K H News Service – The Kashmir Horizon

LG visits Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Reviews progress of ongoing projects

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:28:27 +0000

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, Monday visited Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and reviewed the progress of ongoing projects pertaining to conservation and development of the Heritage Complex.
MLA Jammu East ShYudhvir Sethi, Chief Secretary Atal Dullo, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sh Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu ShBhim Sen Tuti, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation Dr.Devansh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sh Rakesh Minhas, SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, Executive Director Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society(MMJHS) Ms Deepika Sharma and concerned officers were present.
The Lieutenant Governor inspected the restoration work initiated for the damaged wall and slab of historic Gadadhar Ji Temple adjacent to the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. He directed officials to expedite the restoration process while ensuring the quality of works.
Commissioner JMC apprised the Lieutenant Governor on the progress of Construction of ramp based multi-level car parking facility at Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor visited the newly opened Library cum Cafeteria. Executive Director MMJHS apprised on the remaining works of the revival, restoration and renovation of Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Complex.
The projects included Conservation of Darbar Hall, Conservation of Raja Ram Singh Palace, Conservation of Raja Amar Singh Palace, Conservation of Dogra Art Museum and other important works expected to be completed in the coming months.

CS reviews rehabilitation measures taken for migrant populations in J&K

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:27:37 +0000

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Monday chaired a meeting to review and address various issues pertaining to PM Package employees serving in the Kashmir Division, with a focus on transit accommodation, career progression, rehabilitation measures and welfare initiatives for displaced communities.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Principal Secretary, DMRR&R; Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs; Commissioner Secretary, Planning; Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Secretary, Revenue; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Secretary, Transport; Relief Commissioner (Migrants); Chief Engineers of R&B Department; representatives of various departments and senior officers of DMRR&R.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took a detailed review of the transit accommodation infrastructure created for PM Package employees across different districts of Kashmir. Stressing the need for optimal utilization of the facilities, he directed that all completed flats be allotted and occupied at the earliest. He instructed the Relief Commissioner (Migrants) to ensure that all completed accommodations are taken over by the eligible employees by the end of July this year without fail.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the status of flats under construction at various sites. He further examined the status of allied infrastructure and utility services including electricity, drinking water supply, internal road connectivity, boundary walls and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to ensure that the colonies are fully functional and habitable.
The meeting also discussed plans for operation and maintenance (O&M) of the transit accommodations as well as migrant colonies in Jammu. Deliberations were held on creation of additional accommodation facilities in Jammu, with land identified at Purkhoo for expansion.
Reviewing the service-related issues of PM Package employees, the Chief Secretary took stock of matters concerning promotions, preparation of seniority lists and inter-district transfers within the Kashmir Division. Departments presented cadre-wise details of PM Package employees and informed the meeting about the status of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) and related service matters.
Several other issues concerning the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons were also discussed. These included cases under the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS) relating to deceased employees, provision of adequate budgetary support for operation and maintenance of migrant colonies by line departments, and development of an integrated online portal for digitization of records of displaced communities including Kashmiri Pandits, West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) and families displaced from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti gave the meeting a comprehensive overview of the rehabilitation and resettlement initiatives being undertaken by the Department. He informed that the department has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for operation and maintenance of migrant colonies across Jammu and Kashmir divisions and that works would be taken up after completion of the requisite formalities.
He further apprised the meeting that the PoJK Bhawan at Suketar has achieved nearly 50 percent physical progress and is targeted for completion by January next year. He also informed that the Community Hall at Jagti has reached around 90 percent completion and is nearing completion.
Relief Commissioner (Migrants), Dr. Arvind Karwani, informed the meeting that out of the sanctioned 6,000 transit flats for PM Package employees, 4,648 flats have been completed while construction of the remaining 1,352 flats is in progress. He further stated that 3,257 flats have so far been allotted to eligible employees, including 532 allotments made since the last review held in March this year.
He also briefed the meeting on the status of allied works and utility services being developed to make all transit accommodation colonies fully ready for occupation and use by PM Package employees.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the Government’s commitment towards ensuring dignified living conditions, timely resolution of service-related concerns and strengthening rehabilitation measures for displaced communities. He called upon all departments to work in close coordination for expeditious completion of pending works and prompt resolution of issues affecting PM Package employees and migrant families across Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Govt. sanctions over ₹7Cr for strengthening infra for Kashmiri migrants in Jammu

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:27:29 +0000

Srinagar: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has sanctioned key infrastructure projects worth ₹7.05 crore under the Capex Budget aimed at strengthening facilities and enhancing welfare measures for Kashmiri migrants residing in Jammu.
The approved projects include the construction of a Multipurpose Community Hall at Migrant Camp Muthi, Jammu, which will also accommodate a library and dedicated shops for Self Help Groups (SHGs). The initiative is intended to strengthen community engagement, promote livelihood opportunities, and enhance social support systems within the migrant camp.
In addition, approval has been accorded for the construction of a new office building for the Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Jammu. The proposed facility is expected to improve administrative efficiency and further strengthen the delivery of migrant-related welfare schemes and services.
The total technically vetted cost of the sanctioned works stands at ₹7.05 crore, to be executed under the Regular Capex Budget, subject to fulfillment of all codal formalities, financial norms, and prescribed procedures.
The Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring sustained welfare, dignity, and improved living conditions for Kashmiri migrants through focused infrastructure development and institutional strengthening.

IGP Kashmir reviews arrangements for Amarnath Yatra, Muharram at top meet

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:26:50 +0000

Srinagar: IGP Kashmir Zone, V. K. Birdi on Monday took stock of the arrangements for the peaceful conduct of forthcoming Amarnath Yatra and Muharram observances across the Kashmir Valley during a meeting held at the Conference Hall of PCR Kashmir. The meeting was attended by all Range DIGs of Kashmir Zone, SSP PCR Kashmir, SSPs of Anantnag, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopian, Bandipora, Budgam, Sopore, Handwara, and Awantipora, SO to IGP Kashmir, SP Cargo, and other senior officers.
During the meeting, officers presented detailed briefings outlining security arrangements, logistical requirements, and district-wise preparedness plans for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra. Discussions focused on measures adopted to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the effective management of the pilgrimage routes.
Reviewing the overall security framework, IGP Kashmir stressed the importance of strict adherence to SOPs and effective coordination among all agencies. IGP Birdi directed officers to remain prepared for any contingency, including operational challenges, natural disasters, and other unforeseen situations, through a well-synchronized response mechanism.
Highlighting pilgrim safety as the foremost priority Birdi assessed the deployment strategy and preparedness of ROPs. The IGP Kashmir called for enhanced surveillance, regular area domination, and continuous monitoring of highways and vulnerable stretches along the Yatra routes. Officers were also instructed to strengthen nighttime security measures and maintain heightened alertness to deter any untoward incidents.
The IGP Kashmir further directed officers to conduct mock drills to test existing SOPs and improve operational efficiency wherever required. IGP Kashmir instructed officers to ensure comprehensive security arrangements at all Yatra camps, including the installation of surveillance systems at key locations and the deployment of sufficient manpower to manage pilgrim movement and respond to emergencies.
The meeting also reviewed the arrangements being put in place for the upcoming Muharram observances across the Kashmir Valley. IGP Kashmir emphasized the need for adequate security, effective traffic management, and seamless coordination with the civil administration and other stakeholder agencies to facilitate the peaceful and smooth conduct of Muharram processions. Officers were directed to remain vigilant, maintain close liaison with organizers, and make all necessary arrangements to ensure public safety and convenience.
At the conclusion of the meeting, IGP Kashmir, V. K. Birdi, called upon officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and coordination throughout the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram period to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of these events.

CS reviews progress of ongoing House Listing Operations for Census-2027

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:26:43 +0000

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Monday chaired a meeting of the UT Level Census Coordination Committee (UTLCCC) to review the pace and progress of the ongoing House Listing Operations (HLO) being conducted as part of the first phase of the Census-2027 across the districts of J&K.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, PD&MD; Secretary, RDD and Director, Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh along with other concerned officers from Planning and Census Departments.
Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting through video conferencing.
During this meeting the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of timely and accurate completion of the census exercise, describing it as a critical national activity that serves as the foundation for evidence-based planning and policy formulation.
He directed all Deputy Commissioners, District Census Officers and field functionaries to ensure full cooperation and coordination for achieving complete coverage of households and population groups across the UT.
The Chief Secretary further enjoined upon the Planning Department to closely monitor the progress of the House Listing Operations on a daily basis and ensure their meticulous completion by June 30, 2026.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the prescribed timelines and directed that all necessary support be extended to the field functionaries engaged in the exercise. He also advised that the staff deployed for the Census operations be retained in their present assignments until the successful and satisfactory completion of the exercise.
The Director Census Operations, J&K and Ladakh, Amit Sharma briefed the meeting about the pace and progress achieved till date. He divulged that extensive preparatory arrangements have been completed for the successful conduct of the House Listing and Housing Census (HLO) exercise across Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma also presented a detailed review of field data collection activities, self-enumeration progress, formation of House Listing Blocks (HLBs), and arrangements for enumeration of migratory populations during the meeting.
He informed that a total of 23,887 House Listing Blocks (HLBs) have been created across 295 Census Charges in Jammu and Kashmir. Field operations have already commenced in 14,279 HLBs, with the enumeration process progressing steadily across districts, Sharma added.
The Chief Secretary also took note of the significant achievement of Jammu and Kashmir in the Self-Enumeration component of the Census. It was revealed that the UT has secured the first position among all Union Territories and eighth position among States and Union Territories where self-enumeration has been completed so far.
It was given out that as on June 1, 2026, a total of 6.67 lakh households had successfully completed self-enumeration through the digital platform.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the special arrangements put in place for enumeration of migratory and transhumant populations. The meeting was informed that a comprehensive mechanism has been devised in coordination with the Forest, Tribal Affairs, Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, School Education Departments and district administrations to ensure 100 percent coverage of migratory communities during the HLO phase.
Detailed information regarding migratory routes, tribal hostels, mobile schools, sheep husbandry camps and other congregation points has been shared with all concerned districts.
Moreover it was highlighted that the district administrations were advised to adopt flexible strategies, including fixing special enumeration dates and creating additional House Listing Blocks wherever required, to ensure that no eligible household or population group is left out of the census exercise.
Chief Secretary directed officers to maintain close supervision over the remaining preparatory activities and ensure strict adherence to census guidelines and timelines. He underscored the legal provisions available under the Census Act, 1948, and urged all departments and local authorities to extend full assistance to census personnel in discharge of their duties.
He reiterated that the success of the Census exercise hinges upon the coordinated efforts of all departments, field functionaries and district administrations. He urged all stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities with utmost diligence, efficiency and accountability to ensure accurate and timely completion of the exercise.

Kashmir records heavy tourist footfall in early June

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:26:03 +0000

Over 6 lakh tourists visit Valley in first 5-months of 2026

Srinagar : Kashmir witnessed a heavy tourist rush during the first week of June this year with stakeholders exuding hope that Valley could record one of its highest tourist arrivals this year amid improved connectivity and growing footfall at both established and offbeat destinations.
According to official data more than six lakh tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir so far this year.
Officials attributed the increase in tourist arrivals to improved mobility and easier access to the Valley through road, rail and air connectivity.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway via Banihal continued to witness the highest tourist movement, while rail travel registered a significant increase this year.
The recently launched Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has further strengthened connectivity between the two regions, tourism officials said.
“We are witnessing encouraging tourist arrivals across destinations in Kashmir. The response during the first week of June has been very good. We are hopeful that Jammu and Kashmir will record one of the highest tourist footfalls this year,” a Tourism Department official said.
The official said tourist arrivals have remained steady despite the brief setback caused by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Popular tourist destinations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg witnessed a large number of visitors during the week. Offbeat destinations such as Gurez, Doodhpathri, Bangus Valley, Lolab and Yusmarg also reported a significant increase in tourist arrivals.
Rahul Sharma, 32, a tourist from New Delhi, said improved rail connectivity had made travel to Kashmir easier.
“The Vande Bharat service has reduced travel time considerably. The journey was comfortable and convenient,” he said.
Priya Mehta, 28, from Mumbai, said she was visiting Kashmir for the first time.
“We visited Gulmarg and Srinagar and are planning to travel to Gurez. The transport facilities have improved and travelling has become easier,” she said.
Harpreet Singh, 35, from Punjab, said he chose Kashmir for a family vacation because of the improved connectivity.
“We travelled by train and road. It was a smooth journey and we are also visiting Doodhpathri and other places,” he said.
Tourism stakeholders said hotels, guest houses, houseboats and transport operators witnessed increased business during the first week of June. Advance bookings for the coming weeks also remain strong, they said.
Notably, Kashmir has been witnessing relatively cool and pleasant weather conditions in recent weeks, with daytime temperatures remaining significantly lower than those recorded in many parts of north, west and central India.
While several states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh, have been experiencing heatwave conditions and soaring temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, the Valley has continued to offer a respite from the intense summer heat.
Tourism stakeholders said the favourable weather has emerged as a major attraction for visitors seeking relief from the scorching conditions elsewhere in the country.
They said many tourists were opting for longer stays in Kashmir, particularly in destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gurez and Doodhpathri, where temperatures remained comfortable

Sports key to steering youth away from drugs: ADGP Jain

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:25:03 +0000

Says “Asian Games trials in Srinagar sending strong message; sporting events becoming important part of ongoing Nasha Mukti Abhiyan”

Srinagar: Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Armed J&K, Anand Jain, on Monday said channelising the energy of youth towards sports and constructive activities is important to keep them away from drugs and other social evils.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing Asian Games selection trials at the Indoor Stadium Srinagar, ADGP Jain said a large number of youngsters are participating in the trials, reflecting the growing attraction of youth towards sports activities.
He said the sporting events are also becoming an important part of the ongoing “Nasha Mukti Abhiyan” aimed at creating awareness against drug abuse among youth.
“The national-level selection trials being held here are sending a positive message to society. Many new players have participated in the trials and it is encouraging to see youth gradually getting attracted towards sports,” he said.
Jain said increasing participation of youth in sports and other constructive activities would eventually help reduce the demand side of drug abuse.
“As the involvement of youth in sports activities increases, the tendency towards drugs will decrease. Youth should stay away from drugs and devote their lives to positive and constructive activities,” he added.
The ADGP said sports not only help maintain physical fitness but also play a vital role in discipline, confidence-building and personality development among youngsters

LG Congratulates Surgeon for 100 Joint Replacement Surgeries Under SEHAT Scheme

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:24:58 +0000

Jammu Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday congratulated Dr. Vikas Padha, Senior Joint Replacement Surgeon at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, for successfully completing 100 joint replacement surgeries on patients from remote areas of Poonch and Rajouri under the Ayushman Bharat SEHAT Scheme.
Dr.Padha called on the Lieutenant Governor and apprised him of the milestone achieved by the hospital in providing advanced orthopedic care to patients from far-flung regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded Dr.Padha and his team for their dedicated service and contribution towards improving healthcare access in underserved areas. He congratulated the medical team on the achievement and wished them continued success in their efforts to serve society.

Grand Mufti, Registrar of Companies, JKSEWWA Chairperson Call on LG Sinha

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:24:19 +0000

Srinagar Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan here on Monday.
During the meeting, various matters of public importance and issues concerning the welfare of society were discussed, officials said.
In separate meetings, Shri Haamid Bukhari, Registrar of Companies, Jammu and Kashmir, and Dr.Abida War, Chairperson of the J&K Solace Employees Working Women Association (JKSEWWA), also called on the Lieutenant Governor at Lok Bhavan.
The meetings focused on issues related to their respective fields and areas of work, according to an official communiqué.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the contributions of various stakeholders towards social welfare, good governance and public service, and assured them of all possible support in addressing issues concerning the people.

LG condoles Demise of DC Udhampur’s Father

K H News Service — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:24:11 +0000

Jammu Lieutenant Governor expressed grief over the demise of Dawa Sherpa, father of Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Shri Minga Sherpa.
Conveying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Shri Sinha said his thoughts and prayers were with Shri Minga Sherpa and his family during the difficult time.
“I pray to the Almighty to grant strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” the Lieutenant Governor said in his condolence message.