Srinagar, Mar 15: A four-member delegation of the ruling National Conference MLAs called on Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here on Sunday to seek withdrawal of cases against youths arrested during the recent protests in the Valley over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The delegation comprised MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, MLA Pattan Javaid Riyaz Bedar, and MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the L-G, Sadiq told reporters that the delegation raised the issue of the arrest of youth and registration of cases against them.

“When our leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei was martyred, spontaneous protests took place on the streets. In view of that, several FIRs were filed at different police stations, whether in the Chadoora area, Patan, Budgam, Sonawari or in the Zaidibal area,” he said.

Sadiq, who is also the chief spokesperson of the NC, said youths were expressing their anger and grief through the protest, which resulted in registration of FIRs against many of them.

“So, we met his excellency, the LG, and requested him that all such FIRs be withdrawn because they were youngsters and only wanted to express their grief,” he added.

The NC MLA said the delegation is grateful to the LG for listening to it very patiently and assuring it that he would review the matter.

“He assured us that he will review the cases of those youngsters who are currently in jail or have FIRs registered against them and take some action,” Zadibal added.

Srinagar, Mar 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Sunday said that the first batch of more than 70 Indian students; the majority of them from Jammu and Kashmir along with several pilgrims who had been stranded in Iran amid the ongoing war-like situation in the region, safely arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi on a commercial flight this morning as part of the initial phase of the evacuation process.

In a statement, National Convenor of the Association Nasir Khuehami said that the students returned to India via a connecting journey through Armenia and Dubai after undertaking a long and difficult land and air transit arranged in coordination with the concerned authorities.

He said the students travelled from different cities in Iran by buses and crossed into Armenia, from where they boarded a Flydubai flight from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan to Dubai. From Dubai, the passengers boarded another connecting Flydubai flight that landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 9:45 AM on Sunday.

Khuehami said the majority of the returning students had been studying at various universities across Iran, including Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and other universities across the country. Many of them had earlier been relocated to safer locations by the Indian Embassy in Tehran amid the deteriorating security situation.

He said the evacuation was made possible following coordinated efforts between the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions in Tehran and Yerevan, and other concerned authorities after the matter was taken up with senior officials.

He added that the students in this batch returned to India on commercial flights, as part of an initial evacuation arrangement facilitated through diplomatic coordination and the support of Indian missions.

The Association expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran for facilitating the safe evacuation and ensuring the students’ return to India during a challenging situation.

Khuehami said that, “This development has brought much-needed relief to students and families across Kashmir who had been deeply worried about the safety of their children in the conflict-affected region.

Khuehami further said that there is an urgent need for the government to launch a full-fledged evacuation operation, similar to the large-scale evacuation carried out during the Ukraine crisis and the evacuation undertaken during last year’s 12-day war-like situation in Iran, to ensure the safe and timely return of all Indian students still stranded in different parts of the country.

He also added that AC sleeper buses were arranged by the Jammu and Kashmir Government for the students’ onward journey after their arrival in Delhi. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister made the necessary arrangements to ensure their smooth return to their homes.

The sleeper buses were deployed to facilitate the safe and comfortable transportation of the students and pilgrims back to Jammu and Kashmir. The sleeper coaches were stationed in the parking area on the left side of the exit gate at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, to assist the arriving students, he said.

These arrangements were put in place to ensure a seamless transition for the returnees after their long and difficult journey from Iran via Armenia and Dubai.

Khuehami, however, added that many students were exhausted due to continuous travel over the past several days, having undertaken long road and air journeys before finally reaching India. He said while some students opted to board the arranged buses for their onward journey to Jammu and Kashmir, while others directly booked connecting flights to Srinagar due to fatigue and the long duration of travel. (KNC)

Jammu, Mar 15: Jammu and Kashmir has completed more than 3 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, achieving 97 per cent of the target, officials said on Sunday.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department Secretary Mohammad Aijaz Asad directed officials to accelerate the pace of work for the remaining 11,340 houses under the scheme.

During a meeting to review the progress of PMAY-G in the Union Territory, he said the current phase of the scheme is nearing completion, and all works sanctioned under the existing phase must be completed without delay before the new phase begins.

The meeting was informed that a total of 3,23,299 houses have been completed, while work is in progress on the remaining 11,340 houses.

Asad directed assistant commissioners of development (ACDs) and block development officers (BDOs) to track each case and ensure that no sanctioned house remains incomplete.

He also instructed that any technical or administrative bottlenecks hindering progress be resolved immediately.

The secretary said that all pending works must be completed by April 15, stressing that officers should make every possible effort, even if it requires working around the clock, as houses left incomplete under the previous phase will not be taken up once the new phase begins.

He also directed the directors of rural development of the Jammu and Kashmir region to hold weekly review meetings and keep the department informed about the progress achieved.

He stressed the need for early release of pending instalments to beneficiaries, directing ACDs to conduct block-wise reviews in this regard.

Highlighting the recent survey conducted ahead of the launch of the new phase, he said that although it has been carried out using AI-based technology, deputy commissioners will still review to ensure that no eligible households are missed.

Srinagar, Mar 15: Terming the handing over of appointment letters to the next of kin of terror victims as a form of “sharansthli (support),” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the initiative aims to help affected families rebuild their lives through employment opportunities.

LG Sinha presented appointment letters to the next of kin of 50 terror victims under the Compassionate Appointment Rules at Lok Bhavan Auditorium here.

“I am presenting “sharansthli” (support) to terror victims and their families. Many families have been waiting for a long time. By providing employment, we are bringing a new ray of hope and offering them an opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said.

The LG shared an Eid message, calling the appointment letters a special Eid gift. “Eid Mubarak to all families. These letters symbolize justice, recognition, and a new beginning. Together, we must nurture our youth, ensure dignity, and rebuild Jammu & Kashmir for a bright future,” he said.

Highlighting the ongoing efforts of the government, LG Sinha said, “Over 400 families of terror victims have already received appointment letters. These are genuine appointments, and if any errors are found, they will be addressed immediately. Many others are engaged in this process, and we are moving forward with coordination between the SSP and administration.”

He referred to a Kashmiri saying: “Insaaf chui suii ujala jo dilo mei gaas krta hia.”

He said, “Justice is not mere words on paper; it is a light that dispels darkness in the hearts and brings a new ray of hope. Families who had long awaited government support have finally been recognized and embraced by the administration.”

Acknowledging the immense pain of families, LG Sinha said, “I understand the suffering you have endured with dignity and courage. Since the 1990s, terrorism has taken away dreams and stability from thousands of families. Jammu & Kashmir administration is committed to rebuild their lives.”

LG Sinha said, “I have met many terror victim families and ensured their reintegration. This is a matter of justice, not charity. Today’s program is a proof of that justice. The administration and police are ensuring that those who caused harm face strict consequences.”

He also highlighted younger victims and families affected decades ago, “Some victims were only 12–13 years old when tragedy struck. Their families have endured unimaginable pain. Today, we will work on rehabilitating them and addressing their concerns, including those without a voice, whose cases will be reviewed in April,” he added.

Underlining broader governance efforts, the LG said, “Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, initiatives have strengthened Jammu & Kashmir’s systems. We have a framework based on fairness, equality, and self-reliance. When citizens see dignity and equality, it reflects on the ground.”

LG Sinha further celebrated community achievements: “Sixteen youth have been selected in the Union Public Service Commission, and Jammu & Kashmir recently secured victories in the Ranji Trophy. These accomplishments are the result of persistent efforts to empower youth and citizens.”

On security and zero tolerance toward terrorism, LG Sinha said, “We will continue to enforce strict action against elements promoting terror. Police and administration are working, and society must reject such elements. Our commitment is aligned with the Prime Minister’s principle of zero tolerance for terrorism.”—(KNO)