Day: January 5, 2026
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Government Has Failed at Ground Level in J&K: Mohammad Faheem Reshi
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
SRINAGAR JAN, 05:-Mohammad Faheem Reshi, Chairman of Greater Shah-re-Khaas Leadership, on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the present government, alleging a complete failure of governance at the grassroots level in Jammu & Kashmir.
Reshi said there is no visible governance on the ground and accused successive governments over the past 35 years of enjoying protocol and salaries while ordinary people continue to suffer. He alleged that during elections, leaders resort to emotional drama and make false promises to mislead the people, only to abandon those commitments once elections are over.
Highlighting the growing hardships faced by the public, Reshi said that poor families are struggling to survive, while educated youth are grappling with unemployment and an uncertain future.
Questioning the government’s unfulfilled assurances, he said, “I want to ask the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir—where are the promised one lakh jobs? Where are the 12 free LPG gas cylinders? Where is the promise of 200 units of free electricity for poor families?”
Reshi strongly condemned what he termed as “fake promises” and accused the government of betraying the trust of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He asserted that the people deserve accountability, transparency, and genuine development, not hollow assurances and unfulfilled commitments.
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14-Year-Old Boy Critically Injured by High-Voltage Electrocution at Budgam Railway Station; Traders, Chambers Appeal for Help
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
SRINAGAR JAN, 05:-A 14-year-old boy, Reyan Ahmed Dar, a resident of Mahrajpora Batamaloo, is battling for his life after suffering a severe electric shock at Budgam Railway Station on December 26. Reyan reportedly came into contact with a high-voltage electric source estimated at around 25,000 KV, leaving him critically injured.
He is currently admitted to the Burn Ward ICU at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, where doctors are making all possible efforts to save his life. Medical sources said that Reyan has suffered serious internal injuries, and doctors are draining clotted blood from his brain and legs. Further scans and additional surgeries are expected in the coming days. His recovery, if successful, may take several months.
The tragic incident has pushed Reyan’s family into immense emotional and financial distress. In view of the critical condition of the child and the mounting medical expenses, Shah-re-Khaas traders and chambers have issued a humanitarian appeal to the public, urging people to come forward with financial assistance and prayers.
“Every contribution, big or small, can help save a precious life,” the appeal reads, adding that collective support during this critical hour can make a meaningful difference.
Bank Details for Assistance:
Account Number: 0523040150000144
IFSC Code: JAKAOBATMOL
Account Name: Shameem Ahmed Dar (Father of Reyan Ahmed Dar)
Well-wishers and social organisations have also appealed to the authorities concerned to look into the circumstances of the incident at Budgam Railway Station and ensure strict safety measures to prevent such tragic accidents in the future. -

Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri: Serving Institutions Without Seeking Spotlight.
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
BY SAHIL HAMID
RAJOURI JAN,04:-Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri, an eminent academician and administrator from the district of Rajouri, has carved a distinguished place for himself in the landscape of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir through decades of sincere service, integrity, and scholarly excellence. His career stands as a reflection of perseverance, intellectual commitment, and an unshakable belief in ethical public service.
He pursued his Master’s degree in Wildlife Science from Aligarh Muslim University during 1997–1999 and later earned his Ph.D. in Wildlife Science from the University of Mumbai between 2001 and 2005. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his lifelong engagement with ecological research and institutional leadership. He began his professional journey as a Senior Research Scholar at the Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai, where he contributed to wildlife and conservation studies of national importance. He later served as Scientist (Senior Scale) at the Centre for Biodiversity Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, playing a key role in strengthening biodiversity research initiatives.
His administrative contributions have been equally significant. At Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, he served as Deputy Registrar from July 2005 to December 2012 and also held the important responsibility of Registrar, contributing decisively during crucial phases of the university’s institutional growth. His work covered campus development, human resource planning, internal quality assurance, academic affairs, recruitment, project management, public relations, and estate and legal matters. His administrative conduct was marked by transparency, fairness, and a deep sense of accountability.
Since January 2013, he has been serving the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, where he is currently holding the position of Joint Registrar. In this role, he continues to contribute to effective academic governance and administrative coordination, earning respect for his balanced decision-making and ethical approach.
Alongside administration, he has made valuable contributions to ecological research, particularly on threatened bird species such as the Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Kashmir Flycatcher, and Narcondam Hornbill. His studies on montane wet-temperate forests, high-altitude Shola grasslands, and invasive species like Scotch Broom in the Western Ghats have enriched conservation science in one of the world’s most critical biodiversity regions. As a Principal Investigator and Coordinator, he has also implemented nature education programmes for school children, bioresource-based training initiatives for rural women and artisans, and several eco-development projects funded by departments of the Government of India.
What truly distinguishes him is his personal character.Dr Zari Known for honesty, simplicity, and unwavering dedication to work, he has remained humble and accessible despite holding key administrative positions. Coming from a modest background in Rajouri, his journey to academic and administrative distinction was shaped by struggle, hard work, and determination.
His life and career serve as an inspiring example of how integrity, knowledge, and perseverance can together create lasting impact. His contributions continue to benefit institutions, communities, and future generations, leaving behind a legacy rooted in service and sincerity
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JKTA hold mega convention at Jammu _Teachers can play a pivotal role in shaping Society : JKTA outlined an agenda for the new year._
GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL
JAMMU JAN, 04:-The Jammu Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA) organized a mega convention at Government College for Women, Gandhinagar, Jammu to deliberate upon the evolving role of teachers and the challenges confronting the teaching fraternity. The convention was held on the theme of the “role of teachers in grooming the complete development of students and addressing the academic, administrative, and infrastructural challenges faced by teachers in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.” The Association reiterated that education must go beyond classroom instruction and examinations and must consciously focus on character building, environmental awareness, management education, teacher education, and the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages like Dogri, Bhaderwahi, Padri, Rambani, Bhalesi, Pogali, Sarazi, Khashali, Rudhari besides cross cultures Of Jammu province. JKTA leaders stressed that these core concepts would enrich the learning experience of students and contribute significantly to their intellectual, moral, cultural, and social development throughout Jammu and Kashmir, while reinforcing the teacher’s pivotal role in shaping society and nurturing responsible and enlightened citizens.
The convention witnessed participation from District Presidents of all districts of the Jammu Province along with provincial and executive body members of the Association besides zonal level members reflecting unity, collective resolve, and institutional strength of the teaching community.
Alongside academic discourse, the Association strongly highlighted several genuine and long-pending service-related issues affecting teachers and urged the concerned authorities for their early and just resolution, including the timely conduct of DPC for promotion of teachers to the post of Masters, one-time exemption of post-facto, non conduct of the Brig course, issues relating to OPS, immediate release of the pending ATD lists for Jammu and Udhampur districts, and relieving teachers from non-teaching and non-academic assignments so that they may focus fully on teaching and student development. The Association asserted that resolution of these issues is essential for improving teacher morale, strengthening institutional efficiency, and ensuring quality education delivery.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Poonam Thakur, Provincial President Women Wing JKTA, while the welcome address was presented by Mr. Akhter Abbas Naik, Senior Vice President JKTA. The convention was addressed and attended by senior leaders and representatives including
Akhter Abbas Naik, UT Senior Vice President; Juginder Dingra, UT Vice President; Ishaq Rashid, UT Secretary; Sadaket Malik, UT Media Spokesperson;
Tirath Singh Balwal, Provincial Vice President, UT Provincial President; Pawan Verma, Provincial President; Poonam Thakur, Provincial President Female Wing; Farooq Runyal, District President Ramban; Sudesh Kumar, District President Udhampur; Madhu Samyal, District President Jammu; Dhruv Singh, District President Samba; Sunil Bhardwaj, District President Kathua; Sajad Malik, District President Reasi; Mohinder Singh, District President Kishtwar; Ishaq Khayal, District President Poonch; and Dr. Vidhu Bhushan, District President Rajouri. The seminar was held under the leadership of Mr. Bhupinder Singh, President JKTA (JK-UT), who emphasized sustained academic dialogue and constructive engagement with authorities for meaningful educational reforms.Bhupinder Singh UT President JKTA in his presidential address discussed its strategic priorities and outlined an agenda for the new year. quality education, teacher welfare, preservation of indigenous languages, and holistic development of students, and resolved to continue its efforts through dialogue, awareness, and democratic means in the larger interest of society. He said that JKTA is a plateform which streeses both duties and rights of the teaching fraternity of all levels. He added that the most important role which the teachers have to play for its stakeholders i.e Students. The JKTA asked the government to lookafter the perennial and non perenial issues of the teachers too upto March 2026
