Jammu, Feb 03: National Conference (NC) leader and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar on Tuesday called on the Government of India to take bold steps to reintegrate political leaders who have, for various reasons, remained outside the mainstream political spectrum.

Speaking in response to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address to the Assembly on Monday, Salman said that the government of India must make efforts to bring political leaders outside the ambit of mainstream into mainstream.

The NC leader also demanded the release of political prisoners, urging for the general amnesty of the youth who have been detained without trial and have been languishing in different jails of the country on minor charges.

Addressing the role of coalition partners and the Congress party specifically, Salman said, “Our coalition partners, with all due respect, should also forcefully voice the aspirations of the people here at the national level. Whether in Parliament or outside, they should realize the demand of the state. (‘Unko bhi dekhna chahiye ki statehood kī demand chahe vo parliament mein ho ya parliament ke bahar ho, vo ek bahut baṛa block hai.’)” He further called on the Congress leadership—described as a “major national party” to amplify the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and stressed that their support could make a substantial difference.

He acknowledged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s sincerity and approach in dealing with the challenging circumstances, describing it as a “genuine healing touch,” and urged Delhi and opposition to appreciate the balancing act being performed by the national conference led government in Jammu and Kashmir. “Given the situation, I am confident the people in Delhi must understand the fine balance Omar Sahb is maintaining, which is not easy,” Salman said in his address.

The national conference leader also critiqued the opposition for being quick to protest any step taken by the government, saying, “They waste no time in opposing through Twitter and social media.” He cautioned against forgetting the historical context and responsibility of those who previously held power, remarking, “Sometimes people say, ‘Let’s forget,’ but we will not forget, because these stains, these issues of statehood, business rules, or the return of seats—all are the result of those who today talk of reconciliation and healing touch.

He highlighted that the BJP, Congress, alliance partners, and independents all must answer to the people and support initiatives that benefit the region. Salman reflected on unity across the country—citing examples from Maharashtra, Bengal, and the idea of “Akhand Bharat”—and contrasted it with political divisions in Jammu and Kashmir. “In Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP is divided and only talks about Jammu. Some members only speak for their constituencies.

Salman also appealed for respect for the efforts being made and called on all stakeholders to support the Chief Minister’s work for the people and also urged for the need for political reconciliation, inclusive dialogue, and a united effort for the restoration of statehood and real democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu, Feb 03: Member of Parliament (MP), Anantnag-Rajouri segment Mian Altaf Ahmad today welcomed the announcement of the Union Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding the upcoming Jammu-Rajouri railway line project.

In a statement issued, MP Mian Altaf welcomed the announcement of the Jammu-Rajouri railway project by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. According to the Railway Minister, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) work for the Jammu-Rajouri rail line is progressing rapidly. Mian Altaf said that for last two years the matter was taken up with the Central Government and followed couple of times during the meeting with the Union Railway Minister who had assured about the progress and development of this vital railway line.

Mian Altaf expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for considering and fulfilling the demand.  “The Jammu-Rajouri rail line project aims to enhance connectivity in the region, promoting development, tourism, and employment. The project has been a long-standing demand of the local people, and its announcement has been met with enthusiasm” the statement added.

Jammu, Feb 03: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday emphasised the need for forward-thinking teachers who can equip students for tomorrow’s uncertainties, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) disruptions, climate shifts, inspire to pioneer breakthroughs and fuel a dynamic and innovation-driven economy.

The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the “Inspirational Teachers Award” ceremony organized by Amar Ujala Group at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. At the ceremony, a total of 101 best inspirational teachers from various schools across Jammu were honoured with the prestigious Award.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor lauded the valuable contribution of teaching community in shaping the character and cultivating the talents that boldly reshape the future at full throttle, equipping young students with skills and courage to brave an unpredictable world.

“I believe teachers and their craft form the backbone of a society and the soul of the nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that like a master artisan at the forge, teacher knows learning ignites from sheer curiosity.

“Inspirational teachers avoid rote learning and they weave science into captivating tales that electrify the classroom and for them history transcends mere dates and timelines, blooming into vivid sagas of human triumphs and tumbles,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that we need more inspirational teachers who can transform students from passive listeners into intrepid explorers.

“Teachers are bedrock of tomorrow. A classroom is not just four walls and a blackboard. A classroom is the glowing forge of a blacksmith, where raw futures are hammered and shaped anew.

I envision classrooms where teachers don’t merely dispense bookish answers but ignite inquiry with probing questions. To forge a knowledge economy and vibrant society, transform learners from passive consumers of information into sharp analysts who dissect it,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor exhorted upon the teachers to cultivate a culture of collaboration in their classrooms.

“The truth is, tomorrow’s world belongs to those who work as a team. So, we need to turn classrooms into collaboration hubs, where research, writing, and innovation unfold as collective quests,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor further advised the teaching community to think beyond the curriculum’s rigid map. He stated that curriculum offers mere direction, but creativity and curiosity propel students toward life’s true readiness.

The Lieutenant Governor said that a teacher must tie learning to life itself, so every day sparks fresh discoveries and generates further curiosity.

“In this AI era, teaching isn’t about rote delivery but nurturing creativity. I believe humanity’s greatest asset in future will be innovative and creative thinking. I want our teachers to break down preconceived boundaries and offer every student not just knowledge but unlimited possibilities,” he said.

Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Mahendra Tiwari, Editor, Amar Ujala, Naresh Sharma Unit Head and other senior office bearers of Amar Ujala Group; heads of educational institutions, teachers, families of awarded teachers and students attended the award ceremony.

Srinagar, Feb 03: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today said that Rs 289.39 crores were released during the current financial year, 2025-26, under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), besides an amount of Rs. 100.00 crores (Rs 5.00 crore for each district) has been released under the UT Capex Budget (2025-26) of DMRRR under the activity “Flood Relief Measures” to undertake urgent flood restoration works across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Deputy Chief Minister said this while replying to a question, on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, raised by Legislator Rajiv Jasrotia in the House.

He informed the Assembly that no funds till date have been released by the Government of India for flood restoration works during the current financial year 2025-26.

The Deputy CM also said that based on the report of Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), the Gol under SASCI (Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) has allocated Rs. 1431.00 Cr. for J&K for flood restoration works.

He added that, Jal Shakti Department has received funds for ongoing flood management projects under Flood Management & Border Area Programme (FMBAP) during the current financial year. He said that the released funds are mainly for Flood Management Works JK-21, JK-22, JK-23 amounting to Rs. 164.35 lacs and for Comprehensive Flood Management of River Jhelum, Phase-II (Part-A) amounting to Rs. 6041.25 lacs.