Srinagar, Oct 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Association (JKHARA) felicitated the newly elected office bearers of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and urged the new team to play a proactive role in reviving tourism and boosting the region’s economy.

In a statement issued here, JKHARA President Babar Chowdhary said, “We heartily congratulate Javid Ahmad Tenga and his team on assuming charge of the Chamber. We have high expectations of them. Kashmir’s tourism sector needs strong support, and we hope the new KCCI leadership will actively work to promote tourism, trade, and business in the Union Territory.”

JKHARA emphasised the importance of collaboration between KCCI and the hospitality industry to ensure sustainable growth and economic development in Kashmir.

Srinagar, Oct 21: Managing Director of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), on Tuesday said that there are currently no plans to change the existing power schedule in the Valley, adding that the situation will be reviewed after November 15.

Responding to queries about the winter power schedule, MD, Mehmood Ahmad Shah said, “As of now, we have not decided anything regarding a change in the power schedule. We will review the situation after November 15 and decide accordingly.”

When asked whether the power supply will improve this winter, Shah expressed optimism, saying, “Yes, the power supply will be better this winter”.

The MD said that smart metering allows consumers to have better control over their electricity usage. “With smart meters, it is the consumer’s choice how to use electricity and manage their gadgets,” he explained.

However, Shah also urged people to use electricity judiciously. “We should all be very careful about how we use electricity, especially during the winter months when demand is at its peak,” he said.

Earlier this month, the KPDCL chief had said that the Kashmir Valley is expected to witness a more reliable power supply this winter compared to the previous year, citing significant infrastructure improvements and enhanced preparedness.

“We will ensure better power supply this winter compared to the previous one. A lot of work has been done to strengthen the network, both in towns and cities. This includes upgradation of cabling systems and installation of smart meters,” Shah had said, adding that the department is “in a much better position this year to meet the rising winter demand.”

The MD had reiterated that efforts are underway to minimize power curtailments and improve distribution efficiency across the Valley. “We are working tirelessly to provide quality and reliable electricity to our consumers,”

As the temperatures begin to drop across Kashmir, power supply remains one of the most discussed public concerns. The demand and supply situation is expected to determine whether the existing schedule will continue or be modified. (KINS)

Srinagar, Oct 21: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi, chaired a security review meeting at the Conference Hall of Police Control Room, Kashmir today. The meeting was attended by senior officers from J&K Police, CAPFs, Army, and Intelligence agencies, including IGs, DIsG, and district SSsP of Kashmir Zone.

During the meeting, IGP Kashmir reviewed the prevailing security scenario and emphasized proactive measures to strengthen the security grid. He directed officers to intensify patrolling, enhance night checking at vulnerable points, and ensure real-time intelligence sharing for coordinated operations to prevent any potential threats.

Stressing the importance of sustained vigilance and area domination, IGP Kashmir urged officers to maintain robust inter-agency coordination and chalk out effective strategies to tackle emerging security challenges.

The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to enhance vigilance, strengthen coordination, and ensure effective implementation of security measures to maintain peace and public order across the Valley.

Budgam, Oct 21: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) president and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Tuesday launched a strong attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the four MLAs representing Budgam district, accusing them of neglecting the local tourism sector and ignoring the severe economic distress faced by people dependent on it.

Yaseen said that despite the security situation in the Valley improving significantly after the Pahalgam attack, the government has failed to reopen major tourist destinations such as Doodhpathri, Yousmarg and Tosamaidan, which remain closed without any justification. “There is no reason to keep these prime tourist spots shut when peace and normalcy have largely returned to Kashmir,” he remarked.

The PDF chief said the prolonged closure of these scenic destinations has crippled the local economy. “Thousands of people in these areas depend on tourism for survival — including drivers, ponywalas, guides, hoteliers and small traders. Many have taken bank loans to sustain tourism-linked businesses and are now facing financial hardship due to government indifference,” Yaseen stated.

A delegation of stakeholders from Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan, Khag and Nilnag called on Yaseen today, pressing for the immediate reopening of these tourist spots. They expressed concern that despite the improved security environment, authorities have failed to resume tourism activities, depriving thousands of locals of their livelihoods.

Hakeem Yaseen said tourism remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and urged the government to give equal attention to Budgam’s scenic attractions as it gives to destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. “It is unfortunate that the Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, along with the MLAs and MP from Budgam, have done little to represent the concerns of their people. Their silence reflects complete indifference towards public suffering,” he said.

The PDF President said he has already met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha twice over the issue and plans to meet him again soon to press for urgent action. “The Lieutenant Governor earlier assured me that the matter would be considered, and I will once again urge immediate reopening of these destinations. The government must stop delaying and revive these vital tourism hubs,” Yaseen added.

He appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha to personally intervene and direct the reopening and development of Budgam’s tourist sites. “Restoring tourism in these areas will not only revive the local economy but also send a powerful message of peace, stability and progress from Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. [KNT]

Srinagar, Oct 21: Srinagar Police on Tuesday carried out speculative CASOs (Cordon and Search Operations) and surprise frisking drives at multiple crowded locations in and around Lal Chowk. The police said that the exercise was aimed at maintaining heightened vigilance and ensuring public safety in the city’s commercial hub.

Officials said the operations were conducted at key points including Koker Bazar, Court Road and Regal Chowk areas that witness heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement throughout the day. Police teams stopped vehicles, checked identification documents, and conducted frisking of individuals as part of the enhanced security drill.

The measures, according to officials, are part of regular preventive operations undertaken to deter any potential subversive activity in Srinagar. “These checks are routine but essential in maintaining law and order, especially in view of certain inputs received from intelligence agencies,” a senior police officer said.

The official added that the police remain committed to ensuring that such operations cause minimum inconvenience to the public. “Our focus is to keep the environment safe and secure for everyone. Citizens have generally cooperated with the police during these checks,” he said.

Officials confirmed that similar operations are likely to be conducted in the coming days as part of the broader security plan for Srinagar city. [KNT]

Srinagar, Oct 21: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday clarified that his recent comments were misinterpreted and not aimed at Srinagar Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.

Choudhary said his statement made during a public event a day earlier, where he remarked that he did not know Ruhullah, was actually directed at a BJP candidate and not at the National Conference leader.

He said the misunderstanding occurred due to the “rush and noise” at the gathering, which led to confusion about whom the comment referred to.

“I hold Aga Ruhullah Mehdi in high regard. He is an honourable leader and an elected representative of the people of Srinagar,” Choudhary said as per KNS, adding that there was no intention to make any personal or political remark against him.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s clarification came after his earlier comment drew reactions on social media, with several users questioning the intent behind the statement.

Choudhary said he values cordial relations with all public representatives and emphasised that mutual respect among leaders is essential for effective governance and public service.(KNS)

Srinagar, Oct 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday paid rich tributes to the police martyrs at Zewan, Srinagar, on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, honoring their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Floral tributes were offered at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where senior police officers and families of the fallen personnel also paid their respects.

The solemn ceremony concluded with a guard of honour and a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. —(KNC)