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Five more held in J-K’s Sopore protest vandalism case

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Five more held in J-K’s Sopore protest vandalism case

Sopore, Apr 15: Police on Wednesday arrested five more persons in connection with alleged vandalism and disruption during a student protest at a government girls’ higher secondary school in Sopore, officials said.

The arrests were made during overnight raids as part of an ongoing crackdown on those accused of creating law and order disturbances during the protest, they said.

According to police, the accused had infiltrated the protest and were involved in damaging public property.

Officials said 13 more suspects have been identified and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

Police said the raids and search operations will continue until all those involved are brought to justice.

Reiterating its stand, the police said it would not allow anyone to exploit sensitive situations to disturb public peace and warned of strict action against those found involved.

The police also urged people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order in the area. (KNS).

Greater Kashmir

Trump hints at new Iran talks as Hormuz standoff intensifies

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Trump hints at new Iran talks as Hormuz standoff intensifies

Washington, Apr 15: The US military claimed Tuesday that it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, as the standoff between the US and Iran deepens. Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region, a day after Trump warned on social media that any Iranian warships nearing the blockade would be destroyed in a “quick and brutal” strike.

With Pakistan racing to bring the sides together for more talks, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round “could be happening over the next two days.” The first round ended without an agreement on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which the White House says is a sticking point.

Neither side has indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22.

Lebanon and Israel opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, as fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants rocks southern Lebanon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took part, joining the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the US Hezbollah opposes the direct talks and won’t abide by any agreements made as a result, a high-ranking member of its political council told The Associated Press.

Here is the latest:

Trump says the Iran war is very close to over

In clips showing excerpts of an interview he taped with Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria,” Trump says of the Iran war, “I think it’s close to over, yeah. I mean, I view it as very close to over.”

He adds, “If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we’re not finished. We’ll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly.”

Trump has declared a US victory in Iran repeatedly since mere days after the war started — even as the reality on the ground has been far more complicated.

The full interview is set to air starting Wednesday morning.

US military will operate blockade in Gulf of Oman, AP source says

A US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, explained that the strategy is to observe vessels subject to the blockade leave Iranian facilities and clear the Strait of Hormuz before intercepting them and forcing them to turn around.

The official said that the military relies on more than just automated tracking beacons that all merchant ships are required to carry called AIS to determine merchant ships were coming from a port in Iran but wouldn’t go into more detail, citing the need for operational security.

The official also wouldn’t go into what the military would do should they need to board and capture a ship.

Vance says Trump wants a grand bargain reached with Iran

Addressing a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, the vice president discussed the 20-plus hours of negotiations with Iran where he lead the US delegation. He said that Trump “doesn’t want to make, like, a small deal. He wants to make the grand bargain.”

Vance added, “That’s the trade that he’s offering,” and that Trump is telling Iran, “If you guys commit to not having a nuclear weapon, we are going to make Iran thrive.”

“We’re going to make it economically prosperous, and we’re going to invite the Iranian people into the world economy in a way they haven’t been in my entire life,” the vice president said.

Pakistani official says government will keep at it

Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Tuesday in an interview with The Associated Press that “our leadership is not giving up” on its efforts to help the US and Iran negotiate. He noted the talks marked the first direct discussion between the two in nearly 50 years.

“We would very much like to see if we can continue to pursue the dialogue,” he added, speaking on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. “We’ll keep at it, and our leadership is at it.”

Aurangzeb said he also this week met with US officials including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss trade and finance concerns. He plans to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday.

Treasury says US will not renew Iranian oil sanctions waiver

The Treasury Department says “the short-term authorisation permitting the sale of Iranian oil already stranded at sea is set to expire in a few days and will not be renewed,” in a post on X.

The administration allowed for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil already in transport before March 20, and would last through April 19.

Additionally, the administration allowed a waiver on Russian oil at sea to expire on Saturday.

Lebanon praises first talks with Israel in decades as constructive, calls for ceasefire

Lebanon’s top envoy to the US says the first high-level diplomatic engagement between her country and Israel was “constructive,” but urged an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants that has displaced thousands of Lebanese.

After participating in Tuesday’s talks with Rubio and Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Nada Hamadeh Moawad said she had “underscored the need to preserve our territorial integrity and state sovereignty” during the two-hour discussion.

“I called for a ceasefire and the return of displaced persons to their homes,” she said in brief comments released by the Lebanese embassy in Washington.

US could sanction Chinese and Arab banks for doing business with Iran

The US Department of the Treasury sent a letter, viewed by The Associated Press, to financial institutions in China, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, warning about the risks of doing business with Iran. The Treasury Department threatened secondary sanctions against the nations’ banks and accused those countries of allowing Iranian illicit activities to flow through their financial institutions.

The letter states that Iran processed at least USD 9 billion through US correspondent accounts in 2024 using a series of front companies, most notably in Hong Kong and the UAE.

The Treasury Department’s account on the social platform X posted on Tuesday that financial institutions “should be on notice that the department is leveraging the full range of available tools and authorities and is prepared to deploy secondary sanctions against foreign financial institutions that continue to support Iran’s activities.”

Ships near Strait of Hormuz alter signalled destinations on first full day of US blockade

A Malawi-flagged oil tanker entering the Strait of Hormuz revised the destination it was broadcasting over its tracking system on Tuesday, according to maritime data. The Rich Starry was the only ship that shipping data firms and maritime analytics trackers reported as entering the blockaded waterway.

On Monday morning, it listed Sohar, Oman, a port just south of the strait, as its destination. By evening, it was broadcasting no destination, according to MarineTraffic, a maritime analytics provider.

The Rich Starry was among several tankers to change their reported destinations. So-called “shadow fleet” ships like the vessel sometimes fly flags of landlocked countries and alter signals or transmit false positions, including to evade sanctions on Iran. Other ships also adjusted their signals to avoid listing Iranian ports, according to shipping publication Lloyd’s List.

US Central Command said no ships transited the strait on Tuesday and did not respond to questions about the shadow fleet vessels.

US says first Israel-Lebanon talks productive, will continue with aim of launching formal negotiations

The State Department says the first high-level meeting between Israel and Lebanon in decades was “productive” and will continue with the aim of launching direct negotiations.

In a statement released after the two-hour session in Washington between Rubio and the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States, the department said, “All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue.”

Israel has been fighting Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and demands that the group, which opposed the talks and was not represented, be disarmed.

Second round of talks has not been scheduled, official say

A U.S. official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Tuesday that future talks with Iran are under discussion, but no talks have been scheduled at this time.

Greater Kashmir

Ask the Doctor

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Ask the Doctor

Q: My vision has become blurry, especially at night. Is it a cataract or weakness?

A: Blurry vision, glare from lights, and difficulty seeing at night are common signs of cataract. It is not “just weakness”—it is a gradual clouding of the eye lens. See an ophthalmologist.

Q: Can eye drops or medicines cure cataract?

A: No. Cataract cannot be reversed by medicines or drops. The only effective treatment is simple surgery, which is safe and highly successful.

Q: When should I go for cataract surgery? Do I need to wait till it matures?

A: No need to wait. Surgery should be done when vision starts affecting daily life. Waiting too long can make surgery more difficult.

Q: Is cataract surgery risky? I am afraid of it.

A: Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest procedures. It is quick, usually painless, and most patients return home the same day.

Q: I feel tired all the time, but my reports are normal. What could be the reason?

A: Fatigue is not always a disease. Poor sleep, stress, low activity, or irregular meals can cause it. Lifestyle often needs correction before medicines.

Q: I skip meals to control weight, but still gain weight. Why?

A: Skipping meals slows metabolism and leads to overeating later. Regular, balanced meals work better than starving.

Q: I drink tea multiple times a day. Is it harmful?

A: Excess tea (especially on an empty stomach) can cause acidity, poor sleep and reduced iron absorption. Limit quantity of sugar/salt in tea and be careful of timing.

Q: My blood tests are slightly abnormal. Should I panic?

A: Not always. Many mild abnormalities are manageable. The key is trend and context, not a single report. Better talk to your doctor.

Q: I get frequent acidity.

A: Occasional acidity is common, but frequent symptoms may indicate lifestyle issues or reflux disease. Diet and timing of meals matter.

Q: I walk daily. Is that enough for fitness?

A: Walking is excellent, but if possible for you, combining it with strength and flexibility exercises gives better overall health benefits.

Q: I feel anxious about my health even when everything is normal. What should I do?

A: Health anxiety is real. Limit excessive online searching, follow one trusted doctor and focus on routine rather than fear.

Q: I sometimes rely on Google for health advice. Is that okay?

A: Information is useful, but not all of it is correct. Self-diagnosis can mislead. Always cross-check with a doctor.

Public Advisory: Most health problems today are linked to lifestyle, misinformation and delay in seeking care. Simple habits, timely consultation and correct information can prevent major illness.

NOTE: These responses are for general awareness, not a substitute for medical advice.

Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: [email protected]

Greater Kashmir

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan | DYSS Poonch organises cricket matches

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Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan | DYSS Poonch organises cricket matches

In a significant step towards promoting a drug-free society and fostering a culture of health, discipline, and positivity among youth, the Department of Youth Services & Sports Poonch successfully organised cricket matches at the Sports Stadium Poonch under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The event, as per a DYSS statement issued on Tuesday, witnessed enthusiastic participation, with over 110 young athletes from across the district actively taking part.

The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Director General Youth Services & Sports, Anuradha Gupta, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire youth-centric programmes across the Union Territory.

A series of cricket matches were organised, providing a vibrant and inclusive platform for young talent to showcase their skills. These competitions not only promoted sportsmanship but also fostered unity, discipline, and confidence among participants.

Adding a strong social message to the event, all participants collectively took a pledge of

“Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports,” reaffirming their commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. The atmosphere remained energetic and inspiring, reflecting the determination of the youth to contribute towards positive societal change.

Officials highlighted that the primary objective of such initiatives is to steer young individuals away from the dangers of drug abuse and channel their energy into constructive pursuits like sports and education. By engaging youth in meaningful activities, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs while promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social responsibility.

The larger campaign was formally launched on April 11 by Manoj Sinha, marking the beginning of a 100-day intensive drive across Jammu and Kashmir. Since its launch, a series of awareness programmes, sports events, and outreach activities have been conducted at multiple levels to amplify the message of a drug-free society.

At the district level, the smooth execution of the event was ensured under the supervision of Mohammad Qasim, while on-ground coordination and management were efficiently handled by Vijay Kumar, whose dedicated efforts played a key role in the successful organization of the programme.

Officials further emphasised that such initiatives go beyond competitions and form part of a broader mission to bring long-term positive transformation in society.

Greater Kashmir

‘For consultation of less than 5 mins, patients wait for hours in J&K’

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‘For consultation of less than 5 mins, patients wait for hours in J&K’

Srinagar, Apr 14: Patients in J&K wait hours for consultation in long queues, for a consultation that doesn’t often last even five minutes. The outpatient services in government hospitals across J&K are under duress, due to long registration queues, extended waiting times, and extremely brief consultations with doctors. No major overhaul is in view to redress these chronic issues.

These lacunae were highlighted in the performance audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India report on the health sector. The report released in March 2026 assessed public health infrastructure and service delivery for the period ending March 2022. The audit analysed responses of 750 outpatients across 41 government health institutions. These institutions included tertiary-level hospitals, district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, and community health centres. Significant gaps in OPD efficiency and patient care came to the fore through the extensive data.

The audit found that only 43% of patients were registered within five minutes across all institutions. Presumably, this percentage is from the lower rung of health institutions that do not witness patient footfall in a significant number. The situation was reported to be most concerning in tertiary hospitals. In these hospitals, just 8% of patients were able to complete registration within five minutes. District hospitals performed slightly better, but delays persisted. Over one-third of patients in these hospitals had to wait more than 15 minutes simply to get registered.

Even after registration, the waiting time was excruciating at higher-level hospitals. Two-thirds of patients in tertiary hospitals waited more than 30 minutes before meeting a doctor, the report revealed. A significant proportion of these patients (20%) had a waiting time of more than an hour after registration.

In district hospitals and sub-district hospitals, a large proportion of patients still waited over 15 minutes for consultation. The waiting tie is an indicator of pressure on limited medical staff and infrastructure.

The audit also underscored the poor evaluation time for the patents. A majority of patients received very limited consultation time. Over half of them said they were examined for five minutes or less. A few years ago, a widely circulated report showed that the average consultation time per patient in the public sector is around two minutes.

Only a handful received consultations longer than 15 minutes, the report revealed. The short interactions raise concerns about the depth of clinical evaluation, in addition to the quality of care in over-stretched government facilities in J&K. In tertiary care hospitals here, the patient load is often in lakhs per department.

The high patient loads, limited staffing, and inadequate number of doctors in OPD and other patient areas is the key reasons behind prolonged waiting times and rushed consultations. The audit gives an insight into the scope of improvement in the multiple levels of the healthcare system in J&K.

Greater Kashmir

Policy paralysis cripples J&K stone crushing sector, stalls infra growth

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Policy paralysis cripples J&K stone crushing sector, stalls infra growth

Srinagar, Apr 14: The stone crushing industry in Jammu and Kashmir, considered the backbone of infrastructure development across the Union Territory, is facing a severe and prolonged crisis, with nearly 1000 units lying non-functional due to the non-availability of raw material.

The sector, which supports tens of thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly, has come to a standstill not because of a lack of demand or capacity, but due to policy changes that have disrupted its core supply chain.

The roots of this crisis lie in the policy shift undertaken post-2019.

Earlier, stone crusher units operated under a regulated system where raw material consumption was assessed and royalty was charged accordingly.

Monthly permits ensured a degree of oversight while maintaining continuity of operations.

While concerns of underreporting may have existed, the system ensured uninterrupted supply of raw material, keeping the industry functional and aligned with developmental needs.

Instead of reforming and strengthening this mechanism, the Government opted for a complete overhaul – transitioning to an outsourced model of extraction through e-tendered contracts.

Simultaneously, a blanket restriction was imposed on traditional over-ground quarrying sources that earlier met the bulk of demand. The new system fragmented the supply chain, placing raw material extraction and processing into separate silos, thereby making stone crushing units dependent on third-party contractors for their most basic input.

This shift has fundamentally altered the operational landscape.

What was once a single-layer regulatory system has now evolved into a multi-layered compliance regime.

Not only do extraction contractors require environmental clearances, but stone crusher units themselves continue to be subject to separate regulatory approvals.

The duplication of processes has added complexity, increased delays, and created uncertainty – directly contradicting the stated objective of Ease of Doing Business.

The consequences are now visible on the ground.

With environmental clearances for extraction having expired in December 2025, raw material supply has come to a complete halt. For the past several months, there has been no legally accessible source of stone for crushing units.

The result is an industry-wide shutdown, with units lying idle, workers disengaged, and machinery rendered unproductive.

This disruption has had a cascading impact. Construction activities, both public and private, have slowed down, while the limited stock of available aggregates is being sold at sharply inflated prices.

Ironically, while the shift to e-tendering may have increased royalty collections in the short term, it has simultaneously escalated the cost of public infrastructure projects, negating any fiscal gains.

The government, in effect, pays more for the same materials it sought to regulate more efficiently.

More critically, the policy has created supply bottlenecks by limiting the number of extraction points.

Entire districts now depend on a handful of designated mineral parcels, placing immense pressure on already constrained sources.

In a region with a short working season for construction, such disruptions carry disproportionate economic costs.

Equally concerning is the regulatory environment surrounding the industry. Classified under the “Orange Category,” stone crushing units continue to face procedural hurdles in obtaining and renewing consents, despite widespread compliance with environmental norms.

The absence of designated zones for such activity further compounds the problem, leaving units caught between operational necessity and regulatory uncertainty.

What emerges is a pattern of policy without pragmatism.

Instead of ensuring regulated access to raw material, the system has created scarcity. Instead of simplifying compliance, it has multiplied it.

And instead of strengthening a critical industry, it has rendered it dependent and dysfunctional.

At the centre of this unfolding crisis is the Industries and Commerce Department – the very institution tasked with nurturing and sustaining industrial activity.

Its silence in the face of the prolonged inactivity of nearly 1000 units is not merely administrative indifference, it reflects a deeper disconnect between policy intent and ground reality.

Ease of Doing Business cannot be measured through notifications and portals while core industries remain non-functional.

It must be reflected in uninterrupted operations, rational regulation, and timely policy response.

When an industry so vital to development is forced into inactivity for want of raw material, the claim of ease stands fundamentally compromised.

What Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing today is not just a sectoral disruption, it is the breakdown of a system that failed to anticipate, adapt, and act.

Greater Kashmir

Government will create inclusive, accessible, enriching spaces for every citizen: LG Sinha

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Government will create inclusive, accessible, enriching spaces for every citizen: LG Sinha

Jammu, Apr 14: On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated Tawi Riverfront Project (Phase-I), developed at a cost of Rs 156 crore, to the public.

In Phase-1 of Tawi Riverfront Project, Jammu Smart City Limited has developed promenades on the left bank, right bank, and the central island, creating four continuous stretches for walking, jogging, and cycling.

A dedicated ghat area has also been developed for the sacred Tawi Aarti.

“Our vision is to create inclusive, accessible, and enriching spaces for every citizen. The Tawi Riverfront embodies this ethos with a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, where development harmonises with nature,” LG Sinha said attending the three-day long Tawi Mahotsav, organised by Jammu Smart City Limited, where he joined the citizens for the Tawi Aarti, and launched a series of transformative urban initiatives aimed at elevating the overall environment of the Tawi riverfont and the surrounding area.

On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone for 4-lane connecting road to the right bank with a bridge to decongest a critical stretch of city and directly connect Bhagwati Nagar rotary with Jewel Chowk.

The LG also launched the development of green spaces along the top promenade of the left bank.

He said that the 1-km stretch will transform Tawi Riverfront into an ideal urban space and a vibrant hotspot for residents and tourists.

LG Sinha said under the Urban Challenge Fund, two major initiatives were being taken up: real estate monetisation of Phase-I and the extension of the riverfront from Bikram Chowk Bridge to Har Ki Paudi.

He said that these initiatives would play a pivotal role in transforming the Tawi riverfront into a vibrant tourist destination, a premier recreational hub, and a dynamic economic centre.

The LG said that culture holds that cities along rivers retain even the winds infused with timeless values.

“Jammu embodies this truth. This ancient temple town is the heart of spirituality, culture and a living metaphor. For millennia, this land has beckoned saints, philosophers, and artists, enriching itself with their cultural and spiritual legacies. Over the past five-six years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, we have strived to amplify Jammu’s grandeur and cultural consciousness,” he said.

LG Sinha said that culture thrives only when lived and passed to the next generation through its values.

“Those who built this city did not build it for themselves alone. They built it with confidence and trust that those who followed would understand and honor this priceless inheritance. The measure of a life is not what you gathered, but what you gave. Not what society offered you, but what you returned to it,” he said.

The LG also administered the anti-drug pledge to the citizens and felicitated the winners of the traditional dangal.

Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Sat Sharma, Member of Parliament and President, Bharatiya Janata Party, J&K; Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports; Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu and CEO Jammu Smart City Limited and senior officials were present.

Members of Legislative Assembly Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta, Vikram Randhawa and Surinder Bhagat; Rajesh Gupta; President Vishwa Hindu Parishad (J&K and Ladakh) also attended the Tawi Mahotsav.

Greater Kashmir

J&K Hajj pilgrims to depart from April 18 under cloud of West Asia conflict

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J&K Hajj pilgrims to depart from April 18 under cloud of West Asia conflict

Srinagar, Apr 14: With the shadow of conflict still hanging over West Asia, Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are preparing to depart for the holy land beginning April 18, even as uncertainty over the Iran-US-Israel standoff continues to stir unease among those readying for the annual pilgrimage.

A total of 4701 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to undertake the Hajj this year, a figure significantly lower than in previous years.

Those familiar with the Hajj process point to a combination of factors behind the decline, with the steep rise in pilgrimage costs and a deepening liquidity crunch across Kashmir emerging as the primary reasons.

The overall cost of Hajj has climbed considerably in recent years, pushed up by currency fluctuations, higher service charges, and increased accommodation costs in Saudi Arabia, pricing out a section of pilgrims who had been saving for years with the intention of making the journey this season.

The broader economic squeeze felt across the valley has compounded the problem. Traders, small business owners, and daily wage earners in Kashmir have spoken of tightening household budgets, and for many families, the financial ask of Hajj this year proved simply too steep to meet.

The result is a noticeably thinner contingent heading out from the region compared to years past.

Hajj flights from Srinagar are set to commence on April 18 and will continue through May 20.

The Executive Officer of the Hajj Committee, Shujat Ahmed, confirmed the schedule while also addressing the fears that have gripped many of the departing pilgrims.

On whether the ongoing conflict in the region posed a threat to the pilgrims’ safety, Ahmed struck a measured tone.

“We are hopeful that things remain calm,” he said, adding that the situation was not entirely within their control.

“It is not in our hands,” he acknowledged, even as he sought to reassure pilgrims and their families that all necessary precautions were being taken.

The flights from Srinagar are expected to operate for approximately 10 to 15 days, with schedules remaining subject to adjustment depending on operational requirements.

He said the Hajj Committee was working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the smooth departure and transit of all registered pilgrims from J&K.

This year, the pilgrimage comes with a fresh set of regulations from Saudi authorities that mark a notable shift from previous years. Stricter health screening protocols have been introduced, and pilgrims found to be suffering from serious medical conditions, including renal failure, those currently undergoing dialysis, or those with significant cardiac ailments, have been screened out from the cohort.

Among the more visible changes this season is the discontinuation of self-cooking facilities that pilgrims had previously relied upon during their stay.

“Self-cooking facilities have been discontinued this year, and pilgrims will instead be provided food arrangements,” Ahmed said.

In addition, each pilgrim departing from J&K will be issued a smartwatch equipped with a SIM-enabled tracking system, designed to help authorities monitor movement and coordinate more effectively in the event of an emergency.

The mood among private Hajj operators is somewhat less composed.

A private operator, who did not wish to be named, said the community remained deeply anxious.

“We are worried about the situation,” the operator said, reflecting what many in the pilgrimage sector privately feel.

Among those departing in the first batch is Muhammad Yusuf, an old, retired government employee, who has waited over a decade for this moment. Despite the fear, his resolve is unshaken.

“I have waited my whole life for this. Whatever Allah has written will happen. We leave trusting in Allah,” he said.

Greater Kashmir

Unidirectional `9779.42 Cr Sudhmahadev-Dranga, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels approved: Jitendra Singh

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Unidirectional `9779.42 Cr Sudhmahadev-Dranga, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels approved: Jitendra Singh

Jammu, Apr 14: Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh Tuesday announced that the approval was granted (by the Centre) for the construction of uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnels and the twin tube Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel on NH-244 in Jammu and Kashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr.

Singh, who also represents Doda-Kathua-Udhampur parliamentary constituency in Lok Sabha, shared this positive development for Doda, Kishtwar and Udhampur districts on his social media handle.

While extending his gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “always prioritising J&K related issues”, the Union Minister asserted that the approval also dispelled the rumours spread about the abandoning of the project.

Vital projects are significant as they will bolster connectivity with all-weather access besides expediting economic boom across the Chenab valley, Udhampur and adjoining regions.

“Approval has been granted for the construction of uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev–Dranga tunnels (length 12.85 km, including 2 L (lane) + Paved Shoulder (PS) approaches) and the twin tube Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel (length 38.61 km, including 2L + PS approaches) on NH-244 in #JammuAndKashmir, at a total cost of Rs 9779.42 Cr,” Union Minister of State in PMO posted on his social media handle, with the screaming tagline in bold, “Heartening news for districts Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur.”

“This dispels all the misguided rumours floated in recent months that the project had been abandoned. Thanks PM Shri Narendra Modi for always prioritising J&K related issues,” Singh posted.

Reference was to the official approval through an Office Memorandum issued by the (Union) Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, confirming the minutes of the Public Investment Board (PIB) meeting held on April 7, 2026, thereby formalising the transformative project.

Through the Office Memorandum, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India forwarded to the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – the minutes of the Public Investment Board meeting held on April 7, 2026 in the Department of Expenditure under the chairpersonship of Secretary, Department of Expenditure to consider the proposal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for “Construction of uni-directional twin tube Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnels (length 12.85 Km including 2L + PS approaches) and twin tube Singhpora-Vailoo Tunnel (Length 38.61Km including 2L + PS approaches) on NH-244 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on EPC ((Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) mode.”

“This issues with the approval of the Secretary, Department of Expenditure,” the Office Memorandum read.

Earlier on April 7, 2026, Singh, while chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Doda, had also addressed concerns regarding the Sudhmahadev tunnel.

He had clarified that reports about stoppage of work were incorrect. The Union Minister said the earlier tender was cancelled because of the security issue related to the allottee. He said that a new tender would be floated soon.

Notably the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too had recently written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari seeking early completion of both the projects.

Prior to it, on March 25, 2026, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, while replying to National Conference MP Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo’s question in Rajya Sabha about the present status, DPR, tendering, land acquisition, environment and security clearances, funds sanctioned and released, work awarded and timeline fixed for the projects related to the Sudhmahadev-Chenani tunnel, Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel besides other tunnels and road projects had informed that DPRs were completed for both the projects.

“Sudhmahadev-Dranga and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnels fall under National Highway (NH) 244. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these tunnels have been completed by National Highways Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NHIDCL),” Gadkari stated.

“The Sudhmahadev-Daranga tunnel including approaches is having a length of 12.85 km and Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel including approaches is having a length of 38.61 km. The projects for construction of these tunnels are at appraisal stage,” the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways had informed.

Regarding road projects, Gadkari had informed that the road stretch of Batote-Doda-Kishtwar is divided into two stretches.

“The Batote-Khellani section of NH-244 is of 2-lane standards. However, due to deficient alignment having steep curves, this stretch is to be bypassed through development of Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha-Khellani greenfield alignment. Out of total length of 38 km from Chenani to Khellani (excluding Sudhmadev-Dranga tunnel portion) the 2-lane has been completed in 34 km and 2-laning is in progress in the remaining 4 km, which is scheduled to be completed by October, 2026,” he said.

“The Khellani-Doda-Kishtwar section of NH-244 (112.66 km) is being developed to 2-lane with paved shoulders configuration in 9 civil work contract packages, of which, 47.38 km length has been completed and remaining length is in progress,” Gadkari shared.

Meanwhile, MLA Inderwal Pyare Lal Sharma, while hailing the official approval to the long-pending demand for the Singhpora–Vailoo tunnel, described it as a monumental boost to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.

“This long-awaited dream project is being widely hailed as a game-changer for the Chenab valley. By ensuring all-weather connectivity between the Chenab valley and the Kashmir Valley, the tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two regions, boost trade, tourism, and overall economic activity and ensure uninterrupted connectivity during harsh winter months,” Sharma pointed out.

He expressed immense satisfaction and heartfelt gratitude, calling the approval a historic achievement for the people of the region. He emphasised that the realisation of this decades-old demand reflected the coordinated and committed efforts of both central and UT leadership.

In his statement, he extended special thanks to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his visionary leadership in enhancing national connectivity; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for prioritising regional development; Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh for his persistent efforts at the Union level; Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary for his steadfast support and MP Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo for his significant role in advancing the project through legislative and administrative channels.

Sharma termed the approval of the tunnel as not just an infrastructure project, but a symbol of progress, connectivity, and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Greater Kashmir

2nd round of US-Iran talks could be in Pakistan over next 2 days: Report

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2nd round of US-Iran talks could be in Pakistan over next 2 days: Report

Washington, Apr 14: President Donald Trump has said that a second round of talks with Iran could be held in Islamabad “over the next two days”, according to a US media report on Tuesday.

“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump told The New York Post.

Trump attributed the possibility of a second round of talks to the “great job” done by Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

“It’s more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job,” the US President said.

Fox News reported that the US decision on the blockade of Iranian ports was one of the reasons for Tehran returning to the negotiating table.

“A lot is happening today and tomorrow. We have all the ingredients of a deal, but it’s not all there yet,” an unnamed US official told Fox News.

US Central Command said it successfully blocked all vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas in the first 24 hours of President Trump’s blockade.

CENTCOM said the blockade is being enforced “impartially against vessels of all nations” entering and exiting Iranian ports.

It added that six merchant vessels complied with the US directions to turn around.

More than 10,000 US service members are participating in the blockade, including over 100 aircraft and 18 warships.

CENTCOM said US forces were supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

The US and Iran failed to reach an agreement in the 21-hour marathon peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend, with Washington insisting that Tehran refused to give up its right to nuclear enrichment.

Greater Kashmir

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