Soon after assuming charge, the Minister interacted with several deputations representing different sections of society, who called on him to highlight a range of public issues, developmental concerns and administrative grievances. The deputations apprised him of problems requiring the intervention of the concerned departments and sought appropriate measures for their early resolution.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to the deputations and took note of the issues raised by them. He assured the representatives that the government is committed to addressing the genuine grievances of the people and ensuring that public concerns receive due attention from the concerned authorities.

Emphasising the importance of accessible and responsive governance, Ali Mohammad Sagar said that regular interaction with the public is essential for understanding ground-level challenges and identifying practical solutions. He reiterated that the government remains focused on strengthening public service delivery, improving administrative efficiency and ensuring that people do not face unnecessary difficulties in accessing essential services.

The Minister stressed the need for close coordination among departments to facilitate the timely resolution of public issues. He observed that effective governance requires a proactive approach, accountability at every level and sustained engagement with citizens to ensure that their concerns are addressed in a fair and transparent manner.

The Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that the concerned departments function efficiently and remain responsive to the needs and expectations of the public. He said that matters brought before him by the deputations would be taken up with the relevant authorities for examination and appropriate action, wherever required.

Ali Mohammad Sagar reiterated the government’s commitment to public welfare and assured the deputations that genuine issues would receive due consideration. He emphasised that constructive engagement between the government and the people would remain an important mechanism for identifying challenges, resolving grievances and strengthening public confidence in the administration.

The Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to discharging his responsibilities with dedication and sincerity, with a focus on public welfare, effective governance and the timely redressal of people’s proble

The interaction reflected the government’s continued emphasis on maintaining direct communication with citizens and ensuring that public grievances are addressed through appropriate administrative mechanis

In a statement issued here on Thursday arrested individuals include Abid Ahmad Mir, S/O Bashir Ahmad Mir, R/O Chak Hangulgund, Kokernag, with approximately 118 grams of charas; Mohammad Arif Naikoo, S/O Abdul Gani Naikoo, R/O Gadool, with approximately 12 grams of charas; Tajdar Amin Khan, S/O Mohd Amin Khan, R/O Sitari Mohalla, Bijbehara with approximately 20.6 grams of heroin, Amir Hussain Sheikh, S/O Abdul Hamid Sheikh, R/O Donipawa, Anantnag, with approximately 8 grams of charas; Bilal Ahmad Dar, S/O Abdul Rashid Dar, R/O Halpora, Kokernag, with approximately 17 grams of charas; Mehboob Hussain Shah, S/O Maqbool Hussain Shah, R/O Surankote, Poonch with 19 grams of charas, Moomin Nazir Wagay, S/O Nazir Ahmad Wagay, R/O Kanganhal, with approximately 19 grams of charas, and Rahil Mushtaq Bhat, S/O Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, R/O Aung Matipora, Anantnag, with 150 grams of charas. Cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations for further investigation.

In a statement issued here on Thursday Police said that the accused, identified as Tariq Ahmad Ganie, S/O Mohd Subhan Ganie, R/O Hassanpora Bagh, Qaimoh, was sought following an FIR registered on September 7, 2006, regarding a fatal altercation. After the accused absconded during proceedings, an arrest warrant was issued by the Court of Sessions Judge, Kulgam, leading to his recent apprehension and production before the court for further legal action.

The programme, dedicated to humour, music and cultural expression, featured a humorous mushaira and live musical performances by Kohinoor Band.

The programme was presided over by Director Information and Public Relations, Mamta Yadav, Joint Director Headquarter Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Joint Director Information Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Deputy Director Information PR Javaid Ahmad Rather, Deputy Director Information (Central) Kashmir Zubair Ahmed, Deputy Director PR Kashmir Mohammad Rafiq Zullah, Cultural Officer Abdul Raqib Bhat, besides other officers, noted artists, writers, poets and scholars, attended the event.

The humorous mushaira witnessed enthusiastic participation from prominent poets, including Ayub Sabir, Nazir Josh, Yousuf Gulshan, Amin Ashraf, Taseer Afzal, Muzaffar Hussain Dilbar, Jahangir Ahmad Shah, Dr.Shaida Hussain, Shabir Hakak and Ghulam Nabi Aajiz, who entertained the audience with their witty, satirical and humorous poetry. Their performances created an atmosphere of laughter and literary engagement.

Kohinoor Band added musical vibrancy to the event with an engaging live performance, blending entertainment with the spirit of Kashmir’s rich artistic and cultural traditions.

Addressing the gathering, Director Information Mamta Yadav appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of creating vibrant platforms for artists, poets, musicians and performers to showcase their talent. She observed that cultural programmes play a significant role in preserving the region’s rich artistic and literary heritage while connecting people through shared traditions, creativity and artistic expression.

Emphasizing the importance of sustaining cultural activities throughout the year, Yadav assured that DIPR would endeavour to organise such programmes every month. She said regular cultural engagements would provide artists with greater opportunities to perform before wider audiences, encourage emerging talent and strengthen the cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. She also appreciated the participating poets and musicians for bringing together humour, literature and music under one roof, making the programme an engaging experience for the audience.

Joint Director Information Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, thanked the participating artists, poets, writers and scholars for their valuable contribution towards preserving and promoting Kashmir’s artistic and literary legacy. He underscored the importance of providing meaningful platforms for cultural expression and encouraging local talent.

Cultural Officer Abdul Raqib Bhat, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, participating artists, poets, scholars and the audience for their valuable participation and support in making the programme a success.

Conducting the proceedings, Assistant Exhibition and Cultural Officer (AECO) Syed Shakeel Shan said the Cultural Unit Kashmir is committed to preserving and promoting the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir while providing meaningful opportunities for local artists, poets, musicians and performers to showcase their talent.

In a further announcement, it was informed that the Cultural Unit Kashmir would soon organise music and theatre talent hunts to identify, encourage and provide a platform to emerging talent from across the region. The initiative aims to nurture budding performers and create greater opportunities for young artists to showcase their abilities.

As part of the event, participating artists and poets were felicitated by the Director Information in recognition of their contribution to the programme.

The event reaffirmed DIPR’s commitment to nurturing local talent, promoting cultural activities and creating platforms that bring together art, literature, music and humour.

ENSURE ITEMS

Srinagar | Oct, 29: As part of the Vigilance Awareness Week celebrations, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Thursday hosted a special lecture aimed at promoting integrity, transparency, accountability, and the prevention of corruption within public institutions.

The event was attended by Ashok Kumar Bagoria, a Senior Public Prosecuting Officer from the Anti-Corruption Bureau, as the chief guest. He underscored the critical role of vigilance in fostering accountable governance and urged attendees to familiarize themselves with mechanisms for reporting corruption and misconduct. The gathering included prominent figures such as the Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Anurag Misra, and other faculty and administrative staff. Bagoria emphasized the necessity of public awareness in recognizing corrupt practices and understanding legal procedures for reporting wrongdoing. He advocated for responsible reporting and adherence to legal channels when raising complaints, highlighting the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s role in addressing corruption and the importance of collaboration between citizens and authorities to enhance accountability. Prof. Anurag Misra reinforced the significance of integrity and ethical conduct in creating a trustworthy institutional environment, urging the community to uphold high professional standards. The Chief Vigilance Officer, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahnagar, in his welcome address, stressed the need for preventive vigilance and collective responsibility to deter corruption. He pointed out that awareness and timely reporting of irregularities are vital for strengthening governance and public confidence. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. M. A. Shah, the Dean of Alumni and International Affairs, acknowledging the contributions of the chief guest and participants to this important awareness initiative.

The establishment of KMC is expected to enhance local educational opportunities for students wishing to pursue medical careers, thereby bolstering the healthcare education framework in the Valley. Over the past two years, KMC has invested approximately Rs 750 crore in infrastructure development, faculty recruitment, and the establishment of essential medical facilities, all aimed at launching its MBBS program. This initiative represents one of the largest private investments in the healthcare sector within Jammu and Kashmir, designed to improve medical education capacity and broaden access to specialized healthcare services. The college is also contributing to job creation for healthcare professionals and support staff, thereby strengthening the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region. Local residents and health professionals view KMC as a vital addition to the Valley’s medical education landscape, especially in light of current geopolitical tensions that have made families hesitant to send their children abroad for studies. Aspirants who have taken the NEET-UG examination are eagerly awaiting clarity on the admission process and are urging authorities to expedite the college’s Letter of Permission (LoP). They emphasize that timely approval would not only provide additional opportunities for aspiring doctors but also assist families in making informed decisions regarding their children’s educational paths. As the admission process approaches a critical juncture, the urgency for a prompt decision from the NMC and other stakeholders is underscored by the students, who hope that their aspirations to study medicine locally will soon be realized. The establishment of KMC is poised to significantly impact the future of medical education in Kashmir, offering new avenues for local students.

He highlighted that the responsibility of caring for the elderly lies with both families and society, urging the younger generation to reciprocate the sacrifices made by their parents.

The event, organized under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with RRTC–Anugraha and the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, aimed to raise awareness about the needs of senior citizens. Principal Prof. Yasmeen Farooq Khan expressed the institution’s commitment to prioritizing the care of elderly individuals, advocating for compassion and understanding towards their unique needs. A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Zubair Saleem featured insights from various experts, including Mr. Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, who stressed that retirement should not equate to a withdrawal from life, and Mr. Tahir Ashraf, who addressed the rising threat of cybercrime targeting older adults. Ms. Tabassum Qadir Parray discussed the legal protections available to senior citizens under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The program included engaging activities such as a skit, a solo song performance, a short film screening, and a plantation initiative aimed at fostering intergenerational bonding. Winners of an essay competition focused on senior citizen issues were recognized, and certificates and cash prizes were awarded. The event also honored alumni and former faculty members for their contributions to the college.

Srinagar : Chief Executive Officer, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), Dr. Basharat Qayoom, on Wednesday reviewed the functioning of Srinagar’s electric bus services and inspected the E-Bus depot at Pantha Chowk, directing officials and service providers to improve fleet utilisation, maintenance, operational monitoring and passenger convenience.

The CEO was accompanied by the Additional CEO SSCL, General Manager, Public Transport Operations; Manager, Operations and Enforcement (E-Bus); Statistical Officer; and representatives of Tata and Chalo Mobility.

During the review, Dr. Basharat took stock of the deployment and operational performance of the electric bus fleet. He stressed the need for effective monitoring of bus schedules, route-wise deployment and service frequency to ensure punctuality and minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The CEO directed the concerned SSCL officials to closely monitor daily operations, review the performance of individual routes and ensure prompt resolution of operational issues in coordination with the service providers.

Emphasising the responsibility of the operating agency, the CEO stressed the need for regular preventive maintenance, timely repairs, effective charging management and maximum availability of roadworthy buses. Tata’s representatives were asked to ensure close coordination between depot and field teams and to address technical and maintenance-related issues promptly, in accordance with the applicable contractual obligations.

The role of Chalo Mobility in passenger-facing digital services was also highlighted, with emphasis on the reliability of real-time bus tracking, digital ticketing and passenger information. Accurate service updates and timely communication of route changes or disruptions are important to help commuters plan their journeys and access public transport conveniently.

Dr. Basharat further emphasised better coordination among SSCL officials, Tata and Chalo Mobility, along with regular review of operational performance, passenger complaints and service-related gaps. He stressed that issues affecting commuters must be identified and addressed in a time-bound manner.

At the Pantha Chowk depot, the CEO reviewed the arrangements supporting the operation and maintenance of the fleet and underscored the importance of operational preparedness, adherence to prescribed standards and efficient utilisation of available infrastructure.

The review focused on strengthening accountability among all stakeholders and ensuring that Srinagar’s electric bus services operate efficiently, reliably and in the interest of the travelling public.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday Police said that the meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing real-time intelligence sharing, and refining counter-terrorism strategies across the district. Directives were issued to intensify patrolling, maintain strict vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC) and in hinterland areas, and ensure public safety while allowing normal life to continue unhindered during operational activities.

The meeting also deliberated on the winter security strategy, with particular emphasis on operational preparedness, inter-agency coordination, and maintaining heightened vigilance in view of the challenging winter conditions.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday, Police said that accused has been identified as Fahad Nazir Bhat alias Fahad Petrol, S/O Nazir Ahmad Bhat, R/O Chiramgari Mohalla, Safakadal, Srinagar. He was wanted in connection with case FIR No. 196/2026 and FIR No. 238/2026 registered at Police Station Pattan. Verification of his antecedents revealed his involvement in 13 previous FIRs registered across various police stations in Srinagar. The accused has been processed under relevant legal procedure, and further investigation remains underway to establish all aspects of the offenses.