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Tourism Directorate Jammu hosts enchanting devotional and cultural night at Jhiri Mela 2024

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#JAMMU: The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with the District Administration Jammu on Sunday organized a spectacular Devotional and Cultural Night as part of the ongoing Jhiri Mela 2024.

The event featured mesmerizing performances by renowned artists Lakhwinder Wadali, Ravi Raghuvanshi and Sonali Dogra, besides artists from JKAACL, who captivated the audience with their soulful melodies and vibrant cultural presentations.

Earlier in the day, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, paid obeisance to Baba Jitto Ji, honoring his enduring legacy of devotion and sacrifice.

The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with thousands of attendees celebrating the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu. It provided a vibrant platform to showcase local talent alongside celebrated artists, reinforcing the cultural ethos of the region.

Prominent dignitaries gracing the occasion included DDC Chairman Jammu, Bharat Bhushan, MLA Marh Surinder Bhagat, Director Tourism, Vivekanand Rai, and Joint Director Tourism Sunaina Sharma Mehta, who were the special guests of the evening.

Also present were Deputy Director Tourism Jammu Savita Chauhan, SDM Marh Ather Amin Zargar, Deputy Secretary I&C Ajay Salan and Additional SP Brijesh Sharma, who added to the grandeur of the event.

Adding a special touch to the evening, souvenirs crafted by Jammu Tourism were presented to singer Lakhwinder Wadali by Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta.

Expressing his gratitude, Lakhwinder Wadali wholeheartedly thanked the Tourism Department for inviting him to be part of the event. In his message, he said, “It is an honor to perform at such a significant occasion. I invite everyone to come to Jammu, witness its grand beauty, pay obeisance to Shri Baba Jitto Ji, and explore the region’s religious and other prominent destinations.”

The Jhiri Mela 2024, spanning from 14 November to 24 November, continues to attract visitors with its diverse cultural programs, devotional activities, and vibrant exhibitions.

Lieutenant Governor pays obeisance to Baba Jitto, interacts with farmers

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LG says, the sacrifice of Baba Jitto continues to inspire the society to work towards a stronger nation

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited the Jhiri Mela and paid obeisance to Baba Jitto at his Samadhi in Jhiri Village. He said, the sacrifice of Baba Jitto continues to inspire the society to work towards a stronger nation.

At Jhiri Mela ground, the Lt Governor addressed a large gathering of farmers and devotees. He announced that Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections will be held soon.

Highlighting the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Jhiri Mela, the Lieutenant Governor said the annual event reminds us about the sacrifices of our farming families and their vital role in serving and nurturing humanity.

“Jhiri Mela symbolizes cultural unity of India and the tradition tied in the thread of social values provides an opportunity to the people to learn about our heritage, culture, art and craft,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor shared the resolve of the government, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to transform the agriculture sector.

“Empowering farmers of the Union Territory of J&K is my mission and we have taken strategic steps to accelerate transformation in agriculture & allied sectors. We will ensure our youth in rural areas get equal opportunities to shine,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated his commitment to protect the rights of displaced families of POJK, West Pakistan Refugees, tribals, Valmikis and other deprived sections.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated progressive farmers, and officials engaged in the conduct of Jhiri Mela.  He also visited the stalls put up by the government departments, Agri-entrepreneurs and farmers. The event also featured impressive performances by the artists showcasing the rich art and culture of the region.

Sh Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, DDC Jammu; Sh Anand Jain, ADGP, Jammu; Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sh Surinder Kumar, Member of Legislative Assembly from Marh; Sh Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, senior officials, and people from all walks of life were present.

JMC launches newly procured Antismog Guns to mitigate dust pollution in high vehicular traffic zones

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JAMMU: In continuation of its efforts to provide a clean, green & healthy environment to citizens, Jammu Municipal Corporation today launched  two recently purchased  state of the art Antismog Guns with Water Sprinklers to mitigate air and dust pollution in high traffic areas.

These are special purpose anti smog guns each fitted with water sprinklers possessing 9000 liters capacity, have been procured under NCAP programme.

On the directions of the Commissioner, the water sprinkler gun operations were conducted in Dogra Chowk, Canal road, Secretariat road, Shakuntala, Raj Bhawan,  BC Road, Residency Road, Wazarat Road,  Amphalla to High Court Road- Kachi Chawni Palace Road, Vivekanand Chowk to Indira Chowk in North zone Jammu.

The drives will  continue to Vikram chowk – Airport, Vikram Chowk,  Panama Chowk, Green Belt Road, Gandhinagar, Channi and Trikuta nagar in Jammu South.

 JMC is continuously making efforts to mitigate air and dust pollution by sprinkling water on roads and air at different locations of Jammu city.

With the induction of these vehicles, the JMC now has increased its in its fleet of water Sprinklers of different capacity & ranges to 6, even as these two freshly procured vehicles are having additional feature of Anti Dust Gun on rear side of the vehicle, which increases the thrust of very fine spray particles to cover an area up to 30ft height from the ground level.

The utilization of these special purpose vehicles will also help to meet the guidelines of NGT & POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD authorities issued to take minimum basic measures for improvement of the quality of Air in Jammu Urban areas.

CM Omar Abdullah meets Finance Minister Sitharaman to conclude Delhi visit

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NEW DELHI: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, today met Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi to discuss key financial matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking to microblogging site X, Nirmala Sitharaman’s office shared: “Shri Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah), Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, calls on Smt @nsitharaman.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared on Instagram- “Called on Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, smt.@nsitharaman ji. Our discussion centred around crucial economic matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir. I passionately advocated for much-needed support from the Union Finance Ministry for the region.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed optimism that collaborative efforts with the central government would enhance financial stability and promote sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister sought support of the Union Finance Minister to avail the multi-lateral funding for development of new Tourism destinations in Jammu & Kashmir, aimed to decongest the existing locations and to create well-planned and world-class infrastructure at these new identified locations.

CM thanked Ministry of Finance for approving the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture & Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) for Jammu & Kashmir to rejuvenate agriculture sector which entails financing of 100 million USD through International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) over the next 7 years.

In this regard CM requested Ministry of Finance to treat J&K at par with North Eastern States for availing incentives in respect of Externally Aided Project (EAP) loans and making J&K eligible for special lending arrangement under the EAP loans.

He requested the Finance Minister to consider Jammu & Kashmir for funding through the “Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment” scheme under which 50-year interest free loan would be provided to states for capital expenditure.

CM also informed the Finance Minister about the difficult fiscal situation being faced by J&K and requested the Ministry to provide additional central assistance of Rs 6000 crore to bridge the resource gap in the UT budget for FY 2024-25. Over the past few days, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has held several important meetings with senior leaders and officials of the Government of India to address critical issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir.

 Chief Minister during his current visit called on President of India Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar and attended Power Ministers’ conference chaired by Union Minister of Power to discuss J&K’s priorities and challenges in the power sector.

 These recent dialogues, culminating in today’s meeting with the Finance Minister, reinforces the commitment to advancing the welfare and development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

 During his stay in New Delhi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also held a series of meetings at his official residence with Government of India officials and industry leaders to explore opportunities for collaboration and development. Among those he met were Arjun Dhawan, Executive Vice Chairman of Hindustan Construction Company Limited, who discussed infrastructure development projects in Jammu and Kashmir; Abhijit Basu, Founder and CEO of Smartex Cognitive Pvt Ltd, XCED, APAC, CEDMA, California, USA, who shared innovative solutions in technology and smart governance; and Avinash Pawar, DM of Small Scale Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (GoI).

 The Chief Minister also met Aaley Mohammad Iqbal, Deputy Mayor of Delhi Municipal Corporation, to discuss pressing issues regarding the urban areas and identified common areas for collaboration.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah meets President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

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NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met President Droupadi Murmu today at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The President of India’s official X account shared a post informing about the meeting between the two leaders.

“Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” shared the official account of the President of India.

This visit marks a significant step in Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s official engagements since taking office as the Chief Minister of the Jammu and Kashmir Government last month.

In recent weeks, he has held discussions with top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister of Roads, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. Yesterday, he also met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

The Chief Minister is scheduled to meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tomorrow.

Also, on November 12, Chief Minister Abdullah attended the Conference of Power Ministers of States and UTs, chaired by Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar, where he voiced Jammu and Kashmir’s priorities and challenges in the energy sector.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calls resolution for J&K’s special status, statehood restoration historic

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#SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the agenda of his government will be guided by the needs and aspirations of its citizens. Speaking during the last day of session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the chief minister remarked on the historic significance of the gathering, noting both the agenda at hand and the achievements to come.

“It’s been a long time since I last spoke in this House as Chief Minister,” he began, reflecting on the changes in the region over the past six and a half years.

 He noted, “It’s been a long time since I last spoke in this House as Chief Minister. The last time was back in early 2014 during the Governor’s address, and I spoke as a member of the opposition in 2018. Much has changed in these six and a half years—sometimes, it feels hard to believe. We’ve lost so much.

Reflecting on where we were and where we are today, I often find it difficult to grasp. The last time I stood here, we were a state with our own flag, our own constitution, and a unique identity within this country. All of that was taken away from us. While I regret what we’ve lost, I am also filled with a renewed sense of commitment. With the time God has granted me in this position, I am determined to achieve something meaningful for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

 Thanking the voters of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in the recent elections, Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to serve all citizens, including those who did not vote or participate in the electoral process.

 “This session marks a new beginning, a historic one, despite its limited timeframe. First and foremost, I want to thank the voters of Jammu and Kashmir, who participated in large numbers, regardless of whom they voted for. They cast their precious votes with the hope that this House would truly represent their aspirations, voice their concerns, and resolve their issues. This Assembly belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, to each and every citizen. We are here to serve all, not just those who voted or participated in this election. The people are our masters, and we owe them the respect of their decision”.

 During the Motion of Thanks on Lieutenant Governor’s Address, the chief minister stated that many doubted that these elections would even take place, or hoped that they wouldn’t. “There were times when it felt like the possibility of a democratically elected Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir was a distant dream. I still recall a film in which our Assembly complex was used as a set, and it was disheartening. Our Assembly complex, where elected representatives sat, was reduced to a storage facility. But time has changed, and God had other plans. Today, members have reclaimed their rightful seats in this Assembly, as they should.”

 Reflecting on the challenges and moments of humiliation he and other leaders faced in recent years, Abdullah reminded the Assembly, “A photograph surfaced on my phone today, bringing back memories of a time when I was a guest at the J&K State Guest House—not by choice. Many members here today were confined at SKICC. Those days, every effort was made to humiliate us. My sister, who wished to see me, had to seek permission from an official and was met with unnecessary barriers, all in the name of humiliation. What was our crime? Was it simply holding the national flag and abiding by the Constitution? We did not rebel; we sought things to be done through democratic means”.

He emphasized that today marks a fresh beginning, expressing a focus on future progress rather than past beginning. “I don’t intend to delve into past grievances, as I am someone who looks ahead. I am focused on our future and determined to reach our destination. Today, I rise to express my gratitude for the Lieutenant Governor’s address, hoped that all members would take part in this motion of thanks. We wanted discussions, particularly on restoring constitutional safeguards and statehood. Unfortunately, instead of constructive debate, we witnessed drama. I believe the people do not appreciate such chaos. A disorderly Assembly may benefit the government by avoiding accountability, but it betrays the public’s trust,” the chief minister said in his address.

 Speaking on the last resolution that was passed when GST system was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the last resolution passed by this House addressed financial autonomy. “Back then, we had the authority to impose taxes based on our own needs, but that was stripped away with the introduction of GST, and now we bear the consequences of those decisions,” he said and added that those who now brandish banners about Article 370 were, at that time, complicit. “Compromise is their legacy, not ours. We have been allied with the NDA in Delhi, but we never allowed the BJP to extend its influence here”.

 Talking about the passing of resolution on granting special status and constitutional guarantees, the chief minister said that regarding the resolution that passed, let me clarify that it was no compromise.

 “Initially, they applauded it as historic, but their stance changed in minutes. Securing a resolution that aligns with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir was deliberate. This resolution sends a strong message; it signifies that Jammu and Kashmir’s unique status must be respected. If it were simply a compromise, it would not be causing so much concern in speeches from the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and others,” he said.

 He added” “we crafted this resolution carefully, so future possibilities remain open. I understand that expectations from the current central government are low, but they will never be always there, system will change someday. We will not restrict ourselves; we owe it to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to keep all options open. That is why we used those words in the resolution with deep thought. May be tomorrow there will not be my government here and center may have different government and roadmap will be easy for them. Situation will change, so why should we confine ourselves,” he said about resolution.

 “After the passing of this resolution, it feels as if a weight has been lifted. People are no longer afraid to speak; they feel their voices are being heard again. I am pleased to see that even the media, after years of constraint, is now able to speak freely,” he said. “To the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I promise that our agenda will always be shaped by your needs. Recently, we not only passed a resolution but also changed the school examination schedule to better suit our region, reversing one of the post-August 5, 2019 decisions. Recruitment processes are underway and will be accelerated.”

 Addressing the Lieutenant Governor’s address to the assembly on November 4, he expressed hope for meaningful discussions on restoring constitutional safeguards and statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

 “Additionally, as mentioned in the Lieutenant Governor’s address, we plan to announce measures such as 200 units of free electricity, support for households through subsidized cylinders, and increased rations”. “While many powers have been transferred to this elected government, law and order remains outside our purview. But we assure the police and security forces that we will support all efforts to establish lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, for without peace, progress cannot flourish,” Omar affirmed. “True peace cannot be achieved by force alone. There is a natural calm that comes through genuine partnership and trust-building”.

 “ On the inconvenience of travel on highway, Omar said: “I have spoken to law enforcement officials about practical solutions to ensure the security of the armed forces, while minimizing disruptions to civilians. We must also adopt a compassionate approach in areas such as verifications and handling of minor cases involving prisoners.”

 On the powers of J&K Assembly, Omar said, “this Assembly is not yet what we aspire it to be; we seek a full statehood in real sense, not a hybrid model. The Prime Minister has assured the restoration of statehood, and I am grateful to the Lieutenant Governor for endorsing this commitment and I went with resolution and submitted it in Delhi. I am hopeful that soon we will see results,” “I have met with the Union Power Minister, who has sanctioned 300 MW of electricity for the winter to reduce power cuts. The Roads & Transport Minister has assured us a special financial package to complete key infrastructure projects, and I plan to meet with the Finance Minister soon.”

Speaking on the land and jobs for locals, the chief minister said that people of J&K deserve to live with honour and dignity.

 “We deserve to live with honor and dignity. Our identity, our pride, and our survival are at stake. Like other states, we too should have control over our land, resources, and jobs. While we welcome outside investment, we will not sell our crown jewels, like Pahalgam or Gulmarg. These assets, built by our people, are not for sale”.

 “The people of Jammu and Kashmir can rest assured that we will honour our promises. The Lieutenant Governor’s address outlined a roadmap, but I assure you we will achieve much more. “This is our commitment to the state and its people,” he affirmed, vowing to uphold the dignity, identity, and aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir.

 However, he voiced disappointment over the disruptions that hindered such discourse. “A disorderly Assembly may benefit the government by avoiding accountability, but it betrays the public’s trust.”

The Chief Minister further outlined the significance of a recent resolution, stating it was no compromise but rather a message to reaffirm Jammu and Kashmir’s unique status.

Sat, Sunil called on LG

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#JAMMU: Sat Sharma, President BJP J&K, along with Sunil Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly from Padder- Nagseni Constituency today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan.

Lt Governor visited SKIMS Hospital, inquired about the health of Civilians injured in Gagangir terror attack

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#SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited SKIMS Hospital in Srinagar to inquire about the health of civilians, who were injured in Gagangir terror attack.

Team of senior doctors briefed the Lt Governor on the health condition of the injured and medical procedures being followed. The Lt Governor has also directed the officials to provide all the support to the affected families.

The Lt Governor has directed for a coordinated anti-terror op and asked the J&K Police, security forces to exact a price that will be remembered by the terrorists and their associates for time to come.

The Lt Governor has posted on X:

“Visited the Hospital in Srinagar to inquire about the health of construction workers, who were injured in Gagangir terror attack. I pray for their speedy recovery. Directed the officials to provide all the support to the affected families.

The brutal and savage attack against construction workers will be avenged. I’ve asked the J&K Police, security forces to exact a price that will be remembered by the terrorists and their associates for time to come”.

Chief Minister pays tributes to Police Martyrs on Commemoration Day at Zewan memorial

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#SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today paid homage to police martyrs on Police Commemoration Day during a solemn ceremony at the Police Martyrs Memorial here at Zewan.

Accompanied by members of his Council of Ministers, Javed Ahmad Rana and Javid Ahmad Dar, as well as Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, the Chief Minister led the gathering in offering floral tributes to honor the sacrifices of the brave policemen.

Among the recently elected Members of the Legislative Assembly, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Sheikh Ahsan, Mushtaq Guru, and Rafiq Ahmad Naik, also participated in the tribute ceremony, laying floral wreaths at the memorial in recognition of the courage and dedication of the martyrs.

In addition to the Chief Minister, several senior officials were present to pay their respects, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police J&K Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shakeen Kabra, and Principal Secretary Home.

After the tribute ceremony, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited a blood donation camp set up as part of the event. He expressed his appreciation for the individuals who donated blood, commending their spirit of selflessness in contributing to the welfare of the community.

Mubarak Gul takes oath as Protem speaker

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#SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha administered the Oath of Office to Mubarik Gul as Speaker pro tem of Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly at a ceremony held in Raj Bhawan.

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Jammu and Kashmir participates in Cannes Film Festival 2024

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Showcasing vibrant Cinema Culture to attract international Film Makers #FRANCE: Today marked a historic day as the official delegation from Jammu & Kashmir participated in...