Srinagar records 31.7°C, Jammu 35.4°C as temperatures remain above normal

Srinagar, Aug 12: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers at many places over the next week, with brief intense showers expected at a few locations, the Meteorological Centre said on Wednesday.

The weather office, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) predicted light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places across the Union Territory between August 13 and 15, with brief intense showers likely during early morning and late afternoon to evening hours.

From August 16 to 19, similar weather is expected at many places, with heavy rain or brief intense heavy showers likely at a few districts of Jammu division and isolated intense showers in Kashmir division.

The MeT Centre has warned that torrential rain and brief intense heavy showers could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides, particularly in vulnerable areas.

It has advised people, especially those travelling through hilly and landslide-prone areas, to remain cautious during periods of intense rainfall.

Between August 20 and 22, light rain or thundershowers are likely at scattered places, according to the forecast.

Several areas received significant rainfall in the 24 hours ending Wednesday morning, with Pulwama recording 57.5 mm, Poonch 53 mm, Awantipora 47.8 mm and Rajouri 44 mm.

*WEATHER REMAINS WARM ACROSS J&K*

Meanwhile, the weather remained largely warm across the region on Wednesday. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature was 20.9 degrees, 2.3 degrees above normal.

Jammu recorded a maximum of 35.4 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees above normal, and a minimum of 25.5 degrees.

Qazigund recorded a maximum of 30.8 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam remained considerably cooler at 27.3 degrees. Gulmarg recorded a maximum of 23.2 degrees Celsius.

Among other stations, Kupwara recorded 30.7 degrees, Kukernag 30.4 degrees, Banihal 32.7 degrees, Batote 30.5 degrees, Katra 33 degrees and Bhaderwah 31.3 degrees Celsius.

The weather office has particularly flagged the August 16-19 period for possible heavy rainfall and brief intense showers, which could temporarily disrupt traffic and affect vulnerable infrastructure in some districts.

Authorities and residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas have been advised to remain alert and follow advisories issued by the administration during periods of intense weather—(KNO)

The project envisages the construction of a new Langar Hall and Prayer Hall, besides provision of modern civic amenities for devotees visiting the revered shrine.

The initiative marks another significant step towards strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring the preservation of the region’s sacred cultural and spiritual heritage.

The development of the historic Gurudwara will provide improved facilities for devotees and further contribute to the conservation and promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich and diverse heritage.

The telecom major has removed four plans priced at _₹299, ₹579, ₹619 and ₹649— from its prepaid lineup. The withdrawal directly impacts users of its popular ₹299 pack, which has now been substituted by a _₹349 plan.

The new ₹349 recharge comes with 28 days validity, unlimited voice calling and daily data benefits, making it the default option for those who earlier recharged with the ₹299 pack.

In another notable revision, Airtel has also replaced its widely-used ₹349 unlimited 5G plan_ with a ₹399 pack. The revised plan offers 28-day validity, unlimited voice calling and unlimited 4G/5G data, as per the company’s terms and conditions.

The adjustment translates to an additional ₹50 outgo for customers who were earlier using the ₹299 and ₹349 plans.

The move is likely to affect a large base of prepaid users across the country, especially those who preferred affordable monthly recharges and those who relied on Airtel’s unlimited 5G offerings.

Airtel has not cited any official reason for discontinuing the plans. The company also noted that plan availability and benefits may differ based on circle and subscriber.(GNS)

According to an order issued by the MHA, a copy which lies with GNS states that the transfer has been made “with the approval of the Competent Authority” and will remain in force “until further orders.”

The order was issued by Rakesh Kumar Singh, Under Secretary to the Government of India.

Prasanna Ramaswamy G, a 2010 batch AGMUT cadre officer, was serving in J&K prior to the transfer.(GNS)

Lieutenant Governor Joins Tiranga Yatra, Says 21st Century Belongs to Bharat

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 12: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha participated in the Tiranga Yatra today, leading a momentous celebration of national pride in Srinagar. Following the Yatra, he addressed the citizens, reaffirming the immortal spirit of India’s unity and the indomitable courage of its people. The event marked the confluence of two monumental celebrations, the mass movement of Har Ghar Tiranga and the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the Tiranga is the living embodiment of India’s consciousness and pride. He emphasized that the Tiranga Yatra in the Kashmir Valley sends a clear message that India must never stop and always move forward.

“In 2022, when the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign was launched under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, its purpose was to rekindle in every Indian’s heart a sense of closeness, respect, and emotional connection toward the tricolour. When the Tiranga flutters simultaneously on millions of homes, 140 crore Indians’ hearts beat as one in a single sentiment, a single faith, a single resolve. Today, Tiranga Yatra has evolved into a festival of people’s consciousness, a tradition of patriotism, and a cultural value binding every citizen to the motherland,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the people of Jammu Kashmir for their remarkable participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram campaigns. He noted that their enthusiasm has become a source of inspiration for the entire nation. He said the Tiranga is the soul of our nation and ‘Vande Mataram’ is the immortal voice of that soul.

The Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to reflect on their contribution to building the India envisioned by the nation’s forefathers. He emphasized that while martyrs defended the nation with their blood, today’s generation must defend it with character, honesty, hard work, unity, and service.

He said that the confluence of Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram is not merely the meeting of two campaigns but the announcement of a new era.

“This is the symbol of a Jammu Kashmir filled with self-confidence and marching firmly toward the future where “Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga Pyara” is a life’s resolve in every citizen’s heart, where every home is a centre of patriotism and where every heart beats in rhythm with the pulse of national unity,” he said.

On this historic occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the people to take collective and personal responsibility for shaping Jammu Kashmir’s and India’s future. He urged the people to ensure that the Tiranga will not only fly high at every home but also in our thoughts, our character, and our actions.

“Let us resolve that the sacred spirit of “Vande Mataram” will reflect in every action, every decision, and the discharge of every responsibility. We should take a pledge to repay the debt of our immortal heroes’ sacrifices by building a nation that is prosperous, secure, just, and opens doors of equal opportunity for every citizen. We should work together to realize the vision of a Jammu Kashmir where the three colours of the Tiranga are visible in the values of life. We should build a Jammu Kashmir that is economically strong and takes unbroken pride in Indian culture, civilization, and spiritual values. The future is ours. This century belongs to India. This is the era of India’s self-confidence, its courage, and its immortal national consciousness,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor honoured Veer Naris and War Heroes. He also inaugurated the Har Ghar Tiranga Exhibition and felicitated the nodal officers of the Vande Mataram campaign.

The celebrations also featured the screening of a special documentary by the Department of Culture, followed by Tiranga concert where artists paid a musical tribute to the nation’s bravehearts.

Shri Justice Rahul Bharti; Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Shri Javed Ahmed Rana; Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, Shri Javid Ahmad Dar; Advisor to Chief Minister, Shri Nasir Aslam Wani; Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi; Chief Secretary, Shri Atal Dulloo; DGP, Shri Nalin Prabhat; Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shri Shaleen Kabra; Principal Secretary Culture, Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, people from all walks of life, senior officials of Civil Administration, Police and Security forces, and youth in large number joined the Tiranga Yatra.

In a post on X, the LG said, “Proud to join the Tiranga Yatra and address the public in Srinagar today. On this sacred soil, the Tricolour is flying high as India’s living conscience and Vande Mataram echoes as its immortal voice.”

He added that the national flag “embodies our shared strength, unity, and unwavering patriotism.”

The Tiranga Yatra was held in Srinagar as part of the nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

According to an order issued by BJP J&K General Secretary Mohd Anwar Khan, the action was taken on the recommendation of Adv. Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the party’s Disciplinary Committee, and in consultation with BJP J&K President Sat Sharma (CA) and other senior leaders.

“Pending finalisation of the disciplinary proceedings, Er. Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi is hereby suspended from all organisational posts and responsibilities of the Bharatiya Janata Party, including the post of District President, Pulwama, with immediate effect,” the order read.

The party said the move was in line with its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, integrity and morality in public life.

Further proceedings will follow as per party norms.

Says, panchayat, ULB polls apparently unlikely as long as NC remains at the helm

Srinagar, August 11: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari urged the authorities not to harass the youth in Kashmir and to allow them to participate freely in the August 15 celebrations.

He said that the “youth have endured immense hardships and suffering over the years and deserve to live a dignified life.” He further said, “Even those who may have been involved in activities in the past, have suffered enough over the years and should be given an opportunity to move forward and lead a peaceful and dignified life.”

He made this remark while responding to reporters’ questions after a workers convention held at Wailoo Tangmarg.

Replying to a question about the apprehension of security threat to certain section of people, he said that the enemy is always looking for an opportunity, and therefore, everyone must remain vigilant.

“Our enemy will certainly try to disrupt the prevailing peace and calm, but with our vigilance and collective resolve, we have to foil any such attempt,” he said.

When asked about the strategy the Apni Party plans to adopt for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, he said that the party’s strategy remains the same as the one it adopted in 2020. “At that time too, we chose dialogue with New Delhi to ensure that the people of J&K continued to retain their exclusive rights over land and jobs,” he said.

On being asked about the pending Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “It appears that as long as the NC remains in power, Panchayat and ULB elections will not be held. They do not want people to exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives at the grassroots level. They are reluctant to strengthen democracy, empower people at the grassroots, and make those in power more accountable.”

While addressing the workers’ convention, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari took a dig at the traditional political parties, saying that in recent times, these parties have stooped to a new low by trading allegations and counter-allegations and hurling derogatory remarks at each other.

He said that “these parties and their leaders are doing so to divert people’s attention from the real issues. They do not want to address the issues that truly matter to the people.”

Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed his grave concern over the government’s inability to provide and effective governance.

He said, “The ruling party took votes from the people by promising that it would address their issues once it came to power. The people gave it a huge mandate, but now the party does not want to fulfil its promises.”

He further said, “The ruling party had promised that it would provide one lakh jobs to the people soon after taking charge of the government. It had also promised free electricity and gas cylinders to domestic consumers, along with an additional quota of ration. The party had also promised to regularise daily wagers. It had said that it would provide and enhance old-age pensions for citizens, among many other such promises. However, it has miserably failed to fulfil any of these promises despite receiving such a huge mandate from the people.”

Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari urged the people to support the Apni Party and strengthen it so that it can effectively implement its people-friendly vision and policies.

He said, “The way we ensured that the people of Jammu and Kashmir retained their exclusive rights over land and jobs here despite the changes in laws on August 5, 2019, we will continue to strive to protect and safeguard the rights of the people. We will ensure that all the constitutional rights of the people are restored.”

“In 2020, a few months after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, we succeeded in convincing New Delhi that there should be a domicile law with a residency requirement for attaining domicile status in Jammu and Kashmir. But I assure you that if the people give us their support, we will not only ensure that the existing 15-year residency requirement for attaining domicile status is enhanced to 50 years, but will also work to secure a constitutional guarantee for it. The Apni Party will make this happen,” Mr Bukhari added.

Addressing the convention, the party’s Senior Vice President, Ghulam Hassan Mir, said that the people of Tangmarg and adjoining areas have, throughout history, played a vital role in ensuring progress and development and in supporting positive politics aimed at shaping a better future for the people.

Mir said that he and his colleagues had contributed to efforts to establish the PDP as a political alternative in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.

He said, “As far as development is concerned, we made significant progress under the PDP. However, unfortunately, the late Mufti Sahib also became weak, eventually allowing the party to become confined to his own family. We had believed that the PDP would emerge as an alternative to the NC’s dynastic politics and rule. But, unfortunately, the PDP too ended up becoming a family-run party.”

Talking about Apni Party Mir said, “Apni Party does not belong to any individual or any family. We are building this party as an alternative to dynastic politics in Jammu and Kashmir, where everyone with talent and ability will be given an opportunity to play their role. Our aim is to ultimately take Jammu and Kashmir on the path of peace, prosperity and development.”

He went on to say, “Unlike other political parties, Apni Party’s politics does not lead people, particularly the youth, towards negativity. Nor do we believe in a politics that has pushed our youth towards graveyards or jails. We believe in the politics of truth, responsibility and hope—a politics that empowers our youth to build a peaceful, prosperous and better future for Jammu and Kashmir.”

Ghulam Hassan Mir strongly reiterated his demand to the Central Government to initiate a dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and address their concerns.

He said, “I want to tell the Centre not to test the patience of the people. Talk to them, listen to them, understand their concerns, issues and apprehensions, and address them. This is imperative to bridge the prevailing trust deficit and restore people’s confidence in the system.”

On this occasion prominent social and political figure Bashir Ahmad Dar from Pariswani Kunzer joined the party. He was greeted the leadership on this occasion.

Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and Ghulam Hassan Mir, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included party’s Provincial secretary Beigh Aftab, District President Baramulla Shabir Ahmad Shah, Provincial Publicity Secretary Kashmir Aamir Rashid Wani, Ex DDc member Tangmarg Adv Tajamul Ishfaq Mir, Ex DDC Kunzer Sheikh Nazir Ahmad, Block President Tangmarg Kaka ji, Social Media Analyst Tariq Mohiuddin, Block President Kunzer Abdul Kareem Dar, Block President Wailoo Mohammad Akbar, Block President Wanigam Nazir Ahmad, Zonal President Wagoora Keeri Mohammad Asadullah Lone, party leader Mohammad Shafi Mir, Ab Majid Kathoo, Mateen Ahmad, Abdul Ahad, Mohammad Akbar, Mohammad Shafi Mir, Ajaz Ahmad Mir, and others. This workers’ convention was organised by the party’s Block President Wailoo Mohammad Akbar.

Officials told GNS that an Ignis car bearing registration no. JK01AB-5445, driven by Muzammil Ahmad Ganie, son of Mohd Maqbool, resident of Noorpora, Tral, collided with a motorcycle bearing no. JK03F-9746 driven by Rayees Ahmad Gadda, son of Shabir Ahmad, resident of Harhama, Sangam.

In the accident, bike rider Rayees Ahmad Gadda and pillion rider Akash Rasool Bhat, son of Ghulam Rasool, resident of Sangam Marhama sustained injuries.

All the injured were shifted to SDH Achabal for treatment.

Doctors declared bike rider Rayees Ahmad Gadda as brought dead.

The other injured have been referred to GMC Anantnag for specialized treatment.

Police have taken cognizance and started investigation.(GNS)

According to the MeT, brief intense showers are also likely at a few places in the Kashmir division during the forenoon and afternoon hours.

The weather department recorded significant rainfall during the past 24 hours, with Kathua KVK receiving 156 mm, Jammu 79 mm, Katra 71 mm and Samba 55 mm.

The forecast suggests the possibility of light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places from August 13 to 16, with brief intense showers at a few locations.

From August 17 to 19, a few spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are expected, with heavy rain or brief intense heavy showers possible at a few places, particularly during early morning and afternoon hours.

Thereafter, from August 20 to 22, scattered places may witness light rain or thundershowers.

The MeT department has advised caution, warning that torrential rain and brief intense heavy showers may trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations. It has also highlighted the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain at one or two districts of the Jammu division during August 11-12 and 17-19.