SRINAGAR NOV 25:-In a sharp criticism aimed at the government, prominent Kashmiri leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has questioned what he termed as the “selective use of religion” in matters related to education and religious institutions.
Posting from his official X handle @Office_ASRM, Mehdi reacted strongly to objections raised over Muslim students studying at Vaishno Devi University, allegedly on grounds that the institution has Hindu donors despite being a state-backed university.
At the same time, he pointed out that the government “feels entitled” to appoint non-Muslims within Muslim Waqf management, overriding the community’s own religious space.
“How does the BJP justify these two opposite positions? What principle is at work here?” Mehdi asked in his statement.
He added that this approach reflects a “very selective use of religion, one that always seems to run in only one direction.”
The remarks have triggered fresh political debate amid ongoing discussions on admissions and Waqf-related decisions in Jammu & Kashmir.
POONCH NOV 25:-In a major fillip to the developmental trajectory of Mankote Block in the Mendhar subdivision of district Poonch, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a wide spectrum of infrastructure projects collectively valued at over ₹80 crore.
The projects, covering essential sectors such as road connectivity, drinking water supply, education, public utilities and sports are poised to significantly uplift civic amenities and accelerate socio-economic development in this strategically important border belt.
Addressing an enthusiastic gathering during the event, the Minister underscored Omar Abdullah led Government’s resolve to bring sustained and inclusive development to border and remote regions that have long faced infrastructural challenges.
He stated that the newly sanctioned and inaugurated works will substantially improve inter-village connectivity, enhance potable water supply and upgrade public institutions across Mankote, thereby improving the quality of life for thousands of residents.
He reaffirmed that the Omar Abdullah Government remains committed to ensuring that geographically difficult and underserved areas receive priority attention and infrastructure at par with other regions.
Among the prominent inaugurations was the upgradation, purchase and electrification of the Community Hall at GMS Mankote, which is set to serve as a vibrant multipurpose facility for social, cultural and educational events.
The Minister also laid the foundation for a Community Facility Centre (CFC) at Village Mankote, marking another step toward strengthening local civic infrastructure.
Additionally, new academic rooms at Middle School Barja and Primary School Magyad Keni, along with smart classrooms, reading rooms and library infrastructure at Middle School Nar Chhajla were launched to bolster digital learning and improve academic environments.
Key education-related construction works including the completion of High School Bareela, the new Zonal Education Office at Mankote and a four-room block at High School Topa further highlight the Minister’s emphasis on strengthening educational infrastructure in tribal-dominated and remote pockets.
A major portion of the day’s programme was dedicated to inaugurating and launching extensive road connectivity projects across multiple panchayats such as Mankote, Ghani, Sagra, Balnoi, Chhajla, Kasbalari and Dabraj.
Under RDD, several rural links, vital for daily mobility and emergency accessibility, were taken up, including the concrete pavement to HSS Mankote, a 60-metre steel foot bridge at Mohalla Bacheri linking Balnoi and Sagra, and numerous inter-hamlet roads such as KG Top–Kholi, Choudrian Mohalla, Bella Bakerwalla–Garh Dabraj, Dubhna Khandhroo–Nagalban, Mohalla Chowana (Sagra), Bobby Camp–Pillain Water Point, Balnoi–Sharif Mohalla, Dharan Morh–Nakka Mohalla via Jamia Masjid and several other stretches expanding connectivity deep into interior habitations.
Simultaneously, major RDD, PWD and PMGSY road and culvert works were also inaugurated, including the Defence Road-Gorsian link, Ziarat Pothi–Maghyad Road, Dullain–Chouhan, Jabran–Parat, Naki Mera–Bela Chhajjla, Balhar–Moori, Sardaran–Gurdwara, Upper Narooni–Charan Simkan and the Mera–Dakan Wala link in Balnoi.
Macadamization projects, considered crucial for all-weather durability, were initiated on several high-traffic and strategically relevant roads such as the Balnoi–Ghani, Dharana–Chhajjla, Sagra–Balhar, Mankote Bridge–Bobi Camp and Uchhad–Kasbalari roads.
Additional construction and maintenance projects at Sagra–Ghani, Challas Gagito–Lehar Mohalla, KG–Kohlian Ghani, Nagar Gali–Bhagyote Gali and Uchhad Dewli–Ghani Bhatanar further highlight the comprehensive nature of this connectivity push.
Major PMGSY works, including the Dharana–Chhajjla road and critical Ghani–Sagra link upgrades, were also rolled out, promising long-term improvements in regional accessibility.
Further expanding the road network, the Minister inaugurated key PWD projects including the roads from Gani to Mohalla Jattan, Bela Pathana to Therpur via Naki Kassi, the approach road to the steel Jullah Bridge in Mankote, the Sagra–Ghani road from Km 6 to 9, Balnoi to Tatapani along the Line of Control with a vented causeway at Bugheli Nallah, Lower Banloi via Kishti, Naka Salwah to Nar Tarkhana, Gurah Nima Chughan to Hudian Gali, the BRO Salani–Shaheed Aurangzaib link, Sagra–Balhar to Model School Dullian, Masoom Shah Ziarat to Ramkund Temple, Kani Narooni to Nagal Gali, Sona Gali Choi to Raja Shah Ziarat and the Tain–Thamlote road.
These works collectively address longstanding connectivity bottlenecks and are expected to open new avenues for economic activity, emergency accessibility and social integration.
The education sector witnessed a corresponding boost through infrastructure upgrades at Girls Middle School Dhara Topa, High School Tain, High School Topa, Middle School Berja, Middle School Mankote (Boys), Middle School Nar Mankote, Middle School Thera and several primary schools including Basni, Chontra, Deriyaran and Lower Tain.
The improvements underscore the Government’s focus on modernizing academic facilities, promoting digital and experiential learning and ensuring safe and conducive school environments for children in rural and tribal areas.
On the sports front, significant investments were made to nurture youth talent and encourage physical activity. The Minister inaugurated the Mini Sports Stadium at Panchayat Magyad Keni, launched the upgrade of the Sports Stadium at Chhajla through chain-link fencing, and initiated work on a modern Sports Complex at Panchayat Mankote Lower (Ward 4).
These facilities are expected to provide structured training spaces, encourage participation in organized sports and offer meaningful recreational opportunities to local youth.
Equally noteworthy were the drinking water and Jal Shakti projects unveiled today. These include the WSS Sagra Balhar Lower Devta, WSS Kasbalari, WSS Ramkund Chhajla, the drilling of a 250 mm tube-well at Mankote, and the establishment of a Receiving Station at Ghani.
With these projects, potable water availability is expected to increase substantially, addressing chronic shortages and ensuring a reliable supply to households in water-stressed areas.
To strengthen administrative outreach and community support systems, the Minister also inaugurated an Inspection Hut with a Chowkidar’s Quarter and Driver’s Rest Room at Mankote, as well as the newly constructed Zonal Education Office, marking a step forward in improving service delivery and governance at the grassroots.
Rana reiterated the Government’s commitment to and sustained focus on the holistic and sustainable development of border and remote regions. He stated that the projects inaugurated constitute only the beginning of a much larger developmental roadmap that aims to transform every village in Mankote into a model of progress and opportunity.
He thanked the local residents for their continuous support and directed officials to ensure time-bound execution of all works with complete transparency and adherence to quality standards, stating that inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects worth ₹75 crore mark a momentous day for Mankote Block, promising far-reaching improvements in road connectivity, public services, water supply systems, educational facilities and sports infrastructure.
Together, he said, these initiatives lay a strong foundation for sustained, inclusive and forward-looking development in this crucial border region of Poonch.
BANDIPORA NOV 25:-The J&K Women’s Development Corporation (JKWDC) today organised a one-day Mega Awareness Camp-cum-Loan Mela at Government Degree College (GDC) Ajas Bandipora. The programme was sponsored by the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
The event was graced by the Incharge Principal GDC Ajas and the Principal Govt. Higher Secondary School Ajas, Bandipora, who attended as Chief Guests, while Dr. Mir Amina, Medical Officer Hajin, also graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. They were warmly received by Ms. Gul Yasmeen, District Manager JKWDC (Bandipora–Srinagar–Budgam), along with her team.
The programme aimed to sensitise the public about various self-employment, livelihood, and financial assistance schemes offered by JKWDC and NMDFC to promote women’s economic independence.
A large gathering, including local women entrepreneurs, participated in the camp.
Addressing the audience, the dignitaries highlighted the need for women to actively utilise government-sponsored livelihood schemes for sustainable income generation and empowerment.
The Principal GDC Ajas, Principal GHSS Ajas, and Dr. Mir Amina, Medical Officer Hajin, delivered insightful sessions on women’s safety, legal rights, health awareness, and women’s empowerment schemes, which were well received by the participants.
JKWDC officials, including Mr. Tahir Parvez and Ms. Gul Yasmeen, District Manager (Bandipora–Srinagar–Budgam), briefed attendees about various loan products, eligibility criteria, and the benefits available under different schemes. They also extended gratitude to the higher authorities for enabling such outreach initiatives in rural pockets.
A Welcome Address and Vote of Thanks were presented by Mr. Shabir Ahmad Wani, District Manager, who applauded the cooperation of all stakeholders in making the event successful.
Reaffirming its mission, JKWDC pledged continued efforts toward women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship promotion, and financial inclusion across Jammu & Kashmir.
The programme proceedings were conducted by Mr. Bilal Bhat, Social Reformer and Motivational Speaker.
