#KISHTWAR: The revered 45-day Annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2024, which commenced on 25th July 2024, has witnessed an overwhelming participation, surpassing the 2 lakh milestone by 21st August 2024.

This year’s Yatra has been marked by a remarkable turnout, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.

Under the exceptional leadership of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, the Divisional Administration has been commended for its comprehensive arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience for all pilgrims.

The efforts of the District Administration Kishtwar spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, JKAS, have been pivotal in meticulously organizing the pilgrimage, in collaboration with local authorities.

On 21st August 2024, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar paid a visit to Machail, offering prayers at the revered Shree Chandi Mata Darbar for the peace and prosperity of the people of Kishtwar. During his visit, he conducted a thorough review of the arrangements made by the district administration for the convenience of the pilgrims attending the Yatra.

The security arrangements, overseen by SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom have been robust, ensuring the safety of all pilgrims enroute.

The enhanced facilities have been widely appreciated by the devotees, who have expressed their satisfaction with the administration’s efforts.

Significant improvements this year include the extension of the road up to Chashoti, reducing the trekking distance and making the journey less strenuous. The availability of 4G connectivity, helicopter services, and online registration has further streamlined the pilgrimage, allowing devotees to focus on their spiritual journey with ease.

The district administration has prioritized the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims by providing clean and hygienic accommodation facilities. The Yatri Bhawan and Sapphire Guest House at Gulabgarh, along with the Yatri Sarai, various tent accommodations, and local stay houses near the Chandi Mata Bhawan in Machail, have been well-equipped to meet the needs of the devotees.

 The administration has also ensured the availability of clean bathrooms, food/ langars by devotees, Medical booths and other essential services.

The administration has appealed to all Yatris to adhere to the guidelines and stay informed by visiting the official website for online registration and updated information.

To ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, the Deputy Commissioner has urged pilgrims to carry their Aadhar cards and follow the new timing guidelines as issued on the website.

The district administration remains committed to providing a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees participating in the Shree Machail Yatra 2024.

JAMMU: To curb the spread of misinformation and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in the upcoming Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Command-and-Control Centres have been set up in the offices of Chief Electoral Officer at Jammu and Srinagar. Similarly, on smaller size, control rooms have been made functional on 24 x 7 basis in all 20 DC offices.

Equipped with state-of-art infrastructure, the Command-and-Control Centre has integrated latest technologies. It would function round-the-clock to keep a close vigil on all the election-related activities ensuring strict and prompt action, including against any suspected case of fake news, a statement from the office of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K said.

The establishment of Command-and-Control Centres would bolster the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, and will be a collaborative work space to review the situation in all the 90 constituencies of the Union Territory.

“In addition to electronic channels, the Command & Control Centre is also keeping strict vigil on social media channels and media portals and accounts viz a viz Media Monitoring on such elements who may attempt to build any such narrative which can prove detrimental to the peace and tranquillity in the society, violate ECI norms of MCC applicable to all stakeholders,” the statement said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, has appealed all citizens and all political parties to adhere to the guidelines issued by Election Commission of India in order to maintain sanctity of the democratic process in J&K.

He also appealed to general public to use C-Vigil app for highlighting MCC related violations. He assured to take all such complaints to logical conclusion within the time frame of ECI, that is 100 minutes.

#KISHTWAR: The sacred Pavitra Charri (Holy Mace) of Shree Machail Mata Yatra accompanied by numerous devotees left for Paddar this morning for onward journey here from Shree Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot, Kishtwar.

Earlier, Holy Mace arrived in Kishtwar on Sunday evening for the Annual Shree Machail  Mata Yatra 2024.

The Pavitra Chhari was ceremoniously received at the Shree Gori Shankar Mandir Sarkoot, where it rested for the night. The procession resumed its journey for Machail, Paddar today amid adequate security arrangement.

#JAMMU: In a poignant display of appreciation and respect, teachers from The Asian School – Jammu tied rakhi’s on the hands of soldiers from the BSF unit during a special program, “Raksha Ka Dhaga”, held at the camp of BSF near International Border ,Suchetgarh.The event, organized to coincide with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, aimed to express gratitude for the selfless service and sacrifices made by the soldiers to protect the nation.

The Asian School’s Principal, Atul M. Saxena, said, “This initiative is a small token of our appreciation for the bravery and dedication of our soldiers. We are proud to acknowledge their unwavering commitment to our country’s safety.”The soldiers, visibly moved by the gesture, thanked the teachers for their support and encouragement. “This rakhi is a symbol of the bond between us and the people we protect. It strengthens us to serve the nation,” said by a representative of the team.

The program included a cultural show, patriotic songs, and speeches highlighting the significance of Raksha Bandhan and the importance of recognizing the soldiers’ contributions.

#KISHTWAR: In a significant step towards enhancing community well-being, the Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (LJ&K-MCS Ltd.) with the support of Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue (LEAD) has introduced a novel initiative during the Shri Chandi Mata Machail Yatra 2024.

The Co-operative is promoting the making of a local delicacy known as Phimar (Jau-Sattu Laddoo) which is also the traditional offering prepared by local villagers around Shri Chandi Mata Machail Temple and the entire padar region.

The Phimar (Jau-Sattu Laddo) prasad is crafted with a blend of dry fruits and pure Desi ghee, combined with locally sourced Jau Sattu, ensuring a nutritious and delectable offering for the devotees.

A special counter has been established within the temple premises at Shri Machail Mata Bhawan, ensuring that devotees have convenient access to this wholesome Prasad.

This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of healthy Prasad but also creates employment opportunities for local residents, thereby contributing to the region’s economic development.

This initiative is expected to improve both the financial health of farmers associated with millet production and promote a healthier lifestyle through the consumption of such crops.

#BREAKING: The Election Commission of India (#ECI) has announced the schedule for the assembly #elections to J-K. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a three-phase election from September: 18, 25, October 1.

Results: October 4

JAMMU: Paying tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the independence, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar hoisted the National Flag on the occasion of 78th Independence Day in M.A. Stadium.

 He inspected the parade and took the salute from the contingents of JKP, JKAP, SSB, IRP, Women contingent, Forest Protection Force, Fire & Emergency Services NCC and various several school contingents, Brass & Pipe Bands and Band Troops (Girl & Boys) of different Schools.

An impressive display of dance performances showcasing the history and heritage of Jammu Kashmir and celebrating the spirit of unity in diversity and national integration were also presented on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor paid tribute to the freedom fighters and security forces of J&K, who have made immense sacrifices, laying down their lives for the nation’s integrity and sovereignty.

He said that J&K is witnessing the rise of a new era in the last five years and has undertaken a journey towards peace, progress, harmony, prosperity and development.

He underscored that Jammu and Kashmir is rapidly moving towards comprehensive development in all sectors of life and emphasised that the region is evolving into a realm free from fear and corruption.

Later, winners of National Anthem Singing competition were also felicitated by the Advisor. The competition was conducted by information Department in above 18, below 18 and group category.

MP Jammu- Rajouri Jugal Kishore Sharma, DDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, ADGP Jammu Anand Jain, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Commissioner JMC Rahul Yadav along with Judges, Ex PRI members, senior officers from Civil and Security forces, former Legislators were present on the occasion

#SRINAGAR: The aspirants who wish to undertake Hajj journey during 1446(H)—2025(CE) have been informed that the Hajj Committee of India (HCI) has invited online application forms with effect from 13 August, 2024.

As per a notification, the aspirants are being informed that before filing the application form online, the aspirants should go through the Haj Policy/Haj Guidelines available for Hajj-2025 at Haj Committee website www.hajcommittee.gov.in.

The aspirants have also been informed that the last date for submission of the application form has been fixed as 9th September, 2024.

Applicants must be in possession of Machine-Readable International Passport issued on or before the closing date of application and valid at least upto15th January, 2026.

Meanwhile, Haj Application form can be submitted online only at the website of HCoI i.e., www.hajcommittee.gov.in or on Haj App through Android Mobile App ‘Haj Suvidha’ available on Google Play Store.

#SRINAGAR: A meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo was held to draw a plan for making Legislative Assembly complexes at both Srinagar and Jammu ready for holding its sessions after holding of elections here in the UT.

Those present includes Principal Secretary, Estates; Principal Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, IT; JK Resident Commissioner, Delhi; Secretary, R&B; Secretary, Transport; Secretary, Law; Secretary, Legislative Assembly; Director, Estates, Kashmir and other concerned officers.

During this meeting the Chief Secretary impressed upon the concerned to taking immediate steps for renovation/refurbishing of these Assembly complexes at both Srinagar and Jammu in a time-bound manner.

He reiterated that the facilities like functionality of Sound System, Internet Connectivity, fire Safety, functionality of lifts, giving facelift to the buildings and provisioning of allied amenities should also be taken in hand and completed at an earliest.

He asked for looking into the steps to renovate the Chambers of Speaker, Dy Speaker, Leader of Opposition as well besides making provisions for their official vehicles and residential accommodations.

Dulloo also called upon the concerned to carry out repairing works of the MLA Hostels in both the cities. He made out that all the amenities required should be installed within the available time window till culmination of assembly elections, as and when announced by the Election Commission of India.

He observed that pre-emptive steps should be initiated on part of administration to make preparations ahead of the elections so that there are no hindrances in smooth functioning of this pillar of democracy once it gets formed after conduct of elections here in J&K.

#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today handed over the appointment letter, on compassionate ground, to Smt. Renu Sharma, wife of Vijay Kumar, who was killed in Reasi Terror attack.

Vijay Kumar, a resident of Reasi, was driving the bus carrying pilgrims which was attacked by the Terrorists on June 09.

The Lt Governor assured all possible assistance and support from the J&K Administration to the family of the martyred civilian.

Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, and the family members of Vijay Kumar were also present at the Raj Bhawan.