Srinagar, Oct 06: Member of the Legislative Assembly from Central Shalteng and President of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Tariq Hameed Karra, on Monday conducted a comprehensive tour of his constituency to assess the prevailing developmental scenario and address public grievances.

Karra held an on-the-spot meeting with the concerned officers of various departments and directed them to ensure swift action on issues affecting locals, particularly in vulnerable and flood-prone zones. He emphasized that development works should be implemented with urgency and accountability to prevent hardships faced by people during adverse weather conditions.

During his tour, the Congress leader expressed concern over the poor drainage and waterlogging problems that continue to trouble several areas, especially Bemina and its adjoining localities. “Central Shalteng, particularly Bemina, being a low-lying area, remains highly susceptible to inundation during heavy rains or flood-like situations. These localities must receive special attention to avert any untoward incidents,” Karra told officers accompanying him.

He further urged the administration to stay prepared for any eventuality and to prioritize works related to flood management, road maintenance, and drainage restoration ahead of the winter season. Karra also interacted with locals who apprised him of their day-to-day difficulties and urged timely redressal of their concerns.

The JKPCC President assured that he would continue to monitor the progress of ongoing projects and maintain close coordination with the administration to ensure that developmental needs of the constituency are effectively met. [KNT]

Srinagar, Oct 06: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today officially declared open the 69th National School Games at TRC Football Ground, Srinagar, by ceremonially kicking a football, marking the formal commencement of the national-level sporting event.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed (Pardesi), Director General Youth Services & Sports Anuradha Gupta, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, and several other dignitaries and officials.

This year’s National School Games has drawn participation from 30 teams representing various States and Union Territories across the country, with matches scheduled to be played at six different venues. The events include competitions in Football, Wushu, Taekwondo, and Table Tennis.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that sports play a vital role in fostering unity, friendship and understanding among young people from diverse regions of the country.

“Sports build bridges of unity and friendship. I am delighted to be here with you at the inauguration of the 69th National School Games. Unfortunately, the weather today does not permit me to deliver a long speech or keep you waiting in the rain. While the weather is beyond our control, it gives me immense pleasure—on behalf of myself, my colleagues, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir—to warmly welcome all of you to this prestigious tournament,” the Chief Minister said.

He assured participants of full support from the government and organisers, adding that every effort would be made to ensure their comfort and safety.

“If any of you face any inconvenience—whether a shortage of warm clothing or any other requirement—please do not hesitate to approach us. We will do everything possible to make your stay and participation comfortable,” he said.

Expressing optimism about improving weather conditions, the Chief Minister encouraged the young athletes to enjoy the experience of competition and camaraderie.

“As the saying goes, winning is not as important as taking part. I sincerely appreciate your spirit and enthusiasm in coming here to participate,” he said, wishing the players memorable moments and success in the tournament.

The march past by 30 participating teams drew appreciation from the Chief Minister and applause from a large gathering of school children and spectators at the venue. Players, coaches and team officials also took the oath of sportsmanship, pledging to uphold the values of fair play, discipline and teamwork.

Ganderbal, Oct 06: The high-mast light installed by the construction company engaged in building the Zojila Tunnel along the Sonamarg Bypass road has gone defunct, causing serious inconvenience to travelers and truck drivers during nighttime hours. The facility, erected at a cost of over one lakh rupees, was meant to ensure smooth vehicular movement and enhance safety in the area.

Drivers said that the high-mast light was installed by the tunnel construction company to illuminate the stretch frequently used by heavy vehicles and passenger traffic on the Srinagar–Leh highway. The area also accommodates a truck yard where several drivers halt overnight during their journeys to and from Ladakh.

However, the light has reportedly stopped functioning for several days, plunging the area into darkness once evening sets in. Drivers said the lack of illumination poses difficulties in vehicle movement and increases the risk of accidents. “It becomes extremely difficult to move safely during the night, especially with wild animals often crossing the road,” a driver said.

The truckers and other road users have appealed to the concerned construction company to restore the high-mast light at the earliest. Locals also urged authorities to ensure regular maintenance of such essential infrastructure, particularly along the Sonamarg–Zojila stretch, which remains vital for both civilian and logistics traffic throughout the year. [KNT]

Srinagar, Oct 06: The nomination process for four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu & Kashmir began on Monday with the issuance of three separate notifications by the Election Commission of India (ECI), outlining the timetable for the polls.

The notifications were issued after the President of India called upon the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to elect members to the Upper House of Parliament.

According to the notifications issued by the Election Commission of India, the poll body announced that October 13, 2025, is the last date for filing nominations, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 14.

Candidates can withdraw their nomination forms until October 16, the poll body stated.

The ECI has fixed October 24, 2025, as the date on which polling shall take place, if necessary, with counting scheduled for the same day.

Three separate elections are being held for the four seats. While two separate elections will be conducted for the first and second seats, a combined election will be held for the remaining two seats.

As previously reported by KNO, the National Conference-Congress alliance is expected to comfortably secure three seats, while the BJP is in a strong position to win the fourth.

The BJP is in a commanding position to win the seat, given arithmetic in the House. There are seven independent members in the House who didn’t contest Assembly elections on ticket of any registered or recognised party and are not required to show their votes to polling agents.

It is worthwhile to mention that the provisions of the Tenth Schedule, including the anti-defection law, do not apply to Rajya Sabha elections. Therefore, political parties cannot issue a whip to their members for these elections—(KNO)

Jammu, Oct 06: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will announce the schedule for bye-elections to the Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies on Monday.

The ECI is scheduled to hold a press conference today at 4:00 PM at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where it will unveil the election timetable for the Bihar Assembly polls as well as other by-poll seats in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Nagrota assembly seat is expected to witness a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference-led alliance (NC).

Meanwhile, Budgam is likely to see a triangular contest involving the NC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Peoples Alliance for Change-a coalition comprising the Peoples Conference, Peoples Democratic Front, and Justice and Development Front (JDF). (KNO)