Day: January 6, 2026

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SRINAGAR-PULWAMA JAN 06:-The International Human Rights Organization (IHRO), Jammu & Kashmir Chapter,today organised a meaningful awareness programme under the theme Run for Drug-Free Society by Muneer, covering a distance of 3 kilometres at Ratnipora, Pulwama. The programme was organised by Mr. Muneer Ahmed, Head Sports Wing, IHRO.

The primary objective of the run was to create awareness about the growing menace of drug abuse, which has been increasingly affecting Kashmiri youth. Speakers highlighted that drugs have become a slow poison, posing a serious threat to the future of the younger generation and society at large.

More than 50 young boys enthusiastically participated in the run, demonstrating their commitment towards building a drug-free society. All participants were felicitated with certificates and awards in recognition of their efforts and participation.

Several senior office bearers of IHRO J&K Chapter were present on the occasion, including: Mr Altaf Bhat, President, IHRO J&K Chapter, Mr. Yakub Dunoo, Head Tourism Wing & Media In-Charge, Mr. Muneer Ahmed, Head Sports Wing Mr. Aafaq Rashid, Head Health Wing,Ms. Rehana Bhatt, and Ms. Roshan Ara, Head Art and Culture Wing

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Altaf Bhat appreciated the active participation of the youth and applauded their resolve to stay away from drugs. He also extended special thanks to *Mr. Towfeeq Ali* for his valuable support and contribution in making the programme a success.

The event concluded with a strong message of unity and collective responsibility to safeguard the youth and promote a healthy, drug-free society.

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SRINAGAR JAN, 06:-Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today released the official calendars of the Tourism Department and the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at a formal ceremony, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting J&K as a premier all-season tourist destination.

The calendars showcase breathtaking photographs of iconic and lesser-known destinations across both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, reflecting the region’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure potential. Alongside visuals, the calendars also highlight key achievements and initiatives undertaken to strengthen tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized the vital role of tourism in J&K’s economy, noting that innovative promotional tools like these calendars help present a positive and vibrant image of the Union Territory to the country and the world. He lauded the efforts of the Tourism Department and the J&K Cable Car Corporation for curating compelling content that captures the diversity of destinations—from valleys and meadows to pilgrimage and adventure sites.

Senior officials of the Tourism Department and J&K Cable Car Corporation were present during the release. The calendars are expected to serve as an effective outreach and branding initiative, encouraging increased footfall and sustained growth in the tourism sector.

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SRINAGAR, JAN, 06:-Several deputations and individuals today called on the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, at Srinagar to apprise him of various public and service-related issues and seek redressal of their long-pending grievances.

A delegation of the All J&K Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association submitted a detailed memorandum to the Minister, highlighting key demands such as the re-designation of left-over Class IV forest employees, rectification of pay anomalies affecting forest field staff, and resolution of other service-related concerns that have been pending for a considerable period.

Another deputation representing employees of the erstwhile IWDP-Hills J&K raised issues pertaining to the settlement of their outstanding grievances and sought early intervention for their resolution.
Several other deputations and individuals also met the Minister and brought to his notice a range of public issues, including the need for improved basic infrastructure, better road connectivity in remote areas, strengthening of drinking water supply systems, and the early disposal of pending claims under the Forest Rights Act.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to all the deputations and assured them that their concerns would be addressed in a time-bound manner. He reiterated that redressal of public grievances remains a top priority of the present government and informed that necessary directions have already been issued to the concerned departments to ensure prompt and effective action.

**Calls for united efforts to empower tribal communities through responsive governance**

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SRINAGAR JAN, 06:-In a major outreach initiative reflecting the government’s commitment to participatory and inclusive governance, Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, chaired a high level interactive session with eminent personalities from the tribal communities of the Kashmir Division at Srinagar.

The day long interaction brought together a distinguished gathering of tribal artists, writers, poets, social activists, conservationists, public representatives and community leaders, providing a meaningful platform for direct dialogue between the government and grassroot voices. The session was aimed at capturing lived experiences and informed suggestions to refine the government’s policies and programmes for tribal welfare.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana described the interaction as a collaborative effort rather than a routine meeting, stressing that genuine tribal upliftment must be shaped by the aspirations and lived realities of the communities themselves.

“This interaction reflects our shared responsibility towards inclusion, empowerment and dignity of tribals. Development can be sustainable only when it is guided by the voices of those it seeks to serve,” the Minister said.

He underlined the critical role of domain experts, elected representatives and socially influential voices in shaping effective policies and monitoring their execution, particularly in remote and tribal dominated areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

“This approach fosters collaborative governance, where policy intent aligns with ground realities. When community wisdom and administrative action move together, public welfare outcomes become meaningful and lasting,” Rana observed.

The Minister urged writers, artists, poets and civil society leaders to take the lead in initiatives for the welfare of tribal and other vulnerable communities, noting that their cultural and social influence places them in a unique position to guide and mobilize society.

He said the interactive session would serve as a strategic platform for sustained engagement, enabling the government to respond to the evolving social, cultural and economic needs of tribal populations.

Emphasising the vision of “Responsive Governance,” he assured participants that the insights shared would directly inform future policy frameworks.

Education emerged as a key focus area during the deliberations. Rana reiterated that tribal education remains a top priority of the government, with special emphasis on quality residential education through upgraded hostels, timely scholarships for Scheduled Tribe students and organized educational exposure programmes to ensure that no tribal child is left behind.

He informed that infrastructure in Gujjar and Bakarwal hostels is being strengthened alongside implementation of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (ERMS) to ensure quality education.

Highlighting the importance of balancing development with tradition, the Minister stressed the need for systematic documentation and preservation of tribal history, languages, art and oral traditions. He said cultural preservation is central to strengthening tribal identity and self-respect and institutions like the Tribal Research Institute would play a pivotal role in this effort.

On livelihood generation, the Minister emphasized promotion of eco-tourism through tribal homestays, particularly in border and remote areas and strengthening of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras to add value to forest produce. These initiatives, he said, are designed to enable tribal communities to become self-reliant entrepreneurs while maintaining ecological balance.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to tribal rights, Minister Rana emphasized that implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) remains a priority, with focused efforts to ensure legal security over land and forest resources through strengthened institutional mechanisms.

He stated that the Omar Abdullah led Government is fully committed to the comprehensive development and well being of tribal population across Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlighted the Union Government’s renewed focus on tribal welfare and stressed the need for coordinated, mission mode implementation of welfare initiatives.

The Minister outlined key schemes being implemented for tribal welfare, including the Capex Budget, Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS), Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), Dharti Abha Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), and the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY).

The interactive session was attended by MLA Kokernag, Zaffar Khatana, DDC Chairperson Anantnag Mohammad Yousuf Kohli and DDC Vice Chairperson Anantnag Nazir Choudhary. Senior officers present included Director Tribal Affairs, J&K, Mumtaz Ali, Deputy Director Tribal Affairs Jammu and Nodal Officer, Tribal Research Institute, Dr Abdul Khabir and Deputy Director Tribal Affairs Kashmir, Syed Mushtaq Rizvi.

Prominent citizens, writers, artists, poets and representatives from various tribal communities of the Kashmir Division actively participated in the deliberations and placed their demands and suggestions before the Minister. Key issues raised included upgradation of facilities in tribal areas, documentation of oral histories, promotion of tribal languages and culture and streamlining of forest-related clearances for community welfare activities.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to all concerns and directed the concerned officers to ensure prompt and time bound redressal of the issues raised.

The session concluded on a note of shared resolve and optimism, marking an important step towards strengthening trust, ensuring inclusive governance and advancing the collective goal of empowering tribal communities as equal partners in Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey.

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SRINAGAR JAN, 06:-On the 10th death anniversary of Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP), led by Party General Secretary Khurshid Alam  organized a blood donation camp at the District Headquarters in Srinagar. This event served as a heartfelt tribute to a towering leader whose life was marked by compassion, humanity, and selfless public service.

The blood donation camp reflects the enduring spirit of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s commitment to saving lives, keeping his legacy alive even in his absence. Among the participants, JKPDP Women’s Wing District President Srinagar, Sara Nayeema, also donated blood, exemplifying the party’s dedication to community welfare.

JKPDP’s initiative highlights the importance of public service and humanitarian acts in honoring the memory of leaders who devoted their lives to the betterment of society. Through this noble gesture, the party encourages citizens to contribute to life-saving causes and uphold the values championed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

The JKPDP calls upon the community to join such efforts in the future as a meaningful way to remember and honor those who have served selflessly.