Jammu |Nov, 05: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level review meeting of the Prisons Department at the Lok Bhavan Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen prison security and management protocols across Jammu Kashmir.
Emphasizing robust jail administration, the Lieutenant Governor called for a unified coordination mechanism between the Police, Prisons Department, and intelligence agencies. He instructed for regular review meetings and intelligence sharing between the Police, Prisons Department, and intelligence agencies to combat terror networks, radicalization, and law and order threats.
The Lieutenant Governor directed surprise checks of prison premises and surrounding areas, as well as forensic analysis of any seized electronic devices.
Discussions were also focused on formation of dedicated Prison Intelligence Units in jails, biometric systems across all jails, expansion of Tele-medicine facilities for inmates and strengthening of human resources in the Prisons Department.
The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed the progress of the upcoming High-Security Prison in Mahanpur. He directed officials to expedite remaining works within the stipulated timelines.
The meeting was attended by DGP Nalin Prabhat; DGP, Prisons J&K, Deepak Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Chandraker Bharti; Special DG Coordination PHQ, S.J.M.Gillani; ADG CID, M. K. Sinha; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Govind Jaiswal; Additional Director IB J&K and Ladakh, Pankaj Kumar Thakur; and other senior officials.

Srinagar| Nov, 05: The Centre has set March 2027 as the deadline for completion of the remaining construction works of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, with Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday directing executing agencies and institute authorities to accelerate the pace of work and ensure that the prestigious healthcare project is made operational in a phased manner.
During a review of the construction progress and operational preparedness of the institute in Srinagar, Nadda stressed that AIIMS Awantipora was a priority project and that all pending infrastructure, equipment procurement and manpower-related requirements must be addressed within stipulated timelines.
The immediate focus, officials said, is to commence Outpatient Department (OPD) services before December 2026, while Inpatient Department (IPD) services are proposed to begin in July 2027, subject to completion of the necessary infrastructure and operational arrangements.
The commencement of MBBS classes is proposed for the academic session 2027-28, beginning June-July next year, marking another significant milestone in the operationalisation of the institute.
During the review, the Union Health Minister assessed the status of construction, procurement of medical and laboratory equipment, recruitment of faculty and other personnel, and preparations for the launch of healthcare and academic services.
Officials informed the meeting that Phase-I infrastructure, including the OPD Registration Block, OPD Block, residential buildings and designated hostels, had been completed, with inventory verification and formal handover procedures currently under way.
The remaining academic, administrative, hospital, residential and hostel infrastructure is being developed in a phased manner.
Nadda directed HLL Infratech Services Ltd. (HITES) and the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora to work in close coordination to expedite procurement of medical equipment, OPD instruments, laboratory equipment and medical and administrative furniture.
He emphasised that all essential items required for starting OPD services should be procured on priority so that the commencement of patient care is not delayed due to administrative or logistical bottlenecks.
The review was also informed that approval had been conveyed for procurement of 180 medical equipment items worth Rs 59.41 crore, with Notices of Award already issued for 140 items.
Procurement of OPD instruments, laboratory furniture and medical and administrative furniture is also progressing through different stages.
Apart from infrastructure and equipment, manpower availability emerged as another key component of the operationalisation plan.
The Ministry has approved engagement of essential manpower for the commencement of OPD and associated services, covering 652 positions across various categories. These include hospital attendants, housekeeping and sanitation personnel and security staff, including 150 security personnel.
Nadda directed the authorities to ensure that all essential operational arrangements, including diagnostic facilities, equipment, trained personnel and supporting services, are put in place well before the launch of medical services.
The phased operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora is expected to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the Union Territory for specialised medical treatment.
Once fully functional, the institute is expected to emerge as a major centre for advanced healthcare, medical education, research and specialised treatment, while also providing an impetus to the region’s medical infrastructure.
The March 2027 construction deadline, the proposed December 2026 OPD launch and the July 2027 timeline for IPD services will now require close coordination among the executing agency, the Ministry and the institute administration to ensure that the project moves from infrastructure development to full-fledged healthcare delivery without further delays.

Jammu |Nov, 05:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday attended the annual awards ceremony of the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Education Society (DJSES), titled ‘Honour & Excellence 2026’, here at the Convention Centre, celebrating academic excellence, dedicated service and the contribution of the Society towards shaping responsible citizens.
The ceremony recognised meritorious students for their outstanding performance in the Class X and XII board examinations, honoured employees completing 25 years of dedicated service and celebrated distinguished alumni of the Society’s educational institutions.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasised that the purpose of education must extend beyond academic performance and marks to the development of well-rounded individuals with strong moral values, independent thinking and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
Recalling his association with the Diocese’s educational institutions, particularly Burn Hall School, Srinagar, where he studied until Class 5, the Chief Minister shared fond memories of his school days and expressed appreciation for the enduring contribution of the institution towards education and character-building.
The Chief Minister lauded the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar Educating Society for its significant contribution to the education sector, stating that the Society manages 24 schools across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, educating around 28,000 students and providing employment to nearly 1,600 people.
“These schools produce civil service officers, police officers, doctors and business leaders. But more than anything else, they produce successful people who remain good people,” he said, adding that the true achievement of an educational institution lies in nurturing individuals who are able to distinguish between right and wrong and contribute positively to society.
Highlighting the importance of independent thinking and curiosity, the Chief Minister urged students not to hesitate in asking questions and to develop the confidence to challenge ideas and seek answers.
“There are no stupid questions, there are only stupid answers,” he remarked, encouraging students to remain inquisitive and explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind things.
He said Jammu and Kashmir needs a generation that is willing to question existing practices, understand what is happening around them and explore ways to make things better.
“A generation that is happy to ask questions will make all of us answerable. And if we are answerable, Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow will be a better place,” the Chief Minister said.
Emphasising the need to cultivate independent learning, he encouraged students to develop reading habits and use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and ethically. He said technology should serve as a tool to enhance learning and understanding rather than become a substitute for individual effort, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
Congratulating the meritorious students, the Chief Minister appreciated their outstanding academic achievements and commended the employees completing 25 years of dedicated service for their commitment to the cause of education.
He also lauded the faculty, staff and management of the Education Society for their stellar contribution towards ensuring that its institutions not only impart education but also nurture well-rounded human beings equipped with values, compassion and a sense of responsibility.
The Society recorded an overall pass percentage of 99 per cent in the Class X and XII board examinations during the 2025-26 academic year.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the Society’s efforts in recognising distinguished alumni, acknowledging that the achievements of former students serve as an inspiration for the younger generation. Encouraging youngsters to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in humanity and moral values, the Chief Minister quoted the famous couplet:
“Khudi ko karbuland itna ki hartaqdeer se pehle,
Khudabande se khud poochhe, bataterirazakyahai.”
He said that beyond all achievements, the most important responsibility is to remain good human beings and treat one another with kindness and compassion.
“Make yourself into that sort of person that when your future is being written, the Almighty will ask you what it is you want to do. We just have to be good people, good human beings, good to each other. Everything else will take care of itself,” he said. Minister for Education Shamim Firdous, in her address, recalled the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in laying a new foundation for the education system in independent India.
She also highlighted the role of late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, in giving a new direction and vision to the education system in the region.
She expressed hope that educational institutions would continue to uphold these values and contribute towards the development of responsible and valuable members of society.
The Chief Minister also extended his greetings on the forthcoming festival of Diwali, wishing everyone peace, happiness and humanity.
“Given that we are three days away from Diwali, I wish you all the very best for the season, the festival of lights. May it light our lives with the light of peace, happiness and humanity,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar and President of DJSES, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Nagathunkal, Vice President of DJSES, and other officials of the Society were present on the occasion.

Srinagar|Nov, 05: Amid continuing security threats and intelligence inputs about the activities of terrorist groups, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar on Thursday said security forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality in Jammu and Kashmir.
Emphasising that the security apparatus is maintaining constant vigil, IGP Kumar said intelligence-based operations and coordinated efforts were being undertaken to counter emerging threats, while ensuring that routine security measures cause minimum inconvenience to the public.
“Based on continuous intelligence inputs, our teams remain on high alert. The public has been supportive. While security measures cause some routine inconvenience, we try to minimise it. Threats exist, and we are managing them,” the IGP Kumar told reporters during a press conference in Srinagar.
On the presence of terrorists in the Valley, he said it would not be appropriate to disclose an exact number, as their movement across different locations makes any fixed assessment difficult.
IGP Kumar, however, acknowledged the presence of a prominent local terrorist allegedly involved in attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam, supported by a few foreign terrorists. He said security agencies had identified their footprints and were tracking their movements.
“There is one prominent local terrorist who orchestrated attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam, supported by a few foreign terrorists. We have observed their footprints, but putting a definitive number on them is not feasible because they remain in transit,” he said.
The IGP also flagged the growing challenge posed by the narco-terror nexus, saying the proceeds of drug trafficking were being channelled towards supporting terrorist activities through networks of overground workers (OGWs).
He said the networks operating locally as well as across the border were allegedly using OGWs to circulate illicit money under different pretexts, making the fight against narcotics an important component of the broader security strategy.
“Terrorism and narcotics are deeply intertwined; a significant portion of the narcotics trade directly fuels and supports terrorism,” Kumar said, adding that dismantling these networks remained a substantial challenge for the police.
Referring to the recent operation in the Budgam district, the IGP said terrorists were neutralised at high-altitude locations along the ridgeline connecting Poonch with Budgam.
He said the operation involved specialised security forces operating in difficult mountainous terrain, where the movement of terrorists and changing geographical conditions pose considerable operational challenges.
“Our specialised security forces established dominance at those harsh heights, culminating in a successful operation. In mountain terrains like the Pir Panjal, multiple operational possibilities exist, and our forces are prepared for all contingencies,” he said.
On security restrictions and frequent stoppages along the National Highway, Kumar said established protocols were being followed in view of previous terror incidents, intelligence alerts and recoveries of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
He said the measures were intended to prevent possible attacks and protect civilian lives, adding that the police were conscious of the inconvenience caused to commuters.
The IGP said the matter was under discussion with senior police officers and paramilitary forces to explore ways of improving traffic movement without compromising security requirements.
“IED recoveries and security alerts near the highway remain regular occurrences. The protocol seeks to secure lives while accounting for ground realities,” he said.
IGP Kumar also appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs, cybercrime and dangerous stunts involving motorcycles and cars, warning that such activities could put their lives and careers at risk.
He said the police were willing to extend all possible assistance to young people seeking to overcome drug addiction and return to normal life, stressing the need for collective efforts to address the growing social challenge.

Srinagar|Nov, 05: A woman who delivered a baby girl at Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar died following a cardiac arrest during the course of treatment, triggering grief in north Kashmir’s Palhallan area, where hundreds of people attended her funeral prayers on Thursday.
The deceased has been identified as Tabasum Begum, wife of Irshad Ahmad Ganai resident of Palhallan in Baramulla district. She had been admitted to Lal Ded Hospital on November 3 for delivery.
According to locals, Tabasum delivered a baby girl at the hospital. However, she died subsequently after suffering a cardiac arrest, with doctors reportedly informing the family that her condition had remained stable before her health deteriorated at a critical stage.
Abdul Hamid Ganai, brother of deceased told Kashmir Horizon that Tabasum was admitted on Nov 03 at the LD Hospital following the labour pain. Even doctors had performed a hysterectomy, involving the surgical removal of the uterus, during the course of her treatment.
“The exact medical circumstances leading to the procedure and her subsequent death, were not verified by the doctors. They told us that she died due to heart attack. She was battling for 26 hours at the hospital. After hear death, police also came to the hospital. Later after formalities, dead body was handed over to the family,” he said.
Her sudden demise has left the family shattered, turning what should have been a moment of joy following the birth of a daughter into an irreparable personal tragedy. While the newborn girl survived, the family was left grappling with the devastating loss of the mother.
The tragedy cast a pall of gloom over Palhallan and adjoining areas, with hundreds of mourners gathering to offer funeral prayers and bid a tearful farewell to Tabasum. Her final journey witnessed an outpouring of grief, as relatives, neighbours and residents joined the bereaved family in its hour of immense sorrow.
The Medical Superintendent of Lal Ded Hospital was not available for comments despite attempts to seek his response regarding the incident.