Category: Union Territory

  • Residents of Erstwhile Doda welcome ST status for Paddaries

    Demanded inclusion of Paharies of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban

    Jammu : February 19, 2024

    The Pahari Core Committee has warmly welcomed the decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Paddaries, marking a fulfillment of a longstanding demand of paddari tribe. Sh Abdul Majeed Bichoo, Chairman of the Pahari Core Committee, expressed satisfaction with the recognition of Paddaries, highlighting its cultural and ethnic significance.

    Bichoo further emphasized the linguistic and cultural ties of the Chenab Valley to Western Pahari languages and ethnic relevance of population of Doda Kishtwar and Ramban. Sanjay Thakur Bharatya Organising secretary of the committee  suggested that the Chenab region, comprising areas such as Bhaderwah, Bhalessa, Pogal, Saraz should also be considered for ST status. The committee said that the majority ethnic Kashmiri population in the Chenab Valley, are historically connected to Dhoks, reinforcing the ethnic relevance of this demand.

    The committee advocate extension of ST to areas like Bhaderwah, Bhalessa, Pogal Paristan, Saraz,  Neel, Kishtwar, Bonjwah, and other regions where Western Pahari languages are spoken. The plea is grounded in the cultural and ethnic fabric of these areas, urging authorities to acknowledge and include them under the ST status after seeing the genuineness of the ethnicity and  pahari languages as classified by GA Grierson.

    As the Pahari Core Committee continues its efforts to secure recognition for Paharies of chenab region who are sharing linguistic and ethnic ties, the recent inclusion of Paddaries in the ST category stands as a notable achievement, paving the way for further discussions and considerations.

    In the wake of the recent parliament approval of the Bill to include Paharis in Jammu and Kashmir’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, residents of erstwhile Doda are fervently demanding the ST tag for themselves, highlighting their ethnic and western pahari language relevance.

    Expressing a collective sentiment, the residents assert that their distinct ethnicity warrants inclusion in the ST category, echoing the broader call for recognition based on cultural and ethnic considerations. The governments move has triggered aspirations among various areas having pahari ethnic relevance  to secure the benefits associated with Scheduled Tribe status.

    As the demand gains momentum, it reflects a broader discourse on ethnic identity and representation, prompting discussions on the criteria for ST inclusion in the chenab region. The residents of erstwhile Doda are keenly awaiting a positive response from Government of India anticipating a transformative impact on their social and economic status. 

     Prominent who advocates ST status to Paharies of Doda Kishtwar and Ramban include Abdul Khaliq Pogali, Ex ZEO, Fozia Sadaket, Jaswant Singh, Sanjay Bharatya, Anil Kumar, Shahid Katoch and many others.

  • Exploring Heritage: PM Shri Govt. Girls Middle School Jindrah Students Embark on a Historical Field Visit to Krimichi, Udhampur

    Jammu, February 23, 2024  

    Today, students from PM Shri Govt. Girls Middle School, Jindrah Zone Dansal Jammu, embarked on a field visit to the historical site of Krimichi in Udhampur. The initiative, organized under the PM Shri Component, aimed to provide students with a firsthand experience of the rich historical heritage.

    The highlight of the visit was the exploration of the ancient Pandava Temples, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The students were guided through the historical significance of Krimichi, with a particular emphasis on understanding the architectural importance of the Pandava Temples.

    The educational sessions, conducted on-site, were coordinated to enhance the students’ understanding of the historical context surrounding these ancient monuments. The visit not only exposed them to the marvels of our cultural heritage but also instilled a deep appreciation for the preservation efforts undertaken by the ASI.

    The success of this enriching experience was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the organizing team led by Sanjay Sharma, Lakshami Devi, Bindya Rani, and Sadaket Ali. Their meticulous planning ensured that students received the full benefit of the field visit, including transportation, lunch, and refreshments, adhering to the schematic procedure.

    Speaking on the occasion Sadaket Ali Malik throwed light on the pilgrimage heritage and tourism sites located in Jammu and Kashmir. 

    The Headmaster In-Charge Sanjay Sharma expressed gratitude for the collaboration and commitment of all involved, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in shaping the students’ holistic education.

    The PM Shri Govt. Girls Middle School Jandrah remains committed to providing students with diverse learning experiences, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their cultural heritage.

  • International acclaimed singer Sonali Dogra felicitated for Dogri Sangeet promotion.

    In a heartwarming ceremony The Padder Welfare Front brought together a group of remarkable individuals for a simple yet impactful celebration. The event, graced by the presence of Chief Guest Retd Judge Subash Gupta, aimed to recognize outstanding contributions to the cultural fabric of the region.

    Notable honorees included Sonali Dogra, awarded for her outstanding work in Dogri Sangeet, and key figures like Shiv Shakti Trust President Vickey Sharma and Ajeet Yogi, Chairman of trust.  Ravinder Kumar, Chief Editor of Kashmir Sentinel, also added to the distinguished gathering.

    Sonali Dogra is an internationally acclaimed singer, recognized for her outstanding performance and victory in “Voice of Punjab 6.” With a unique ability to sing in different languages, she is versatile and celebrated figure in the music industry.

    Mahinder Rana, President of the Padder Welfare Front, spoke about organization’s commitment to making the public aware of various schemes and actively working towards the cultural promotion of Padder Valley and Jammu Region.

    This organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage, benefitting Padder Valley and the broader Jammu community,” remarked Mr. Rana. 

  • Youth dies while playing cricket in Pattan

    Pattan, Jan 26: A heartbreaking incident has been reported In Hanjiwera Pattan, after a 20 year old boy suddenly dies mysteriously while playing cricket in his village of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday afternoon.

    Quoting official Sources KNS reported that a 20-year-old Suhaib Yaseen, known as (Junaid), suddenly collapsed while running to bowl in the playground, locals rushed to the spot and however tried to evacuate the boy to hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

    They said that the Preliminary reports suggest that Suhaib might have suffered a heart attack, though there is no official confirmation yet.

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    The deceased has been been identified as Suhaib Yaseen (20) S/O Mohmmad Yaseen wani resident of Hanjiwera pattan, adding that the body has been sent to a nearby hospital for legal formalities.

    Meanwhile, police are ascertaining more facts and a case has been registered, with further details currently under investigation, an official was quoted as saying by KNS.

  • Light rain, snow in Valley parts as night temp rises considerably in J&K

    Srinagar, Jan 26: Light rain and snow lashed a few higher reaches including Gulmarag on Friday. The weatherman has forecast more precipitation in coming days to end an extended dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Reports reaching GNS said that snowfall has been reported from Gulmarg, parts of Kupwara, and Kangan in Ganderbal. Srinagar had traces of rain early in the morning.

    “As expected, light rain/snow occurred at a few higher reaches,” a meteorological department official here told GNS.

    He said partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow at isolated higher reaches till afternoon was expected today and improvement thereafter.

    On January 27, he said, partly to generally cloudy weather with possibility of light snow was expected at isolated higher reaches towards late evening.

    On January 28-29, he said, generally cloudy weather with possibility of light to moderate rain/snow was expected at many places.

    From January 30-31st, he said, there is possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places.

    From February 1-3, there is possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places.

    “There is significant improvement in visibility and rise in maximum temperature expected in plains of Jammu Division from today onwards.”

    The weatherman has also issued an advisory, saying that the present system may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna, Razdan pass, Zojila etc. particularly during January 28-31.“Travellers are advised to Plan accordingly,” he said.

    Meanwhile, due to cloud cover, there was considerable increase in night temperature with Srinagar recording a low of minus 0.5°C against minus 3.6°C on previous night and it was 1.8°C above normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

    Qazigund recorded a minimum of 0.2°C against minus 4.2°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 4.1°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

    Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 0.4°C against minus 6.3°C on the previous night and it was 7.1°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

    Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 0.1°C against minus 1.6°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 3.5°C for the place, the official said.

    Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of 2.5°C against minus 2.9°C on the previous night and it was 5.4°C above normal there, the official said.

    Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 3.7°C against minus 4.5°C on the previous night and the temperature was 3.5°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

    Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 7.0°C against 4.1°C on the previous night, and it was above normal by 5.8°C for the winter capital of J&K.

    Banihal recorded a low of minus 4.2°C, Batote 5.6°C and Bhaderwah minus 0.2°C, he said.

    Kashmir valley is under ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, which will end on January 29. However it does not mean an end to the winter. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)

  • Farooq Abdullah justifies father’s arrest in 1953 by Nehru

    Mumbai, Jan 22: National Conference patron and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and incumbent parliament member Dr Farooq Abdullah whose unexpected comments usually snowball into a controversy in a shocking revelation at an event in India’s commercial capital Mumbai while justifying his father’s over a decade long incarceration said that he never blamed Jawahar Lal Nehru for this.

    Abdullah as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust virtually justified the arrest of National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah said that Nehru might have arrested him in national interest and he never blamed or talked about this arrest. “Nehru might have a better understanding and he might have known it well why he arrested my father and I never blamed him for his arrest,” Abdullah said while speaking at an event in Mumbai to commemorate birth centenary celebrations of Madhu Dandavate who was an Indian physicist and socialist politician, who served as Minister of Railways in the Morarji Desai ministry, and as Minister of Finance in the V P Singh ministry.

    In 1953 the then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was arrested from Gulmarg for alleged anti-India activities. Following the dismissal of Sheikh Abdullah, his associate Mirza Afzal Beigh formed the Plebiscite Front on 9 August 1955 demanding a plebiscite to decide the accession of Jammu and Kashmir and the unconditional release of Sheikh Abdullah.

    National Conference stalwarts frequently blame Nehru for his arrest and term it as ‘undemocratic and unconstitutional’.

    It’s probably the first time that Dr Farooq Abdullah has justified his father’s arrest at the hands of India’s first Prime Minister in 1953.

    Abdullah at the event which was graced by top-notched politicians showered a heap of praises on Nehru and Indira Gandhi calling them the architects of modern India.

    He said the contributions of Nehru and Indira are being ignored and more stress is laid on religion and regionalism which according to him is not in the interest of developing India.

  • As 3 quarters of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ go dry, MeT predicts wet spell in last phase in Kashmir

    Srinagar: While three-quarters of ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, have elapsed without rain or snow, weatherman has forecast wet spell at isolated places in the final phase of it in Jammu and Kashmir.

    A meteorological department official here told GNS that while dry weather was expected to continue till Wednesday; generally cloudy weather with light snow at isolated higher reaches was likely on January 24 and 25.

    From January 27-28, he said, generally cloudy weather with light rain/snow over scattered places.

    “There is possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places very likely (details awaited) from January 29-31,” he said.

    Meanwhile, he said, moderate to dense fog and fall in day temperature over plains of Jammu division was likely during next two days.

    Regarding night temperature, he said Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4.8°C against minus 3.7°C on previous night and it was 1.6°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

    Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 5.0°C against minus 4.0°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 1.1°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.

    Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 6.5°C against minus 5.5°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

    Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 2.3°C against minus 2.0°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 1.3°C for the place, the official said.

    Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.7°C against minus 4.7°C on the previous night and it was 2.8°C below normal there, the official said.

    Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 5.0°C against minus 4.6°C on the previous night and the temperature was 3.2°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

    Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 5.6°C against 5.9°C on the previous night, and it was below normal by 1.4°C for the winter capital of J&K.

    Banihal recorded a low of minus 1.2°C, Batote 1.7°C and Bhaderwah minus 0.4°C, he said.

    Kashmir valley is under ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, which will end on January 29. However it does not mean an end to the winter. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1.

  • Eyewitness Identifies JKLF Chief Malik As Shooter Behind 1990 Killing Of 4 IAF Men

    JAMMU, Jan 18: A crucial eyewitness in a special CBI court on Thursday identified JKLF chief Yasin Malik as the main shooter firing at Indian Air Force personnel in Srinagar in 1990.

    Four IAF personnel, including a squadron leader, were killed and 22 injured on January 25, 1990, at Rawalpora on the outskirts of Srinagar.

    Rajwar Umeshwar Singh, a former IAF staffer and a witness for the prosecution, identified Malik who was produced before the court through video from Delhi’s Tihar Jail where he has been incarcerated for several years.

    “This is an important development in the case… The prosecution witness has identified Malik as the man behind the shooting,” said Senior Public Prosecutor for CBI Monika Kohli. (Agencies)

  • Dry weather likely to end by Jan end: MeT

    Exact forecast to be known in coming days; System shows possibility of light to moderate snow from Jan 29: Director MeT

    Srinagar, Jan 17 : Amid the prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, a sigh of relief is expected by the end of this month as there is a forecast of moderate snowfall in between January 29-January 31, while the officials in the local Meteorological department here has stated that the forecast will be cleared in coming days.

    “At present, the system shows the possibility of light to moderate snowfall in Kashmir from January 29 to January 31. However, the things will be cleared in the coming days,” Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

    In the ongoing dry spell, the people offered special prayers ‘Salat-ul-Istisqa’ at the Masjids here and also prepared Sas-Ras to seek divine intervention for an end to the prevailing weather conditions.

    The prolonged dry spell has not only reduced the water level in the rivers and streams, but also ended up in reduction in the footfall of tourists as well.

    However, some of the areas have received light snowfall today under the influence of a weak Western Disturbance (WD) today.

    According to the reports, several areas including Doodhpatri, Sinthan top and others have received light snowfall today.

    Nonetheless, another feeble WD is affecting J&K on January 20th night and as a result the light rain, snow over isolated middle and higher reaches is expected on the particular date.

    In between January 25-27, there is also a possibility of light rain and snowfall at a few places, Dr Mukhtar said.

    Moreover, the night temperature recorded a slight improvement today with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of minus 2.4 degree Celsius.

    Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, has recorded a low of minus 3.6 degree Celsius while Pahlagam was once again the coldest place at minus 3.9 degree Celsius.

    Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, has recorded a low of minus 3.2 degree Celsius while Kokernag and Kupwara recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.1 degree Celsius and minus 4.3 degree Celsius respectively—(KNO)

  • Weatherman predicts light snowfall in higher reaches tonight

    Srinagar, Jan 12: While December 2023 was the most arid month, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 100 per cent deficient rainfall in the first 10 days of January as against the normal precipitation of 21.2 mm from Jan 01-10, the Union territory has recorded 0.0 mm rainfall.

    However, the weatherman has predicted light snowfall over higher reaches of Kashmir, especially in northern districts tonight. “Under the influence of Western Disturbance, generally cloudy weather with light snow over isolated higher reaches is expected,” Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told.

    He said that another WD is affecting J&K on January 17.

    Furthermore, he added that generally dry weather is expected till January 20.

    In Srinagar, the maximum temperature of 9.7 degree Celsius was recorded today while Qazigund recorded 11.3 degree Celsius.

    However, the night temperature continued to settle below freezing point in the Valley with Srinagar recording a low of minus 4.0 degree Celsius.

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    Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.2 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, has recorded a low of minus 3.2 degree Celsius.

    Pahalgam, a famous tourist place, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.3 degree Celsius. In Kupwara, the mercury settled at minus 4.4 degree Celsius while in Kokernag, a minimum temperature of minus 2.4 degree Celsius was recorded.