Jammu, Mar 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated that the people should maintain peace and should not allow the forces trying to take advantage of the situation (unfolding after Iran developments) to disrupt peace and vitiate the atmosphere in J&K.

“Yesterday, we held a meeting with the (members of) civil society and some religious leaders in Srinagar. After the meeting, we issued an appeal as well urging the people to maintain peace. We appealed to the people not to take law into their own hands. At the same time, it was urged that those inimical forces or elements who want to vitiate the atmosphere in J&K and make efforts in this regard off and on – they should not be allowed to take advantage of this situation to disturb peace and vitiate atmosphere,” CM Omar asserted.

He was responding to media queries after addressing a startup outreach programme organised under JKCIP at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), jointly organised by the University and the Agriculture Production Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

When the Chief Minister’s comment was elicited about the US’ attack on Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean while it was returning from India, the Chief Minister described it as an unfortunate development.

“It is deplorable. This is an unfortunate development. (Those on) Iran’s warship were our (India’s) guests. They had come here (in India) for a naval exercise. It (warship) was attacked when it was returning from here. In a way (as the development suggests), our country is also being dragged into it. However, what will happen in the future – to comment on that is beyond my jurisdiction,” he said.

In the same breath, the Chief Minister asserted that the developments were worrisome for people of J&K. “But here (in J&K), the people are worried as many citizens of J&K are currently in Iran. Many J&K students are stuck there. We are coordinating with the central government in chalking out a programme to bring them back. We hope that we will be able to bring all of them back home gradually and safely,” he stated.

Responding to a question about the voting underway as part of general election in India’s neighbouring country Nepal – the maiden election after explosive Gen Z protests there last year overthrowing K P Sharma Oli-led government, CM Omar welcomed the development. “This is good (development). Elections should be held. In a democracy, how can you form a government without (holding) elections? As per the information I’ve gained through newspapers, a new leader has emerged there in Nepal. Let’s see what the people of Nepal decide.”

With regard to a question about the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, holding the distinction of being the longest serving Chief Minister of state, filing nomination paper for Rajya Sabha seat, the Chief Minister said, “Though it’s an internal matter of Bihar government and its allies yet Nitish Kumarji was once our ally as well in I.N.D.I.A. Bloc. Now he has decided to move to Rajya Sabha, within three months after (Bihar assembly) election. Anyway, he has taken this call. He has served the people of Bihar for such a long time. We thank him for that. At the same time, we extend our best wishes to him for a productive inning in Rajya Sabha. We (National Conference), too, have our three colleagues at Rajya Sabha. I will tell them to meet Nitish Kumarji there (in RS) occasionally.”

Responding to queries about the significance of event held at SKUAST-Jammu, he revealed, “We have our three flagship programmes like under HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Programme) and JKCIP (Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project), (we take initiative) to develop a vibrant start-up culture in agriculture and allied services.”

“Alongside under “Mission Yuva”, (we take steps) to nurture and promote zest and commitment among our youth for entrepreneurship, innovation-driven enterprises and their (youth’s) hand-holding with an objective to support them (enterprising youth). These are some of the significant projects or programmes of (J&K) government and which we have already rolled out,” he said.

The Chief Minister maintained that under those specified programmes, a lot of money was infused in J&K’s educational institutions. “Particularly if we talk about SKUAST (both in Kashmir and Jammu), they have started receiving funding from the J&K government under these programmes or projects. It has helped the universities and improved the extension works a lot,” CM Omar said.

Banihal, Mar 5: Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the suspected murder of a 26-year-old woman whose throat-slit body was recovered from a seasonal hut in the Gool area of Ramban district, officials said on Thursday.

He said the police are taking the matter very seriously and a thorough investigation is being conducted. “We are working on the case and some progress has been made to arrest accused person, however, the details cannot be shared at this stage. Information will be shared with the media at an appropriate time,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that on Monday March 02 , a 26-year-old woman identified as Zahida Banoo, daughter of Mohammad Yaqoob Khan and a resident of Prathmola Gool, had left her home shortly before noon but did not return. When she failed to come back even by the evening of February 3 Tuesday, her worried family members lodged a missing report with the Gool Police. Following the complaint, SHO Gool Sameer Ahmad, along with a police team, rushed to the spot and immediately launched a search operation with the help of local residents.

Within about an hour, Zahida Banoo’s throat-slit body was recovered from a corner of a seasonal hut (dhok) located nearly two kilometres from her house in Prathmola.

Soon after the body was found, SSP Ramban Arun Gupta, SDM Gool Mohammad Imtiyaz, and other officials reached the spot. The police took the body into custody and conducted a post-mortem through a medical board.

Police suspect that it is a case of murder. To uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, SSP Ramban Arun Gupta constituted a Special Investigation Team led by SDPO Gool Kuldeep Raj.

Police are continuing investigations into all aspects of the case, including the suspected rape and murder, and officials expressed hope that the accused involved in the crime will be arrested soon.

Meanwhile a protest was carried out by people in Gool market on Thursday, demanding immediate arrest of person involved in the alleged murder of Zahida Banoo. They were shouting slogans for the arrest of accused involved in murder of Zahida and demanding justice for deceased Zahida .

Jammu, Mar 5: National Conference president and the former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday advocated for peaceful protests against the attack on Iran and developments unfolding there.

“It has generated a wave of anger among the Muslims and they are protesting. The protests should happen and should be allowed to happen but they (protests) should be peaceful,” Dr Farooq asserted, while responding to media queries at Katra Railway Station.

When asked about India’s position on the US-Israel attack on Iran and the evolving situation there, NC president said, “The onus is on the Government of India. It should give a statement on it (attack on Iran). It (Iran) is an independent country. It has been attacked by America. It is reprehensible. It is wrong and unacceptable to invade a country and to forcibly occupy it. Earlier they adopted the same practice in Venezuela.”

“This is very unfortunate. It is going to impact the entire world. it has triggered a chain of events at a global scale. You never know – it may escalate into the third world war,” former Chief Minister apprehended.

Responding to a question about the J&K citizens stuck up in Iran and other areas impacted by ongoing war, Dr Farooq stated that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was engaged with the Centre on that account.

“God willing, they (J&K citizens) will return safely. To ensure that Omar Sahib is engaged in talks with the Minister for External Affairs. Some people have already been evacuated. They have been relocated to safe places till they are brought back through land routes,” he said.

Jammu, Mar 05: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today highlighted the immense potential of agriculture and allied sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that initiatives such as the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) are playing a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem and promoting innovation-driven enterprises in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister was addressing the Startup Outreach Programme organised under JKCIP at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), jointly organised by the University and the Agriculture Production Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

The programme witnessed participation from Minister for Agriculture Javid Ahmed Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu Dr. B. N. Tripathi, Mission Director Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) Sandeep Kumar, Director Research SKUAST-Jammu Dr. S. K. Gupta and Registrar & Dean Faculty of Agriculture Dr. Amit Kumar. The event was also attended by university faculty and staff, entrepreneurs, industrialists, startup founders and students from several colleges across the Jammu division.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that the youth must transition from being job-seekers to job-creators by harnessing innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors.

Emphasizing the scope of Agriculture, CM said, “When we come to deciding what industry should be set up? What is the potential in it ? and if there is great possibility of success, then it is agriculture. And with agriculture, we decide we have to set up this type of industry.”

He noted that there exists a widespread misconception that Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is driven solely by tourism. “When I tell people that in our SGDP, agriculture and horticulture are equally significant along with tourism, they get surprised. They have no idea how strong our agricultural ecosystem is. Agriculture and allied sectors like horticulture, fisheries and apiculture together form a vast economic network,” he said, adding that students today stand at a crucial juncture where they must take important decisions about their future careers.

Highlighting the limitations of government employment, the Chief Minister candidly told the students that not everyone could secure government jobs. “You all know that if I stand up and say that every one of you will get a government job, within a year I will prove myself wrong. Because the truth is that all of you cannot get government jobs. Some will, but many will not. So what will the rest do?” he asked. Explaining the region’s economic realities, he said that unlike areas endowed with resources such as coal, iron ore or oil, Jammu and Kashmir must build industries based on its existing strengths. “If we had coal under the ground or iron ore or oil like some other regions, perhaps we could have set up big factories here. But that is not our reality. We will have to build industries based on what we already have,” he said, stressing that agriculture and allied activities offer the most viable path for sustainable economic growth in the region.

The Chief Minister observed that traditional agricultural practices alone may not be sufficient to sustain livelihoods and called for a shift towards value addition and modern agricultural entrepreneurship. “There was a time when our youth were deeply connected with traditional farming, but gradually their focus shifted away because agriculture appeared uncertain. Weather disruptions, difficulties in reaching markets and other challenges discouraged many,” he said. He noted that programmes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), JKCIP and Mission YUVA have been designed to transform agriculture into a modern, value-added and technology-driven sector. “The land that we have will remain limited. In fact, agricultural land is shrinking compared to what existed twenty or thirty years ago. So the question is how do we keep agriculture viable? The answer lies in value addition, innovation and entrepreneurship,” he added.

Referring to dairy production as an example, the Chief Minister highlighted the immense scope for value addition in Jammu and Kashmir. “In Jammu and Kashmir, we process only about six to seven percent of the milk we produce. Compare that with Gujarat, where nearly ninety-three percent of milk undergoes processing and value addition. When you convert milk into products like paneer, khoya or other dairy items, you increase its value manifold,” he said. He also cited opportunities in sectors such as meat production, fisheries, honey, fruits, vegetables and floriculture. Referring to one of the award-winning young innovators, he said, “The young girl whom we felicitated today noticed that the shelf life of flowers in our region was only about three days. She simply worked on better packaging techniques, and the same flowers could now last for fifteen days. Jammu is a city of temples, and flowers will always be in demand here. This is how a small innovation can create a business opportunity.”

Encouraging students to pursue entrepreneurship without fear of failure, the Chief Minister stressed that innovation often involves risks and setbacks. “You don’t necessarily need a government job to succeed. What you need is intention, an idea and the passion to do something meaningful. After that, we, whether as a government or as institutions like this university, are here to support you,” he said. Drawing inspiration from global entrepreneurs, he remarked, “Some people get ideas even while sleeping at night. You might be inspired by entrepreneurs like Elon Musk. His rockets worth billions sometimes explode in the sky, but he does not see that as failure. He says he learns as much from the explosion as from success.” Urging the youth to overcome fear, he added, “Do not be afraid of failure. Be afraid of not trying. If you fail, we will help you rise again. Try, innovate and move forward—we are here to help you achieve success. This is my promise to all of you.”

On the occasion, the Chief Minister released four publications and felicitated two startups and two Farmers’ Producer Organisations for their achievements. He also launched 808 new Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) aimed at strengthening grassroots-level agricultural services across Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected an exhibition set up within the university premises, where he interacted with students, young entrepreneurs and representatives of Farmers’ Producer Organisations, appreciating their innovative ideas and encouraging them to transform agriculture into a modern, enterprise-driven sector.