K H Snippets: J&K This Week

Srinagar: Below is the weekly time line of key public events and engagements of top public dignitaries witnessed within and outside J&K This Week:

1. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Attends 10th Convocation At SMVDU Katra: Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, visited Jammu on Saturday, where he presided over the 10th convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra. During his trip, the Vice-President also visited the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and Bhairon Ji Temple. He was warmly received at the Jammu airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also attended the convocation ceremony, marking a significant occasion for the university and the region.
2. J&K’s Maiden Budget TO BE Presented on March 7: Jammu and Kashmir’s first budget as a Union Territory for the fiscal year 2025-26 will be presented in the Legislative Assembly on March 7. The 28-day budget session will commence on March 3 with an address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds the finance portfolio, will present the budget, marking his government’s first financial plan since assuming office in October.
3. Over 220,000 Students To Appear For JK BOSE 2025 Exams: A total of 220,879 students from grades 10 and 12 will sit for the JKBOSE Annual Regular 2025 examinations starting February 15. The exams will be conducted at 2,189 centers across Jammu and Kashmir’s soft zones. The Class 10 exams will be held in the evening shift at 1:30 PM, with 126,711 students scheduled to appear at 1,316 centers.
4. Divya Kala Mela Inaugurated By LG Sinha, Union Minister Virendra Kumar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, inaugurated the 11-day Divya Kala Mela at Gulshan Ground. The event, aimed at empowering persons with disabilities, showcases the talent and creativity of Divyang artisans, entrepreneurs, and artists from across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
5. LG Sinha Directs Intensified Anti-Militancy Operations in Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed security officials to ramp up anti-militancy operations across Jammu during a high-level security meeting on Thursday. He emphasized the need to completely eliminate militancy in the region and strengthen intelligence networks. “We must ensure there is not even a remnant of militancy in the Jammu region,” LG Sinha said.
6. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar to Visit Jammu on February 15: Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, will visit Jammu on February 15 for a one-day tour. During his visit, he will preside over the 10th convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. He will also visit the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and Bhairon Ji Temple during his trip.
7. Zojila Pass Remains Open In February, Sets New Record: The strategic Zojila Pass, linking Kashmir and Ladakh, has set a new record by remaining open throughout February. This achievement is attributed to the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) efforts and the use of advanced winter maintenance technology. In previous years, the pass would typically close by November due to heavy snowfall.
8. HM Amit Shah Reviews J&K Security Situation: Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to review the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah directed all security agencies to remain vigilant and collaborate to eliminate militancy in the region. He also instructed the Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure zero infiltration from the borders.
9. Two Soldiers Killed In IEd Blast Along LoC In Akhnoor: Two army soldiers, including an army captain, were killed in an IED blast along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector on Tuesday. The explosion occurred during a patrol near a forward post in the Bhattal area of Akhnoor. The Army has confirmed the deaths and initiated search operations in the area.
10. J&K Legislative Assembly Committee Discusses Accommodation Issues: The House Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, chaired by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, convened to address accommodation issues faced by MLAs. During the meeting, legislators proposed providing suitable accommodation in Jammu and Srinagar and suggested identifying government quarters for MLAs until new arrangements are made.
11. LG Sinha Urges Youth to Drive Change in India Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, addressing the 46th National Convention of the All India Galav Purva Tyagi Brahmin Mahasabha, urged the youth to play an active role in driving economic growth and social change. He emphasized the need for youth to protect cultural heritage, empower the underprivileged, and contribute to the ideals of fraternity and harmony.