Srinagar, 28 Feb: Political parties and politicians, cutting across party lines, felicitated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for their historic Ranji Trophy final win.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the win would boost the morale of players in other sports as well.

“It is a matter of great pride for J&K that its boys have won the Ranji Trophy final. Their achievement will inspire the next generation and give a fillip to sports promotion in the region,” he said.

The Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for creating history by lifting the prestigious Ranji Trophy after decades of dedicated participation in the tournament.

Describing the achievement as a watershed moment in the sporting history of J&K, Sharma said that this long-awaited triumph is the result of years of perseverance, discipline, and an unshakeable belief in the immense talent of Jammu & Kashmirís youth.

He said that the victory has brought unparalleled joy and pride to every household across the region, uniting people in celebration beyond all boundaries of region and community.

National Conference (NC) President and three time chief minister Farooq Abdullah Saturday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team on their stupendous, historic triumph in the prestigious Ranji Trophy finals defeating star studded Karnataka.

In his message, Abdullah described the victory as a moment of immense pride and joy for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the teamís remarkable performance throughout the tournament reflects their dedication, discipline and indomitable spirit.

Abdullah lauded the players for their resilience and commitment, noting that their achievement had brought great honour to the region on the national stage.

He also congratulated the coaches, support staff, selectors and the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association for their tireless efforts in grooming and guiding the team.

Abdullah said that this victory was a testament to the hard work being put into strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing young talent in Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed hope that this landmark achievement would inspire the youth of the region to pursue excellence in sports and other fields and wished the team continued success in future tournaments.

Cabinet Minister and senior NC leader Sakina Itoo emphasised that the victory “reflects the talent, resilience, and determination of our youth.”

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said the players both from Kashmir and Jammu reflect the strength of unity, and the win sends a strong message against forces attempting to divide people along religious lines.

“Today is truly a very blessed day for our Jammu and Kashmir. In my opinion, it is a slap on the faces of those forces who try to divide Hindus and Muslims and create conflict between them,” Mufti told reporters on the sidelines of a party function in Katra township of Reasi district.

“They have shown that when we move forward together, when Hindus and Muslims stand united, we can achieve great things not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country,” she said.

All India Congress General Secretary and Leader of the Congress Legislature Party Ghulam Ahmad Mir also congratulated the team on behalf of the party.

Thanking the players and the team management, he said the side had etched its success in golden letters.

“They have made us proud and honoured us with their grand victory,” Mir said.

J&K BJP chief and MP Sat Sharma, too, extended greetings and said, “They (the team) have not only made us proud with such a massive win but have also opened new pathways for cricket in the country.”

Apni Party President former minister and Altaf Bukhari also extended heartfelt greetings to team J&K for winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title.

“This remarkable triumph marks a historic milestone not only for the team but for the entire people of the Union Territory. This is truly a moment of celebration and pride, representing a historic achievement. I congratulate each and every member of the team, as well as everyone who played a role in this tremendous victory. May this historic accomplishment be the beginning of many more successes in the years to come,” he said.

People’s Conference led by Sajad Lone said it was a monumental moment in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir.

“This triumph is not just a victory on the field, but a testament to resilience, discipline and the indomitable spirit of our youth. You have made the entire region proud and inspired a generation to dream bigger,” the PC said.

Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) termed the victory a proud and defining moment for the youth of the region.

In a statement, a party spokesman said the remarkable triumph reflects the talent, determination and resilience of J&K’s young cricketers who have brought immense pride and joy to people across J&K.

“This historic achievement has shown that given opportunity and support, the youth of Jammu & Kashmir can excel at the highest level,” he said.

Srinagar, Feb 28: A recent state-wise healthcare spending map circulating on popular data-mapping portals shows Jammu & Kashmir allocating just 4% of its total budget to the health sector, placing it among the lower spenders nationally. However, updated figures from PRS Legislative Research and official budget documents indicate a significantly higher allocation, with J&K’s health sector share rising sharply to 8.3% of the total budget — positioning it ahead of many states and Union Territories.

The widely shared map compares J&K unfavourably with higher-allocating states such as Rajasthan (7.5%), Andhra Pradesh (7%), and Kerala (6.8%), while placing it closer to Goa (4%) and Ladakh (3.5%). The national average allocation for health stands at around 5–6%. However, the visualisation appears to rely on older data and does not capture the substantial increase in J&K’s recent health budgets.

Official records show steady growth in health allocations over the past few years. Actual health expenditure stood at Rs 4,085 crore in 2023–24, accounting for 4.9% of the total budget. This increased to a budget estimate of Rs 8,333 crore in 2024–25 (later revised to Rs 7,685 crore), and further rose to Rs 8,814 crore in 2025–26 — representing 8.3% of the total budget and marking a 15% increase over the previous year’s estimates. For 2026–27, Rs 8,654 crore has been allocated for health and medical education. The allocation significantly exceeds the National Health Policy target of 2.5% of GDP.

Over the past decade, sustained prioritisation of the health sector — supported by centrally sponsored schemes — has translated into measurable improvements in health indicators. The AB-PMJAY-SEHAT scheme, which provides universal health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family in J&K, continues to receive dedicated funding. As a result, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) has dropped sharply from 46.6% to 25.9%, among the lowest in the country. Nearly 90 lakh Ayushman Golden Cards have been issued in the Union Territory, with an estimated Rs 3,435 crore incurred in treatment costs under the scheme.

Health outcomes reflect the impact of sustained investments. Life expectancy at birth in J&K stands at 74.3 years — the third highest in the country. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined to 14–16.3 per 1,000 live births, while the Neonatal Mortality Rate stands at 9.8–10 per 1,000 live births, placing J&K among the few regions to approach single-digit levels. The Under-5 Mortality Rate has fallen to 18.5, ranking among the better-performing states nationally. Institutional deliveries account for 92.4–99.7% of all births, reflecting improved access to maternal healthcare services.

Taken together, the latest budget figures and health indicators suggest that Jammu & Kashmir’s sustained investment in healthcare is yielding tangible results, even as outdated data visualizations continue to circulate online.

Srinagar, Feb 28: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Saturday undertook an extensive tour of Srinagar city to review the progress of ongoing developmental works at various locations.

He was accompanied by Commissioner SMC/CEO SSCL, General Manager SRTC, Deputy Director Planning (DDP), and other senior revenue officers.

During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner inspected the e-bus charging station at Zoonimar, Soura, and assessed the status of the ongoing works. He was informed that the facility is expected to be commissioned by March 15.

He directed the concerned officers to evaluate the operational impact of the charging station, particularly in terms of service efficiency, traffic decongestion, circulation management, and public convenience.

The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the construction of residential houses being developed for eight families from Habakadal at a nearby site and stressed timely completion of the project.

While visiting the proposed site for an additional e-bus charging station at Hazratbal, he instructed the CEO, Srinagar Smart City, to prepare detailed site drawings and examine the feasibility of the project in consultation with the Vice Chairman, LCMA.

Taking note of the deteriorating condition of the Habakadal Foot bridge, the Divisional Commissioner directed the CEO SSCL to consult local representatives and expedite necessary renovation measures.

He further inspected the proposed riverfront development project at Habakadal near the ghat, which aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area and facilitate water transport infrastructure.

Srinagar, Feb 28: As part of sustained action against the terror ecosystem, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Sopore attached the immovable properties of two proclaimed offenders in connection with FIR No. 28/2008 under Sections 2/3 of the [Egress & Internal Movement (Control) Ordinance] (E&IMCO) Act registered at Police Station Sopore.

As per the statement, the accused, Basheer Ahmad Mir, son of Ghulam Hassan Mir, resident of Lathishat Tujjar, and Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Basheer Ahmad Bhat, resident of Harwan, had been evading arrest despite repeated efforts.

The investigation has established that both had exfiltrated to Pakistan for arms training and are presently involved in anti-India propaganda and supporting terrorist activities from across the border. Following due legal process, both were declared Proclaimed Offenders by the Hon’ble Court under Section 87 CrPC.

In compliance with court orders, attachment proceedings under Section 88 CrPC were executed against their immovable properties after proper revenue verification and local enquiry. The process was carried out in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses, and all codal formalities were duly observed, the statement said.

This action sends a clear message that individuals operating from across the border and engaging in anti-national activities will face the full force of law. Legal proceedings against such elements will continue relentlessly. J&K Police remain committed to dismantling the terror support structure and ensuring that no individual involved in activities prejudicial to the security and integrity of the nation escapes accountability, the statement added.

Srinagar, Feb 28: J&K Police have seized 06 Tippers and 01 Tractor involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals across the district Ganderbal.

The officials said these vehicles were found transporting illegally extracted material from Nallah Sindh without the mandatory permissions.

Acting swiftly and in close coordination with the Geology & Mining Department, teams from the various police stations intercepted and seized these vehicles on the spot, tightening the clampdown on illegal mineral transportation in the area. Illegal extraction not only causes loss to the public exchequer but also poses a serious threat to the ecological balance of the region, they said.

J&K Police reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting natural resources and curbing such unlawful activities. Police will continue to take stringent legal action against all violators involved in unlawful extraction, transportation, or trade of minerals, officials added.