#JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Republic Day Tableau has secured an impressive Second Position at the national level at the Republic Day Parade 2026, marking a significant milestone and a proud moment for the Union Territory.

The recognition underscores Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and its vibrant traditions showcased on one of the country’s most prestigious platforms.

The Jammu and Kashmir tableau, themed as a “living canvas”, presented a visually compelling and culturally immersive narrative, celebrating the region’s centuries-old arts, handicrafts, and folk traditions. The tableau offered a seamless fusion of craftsmanship, performance, and storytelling, reflecting the timeless creative spirit of the Union Territory.

The tableau prominently showcased iconic handicrafts synonymous with Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity, including Pashmina weaving, walnut wood carving, carpet weaving, papier-mâché, copperware, and Basohli miniature paintings—each representing generations of refined skill and artistic mastery.

The visual narrative opened with a grand engraved Samovar, symbolising Kashmiri hospitality and warmth, flowing through imagery of traditional wooden architecture and houseboats, evoking the unique cultural landscape of the region. At the heart of the tableau, a Dogra Chhajja performance staged on a traditional village Thadda highlighted community life, social harmony, and cultural continuity.

Adding rhythm, colour, and movement were vibrant folk dance performances, including Rouf, Kud, Jagarna, Pahari, Gojri, and Dumhal, which together reflected the diverse ethnic and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. The tableau concluded with a striking display of colourful papier-mâché artefacts arranged in a willow basket, symbolically presenting Jammu and Kashmir as a dynamic, living canvas of art, tradition, and creativity.

This acclaimed appearance marks a major comeback of the Jammu and Kashmir tableau at the Republic Day Parade, reaffirming the Union Territory’s renewed cultural presence on the national stage and its commitment to preserving and promoting its rich intangible heritage.

The idea, design, and conceptualisation of the tableau were led by renowned artist Shri Balwant Thakur, a distinguished recipient of the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Shri Thakur has also served as the Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for eight years and brings with him vast experience in cultural leadership. He has further represented India internationally as Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and headed Indian Cultural Centres in South Africa and Mauritius.

The national recognition of the Jammu and Kashmir tableau stands as a testament to the Union Territory’s artistic vibrancy, cultural resilience, and its enduring legacy of creativity that continues to inspire audiences across the country and beyond.

Senior IPS officer Mukesh Singh appointed Ladakh DGP, incumbent Jamwal moved to Arunachal

NEW DELHI: Mukesh Singh, a 1996-batch IPS officer, was on Friday appointed Ladakh’s DGP, replacing SD Singh Jamwal who has been moved to Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singh, presently posted in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has been asked to take over the police establishment in Ladakh.

Singh was originally from the Jammu and Kashmir cadre before it was merged with the AGMUT cadre after the abrogation of Article 370 that granted special status to the erstwhile state, and its downgrading into two Union territories — Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir — in 2019.

Before moving to ITBP, Singh served as the inspector general and later as the additional director general of police for the Jammu range.

Singh takes over from SD Singh Jamwal, a 1995-batch IPS officer who has been moved as the head of the Arunachal Pradesh Police.

Meet Our Anchor: Vidhu Slathia

Vidhu Slathia is the powerful, confident, and commanding face of our newsroom. Currently serving as a Live Host at Jehlam Times, she has earned immense love from viewers and widespread respect within the media fraternity. Her fearless journalism, strong on-screen presence, and commitment to truth have been recognised with the prestigious “Best Female Anchor of Jammu & Kashmir” award, conferred by a former minister in recognition of her excellence in anchoring and contribution to regional journalism.

With a dynamic career spanning journalism, media hosting, and entrepreneurship, Vidhu has emerged as one of the most trusted voices in Jammu’s media landscape. At Jehlam Times, she has successfully conducted 200+ live interviews, addressing major social, political, and public-interest issues. Her work is especially known for its strong focus on narcotics awareness, ground-level reporting, and people-centric stories, making her a credible and relatable voice for the masses. Known for her clarity, composure, and sharp questioning, Vidhu handles high-pressure live broadcasts with confidence and professionalism.

Beyond mainstream journalism, Vidhu is professionally associated with multiple platforms including Farehawker and Tytil Realty, where she contributes her media expertise and public engagement skills. Alongside her media career, she is also an emerging entrepreneur. She is actively building her venture “Nails and More 27” and developing her own creative empire, Topnotch Entertainers—an initiative dedicated to empowering entertainers, creators, and professionals through skill development, networking, and career growth.

Vidhu Slathia’s journey into professional anchoring is deeply inspiring and rooted in resilience. From a young age, she dreamed of being on stage, even when people around her doubted her abilities. She faced societal judgments and restrictions, including being told that journalism was not a suitable profession for a girl and being limited by curfews such as not being allowed out after 7 PM. Despite these challenges, Vidhu chose perseverance over fear and worked relentlessly to carve her own independent identity.

Today, she confidently travels solo across cities for work, stands strong as a self-made professional, and continues to break stereotypes in a traditionally demanding field. Her journey is a powerful reflection of courage, self-belief, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.

In addition to her presence on television, Vidhu maintains a strong and influential following on Instagram and Facebook, where she shares motivational content, lifestyle updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and highlights from her professional journey. Through her digital platforms, she actively inspires young women to chase their dreams and believe in their own potential.

Vidhu Slathia is more than just an anchor—she is a voice of change, confidence, and credibility. From raising critical social issues to building businesses and redefining success for women in media, she continues to set new benchmarks with every step. We are proud to have Vidhu Slathia as the face of our news channel and one of the strongest voices in Jammu & Kashmir’s media landscape.

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has congratulated the Indian Railways after first-ever foodgrain freight train reached Kashmir valley carrying approximately 1384 tonnes of rice.

The Lieutenant Governor said this is undoubtedly a very memorable occasion and realises our long-cherished dream of connecting the Kashmir region to the national freight network. He observed that the movement of freight trains will benefit people, enterprises and infrastructure projects without the risk of adverse weather conditions throughout the year and ease the pressure on the National Highway-44.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw for making economic progress of J&K an integral part of Bharat’s rapid growth.

Wins “Best Travel Creator 2025” at Times of India’s Travel Power Creator Awards

From a small town in Jammu to the global digital stage, Simran Anthal has emerged as one of India’s most influential travel creators, redefining success through authenticity, courage, and creativity. Her journey is a powerful example of how passion-driven storytelling can challenge stereotypes and inspire a new generation of women.

Over the past three years, Simran has travelled solo to more than 30 countries, transforming her journeys into meaningful narratives rather than conventional travel diaries. Her content seamlessly blends travel, lifestyle, fashion, self-love, and body positivity, striking a deep chord with young Indians navigating the balance between societal expectations and personal aspirations.

With nearly one million followers across Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, Simran has built a loyal and highly engaged community that resonates with her honest voice and fearless outlook on life. Her growing influence received national recognition when she was awarded “Best Travel Creator – Female (Jury Choice)” at the Travel Power Creators Awards 2025, hosted by The Times of India.

Beyond destinations and visuals, Simran Anthal represents a larger movement—one that encourages women to embrace their individuality, trust their instincts, and live life on their own terms. Her journey stands as a testament to self-belief, independence, and the power of choosing one’s own path in the digital age.

 Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday handed over appointment letters to 39 Next of Kins (NoKs) of terror victims from Kashmir Division, at Lok Bhavan Srinagar.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to delivering justice, jobs and dignity to terror victim families. The family members, whose loved ones were mercilessly killed by terrorists, narrated the horrifying incidents and the trauma they suffered for decades in silence.

“For these families, today the long wait for justice has ended. With concrete steps for rehabilitation, we have restored their dignity and faith in the system,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said terrorism not only claimed lives but it had also shattered families and condemned innocent households into decades of silence, stigma, and poverty. Behind every brutal killing by terrorists lies a story of a home that never recovered, of children who grew up without parents.

“Pakeeza Riyaz of Anantnag, whose father, Riyaz Ahmed Mir, was killed in 1999, and Shaista of Hyderpora, Srinagar, whose father, Abdul Rashid Ganai, was murdered in 2000, have both received government job letters, finally ending their long quest for justice and economic stability.

Ishtiyaq Ahmad, the son of BSF braveheart Altaf Hussain, who was martyred in a terrorist encounter nearly 19 years ago, also secured a government job, bringing support to a family that has endured great hardship since his father’s supreme sacrifice.

Justice was finally granted to the family of Dilawar Ganie and his son, Fayaz Ganie of Qazigund, who were brutally murdered on February 4, 2000. In a single day, Fayaz’s little daughter Fozy had lost the two pillars of her life, two generations of support and guidance. The family home, which once echoed with warmth and laughter, suddenly turned into a place marked by silence and they have lived in fear and grief for 25 years.

Thirty years ago, Abdul Aziz Dar, a resident of Srinagar, was murdered by terrorists. Today marked the end of his family’s prolonged search for justice,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor stated that after the Abrogation of Article 370, the terror victim families have found new courage and self-confidence, and now they are speaking out against the terror ecosystem without fear.

“For generations, the system had failed these victims by not giving their cases the priority they deserved. We are empowering victim’s voices and ensuring they get their dues and rights they deserve. We are also committed for swift and fair justice to perpetrators,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that continuing the fight against terrorism is a task which the society as a whole has to undertake. We must pledge to fight against the scourge with determination, patience and foil the efforts of our adversary, he said.

“For a long time, the system ignored the pain and trauma of these families. Real victims of terrorism and true martyrs were hounded by elements within the terror ecosystem. On one hand the OGWs were appointed in government jobs, on the other, NoKs of terror victims were left to fend for themselves.

Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, our policy on terrorism is unequivocal- Zero tolerance to terrorism in all its forms. Every available resource and means will be used to make J&K terrorism-free and those who are giving sanctuary, safe-haven or any other support to terrorists will have to pay a very heavy price,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, appointment letters were also handed over to 39 other beneficiaries under Compassionate Appointment Rules SRO-43 and Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS).

156 family members of terror victims have been provided self-employment opportunities under various schemes, including Mission Yuva, Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Furthermore, 17 encroachments have been removed from the properties belonging to terror victim families.

36 terror victim families have been identified for house reconstruction. More families will be identified and included as the process continues. The reconstruction work for the houses of the families whose homes were destroyed due to Pakistani shelling in Uri and Karnah will commence in April.

Special DG Coordination PHQ, Shri S.J.M. Gillani; Principal Secretary Home, Shri Chandraker Bharti; Commissioner Secretary, GAD Shri M Raju; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shri Anshul Garg; IGP Kashmir, Shri VK Birdi;  Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Shri Akshay Labroo; Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, Shri Wajahat Farooq Bhat and other members of the Foundation, senior officials, members of various social organisations and family members of victims of terrorism were present.

No: PR/DI/25/2539/

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Monday laid the foundation stone for construction of new houses for families affected due to recent natural calamities and unprovoked Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor, in Jammu District.

350 houses in Jammu district will be constructed at a cost of Rs 35 crore. The construction cost of these new three-bedroom pre-fabricated Smart Houses will be borne by the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), an NGO.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to HRDS-India for the noble initiative in supporting affected families in Jammu Kashmir.  He highlighted that the houses for the affected families are being built without spending a single penny from the government treasury.

Construction of these three-bedroom pre-fabricated Smart Houses is slated for completion within six months from the start of the foundation work. The houses are designed to be efficient, modern, resilient, and technologically advanced and will include specific facilities like cowsheds.

In addition to building the homes, HRDS India is providing a substantial welfare package to the beneficiary families. HRDS India will provide Free life insurance coverage for all family members for the next 15 years, free annual health checkups for all family members and coverage for maintenance of the houses for the next 5 years.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to bring a monumental change in the lives of the poor.

“In the past 5 years, lakhs of poor have been benefitted and infrastructure in backward and poor regions were upgraded. The rapid development of Jammu is unprecedented and we have achieved a strong growth trajectory despite numerous challenges.

It is our constant effort to develop Jammu, the sacred city of temples, into an inclusive urban centre. Concrete steps taken for all-round development have led to the realization of the dream of poverty alleviation, social justice, and equal opportunities for all,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He stated that a new era of accelerated economic development, and social transformation has ushered in the region.

“We have achieved a massive scale of project completion in a short span. These projects have significantly strengthened Jammu’s urban infrastructure and citizen-centric services, enhancing mobility through modern amenities and streamlined civic facilities, and improved urban aesthetics,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor lauded the exceptional coordination and dedication displayed by district administration and various agencies in the immediate relocation of affected population to safe places and ensuring their continued care in the wake of natural calamity.

He praised the swift and effective response from the Divisional and district administration, police, army, CAPFs, Disaster Response forces, emergency responders, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, civil society members, and volunteers during the rescue and relief operations.

A total of 4,309 beneficiaries in Jammu district received assistance, and compensation amounting to Rs. 8.22 crore was distributed to those affected.

Ex-gratia and Government job was provided to the next of kin of a civilian who tragically lost his life during the unprovoked firing by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, he further said.

The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the beneficiaries and reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India and UT administration for the complete rehabilitation of affected families.

The beneficiaries in Jammu also include 23 families affected by landslides in Rah Salyote village. District administration has been providing food and temporary accommodation to these families for the past three months.

Swami Atma Nambi, President, HRDS India; Shri Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, District Development Council, Jammu; Members of Legislative Assembly; Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, members of HRDS India, senior officials of police and civil administration, prominent citizens and people from all walks of life attended the foundation stone laying ceremony.

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress and preparedness for establishment of Central educational institutions—Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)—aimed at ensuring access to quality education for students across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary, School Education Department; Commissioners of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan; Director School Education, Jammu/Kashmir; Regional Officer, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Jammu; along with other senior officers of the department.

 Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary undertook a comprehensive appraisal of the JNVs and KVs already operational across J&K and those yet to become functional due to infrastructural constraints. He emphasized the pivotal role of the district administrations in facilitating the early establishment of these institutions and directed the Deputy Commissioners to extend full administrative support in their early establishment.

The Chief Secretary specifically instructed the Deputy Commissioners to identify suitable rented accommodations for the temporary functioning of the schools until permanent land is transferred and requisite infrastructure is developed. He stressed that delays in infrastructure availability should not impede the commencement of academic activities in these premier institutions.

A district-wise review was conducted covering schools that are currently operational, those under various stages of establishment, and newly proposed institutions across the districts ofJ&K.

 On this occasion Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, presented a detailed overview of the status of Central educational institutions in the UT. He provided a location-wise breakdown of JNVs and KVs operating from their own buildings and those functioning from rented premises. He also apprised the meeting of the status of land identification and infrastructure planning for non-functional and proposed institutions.

The Commissioners of JNV and KVS informed the meeting about the land requirements for these institutions, stating that a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya requires approximately 30 acres of land, while a Kendriya Vidyalaya requires about 2.5 acres in hilly areas and up to 5 acres in plain regions. They further elaborated on the infrastructural components necessary for academic facilities, student hostels, staff residences and extracurricular activities.

Deputy Commissioners shared district-specific updates on the efforts made to accommodate the proposed institutions and assured the Chief Secretary of their full cooperation in expediting land transfer, temporary accommodation and infrastructure development.

The Chief Secretary reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening the educational ecosystem by ensuring timely establishment and operationalization of Central schools, particularly in underserved and remote areas.

#JAMMU: Mithun Manhas, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

The two discussed the promotion of cricket infrastructure, development of sports facilities, and enhanced youth engagement through sports in Jammu & Kashmir.