Ramban, Mar 8: The National Highway 44, which connects Srinagar and Jammu, remained open on Sunday for two-way movement of light, medium and heavy motor vehicles, though traffic flow was reported to be slow at several stretches due to single-lane road stretches and due to four-lane construction works between Ramban and Banihal sectors.

Traffic authorities said that, subject to fair weather , the Srinagar-Jammu highway to remain open on Monday as well for two-way movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs).

Officials reported that traffic movement remained sluggish at multiple locations between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather due to single-lane stretches and ongoing four-laning construction works along the Ramban–Banihal sector. The breakdown of a few heavy vehicles also contributed to temporary bottlenecks. Despite these challenges, hundreds of private cars and light to medium passenger vehicles travelled on both sides of the highway throughout the day.

The Traffic Department issued a fresh advisory stating that, weather and road conditions permitting, light, medium and heavy vehicles will continue to ply from both sides towards Srinagar and Jammu on Sunday. Until the filing of this report, the highway witnessed a steady movement of vehicles, mainly load carriers, passing through the Ramban–Banihal stretch. Authorities attributed the slow movement primarily to narrow road stretches between Maroog and Kishtwari Pather and the breakdown of heavy vehicles along the route.

Passengers and LMV operators have been advised to undertake travel only during daytime hours. Night travel has been discouraged due to the risk of shooting stones, landslides and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal. Commuters have been advised to confirm the latest road status with the Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Ramban before planning their journeys. Meanwhile, National Highway 244, which connects Kishtwar with Sinthan Top and Anantnag, was reopened.

Authorities said subject to fair weather and good road conditions and after getting green signal from NHIDCL only passenger light motor vehicles, private cars would be allowed to from both sides viz Kishtwar towards Srinagar and vice-versa via Sinthantop. These vehicles shall be allowed from Police Post Parana towards Anantnag and from Police Post, Daksum towards Kishtwar between 9am to 3pm. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.

Rajouri, Mar 8: As culmination of various run up events of International Women’s Day celebrations, Jhangar Battalion organised an educational and motivational visit for school girls to the historic Usman Memorial and its library facilities located in border village.

The visit aimed to inspire young minds by connecting them with the legacy of courage, sacrifice and the importance of education.

During the visit, the students were briefed about the historical significance of the Usman Memorial, which commemorates the valour and supreme sacrifice of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, one of India’s most revered military leaders.

Army personnel shared stories of bravery and patriotism associated with the memorial, encouraging the young visitors to imbibe values of dedication, resilience and national pride.

The students were also introduced to the library facilities established by the Indian Army at the memorial site. The library, equipped with a diverse collection of educational books and reading materials, serves as an important resource for students in the border areas, promoting a culture of learning and academic growth.

The interaction provided the girls with an opportunity to explore the facilities, engage with Army personnel and understand the significance of education in shaping their future. The initiative also aimed to empower young girls by motivating them to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.

The visit concluded with an interactive session and group photographs, leaving the students inspired and appreciative of the Army’s efforts in supporting education and community development in remote border regions.

Such initiatives by the Indian Army continue to strengthen the bond between the Armed Forces and local communities while promoting education, empowerment and awareness among the youth, especially young girls.

Jammu, Mar 08: Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday attached immovable property of a Pakistan-based terror handler in Manjakote area of Rajouri district, officials said.

The attached property comprises seven marlas of land owned by proclaimed offender Shafeeq Ahmed, a resident of Naika Panjgrain village, a police spokesperson said.

He said Ahmed had crossed the border into Pakistan and is presently operating from there.

The attachment proceedings were carried out after obtaining due permission in the form of an attachment order under Section 88 of the CrPC corresponding to Section 85 of BNSS issued by the competent Court, the spokesman said.

He said the action reflects the commitment of Police to take stringent legal measures against terror handlers and to ensure compliance with the law.

Further legal proceedings shall follow as per due process, the spokesperson said.

Nagrota, Mar 08: Economic upliftment is the prime way to uplift women in society said Devyani Rana, MLA Nagrota while inaugurating the Entrepreneurship Mela at the Common Facility Centre (CFC), Panjgrian in Block Nagrota, under the flagship initiative Mission YUVA.

“Women are the backbone of our rural economy, and their participation in entrepreneurship is key to building a self-reliant and prosperous society and Mission YUVA is creating new avenues for our youth and women to transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises,” she said.

The event brought together Self Help Groups (SHGs), aspiring entrepreneurs, youth, and representatives from various government departments on a single platform to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and livelihood opportunities in the region.

The mela witnessed enthusiastic participation from several women-led Self Help Groups and local entrepreneurs, who set up stalls showcasing a wide range of locally produced items including handicrafts, homemade food products, organic produce, and other small-scale enterprise initiatives. These stalls not only highlighted the entrepreneurial potential of rural women but also served as a platform for networking, market exposure, and exchange of ideas.

During the programme, MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana distributed Jammu & Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) loan sanction letters amounting to ₹70 lakh to women beneficiaries from different areas of Nagrota constituency under Mission YUVA. The financial assistance is expected to help these women start or expand their small enterprises and improve their economic stability.

Marking the spirit of International Women’s Day, while interacting with SHG members, entrepreneurs, and youth participants, Devyani Rana appreciated their creativity, determination, and efforts towards building sustainable livelihoods. During the entrepreneurship Mela, she emphasized that such initiatives play an important role in empowering women, strengthening rural economies, and encouraging youth to become job creators rather than job seekers.

Speaking on the occasion, Devyani Rana stated that women’s economic empowerment has always remained one of her foremost priorities for the development of Nagrota constituency. She remarked that a truly progressive society can only be built when women are given equal opportunities to grow, lead, and become financially independent.

Devyani Rana further encouraged women and youth of the constituency to actively participate in such initiatives and take full advantage of the support being provided by the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narindra Modi Ji to promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

MLA Nagrota further said that empowering women economically is not only about providing financial assistance but also about building confidence, leadership skills, and access to opportunities. “My dream is to see every woman in Nagrota become self-reliant and financially independent. When a woman becomes economically strong, the entire family and society benefit,” she said.

Devyani Rana also reiterated her commitment to supporting women-led initiatives and ensuring that government schemes reach the grassroots level effectively. She said that the administration and public representatives must work together to create an enabling environment where women feel encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation.

Officers and Officials from the District Employment & Counselling Centre (DE&CC), Jammu, were also present at the event and briefed participants about the objectives and opportunities under Mission YUVA. They guided aspiring entrepreneurs about various government schemes, financial assistance, training programmes, and institutional support available to help them establish and grow their enterprises.