir Aggarwal (Judicial Member), and Dr. Senthil Vel (Expert Member). The tribunal expressed grave concern over the unscientific disposal of solid waste at Achan, which led to the contamination of nearby water bodies. This was found to be in clear violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
During the proceedings, SMC Commissioner Dr. Owais Ahmad informed the tribunal that approximately 11.5 lakh metric tons of legacy waste had accumulated at the landfill site over the years and that bio-mining efforts to clear the waste would require at least two years. In response, the tribunal directed him to submit a written undertaking within ten days to ensure the waste is cleared within the stipulated timeframe, with regular monitoring to be conducted for compliance.
Polluter Pays Principle Invoked
A detailed report submitted by the JKPCC revealed that the SMC had consistently violated solid waste management norms for over 1,800 days, from April 1, 2020, to March 10, 2025. Invoking the “Polluter Pays” principle, the tribunal imposed a fine of ₹12.62 crore on the SMC to compensate for environmental damage caused by the negligence.
Action Against Former SMC Commissioners
The NGT also took a strong stance against former officials who failed to address waste management issues during their tenure. The tribunal directed the JKPCC to initiate civil proceedings under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, against the following eight former SMC Commissioners: Dr. Shafqat Khan, Reyaz Ahmad Wani, Peerzada Hafizullah Shah, Mir Tariq Ali, Khurshid Ahmad Sanai, Gazanfar Ali, Athar Aamir Khan and Dr. Owais Ahmad (current commissioner).
Legal complaints are being finalized to hold these officials accountable for their failure to implement effective waste management policies.
SMC’s Comprehensive Action Plan
In response to the tribunal’s directives, the SMC presented a four-phase action plan aimed at achieving 100% scientific waste processing by March 2027. Key components of the plan include:
Immediate Measures (by June 2025):
Ø Operationalizing the Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP)
Ø Implementing odor control through bio-enzymes
Ø Initiating bio-mining of legacy waste
Ø Planting 3,200 trees to establish a green buffer zone
Short-Term Goals:
Ø Expanding composting facilities
Ø Establishing new garbage transfer stations
Ø Enhancing waste monitoring systems
Medium-Term Goals:
Ø Processing 5 lakh metric tons of waste
Ø Setting up a 300 TPD Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) plant
Ø Constructing a 459 TPD Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) facility
Final Phase (by March 2027):
Ø Complete remediation of the Achan landfill
Ø Creation of green buffer zones by planting 10,000 trees
Ø Accountability and Progress Monitoring
To ensure transparency and accountability, the NGT has ordered the SMC to submit monthly progress reports and directed the JKPCC to conduct quarterly reviews. Additionally, a public dashboard will be launched to allow real-time tracking of cleanup efforts and ensure public oversight.
This ruling marks a pivotal step in addressing the long-standing waste management crisis at the Achan Saidapora landfill site. By holding both the municipal corporation and its former leadership accountable, the NGT aims to instill a culture of environmental responsibility and safeguard the region’s ecological integrity.
KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 26: Maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and no power can snatch it Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that “our neighbor” won’t be allowed to succeed in its nefarious designs and turbulent times of the past will never return.
Addressing NITI Aayog’s workshop at IIM Jammu LG Sinha said, “J&K is an inseparable part of India, and no one can take it away. Our future is with India, and together, we will continue to progress.”
In an apparent reference to Pakistan, LG Sinha said, “Our neighbor continues to make efforts, and sometimes, a few individuals fall into its trap. However, it is important to send a clear message these nefarious designs will not succeed. The turbulent times of the past will never return.”
“The current state of our neighbor speaks volumes about its own plight. J&K’s future is firmly tied to the nation’s progress and development.”
Referring to the role of common people in maintaining peace, LG Sinha said, “To maintain peace is not only the responsibility of the police and security forces. People have an important role to play as peace cannot sustain without their support. More than anyone else, it is the common people who benefit the most from peace, as their future, business, and development are tied to it.”
He called on the people to assist security forces in ensuring stability in the region, adding that adversarial attempts to disrupt harmony would not succeed. “Business, tourism, and overall development are intrinsically linked to stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Peace and development are interlinked,” he added.
Highlighting the rapid economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha stated that the region has witnessed remarkable progress in entrepreneurship. “Jammu and Kashmir should be known for its entrepreneurs, not troublemakers,” he said adding, “J&K has achieved a remarkable feat. It has become the first region in the country since independence to utilize the incentive, announced for 10-years, within 2.5 years.”
LG Sinha said that J&K has emerged as the first union territory in the country to implement 97% of the Ease of Doing Business reforms, significantly boosting investment and economic opportunities.
He said that the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant growth, with an increasing number of tourists visiting the region. “With more tourists coming in, we need improved connectivity. The train between Jammu and Kashmir will start chugging soon, and according to the Chief Secretary, it is expected to commence operations in April,” LG Sinha announced.
He also urged the private sector to step forward and invest in tourism infrastructure, as government initiatives alone would not be sufficient to provide world-class facilities. “The hotel industry has already seen an investment of more than Rs 40,000 crore. The number of stakeholders in peace has increased, and their role is vital in sustaining progress.”—(KNO)
Srinagar, Mar 26 : The Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set for action-packed proceedings on April 7, with three separate resolutions seeking immediate restoration of J&K’s statehood to come up for discussion and voting.
In an interesting development, three resolutions seeking restoration of J&K’s statehood would be listed in business of the House on April 7, one of the two days earmarked for Private Member Resolutions.
The resolutions, mild in tone, have been brought by NC MLAs Qaiser Jamsheed Lone and Hilal Akbar Lone and Independent MLA Shabir Kulley.
Two of the three resolutions invoke commitments made by the Central Government and the Prime Minister on J&K’s statehood.
“This House resolves that statehood be restored immediately as promised by the Central Government in the Parliament of India,” reads the resolution brought by Qaiser Jamsheed Lone.
The resolution brought by Hilal Akbar Lone reads: “This House impresses upon the Government of India to restore statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in order to fulfill the promise made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in the Parliament.”
The resolution brought by Kulley seek restoration of full statehood and urges the Government of India to take immediate steps to fulfill “this long-standing demand”.
Seven resolutions each have been picked up through a draw of lots to be listed in Business of the House on April 7 and 9, the days earmarked for Private Member Resolutions.
It is worthwhile to mention that Omar Abdullah-led cabinet in its first cabinet meeting passed a resolution seeking restoration of J&K’s statehood—(KNO)
Srinagar, Mar 26 : On the inaugural day, the Asia’s largest Tulip Garden In Srinagar Wednesday witnessed an overwhelming response from local, national as well as high-end tourists.
Following its grand opening today, the garden witnessed unprecedented footfall of 17,259 visitors, setting a new benchmark in its illustrious history.
In an official statement, the Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the general public especially national & international visitors for their overwhelming response to the grand opening of Tulip Garden.
The department also acknowledges the invaluable cooperation of the Divisional/ District administration, J&K Police, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, PWD, KPDCL and other allied agencies for their seamless coordination in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for visitors. Their dedicated efforts in maintaining security, cleanliness, and essential services have greatly contributed to the success of this event.
A special note of admiration has been extended to the dedicated gardeners, field staff, and officers of the Floriculture Department, whose tireless efforts, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment have resulted in a breath-taking floral spectacle. With more than 1.70 million tulips in full bloom, the garden stands as a testament to their hard work and passion for excellence.
The Department of Floriculture remains committed to enhancing the beauty and vibrancy of this iconic garden and welcomes visitors to witness nature’s unparalleled grandeur in the days ahead.
