Chairs comprehensive district review, lays foundation and inaugurates 13 key projects

CM assures farmers of priority action on horticulture concerns and promises equitable development

SHOPIAN, JULY 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of District Shopian to assess the progress of developmental works, implementation of key government schemes and the overall delivery of public services, while reiterating his government’s commitment to ensuring balanced and equitable development across the district.

During his visit, the Chief Minister dedicated development projects worth over ₹76 crore to the people of Shopian, laid the foundation of major infrastructure works and interacted with farmers, fruit growers and public delegations to take stock of their concerns.

The review meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Agriculture Production Department Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Members of Legislative Assembly Shabir Ahmad Kullay (Shopian) and Showkat Hussain Ganai (Zainapora).

Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Heads of Departments, district officers and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

The meeting focused on accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening essential public services and ensuring the timely completion of ongoing developmental projects so that their benefits reach the people without delay.

Deputy Commissioner Shopian gave a detailed presentation highlighting the district profile, progress achieved under centrally sponsored schemes, physical and financial status of various departments, and the implementation of major developmental projects currently underway.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister commended the Deputy Commissioner and his entire team for their efforts in implementing developmental programmes in the district.

Describing Shopian as a geographically small but strategically significant district with unique developmental challenges, Omar Abdullah observed that its identity is intrinsically linked to its world-renowned apple industry, scenic beauty and the historic Mughal Road. He said the government is committed to further strengthening these assets through focused investments and sustained developmental interventions.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the prevailing financial constraints facing Jammu and Kashmir but asserted that these would not become an obstacle to the district’s progress.

“There will be no injustice with Shopian or with any Assembly constituency of the district despite our financial limitations,” he said, assuring the elected representatives that every issue and demand raised during the meeting had been carefully noted and would be addressed in a time-bound manner.

He directed officers to immediately rectify shortcomings wherever identified and expedite action on the developmental demands projected by the legislators.

Emphasising effective implementation of projects sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioner to personally monitor these works to ensure timely execution.

He observed that the scheme carries strict timelines and requires close supervision to maintain the pace of implementation.

Expressing satisfaction over the overall developmental progress reflected during the review, the Chief Minister appreciated the constructive feedback provided by the legislators and assured them that all genuine public grievances would be addressed to the fullest extent possible.

He also thanked the elected representatives for their active participation in the review meeting and appreciated the district administration for its dedicated efforts towards public service delivery.

Earlier, the Chief Minister dedicated and laid the foundation of 13 developmental projects with a cumulative cost of ₹76.45 crore, spanning the sectors of roads, bridges, drinking water supply, urban development, rural infrastructure and horticulture.

The projects inaugurated included the upgradation of the Shirmal-Wathoo-Matipora road, water supply schemes at Shadab Karewa, Domwani, Adijen Gadipora and Rebon Khojpora, construction of residential accommodation for Panchayati Raj Institution members at Gagren, the Trenz-Sheikhpora Bridge and the upgradation of the Safanagri-Lamine Darbagh Wachi Road.

The Chief Minister also laid the e-foundation for construction of the Doompora multi-cell causeway, beautification of Shopian town through improved drains, lanes and street lighting, establishment of a mechanical windrow composting unit at the Mega Fruit and Vegetable Mandi Aglar, and a pasteurised compost making unit at Allowpora.

At Aglar, he physically laid the foundation stone for the construction of an auction platform at the Mega Fruit and Vegetable Mandi, aimed at strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and improving marketing facilities for growers.

While interacting with representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association, farmer groups and horticulturists at Aglar, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the hardships faced by the farming community.

He said agriculture and allied sectors remain the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and assured that the government is fully focused on strengthening the sector through better infrastructure, market access and farmer-centric interventions.

Responding to issues raised by the representatives, Omar Abdullah assured that concerns relating to controlled atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, availability of shops, marketing infrastructure and other genuine demands would be addressed on priority.

He further assured growers that the government would take concrete measures to tackle the menace of spurious pesticides and work towards introducing effective solutions for weather-based crop insurance, hailstorm protection nets and other risk mitigation measures to safeguard the interests of farmers and fruit growers.

Earlier, representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association highlighted several issues affecting the horticulture sector and sought the government’s intervention for improving marketing facilities, storage infrastructure and farmer welfare.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister met several public delegations from different parts of Shopian district, who apprised him of various local issues, developmental demands and public grievances.

Giving a patient hearing to the delegations, he assured them that all genuine issues would be examined and addressed on priority.

The Chief Minister also visited exhibition stalls put up by various government departments and local entrepreneurs, where he inspected locally produced agricultural, horticultural and value-added products, appreciating the efforts being made to promote local enterprise and rural livelihoods.

On the occasion, Shri Satish Sharma Hon’ble Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology, and ARI & Trainings, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, DIG Armed Kashmir Shri Maqsood Ul Zaman, DC Ganderbal Shri Jatin Kishore-IAS & SSP Ganderbal Shri Sudhanshu Dhama-IPS personally welcomed the yatris, interacted with them, and conveyed their best wishes for a safe, peaceful, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.

They assured the devotees that elaborate security, traffic management, and public facilitation arrangements have been put in place by Ganderbal Police in close coordination with the Civil Administration, CAPFs, Health Department, and other stakeholder agencies. Dedicated Helping Hand teams, assistance booths, and round-the-clock deployment of police personnel have been established to provide guidance, emergency assistance, and ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims along the yatra route. During interaction, the officers urged the yatris to follow the advisories issued by the authorities & cooperate with security personnel.

They further added that J&K Police reaffirmed its commitment to ensure a safe, secure, and seamless pilgrimage experience for every devotee visiting the holy cave shrine, while extending best wishes for a successful and spiritually fulfilling Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for implementation of the project. The equipment will be installed in identified Government health institutions across the Union Territory to strengthen diagnostic services, improve early disease detection, enhance breast cancer screening and support AI-enabled tuberculosis screening.

The procurement, installation and commissioning of the equipment will be undertaken by the Government of India through its designated agencies, with supplies expected to commence in the coming months. And the Health & Medical Education Department will ensure timely site readiness, deployment of requisite manpower and expeditious operationalization of the equipment so that these advanced diagnostic facilities become available to the people of Jammu & Kashmir at the earliest.

The allocation is the outcome of sustained efforts by the Health & Medical Education Department and reflects the continuous focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to advanced diagnostic facilities across Jammu & Kashmir. The Chief Secretary, J&K, Shri Atal Dulloo has been closely monitoring and driving health sector reform initiatives, with emphasis on modernization of healthcare infrastructure, strengthening public health institutions, improving diagnostic capabilities and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services throughout the Union Territory.

The initiative is expected to substantially enhance diagnostic capacity in Government hospitals, reduce the need for patient referrals, facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, and improve healthcare outcomes across the Union Territory.

LG extends his best wishes to all the Yatris for a safe, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey

Jammu, July 2: Lieutenant Governor  Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp in Jammu, on Thursday.

The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to all the yatris embarking on the holy pilgrimage.

“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, comfortable, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

J&K UT administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, Army, security forces, local community and all the stakeholders have made extensive arrangements for the devotees coming from across the country and abroad.
In the first batch, more than 4800 pilgrims set off for the holy yatra of Shri Amarnath Ji, in a convoy of 259 light and heavy vehicles.

Spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations; public representatives; senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and devotees in large number were present at the Flag-off ceremony.

In a statement issued here, the CBK said that the chargesheet in FIR No. 16/2014 was produced before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, under Sections 420, 468 and 471 RPC. The accused have been identified as Shuja Jeelani, son of Gh Jeelani, resident of 79-B Pamposh Colony Channapora Srinagar; Mohd Iqbal, son of Mohd Usman, resident of House No. 181 Umer Colony, Lal Nagar Channapora Srinagar; Nisar Ahmad Wani, son of Nasir Ahmad Wani, resident of Malwari Pulwama; and Riyaz Ahmad Shah, son of Ab Aziz Shah, resident of Midoora Awantipora Pulwama.

According to officials, the case was registered following a complaint that four candidates selected by the Services Selection Recruitment Board for various posts in the Health Department had secured their appointments on the basis of fake and forged documents. During verification, the testimonials submitted by the accused were found to be forged and inconsistent with records furnished at the time of selection. Their selections were subsequently cancelled.

The investigation established that the accused dishonestly procured government employment by using forged certificates, thereby cheating the authorities.

The EOW has advised the general public to remain vigilant against economic fraudsters and report any such incidents to the SSP, EOW Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K. Victims of economic fraud may also submit complaints via email at sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in, reads the statement.

During the exercise, a simulated landslide and stone shooting (rockfall) incident was created to assess the preparedness and response mechanism of all participating agencies. A rapid assessment of the affected area was carried out, followed by coordinated search and rescue operations to locate and safely evacuate a simulated victim trapped under debris and fallen rocks.

The rescued victim was shifted to a safe location, provided immediate first aid and oxygen support, and evacuated through a stretcher as per the laid down procedures.

The exercise focused on enhancing coordination, communication, response time and operational readiness among all stakeholders, while ensuring strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for effective disaster management during SANJY-2026.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, “On National Doctors’ Day, I extend my deepest gratitude to medical professionals for their selfless service, compassion and tireless dedication to keeping the society healthy.”

He said the nation stands in profound appreciation of the noble service rendered by doctors and acknowledged their invaluable contributions to humanity.

In a statement issued here, Hakeem Yaseen said Jammu and Kashmir has always been known across the country and the world for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and the spirit of coexistence among people of different faiths. He said Kashmir has a glorious legacy of respecting every religion and extending wholehearted support to all visitors, especially pilgrims visiting the Valley for spiritual purposes.

He said the Amarnath Yatra is deeply rooted in the social and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir and is not something new for the people of Kashmir. For decades, local residents have played an important role in facilitating the pilgrimage by offering services, assistance, and support to the Yatris.

“The Amarnath Yatra has been taking place for decades, and the people of Kashmir have always welcomed the pilgrims with open hearts. Even during difficult and challenging times, the Yatris were never abandoned and continued to receive warmth, cooperation, and support from locals,” he said.

Hakeem Yaseen said that the arrival of Yatris is awaited with great enthusiasm by people across Kashmir, particularly those associated with tourism, trade, transport, and service sectors, who consider it both a spiritual and humanitarian responsibility to assist the pilgrims.

While appreciating the efforts of the administration under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for improving infrastructure, strengthening security arrangements, and enhancing facilities for the pilgrims, he said the local population is equally committed to ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra.

He said all necessary arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the pilgrimage and ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees. He emphasized that cooperation between the administration and the people remains crucial for the successful completion of the Yatra.

“The people of Kashmir are eagerly waiting for the Yatris. We are fully ready to serve them whenever there is a need. We stand firmly with the LG administration and all concerned agencies in ensuring a safe, peaceful, and successful Amarnath Yatra,” he added.

Hakeem Yaseen further said that the Amarnath Yatra symbolizes faith, devotion, and unity, and serves as a strong reminder of Kashmir’s inclusive ethos and centuries-old tradition of brotherhood. He expressed hope that this year’s Yatra will pass peacefully and further strengthen the bonds of love, unity, and mutual respect among people from different parts of the country.

EOW said the chargesheet was filed before the Court of the Additional Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, in connection with a 2018 registered under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 409 and 201 of the Ranbir Penal Code read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The accused, chargesheeted, was identified as Rouf Mohammad Wani, a resident of Hanjura, Chadoora, Budgam.

According to the investigation, Wani, while working as a daily wager at the J&K Bank Business Unit at Dada Ompora, Chadoora, allegedly fraudulently debited customers’ accounts, enhanced KCC loan limits without authorisation and misused banking credentials to syphon off funds amounting to Rs 1.04 crore (Rs 1,04,48,141).

The investigation established that the accused committed the fraud for wrongful gain to himself and his family members, causing a corresponding financial loss to the bank, the statement said.

Following completion of the investigation, the Crime Branch filed the chargesheet before the competent court for judicial adjudication.

According to an order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir, all schools in the Valley shall observe summer vacation from July 6, 2026, to July 19, 2026.

The order states that the decision has been taken following approval conveyed by the competent authority.

The directive applies to all government as well as recognized private educational institutions functioning in the Kashmir Division up to the Higher Secondary level.

The concerned authorities have been asked to ensure strict implementation of the order.