Day: December 30, 2025
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Poonch District Hockey tourney from January 03-2026
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
POONCH DECM 30:-The Part of the annual calendar of activities, the three-day District Poonch Hockey Championship shall be held from January 3rd at Astroturf fields.
The competition is being organised under the aegis of Hockey J&K and sponsored by the J&K Sports Council. All the affiliated clubs,schools, and recognized hockey teams of the district are advised to get registered for the district meet.
Such eligible teams may contact Sanjeev Kumar (9797413600),senior vice president Hockey J&K for registration and competition related queries, a handout issued here today informed.
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Multiple Public Delegations Call on Minister Javed Rana; Directions Issued for Time-Bound Redressal of Grievances
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JAMMU DECM 30:-Several public delegations and individual applicants today met Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, and apprised him of a range of issues requiring immediate government intervention.
The delegations included representatives of land donors associated with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, daily wagers, and residents of Block Nagrota, led by District Development Council (DDC) Member Nagrota, Shamim Begum.
The delegations highlighted long-pending concerns related to service matters, land compensation, and civic amenities, seeking early resolution.
A separate delegation led by Retired Colonel Rashid Ahmed raised the issue of release of Social Forestry land in Samba, emphasizing the need for timely administrative action in accordance with established norms.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of PET Society Jammu & Kashmir brought to the Minister’s notice the pressing issue of ensuring uninterrupted and regular water supply to Darul Salam Children Home at Jadeed Baghat, Sopore.
Additionally, contractors engaged under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) met the Minister and sought the release of their pending claims against works already executed under the mission.
Several individual applicants also submitted their grievances and requests, seeking personal intervention for early redressal.
The Minister listened patiently to each delegation and took serious note of the issues raised.
He issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned departmental officers to examine all genuine cases promptly and ensure their expeditious resolution in a transparent manner, strictly in accordance with rules and within stipulated timelines.
Reiterating Omar Abdullah-led Government’s firm commitment to responsive governance and effective public service delivery, the Minister emphasized that addressing public grievances and facilitating citizens through a transparent and accountable system remains a top priority of the present dispensation.
He further directed officers to maintain close coordination with stakeholders and ensure that no genuine public concern is left unattended.
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Noorkash Foundation, Smile Foundation Organise Free Medical Camp for Orphans at Bijbehara
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ANANTNAG-SRINAGAR DECM 30:-In a significant humanitarian initiative aimed at reaching the most vulnerable sections of society, Noorkash Foundation in collaboration with Smile Foundation organised a free medical camp at the Yateem Trust, Pazal Pora, Bijbehara.
The camp was held at Bostan-ul-Banat Orphanage, where dozens of orphaned children and locals received much-needed medical attention and health consultations.
A team of experienced doctors from Ayush department and healthcare workers attended the camp and conducted comprehensive medical check-ups of the children.
The doctors examined the orphans for common ailments, assessed their overall health status, and provided free medicines wherever required. Special attention was given to nutritional deficiencies, seasonal illnesses, and general well-being, ensuring that each child received personalised care and guidance.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of the Smile Foundation, Ms Masrat Jan, said that organising such medical camps is a continuous effort by the foundation to ensure healthcare reaches every corner of Kashmir.
“We believe that access to basic healthcare is a fundamental right, especially for children who are orphaned and living in institutional care. Smile Foundation has been organising free medical camps across different parts of Kashmir, and we will continue to extend these services to underserved and neglected communities,” she said.
Chairman of Noorkash Foundation, Waqar Fayaz, said that the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.
“Our aim is to reach every downtrodden and marginalised section of society. Orphans and underprivileged children deserve care, dignity, and proper medical attention. This camp is part of our broader mission to serve humanity without discrimination,” he said, adding that Noorkash Foundation will continue to collaborate with like-minded organisations to maximise its outreach.The management of the Yateem Trust appreciated the efforts of both foundations. Trustee Noor Mohammad Vaid expressed gratitude to the organisers and medical team for their selfless service.
“We are thankful to Smile Foundation and Noorkash Foundation for holding this medical camp at our orphanage. Such initiatives not only address immediate health concerns but also bring comfort and hope to these children,” he said.Local residents and staff of the orphanage also welcomed the initiative, terming it a timely and much-needed intervention. They stressed that regular medical camps are essential for the holistic development and healthy upbringing of orphaned children.
The organisers said similar welfare programmes, including health awareness drives and support services, will be organised in the future to ensure that no vulnerable section of society is left behind.
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SSP Traffic Rural Jammu Holds Public Meeting in Samba to Strengthen Traffic Management
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SAMBA-JAMMU DECM 30:-In an effort to improve traffic management and strengthen public participation, SSP Traffic Rural Jammu, Farooq Qaiser, on Tuesday held a public meeting with representatives of various transport unions and civil society members of the Samba area.
The meeting aimed at enhancing coordination between traffic authorities and stakeholders to ensure smoother traffic flow and road safety. The SSP was accompanied by Sukhdev Singh, DySP Traffic Samba–Kathua, along with District Traffic Inspectors of Samba, Vijaypur, and Bari Brahmana.
Several prominent representatives from transport unions attended the meeting and shared their concerns. Notable speakers included Amandeep Singh, Chairman Truck Association Samba; Vinod Singh Vinny, President Truck Association Samba; Ravinder Singh Babu, President All India Akhil Transport; Varinder Singh, Chairman KIMT; Manjeet Singh, Chairman Truck Association Bari Brahmana; and Rajinder Singh, President Matador Union Samba.
During the interaction, participants highlighted key issues affecting traffic management in the town, including lack of parking facilities, non-availability of designated matador stands, heavy challaning of vehicles, and frequent traffic congestion in Samba.
Addressing the gathering, SSP Farooq Qaiser assured that all issues falling within his jurisdiction would be addressed at the earliest, while concerns related to other departments would be taken up with the concerned authorities. He emphasized the importance of cooperation from transport unions and the general public for effective traffic regulation.
The participants appreciated the interactive session and expressed hope that such meetings would be held regularly to resolve traffic-related problems.
Meanwhile, SSP Traffic Rural Jammu reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of the Motor Vehicles Act and traffic safety norms. He appealed to the public to strictly adhere to traffic rules to promote road safety and prevent road accidents.
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Demand Intensifies for Year-Round Opening of Mughal Road
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*Thannamandi residents urge UT and Centre to declare historic route of national importance, ensure all-weather connectivity*
LIAQAT ALI KHATANA
RAJOURI DECM 30:-The long-standing demand to keep the historic Mughal Road open throughout the year has gained renewed momentum, with residents of Thannamandi and adjoining areas urging the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory administration and the Central Government to take immediate and concrete steps for uninterrupted connectivity.
Locals asserted that the Mughal Road is not merely an alternative route but a critical social, economic, and historical lifeline linking the Kashmir Valley with the Rajouri–Poonch belt through the Pir Panjal range. Constructed during the Mughal era, the road remains closed for several months every winter due to heavy snowfall, resulting in widespread hardship for residents of Thannamandi, Surankote, Poonch, Rajouri, and nearby regions.
The prolonged closure severely impacts trade, tourism, and the daily movement of people. Traders and transporters face major losses, while residents are compelled to take longer and costlier alternative routes. Public representatives said the situation hampers regional growth and keeps vast areas cut off during critical months.
Drawing comparisons with strategic projects like the Jawahar Tunnel and Banihal Tunnel, residents and civil society members emphasized that developing the Mughal Road as an all-weather corridor—either through tunnel construction or a robust, modern snow-clearance mechanism—could transform the region’s economic landscape.
Serious concerns were also raised over the impact on essential services. During winter closures, access to healthcare, emergency services, and educational institutions becomes extremely difficult, forcing patients and students to undertake exhausting detours, often at great risk and expense.
The residents have collectively appealed to the government to declare the Mughal Road a road of national importance and allocate dedicated resources for a permanent solution. They believe that year-round connectivity would strengthen inter-regional integration, boost tourism, create employment opportunities, and bring long-awaited relief to the people of the Pir Panjal region. -
Javed Rana Reviews Water Supply Schemes in Jammu North
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JAMMU DECM 30:-Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of water supply schemes in the Jammu North constituency, attended by legislator Sham Lal Sharma.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials, including the Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, and other departmental officers.
During the deliberations, the Minister emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of ongoing projects and address the challenges confronting water infrastructure in the region. He took note of the status of several schemes and urged officials to ensure strict adherence to approved timelines. Stressing the importance of maintaining functional assets, Rana directed the immediate restoration of defunct tube-wells and instructed engineering staff to undertake corrective measures wherever deficiencies were observed.
The Minister further underscored the necessity of close coordination with the Wildlife Department to resolve clearance-related hurdles. He pointed out that issues concerning pipe-laying and construction activities in protected and fringe areas must be addressed proactively to prevent unnecessary delays. In addition, he issued firm instructions on contractor accountability, directing officials to engage directly with executing agencies to identify bottlenecks at the ground level. He warned that contractors failing to meet prescribed quality standards or timelines would face penal action.
Reaffirming Omar Abdullah-led Government’s commitment to providing safe and adequate drinking water to every household, Rana called for rigorous monitoring of works and regular progress reviews. He stressed that timely delivery of projects is essential to ensure that the benefits of improved water infrastructure reach the people without further delay.
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IWO Condemns Suspension of Lecturer for Offering Namaz, Calls Action Discriminatory and Unjust
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
RAJOURI DECM 30:-The Islamic Welfare Organisation (IWO) has strongly condemned the suspension of a lecturer by the Education Department, Rajouri, for offering namaz, terming the action arbitrary, unconstitutional, and discriminatory.
In a strongly worded statement, the IWO said that offering prayers is a fundamental religious right guaranteed under the Constitution of India and cannot be classified as professional misconduct, especially when performed during personal time. “Prayer is not a crime,” the organisation asserted.
The IWO also highlighted an apparent double standard by the authorities, pointing to a viral video involving another teacher allegedly engaged in conduct that violates the dignity, decorum, and ethics of the school environment. Despite widespread circulation of the video, no action has reportedly been taken against that individual so far. The organisation said this selective approach raises serious questions about fairness, impartiality, and intent.
Referring to the incident at Chingus, the IWO said the suspension of the lecturer solely for offering namaz reflects a prejudiced and discriminatory mindset, which not only hurts the sentiments of a particular community but also undermines the credibility of the education system. “Justice cannot be selective; the same standards must apply to everyone, irrespective of religion,” the statement read.
The organisation expressed grave concern over what it described as a growing pattern of targeted harassment of Muslim teachers, particularly those teaching Arabic, Urdu, and related subjects. According to the IWO, such actions give rise to apprehensions that the Education Department is toeing a particular ideological line, which could have dangerous consequences for communal harmony and the secular fabric of education.
Holding the Education Department, Rajouri, and the Hon’ble Education Minister Ms. Sakina Ittoo responsible, the IWO demanded the immediate revocation of the suspension order and called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into all cases of alleged misconduct, without fear or favour.
The IWO urged the government to uphold constitutional values of equality, secularism, and religious freedom, and ensure that no individual is victimised for peacefully practising their faith.
