Srinagar, Sep 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday unveiled the Peace Jersey of Real Kashmir FC in collaboration with Danish sports brand Hummel at the TRC Ground in Srinagar, describing sport as a vital tool to unite and inspire people.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar Abdullah said, “The government is developing sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, and I commend Real Kashmir FC for its role in promoting football in the Valley. Sports act as a bridge for unity and peace.”

He also assured farmers that losses to fruit crops due to the recent highway closure were being assessed and compensation would be provided.

Highlighting the message of the Peace Jersey launched by Real Kashmir FC, he added, “This program itself carries the message of peace. Whether it is tourism or a day-night match, nothing can succeed without a peaceful atmosphere. If the situation is not stable, who will come in the evening to play? We need peace for everything. The responsibility lies with those in charge, and they must fulfill it.”

The Peace Jersey, a special edition kit, takes inspiration from Srinagar’s Hari Parbat Fort—symbolizing unity through its shrine, temple, and gurdwara. Its sky-blue tone represents peace, while mountain and dove motifs stand for growth and harmony. The jersey will be available online from September 21, 2025.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Sarmad Hafeez, and representatives from RKFC and Hummel—(KNO)

Srinagar, Sep 21: Congress leader and MLA Dooru Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Thursday said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are suffering because both the elected Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor are “doing things their own way” without coordination.

Mir said that no other state in the country has faced what Jammu and Kashmir went through on August 5, 2019, when it was downgraded from a state to a Union Territory. He said the move has left people with “the biggest pain of losing their statehood.”

He also said that the Government of India had assured that elections would be held first and statehood would be restored afterward. “Elections did happen, but even after a year, no initiative has been taken to return statehood,” he said.

Mir added that the dual power structure has created confusion and hardships for the public. “On one side, there is the LG, and on the other side, there is the CM. The common man is suffering as both act on their own without concern for people’s difficulties,” he said as per KNS.

The Congress leader urged the Union Government to end this uncertainty. “If you want to keep the LG, then keep the LG. If you want to keep the CM, then keep the CM. But having both at the same time is only adding to the problems of the people,” he added. (KNS)

Srinagar, Sep 21: The remains of a shell that exploded in the Dal Lake during Operation Sindoor in May were found during a cleaning drive in the water body, officials said.

During the cleaning drive on Saturday, officials from the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) found the remains of the shell.

They said the remains were taken to the nearest police station where they have been kept for further examination and necessary action.

On the morning of May 10, a missile-like object landed deep inside Dal Lake — a major tourist attraction in Srinagar — after loud explosions rocked the city.

Smoke billowed from the surface of the lake when the object landed, officials had said. The debris was fished out by the security forces.

On the same day, another suspected object was recovered from Lasjan on the outskirts of the city. Multiple blasts were heard in Srinagar on May 10.

Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.

Srinagar, Sep 21: Terming lakes and rivers as the lifeline of people, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said it’s the collective responsibility of all to preserve the water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing Swachhta drive organized under Sewa Parv at SKICC on the bank of Dal Lake here, LG Sinha said, “The existence of the Dal Lake is important for us and the future generations.”

LG Sinha said that it is not only the duty of LCMA, SMC and other agencies but of every citizen to keep water resources clean.

Referring to the recent natural challenges faced by the Union Territory, LG Sinha said people have realized the true value of water resources. “We must learn to live in harmony with nature and restore our water bodies to their original form,” he said.

The Lt Governor informed that in the ongoing conservation efforts, nearly one-third of Dal Lake, covering 6.5 km, has been made weed-free and several projects completed. He credited the people of Kashmir, LCMA and other agencies for visible improvement in the lake’s condition.

He said all houseboats have been connected with the SWIC programme and a new Dal-Nigeen Eco Project is in the pipeline, which will give a boost to tourism.

LG Sinha appreciated the sanitation workers for their role and said both cities and villages are experiencing ease of living through such initiatives. “A garbage-free city and village should not just remain a dream. Every citizen must devote a few hours of service and pledge not to litter,” he said.

The Lt Governor also called upon officials and administrators to speed up the ongoing programmes. “True development is incomplete without environmental protection.

We must build awareness for future generations to preserve rivers and lakes as symbols of reverence and culture,” he added—(KNO)

Srinagar, Sep 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said the industrial ecosystem of the country should come forward and support the rapid industrialisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Big companies, corporate houses and MSMEs of the country must take a pledge that the industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir will be their personal responsibility,” he said while interacting with the industry leaders at the 4th CII Northern Regional Council Meeting here on Saturday.

Sinha said the country’s top industrial houses should invest in J-K, keeping in mind that it is their collective responsibility to ensure the complete integration and inclusive development of the Union territory.

The LG also emphasised the need for a focused approach to enhance productivity and export of MSMEs and foster an innovation economy.

He observed that the next generation reforms will greatly benefit MSMEs and handicrafts units and build a self-reliant India.

Sinha also highlighted the need for private investment in research and development, with special focus on defence, space, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.