Day: September 28, 2025

  • Villagers Restore Lifeline Canal as Irrigation Department Sleeps ; Decades-old Upper Bhajwal irrigation channel left to decay; locals forced to build wooden bridge to revive water flow

    Villagers Restore Lifeline Canal as Irrigation Department Sleeps ; Decades-old Upper Bhajwal irrigation channel left to decay; locals forced to build wooden bridge to revive water flow

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

    RAJOURI SEPT 28:-When the Irrigation Department failed to respond to repeated pleas, residents of Upper Bhajwal A Panchayat took matters into their own hands, constructing a makeshift wooden bridge to restore water supply to a decades-old canal.

    The canal, built nearly 70 years ago to irrigate fields and boost grain, fruit, and vegetable production, once served Nadhani, Kund, and adjoining villages. Originating from the Dokhoon forest in Upper Bhajwal A, the channel had long been a crucial source of irrigation, helping farmers supply produce not only to Sunderbani but also to Rajouri and Poonch districts.

    However, years of neglect by the Irrigation Department, coupled with unchecked deforestation and hill-cutting in the name of development, reduced water flow and left the canal in a crumbling state. The final blow came in late August, when torrential rains washed away a large portion of the canal at its origin point.

    Villagers say they approached the Irrigation Department in Nowshera repeatedly, but officials remained unresponsive. Even calls to Assistant Engineer Amit Kumar went unanswered. “We had no choice but to take matters into our own hands,” said local resident Kewal Krishan. Along with Daljit Kumar, Jeet Kumar, and Rakesh Kumar, villagers worked collectively to build a temporary wooden bridge across the canal in a single day, restoring the water supply.

    Despite this community effort, the department has yet to take any corrective measures. Locals are now appealing directly to J&K Jal Shakti Department Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and the Chief Minister, urging them to intervene and wake the department from what villagers described as its “Kumbhakaran-like slumber.”

    Farmers fear that unless urgent repairs are made, what remains of the canal system could collapse entirely, crippling agriculture in the area.

  • Nighat Mir Honored with Award Certificate by IHRO in Prestigious Ceremony

    Nighat Mir Honored with Award Certificate by IHRO in Prestigious Ceremony

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    SRINAGAR SEPT 28:-Former councillor of Baramulla, Nighat Mir, was recently recognized and appreciated with an award certificate by the International Human Rights Organization (IHRO) on world tourism day 2025. The award ceremony was held in the esteemed presence of key dignitaries including National President Dr. Nem Singh Prem Ji, Dr. Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, Huda Zariwala, Yaqoob Dunoo, Syed Tajamul, Altaf Ahmad, and Farhan Kitab.

    The event celebrated Nighat Mir’s dedicated service and commitment to the community during her tenure as councillor. The award acknowledges her contributions toward social welfare and local governance, highlighting her role in advancing positive change in Baramulla.

    Dr. Nem Singh Prem Ji, National President of IHRO, commended Nighat Mir for her exemplary work and encouraged continued efforts in community leadership. The presence of such respected figures underlined the significance of the occasion and the value placed on grassroots leadership and activism.

    This recognition not only honors Nighat Mir’s past achievements but also serves as an inspiration for future leaders in Baramulla and beyond. IHRO remains committed to celebrating those who actively contribute to human rights and social development across India.

  • Illegal Transportation of Khair Wood Foiled by Rajouri Police in Sunderbani; Truck Seized, Three Arrested

    Illegal Transportation of Khair Wood Foiled by Rajouri Police in Sunderbani; Truck Seized, Three Arrested

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI SEPT 28:-In a major action against illegal forest trade, Rajouri Police successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle khair wood in Sunderbani area and arrested three persons involved in the act.

    Acting on specific information, a police team from Police Station Sunderbani established a special naka at Prat Chowk. During checking, a truck bearing registration number JK21B-4327, coming from Kadma towards NHW Thandapani en route to Jammu, was intercepted.

    Upon thorough inspection, the vehicle was found illegally loaded with approximately 40–45 quintals of khair wood without any valid documents or permission.

    The driver, Mohd Munir, son of Mohd Yousuf, resident of Talab Tillo, Jammu, along with his two accomplices @ Asgar Ali, son of Yousuf Ali, resident of Kot Bhalwal, Jammu (24 years), andShah Amin, son of Ghulam Rasool, resident of Karloop Marh, Jammu were arrested on the spot.

    A case FIR No. 63/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Sunderbani. The vehicle and the seized consignment have been taken into custody.

    Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and destination of the illegal wood consignment.

  • Javed Rana Condoles Demise of Former MLC Ikhlaq Khan

    Javed Rana Condoles Demise of Former MLC Ikhlaq Khan

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    SRINAGAR SEPT 28:-Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Ikhlaq Khan, former Member of Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Council, who passed away earlier today.

    In his condolence message, Rana described the late Ikhlaq Khan as a dedicated public servant, a man of integrity and a respected political figure who served the people with commitment and sincerity.

    He highlighted Mr. Khan’s contributions to the development and his efforts towards upholding democratic values.

    Ikhlaq Khan was not only a seasoned legislator but also a voice of the people, particularly in the border and remote areas.

    His demise is a great loss to the political fraternity of J&K and to all those who admired his simplicity, vision and service to society,” said Minister Rana.

    The Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

    He also expressed solidarity with the family members in this hour of grief and prayed that Almighty gives them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

  • 26th RR Chenab Valley Volleyball Tournament 2025 successfully concluded with Lion Club Chilly’s impressive victory at Devigoal Bunjwah.

    26th RR Chenab Valley Volleyball Tournament 2025 successfully concluded with Lion Club Chilly’s impressive victory at Devigoal Bunjwah.

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    SHAFQAT SHEIKH

    CHENAB VALLEY SEPT 28:-The 26 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) triumphantly wrapped up the “Chenab Valley Volleyball Tournament 2025,” a pivotal initiative under Operation Sadbhavana, set against the stunning backdrop of Devigoal in Bunjwah region of Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir. This vibrant event showcases the immense power of unity and cooperation among diverse community members, graced by the presence of Alpha Company OC 26 RR Patnazi, Subedar Major 26 RR, Naib Tehsildar Bunjwah, Naseer Ahmed Banday, and numerous respected citizens of Bunjwah. Not only did the tournaments spotlight the exceptional talents of local athletes, but they also cultivated a dynamic spirit of camaraderie between the armed forces and the communities they serve, igniting hope and forging enduring bonds in the pursuit of peace and harmony.

    Launched on September 24th, the tournament aimed to revitalise community spirit and herald a significant step toward normalcy following recent adversities. Held at the enchanting Devigoal Volleyball Court—an esteemed picnic and tourist destination—the event drew a remarkable assembly of 46 teams from across the revered Chenab region, with particular representation from Kishtwar and Doda districts.

    The thrilling finale unfolded between Thathri Club and Lions Club Chilly, where the Lions Club Chilly triumphed in a best-of-five showdown, clinching victory with a score of three matches to one.

    Over four exhilarating days, culminating on September 27th, this sporting spectacle promised not only fierce, best-of-five, captivating displays of athletic prowess. Yet, the event represented much more than just a tournament; it embodied the core ideals of the ‘Resonate Era’—a transformative phase dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening community relationships in the wake of severe challenges, including heavy monsoon rains and landslides that had disrupted the lives of residents. This tournament shone as a beacon of hope, marking a pivotal milestone in the collective journey toward restoring normalcy after recent natural disasters.

    During these challenging times, the Indian Army played a vital role in uplifting the local populace, providing essential aid, resources, and emotional support to help families reclaim their lives. The volleyball tournament stood as a living testament to the Army’s unwavering dedication to fostering goodwill, promoting sportsmanship, and uplifting the regional spirit, drawing thousands of enthusiastic spectators and students from various government and private schools to the event.

    As Alpha Company OC 26 RR Patnazi, congratulated the winners and Runners-up for their exemplary sportsmanship, he extended heartfelt thanks to the entire community of Bunjwah for their invaluable support, which made the event a resounding success. He underscored Operation Sadbhavana’s overarching goal: to enhance the relationship between security forces and the local community, thus reinforcing peace and stability in the area. The overwhelming success of this tournament vividly reflects the Army’s commitment to engaging with residents and nurturing a profound sense of togetherness and mutual respect.

    The initiative by the Indian Army transcends the confines of competition, seeking to instil lasting values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and community engagement among participants. By providing a vibrant platform for aspiring young athletes to unite and share their passion for volleyball, the Army aims to foster a deeper sense of unity and camaraderie, thereby enriching the local community’s fabric and promoting a promising future for all.

    The victorious team was awarded a cash prize of ₹30,000 along with a trophy, while the runners-up received ₹20,000 and their own trophy, presented by Alpha Company OC 26 RR Patnazi, in the esteemed company of Subedar Major 26RR. Medals and Certificates were conferred by Ashiq Hussain Mir, I/C Headmaster of Middle School Zerwar, with other dignitaries, including Naib Tehsildar Naseer Ahmad Banday, Subedar Chandan, Senior Lecturer SWR Virender Kumar from Higher Secondary School Binoon, Shabir Ahmad Butt, and others like Farooq Ahmed Keen and Khurshid Ahmed Wani, entrusted with handing out runner-up medals and certificates.

    The general public expressed profound appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the 26 RR COY Patnazi for orchestrating this remarkable and meticulously coordinated event in Bunjwah. The seating arrangements were both creatively designed and executed with discipline, providing a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for all attendees. Notably, separate seating was designated for women, ensuring inclusivity. The event also catered to families with thoughtful provisions for children, alongside delicious lunch and refreshment options for spectators and invitees. This successful gathering has left the community eagerly anticipating similar initiatives in the future, showcasing a strong desire for continued engagement and unity.

  • Residents of Kewal (Lower) to Hold Peaceful Protest Against Jal Shakti Department in Kotranka

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    KOTRANKA, SEPT 28: Residents of Village Kewal (Lower), Block Budhal have announced that they will hold a peaceful protest in front of the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kotranka, on 29th September 2025 at 11:00 AM, to express their strong resentment against the Jal Shakti Department for its alleged failure to implement the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in their area.

    In a formal intimation submitted to the ADC Kotranka, social and political activist Mohammad Farooq Inqlabi, former Sarpanch of the village, stated that despite repeated appeals and follow-ups, the Jal Shakti Department has not taken any concrete measures to ensure the availability of safe drinking water in Kewal (Lower).

    He mentioned that more than 60% of the village population is facing severe hardship due to the lack of potable water, and the situation has now become unbearable for the residents.

    Inqlabi emphasized that the protest will be democratic and peaceful, aimed at drawing the attention of the administration towards the genuine grievances of the people. He also requested the authorities to make necessary administrative arrangements for the smooth conduct of the demonstration.

    A copy of the intimation has also been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, for information and appropriate action.