Day: January 24, 2026

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RAJOURI, JANUARY 24:-Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, today chaired a meeting to review the status of snow clearance operations in snowbound areas of the district and the status of essential supplies and services.

During the meeting, the DC took a detailed review of the condition of major roads, including Rajouri–Thanamandi–Surankote road, Jammu–Poonch National Highway and other roads maintained by PWD and PMGSY. He assessed the progress of snow clearance and directed the concerned departments to ensure restoration of all roads at the earliest on a priority basis, particularly those connecting remote and vulnerable areas.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized maintaining uninterrupted connectivity to facilitate the movement of essential supplies and emergency services. He instructed officers to deploy adequate machinery and manpower and to remain on alert till normalcy is fully restored.

The DC also reviewed the status of health facilities, water supply and electricity supply in the affected areas. He directed the concerned departments to ensure that all essential services remain functional and any disruptions are addressed promptly, with special focus on snowbound and far-flung areas.

The meeting was attended by ADC Chander Prakash, Additional SP Bikram Kumar, Executive Engineer PDD Abdul Rasheed, Executive Engineer PMGSY Shahid Choudhary, CMO Manohar Lal Rana, representatives from BRO, other district and sectoral officers, who briefed the chair about the ground situation and ongoing measures.

NO: PR/DDI/J/5202//

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RAJOURI, JANUARY 24:-The District Administration Rajouri, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, today organised a special event to celebrate National Girl Child Day with the theme “Empowering Girls for a Better Tomorrow.” The event aimed to promote awareness about the rights, education, safety and empowerment of the girl child.

Deputy Commissioner, Abhishek Sharma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, the DC extended heartfelt greetings to the girls present. He highlighted the pivotal role played by women in India’s freedom struggle and social revolution, stating that women have always been at the forefront of nation-building.

The DC emphasized that women’s safety and said “Preventing crime against women is integral component of women empowerment,.” He called upon society as a whole to ensure a secure, respectful and enabling environment for girls to realize their full potential.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Malikzada Sheraz ul Haq also shared his views on the importance of gender equality and collective responsibility towards empowering the girl child through education, awareness and institutional support.

Several other speakers also highlighted the significance of National Girl Child Day and stressed the need for sustained efforts to uplift girls socially, educationally and economically.

The girl students actively participated in a debate competition, showcasing their confidence, ideas and perspectives on issues related to women empowerment and gender equality. Officers, officials and students were also felicitated at the conclusion of the programme in recognition of their contributions and participation.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Rajouri.

The event was attended by ACD Auqil Naveed, DSWO Abdul Raheem, Tehsildar Headquarters Insha Khalid, Principal Boys HSS, Muslim Wani, Principal Girls HSS, TSWO Nidhi, Inspector Farha Jabeen, other district and sectoral officers along with students and staff.

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RAJOURI JANUARY 24:-The District Administration Rajouri is set to celebrate the 16th National Voters’ Day on January 25, 2025, with the aim of promoting electoral awareness and encouraging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.
As part of the celebrations, a rally will be organised at 10:30 a.m., which will commence from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Rajouri, and culminate at Dak Bungalow, Rajouri. Following the rally, the main function will be held at Dak Bungalow, where various programmes and activities related to voter awareness and democratic participation will take place.

Officials stated that the event is intended to highlight the importance of voting, especially among first-time voters, and to reaffirm the commitment of the administration towards strengthening democracy at the grassroots level. Citizens from all sections of society have been encouraged to participate in the programme.

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RAJOURI JANUARY 24:-The District Administration Rajouri today conducted a full dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations at the District Police Lines (DPL), marking a significant step towards ensuring smooth and grand celebrations on January 26.

The rehearsal was presided over by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Malikzada Sheraz ul Haq, who reviewed the proceedings and arrangements in detail. Parade contingents drawn from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Forest Protection Force (FPF), NCC and students from various educational institutions participated in the march past, displaying impressive coordination, discipline and dedication.

The Police Band led the parade, creating an atmosphere charged with patriotism and national pride. The synchronized march past by the contingents reflected their rigorous preparation and commitment.

Adding color and vibrancy to the event, students presented cultural performances imbued with patriotic fervour, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.

The ADDC expressed satisfaction over the overall performance of the parade contingents and cultural troupes. He encouraged all participants to further refine their performances, enhance enthusiasm and present an even more spirited display on the main day to ensure the success of the Republic Day 2026.

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RAJOURI JANUARY 24:-Former Minister and Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali, has expressed serious concern over the prolonged closure of roads in the Budhal–Darhal area of Rajouri district following heavy snowfall and incessant rainfall.

In a press statement issued here today Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali said he has received numerous distress calls from residents of various villages in the Budhal Assembly Constituency. The callers informed him that the Rajouri–Budhal main road, a vital link connecting the area with the district headquarters, has remained closed for the past two days, causing severe inconvenience to the local population.
He stated that heavy snowfall has caused extensive damage to public infrastructure. Power supply in the region has been badly disrupted, while interior roads across the constituency are in poor condition, leaving several areas completely cut off from the sub-divisional headquarters Kotranka and district headquarters Rajouri. Water supply and internet connectivity have also been adversely affected.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali said that patients, students, elderly people, and daily commuters are facing immense hardship due to the lack of road connectivity and essential services.

The former minister urged the District Administration Rajouri to expedite snow clearance operations and ensure the immediate restoration of essential utilities, including electricity, water supply, and internet services. He also appealed for the temporary closure of educational institutions in the affected areas until weather conditions improve and road connectivity is fully restored, in the interest of student safety.

Emphasizing the need for uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, he said necessary arrangements must be made to prevent public suffering during the ongoing spell of inclement weather.
Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali further informed that he has personally taken up the matter with senior district officers and requested the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to clear the Rajouri–Budhal road on a war-footing basis to restore normalcy at the earliest.

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MENDHAR, JANUARY 24:- In a significant political development, dozens of residents from Mendhar town on Friday joined the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), expressing strong faith in the leadership of senior NC leader and Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana.

The induction of new members is being viewed as a major boost to the National Conference’s organizational strength in the Mendhar constituency, reflecting growing public confidence in the party’s vision and leadership.

Those who joined the party included prominent social and trade body representatives such as Subash Chander Sharma; Dr. Vinod Dutta, President of Monyal Sabha; Balram Sharma, President of Beopar Mandal; Ramesh Chander Bali, President of Anjani Nandan Charitable Trust; Rohani Chandan, President of Saraf Association; Rajeev Gupta, President of Mahajan Sabha; and Sham Gupta, Vice President of Mahajan Sabha, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, the new entrants said they were deeply influenced by the consistent developmental initiatives and people-centric governance model of Javed Ahmed Rana.

They lauded his inclusive approach, noting that he has served the people of the constituency without discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, or political affiliation. They said they were drawn to the National Conference due to its strong secular fabric at its core, which promotes unity, harmony and equal opportunities for all sections of society.

The members pledged their full support to Rana in his continued efforts toward public welfare and grassroots development.

The joining members also expressed confidence in the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government, stating that it remains committed to transparent, people-oriented governance and policies focused on inclusive and sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir.

Local NC leaders warmly welcomed the new members into the party fold and described the development as a clear reflection of the growing trust and faith of the people in the National Conference and its leadership in Mendhar.