Day: February 14, 2025

  • Rajouri Police Cracks Major Narcotics Case, Arrests Kingpin and Recovers Additional 6 Kgs of Heroin like Narcotics Substance

    Rajouri Police Cracks Major Narcotics Case, Arrests Kingpin and Recovers Additional 6 Kgs of Heroin like Narcotics Substance

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI FEB 14:-In a significant breakthrough against drug trafficking Rajouri Police has successfully arrested the main accused and recovered an additional *6 kilograms of heroin-like narcotic substance* In this connection with FIR No. 178/2024 under Sections 8/21/22/29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Nowshera in which 5.3 kilograms of heroin-like narcotic substance had been seized from the possession of two accused, Sajan Kumar @ Vicky and Subash Chander.

    Following sustained efforts the prime accused and kingpin Jaswinder Kumar @ Sonu S/O Late Karam Chand a resident of Lamberi Nowshera was arrested on February 5, 2025. Jaswinder Kumar had been absconding for over a year in another case registered under FIR No. 36/2024 at PS Nowshera.

    During questioning, Jaswinder Kumar @ Sonu disclosed he is getting heroin smuggled into India from
    Pakistan based narco operatives along with his associates namely Ashok Kumar and Sanjay Kumar both residents of Sair Bhawani Nowshera.

    Both were arrested and during examination admitted to be in possession of smuggled heroin.

    Upon their disclosure *12 packets* containing *6 kilograms of heroin-like narcotic substance* were recovered.

    This recovery marks a major success in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Rajouri. Rajouri Police remains committed to eradicating the drug menace and ensuring strict legal action against those involved. Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to this network.

  • Sheikh Tahira Pays Tribute to Pulwama Martyrs

    Sheikh Tahira Pays Tribute to Pulwama Martyrs

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    SRINAGAR FEB 14:-Sheikh Tahira, Mahila Congress District President Kupwara paid heartfelt tribute to the brave CRPF soldiers who laid down their lives in the Pulwama terror attack. Remembering their supreme sacrifice, she stated, “Saluting the bravehearts of Pulwama who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Their martyrdom will never be forgotten.”

    She urged the people to remain united in honoring the legacy of these martyrs and strengthening the nation’s resolve against terrorism. “Let us stand together, uphold their sacrifice, and commit ourselves to the security and integrity of our country,” Tahira added.

    The Mahila Congress remains steadfast in its dedication to national security and ensuring that the sacrifices of our soldiers are never in vain.

  • Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addresses first ever National Medical Conference, MediCon-2025 in Jammu

    Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addresses first ever National Medical Conference, MediCon-2025 in Jammu

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    **CM stresses on strengthening emergency services in J&K Hospitals, Calls for equitable healthcare access**

    JAMMU, FEB 14:-Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the need to improve handling of emergency cases and capacity at various Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) to ease the burden on major hospitals.

    He also stressed the importance of ensuring that doctors serve beyond urban centers.

    “We need to augment and improve the emergency handling capability and capacity in new GMCs so that the pressure on GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar is automatically reduced. Similarly, we must ensure that our doctors don’t just practice in cities. I know it’s not a popular thing to say, but rural areas also deserve proper healthcare access,” he said.

    The Chief Minister was addressing JK MediCon-2025, the first ever National Conference-cum-Workshop, at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu.

    The event was organized by the J&K Medical Council in collaboration with the Student Research Development Council (SRDC).

    The conference was attended by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Secretary H&ME Dr. Syed Abid Rashid, Jammu West MLA Arvind Gupta, Principal & Dean of GMC Jammu Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Chairman JK Medical Council Dr. Muhammad Saleem Khan, senior professors, doctors, faculty and students.

    Omar Abdullah highlighted his government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility across Jammu and Kashmir.

    “Our challenge is to make healthcare more easily accessible. Professor Gupta pointed out the excessive pressure on GMC Jammu’s emergency services, which stems from the fact that healthcare in peripheral areas is not of the required standard. This forces people to flood into cities,” he noted. He emphasized that the solution lies in improving healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.

    “The way to reduce this pressure is not just by expanding our infrastructure in Jammu but by strengthening facilities in peripheral areas. There was a time when we only had GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar. Now, we have GMCs at the district level,” he said.

    Speaking about MediCon-2025, the Chief Minister acknowledged its importance in fostering debates and discussions on key medical issues.

    “There are all sorts of debates surrounding the topics that MediCon can address. The good thing is that students are involved through SRDC,” he said.

    He also highlighted that participants will earn 11 credits through MediCon, which will encourage greater engagement and enthusiasm.

    “I hope the futuristic advancements in medical science will be part of our discussions—how much technology is beneficial, how much human contact should be replaced by machines. While some tasks may be better performed by AI, there are things that only human beings can do,” he added.

    Touching on the ethical dimensions of modern medical trends, Omar Abdullah raised concerns about the intersection of medicine and profit-driven healthcare.

    “Where do we draw the ethical line in medicine? Is there such a thing as too much ethics? Does the pursuit of profit in medical care conflict with ethical responsibilities? Should hospitals treat patients as a means of revenue generation?” he asked.

    He also noted the pressure on doctors working in corporate hospitals, where their performance is measured not by the number of patients they treat but by the revenue they generate.

    Delving into the future of robotic surgery and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine, the Chief Minister highlighted both the potential and concerns surrounding these advancements.

    “One trend that seems to be catching on is the use of robotic surgery. Principal GMC Jammu mentioned that AI could one day take over medical procedures. Honestly, I can’t imagine a scarier prospect than entrusting my life entirely to a machine. At the end of the day, there is immense value in human contact, and that’s where doctors—who literally do God’s work—play an irreplaceable role,” he said.

    He praised doctors for their dedication and lifelong learning.“You pull people back from the jaws of death. You give hope where all hope seems lost. You stand by patients and their families at their most vulnerable moments—whether in recovery or in times of loss,” he said.

    “As doctors, you never stop learning. You are always adapting to new techniques, medicines, and treatment methods. But no machine can replace the human touch when a doctor delivers a diagnosis or a prognosis. Patients and their families hold on to every word a doctor says,” he added.

    Chief Minister also acknowledged the growth plans for GMC Jammu and expressed his intent to contribute.

    “Principal GMC Jammu presented several ideas for GMC Jammu’s future growth. My colleagues and I will ensure at least one of those proposals is implemented so that I, too, can have a foundation stone here and not feel left out in future presentations,” he said in a lighter vein.

    He also underscored the significance of MediCon-2025, noting that it is the first of its kind in J&K and possibly in the country, where a state or regional medical council has organized such an event.

    “This event brings together the best minds to share ideas, best practices, and research advances while discussing emerging trends in medicine,” he said.
    Earlier, Principal GMC Jammu gave a detailed presentation on the college’s growth and future plans.

  • The Unseen Heroes of Education: Seasonal Teachers in Jammu and Kashmir

    The Unseen Heroes of Education: Seasonal Teachers in Jammu and Kashmir

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    BY TAHIR MUSTAFA COLUMNIST 

    RAJOURI FEBRUARY 14:In the rugged and picturesque Pir Panjal ranges of Jammu and Kashmir, a unique phenomenon takes place every summer. As the tribal population migrates to the upper reaches with their cattle and herds, a group of dedicated teachers follows them, braving the harsh conditions to educate the children. These seasonal teachers are the unsung heroes of education, working tirelessly to ensure that the children of the tribal population do not miss out on their right to education.

    The life of a seasonal teacher is not an easy one. They work in extremely challenging conditions, with no electricity, infrastructure, or road connectivity. The weather is unpredictable, and the classrooms are often makeshift tents or structures. Despite these challenges, the seasonal teachers persevere, using innovative methods to engage their students and make learning fun.

    The impact of seasonal teachers on the education of the tribal population cannot be overstated. Without them, the children would miss out on their education, and the community would suffer as a result. The seasonal teachers not only provide education but also act as role models, inspiring the children to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

    Many of these teachers have been working for years, some are overage, and some have sadly passed away, all while waiting for a suitable permanent policy. Despite this, they remain committed to their work, recognizing the importance of education in building a strong nation.

    They teach students who are disconnected from the modern world, belonging to far-flung areas and villages where basic amenities are scarce. When these students move to forest areas with their families, they are completely cut off from the village, city, and market, with no knowledge of the modern world. However, the seasonal teachers are dedicated to caring for these children, providing them with a foundation in literacy and numeracy.

    TAHIR MUSTAFA

    They work tirelessly to help their students develop essential skills, including writing, speaking, and practical skills. Their efforts are truly commendable, and their impact on the lives of these children cannot be overstated.

    To address the challenges faced by seasonal teachers, the government should consider the following recommendations:

    – Provide seasonal teachers with a permanent job policy, recognizing their experience and expertise.
    – Attach seasonal teachers to lower government schools during the winter months, providing them with a stable income and a chance to continue teaching.
    – Increase the honorarium paid to seasonal teachers, recognizing the challenges they face and the value they bring to the education system.
    – Invest in infrastructure development in the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal ranges, providing seasonal teachers with better working conditions and facilities.
    – Provide seasonal teachers with training and capacity-building opportunities, enabling them to upgrade their skills and knowledge.

    Seasonal teachers in Jammu and Kashmir bear the weight of relentless uncertainty, trapped in a cycle of job insecurity, meager wages, and delayed payments that push them to the brink of financial distress. With every passing day, they struggle to make ends meet, forced to navigate a life where their dedication is met with neglect.

    Their invaluable role in shaping young minds goes unnoticed, as they work tirelessly without the assurance of a stable future. These educators, who stand as pillars of knowledge and hope in their communities, are denied even the most fundamental social security benefits. No provident fund to secure their future, no pension to support them in old age—only the anxiety of an unstable livelihood.

    Their working conditions, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas, are nothing short of grueling. Many travel long distances through harsh terrains, battling extreme weather and inadequate infrastructure, just to reach their students. Yet, despite their sacrifices, they remain unrecognized, their struggles invisible to the very system they serve.

    The lack of career growth and the absence of a policy for regularization leave them in a constant state of fear—fear of losing their jobs, fear of being forgotten, and fear of being replaced without a second thought. They pour their hearts into teaching, driven not by financial gain but by passion, yet they are left with nothing but uncertainty in return.

    Their dreams of stability, of a dignified life, remain just that—dreams. They do not demand luxuries; they ask only for fairness—timely and adequate wages so they can support their families, proper infrastructure so they can teach in dignified conditions, job security so they can plan for their future, and recognition so they no longer feel invisible.

    They yearn for a structured policy that acknowledges their sacrifices, secures their employment, and ensures they can continue their noble work without the constant fear of being discarded. Despite being the backbone of education in these regions,

    conclusion, the seasonal teachers of Jammu and Kashmir are a shining example of dedication and commitment to education. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to inspire and educate the children of the tribal population. It is time for the government to recognize their contribution and provide them with a stable and secure future. Only then can we ensure that the children of the tribal population receive the education they deserve, and that the seasonal teachers are able to continue their noble work.