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If everyone is sincere, let us suspend parties to launch collective movement: CM Omar Abdullah

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If everyone is sincere, let us suspend parties to launch collective movement: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, June 05: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday proposed suspending party identities and launching a collective democratic movement for restoration of rights of the rights of people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking at The Hindu Huddle, the CM as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer(KNO), Omar said “If everyone is sincere, let us suspend political parties and stand together on one movement platform. We should fight democratically and peacefully until the constitutional rights and protections taken away in 2019 are restored.”

The CM said he would be willing to make personal political sacrifices if such a united movement emerged.

“I will be the first one to resign. Let representatives come from a common movement platform,” he said.

He stressed that any effort to regain rights must be consistent and not limited to symbolic gestures.

“People will call it a drama if there is no sincerity and continuity. It cannot be a one-off exercise. Continuous efforts are needed to build public trust,” he said.

The CM said there were efforts in different parts of the country to radicalise youngsters on religious lines and warned that such trends could have wider consequences.

“When you see an effort to radicalise youngsters, particularly in the north of the country, on religious lines, at the behest of our ruling party, you cannot expect there will be no knock-on effect elsewhere,” he said.

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Anti-drug fight now a people’s movement in J&K: LG Sinha

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Anti-drug fight now a people’s movement in J&K: LG Sinha

Ganderbal, June 05: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that the fight against drugs and narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has evolved into a people’s movement, asserting that the administration will continue its crackdown until drug smugglers and narco-terrorists are completely eradicated from the Union Territory.

Addressing a gathering during an anti-drug campaign programme in Ganderbal, the Lieutenant Governor said the “Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir” campaign, launched 55 days ago, aims to protect the youth from the menace of drug addiction and dismantle networks financing terrorism through narcotics trade.

According to the Lieutenant Governor, drugs not only destroy the future of young people but also serve as a major source of terror funding, enabling anti-national elements to procure weapons and fuel violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing narco-terrorists as “enemies of the people and the youth,” Sinha said several such elements operating from across the border as well as within Jammu and Kashmir are involved in drug trafficking networks.

He warned that those engaged in narco-terrorism are already paying a heavy price and would face even stricter action in the future.

The Lieutenant Governor said the administration has adopted a three-pronged strategy to tackle the menace, focusing on dismantling supply chains, creating awareness and rehabilitating victims of addiction.

He said the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies are actively working to break drug networks, arrest traffickers and seize illegally acquired assets. He added that structures built from illicit proceeds, including those raised on encroached government land, are also being demolished.

Highlighting awareness initiatives, Sinha appreciated the Ganderbal district administration and police for conducting extensive outreach programmes across villages and panchayats to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse.

On rehabilitation, he said the administration is committed to ensuring treatment, counselling and employment opportunities for those affected by addiction, adding that every effort is being made to reintegrate them into society with dignity and compassion.

Sharing details of the campaign’s progress, the Lieutenant Governor said that during the past 55 days, 1,036 FIRs have been registered against drug smugglers and 1,128 traffickers arrested.

He said 63 smugglers have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), more than 100 properties attached and over 700 driving licences cancelled.

He further said recommendations have been made for cancellation of vehicle registrations and passports of 130 major drug smugglers, while several other actions are underway.

Seeking public support for the anti-drug drive, Sinha asked people whether they wanted the crackdown on smugglers to continue, receiving an overwhelming response in favour of stricter action.

“We will not rest until drug smugglers and narco-terrorists are completely wiped out from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, assuring people that the administration would continue working tirelessly to safeguard society and protect future generations from the scourge of drugs. —(KNO)

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6 injured as car skids off road in south Kashmir’s Shopian

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6 injured as car skids off road in south Kashmir’s Shopian

Shopian, June 05: At least six persons were injured after a car skidded off the road and rolled down at Dubjan in Heerpora area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Friday.

Officials said, the accident involved a Swift car bearing registration number JK11D-4114, which was travelling from Rajouri towards Shopian.

The vehicle, driven by Sunil Sharma, son of Ramesh Sharma, reportedly went out of control, skidded off the road and rolled down, resulting in injuries to the driver and five co-passengers.

The officials identified the injured as Rajesh Kumar, son of Ramesh Kumar; Plavi Chandan, wife of Rajesh Kumar; Aarav Kumar, son of Rajesh Kumar; Prachi, daughter of Rajesh Kumar; and Dua Kumar, son of Vijay Kumar.

All the injured persons were shifted to District Hospital for treatment.

Further details are awaited.

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Yatras suspended in Kishtwar due to adverse weather conditions

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Yatras suspended in Kishtwar due to adverse weather conditions

Ramban June 05: The District Administration of has suspended both the and the for today, June 5, 2026, in view of prevailing adverse weather conditions across the district.

According to an official public notice issued by the District Administration Kishtwar, the decision has been taken due to continuous rainfall, slippery road conditions, and the heightened risk of shooting stones along the yatra routes. Authorities stated that the measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims.

Pilgrims have been strongly advised not to undertake the journey today and to remain at their homes or other safe locations until further advisories are issued.

The order has come into effect immediately, officials confirmed.

The administration has assured that updates regarding the resumption of the yatras will be communicated in due course after reviewing the weather and road conditions.

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PM Modi calls for renewed commitment to sustainable growth

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PM Modi calls for renewed commitment to sustainable growth

New Delhi, Jun 05: On the occasion of World Environment Day on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the government’s various efforts over the past decade, noting that they resulted in India’s key successes such as expanding green cover and a rise in the populations of several animals.

The prime minister also commended citizens for showing how collective efforts, policies, belief in science and innovation can improve the environment.

“Best wishes to everyone on World Environment Day. I would like to applaud all those passionate about environmental conservation,” he said in a post on X.

Modi emphasised that this day serves as a reminder to reaffirm “our commitment to protecting our environment and furthering growth that is sustainable”.

He outlined that the past decade has seen numerous initiatives from his government in this regard. “Some of India’s key successes include expanding green cover and a rise in the population of several animals,” he said.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise awareness and encourage action for environmental protection.

Established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1973, it is the largest global platform for public outreach on environmental issues, celebrated by millions worldwide.

In 2026, the event will be hosted by Azerbaijan.

The celebration has become one of the most extensive platforms supporting environmental causes globally.

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Woman found dead at Lal Bazar residence, probe on

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Woman found dead at Lal Bazar residence, probe on

Srinagar, Jun 05: A 36-year-old woman was found dead inside her residence in the Lal Bazar area of Srinagar on Friday, officials said.

An official said that the deceased has been identified as 36-year-old, a resident of Lal Bazar.

She was found hanging inside a room of her house, following which family members shifted her to SKIMS Soura for treatment.

However, doctors at SKIMS, after examination, declared her brought dead.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated necessary proceedings to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death, the official said.

Further investigation is underway. (JKNS)

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PM Modi good friend, India and US will get to trade deal: Trump

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PM Modi good friend, India and US will get to trade deal: Trump

Washington, Jun 05: US President Donald Trump said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a good friend and expressed confidence that the United States and India would reach a trade agreement.

“We will get to a deal because I like your prime minister a lot. He is a good friend of mine. We get along great, and we are gonna make a deal,” Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Thursday.

Responding to a question on the trade deal being negotiated between the two countries, Trump said India had taken advantage of US policies for years and charged “tremendous tariffs”.

“They charged tremendous amounts of tariffs to our companies, and we didn’t charge them anything,” Trump said.

A US delegation was in India earlier this week and concluded four days of negotiations on an interim bilateral agreement on Thursday.

India’s commerce ministry said the trade talks were marked by a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to concluding a mutually beneficial agreement that strengthens bilateral trade and economic ties.

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Milk production nears 30 lakh tonnes as dairy farming gains ground in Kashmir

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Milk production nears 30 lakh tonnes as dairy farming gains ground in Kashmir

Dairy farming is emerging as a key pillar of the rural economy in Jammu and Kashmir, with rising milk production, expanding cooperative networks and government-backed subsidy schemes helping generate income and employment opportunities across the Union Territory.

Official figures reveal that milk production increased to 29.73 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25, up from 28.74 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24 and 28.17 lakh metric tonnes in 2022-23, reflecting steady growth in the sector.

Officials attribute the increase to improved dairy infrastructure, greater participation by rural households and focused government interventions aimed at strengthening the livestock sector.

Among the flagship initiatives driving growth are the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS) and the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS), which provide financial assistance for establishing dairy farms and related infrastructure.

Under the IDDS, subsidies of up to 50 per cent are available for setting up dairy farms, milk ATMs and cold storage facilities, helping modernise milk production and improve storage and marketing systems.

The sector has increasingly become an important supplementary source of income for farming families, particularly in rural areas where agriculture and horticulture continue to be the primary occupations.

“I established a dairy farm in 2024 under the IDDS scheme. The subsidy enabled me to purchase cows and create basic infrastructure. Earlier, farming alone was not sufficient to sustain my family,” said Ghulam Rasool, a farmer from Pulwama district.

Jammu and Kashmir’s dairy cooperative network has also witnessed significant expansion, with nearly 1,700 dairy cooperative societies comprising around 70,000 milk producers affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited, the apex dairy federation of the UT.

According to official figures, the federation currently procures and processes nearly 2.5 lakh litres of milk daily, providing organised procurement and marketing channels for dairy farmers.

Officials said ongoing investments in milk processing, storage and dairy infrastructure are expected to create nearly 16,000 jobs and support the establishment of around 600 enterprises in Jammu and Kashmir by 2028.

Experts believe the sector’s growth is generating employment opportunities not only in milk production but also in transportation, feed supply, milk collection and processing, making dairy farming an increasingly important contributor to the region’s rural economy.

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Er Pirzada Mohammad Hidayatullah elected GS of JKEEGA for 2026–28 term

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Er Pirzada Mohammad Hidayatullah elected GS of JKEEGA for 2026–28 term

The Jammu & Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) successfully concluded elections for the post of General Secretary for the term 2026–28.

Following a peaceful, transparent, and democratic electoral process, Er. Pirzada Mohammad Hidayatullah was re-elected as General Secretary, securing 302 valid votes against 222 votes polled by his opponent, Er. Muddassir Nabi, said a press release.

Polling was conducted at four polling stations located at Srinagar Booth-1, Srinagar Booth-2, Sopore, and Bijbehara. A total of 528 ballots were cast, of which 524 votes were declared valid and 4 votes invalid after scrutiny and reconciliation.

The Voting percentage was more than 90%. With this victory, Er. Pirzada Mohammad Hidayatullah has created a remarkable record by being elected for the sixth time to lead JKEEGA, either as its President or General Secretary, reflecting the continued trust and confidence reposed in him by the engineering fraternity across Jammu and Kashmir.

The results were officially declared by the Returning Officer, Er. Mudasir Amin Tibet Baqal, Executive Engineer, after completion of the counting process at the JKEEGA Office, Bemina, Srinagar.

The Returning Officer appreciated the cooperation extended by the candidates, election officials, polling staff, and members of the association, which ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the election.

Members of JKEEGA congratulated Er. Pirzada Mohammad Hidayatullah on his re-election and expressed confidence that under his experienced leadership, the association will continue to work towards the professional growth, welfare, and collective interests of electrical engineering graduates and engineers across Jammu and Kashmir. he election once again demonstrated the association’s commitment to democratic values, transparency, and active member participation in shaping the future of JKEEGA.

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Sakeena Itoo reviews performance, functioning of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited

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Sakeena Itoo reviews performance, functioning of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the performance and functioning of the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited.

During the review, the Minister undertook a detailed assessment of procurement mechanisms, inventory management, medicine distribution networks, quality assurance protocols, supply chain operations, vendor performance and ongoing procurement projects relating to medicines, medical equipment and healthcare infrastructure.

She directed the officers to install procured equipments at designated health facilities well on time, besides process should be expedited for procuring other necessary medical equipments. 

The Minister emphasised that transparency, accountability and efficiency must remain the guiding principles of JKMSCL’s operations. She directed the corporation to further strengthen monitoring mechanisms and adopt best practices in procurement and distribution to eliminate delays, reduce wastage and ensure optimal utilization of resources.

Highlighting the importance of quality assurance, Sakeena Itoo stressed that no compromise should be made on the quality of medicines and medical equipment supplied to healthcare institutions. 

 The Minister also called for regular quality audits, enhanced laboratory testing and rigorous vendor evaluation processes. Expressing concern over delays in the supply of essential drugs and equipment, the Minister directed the corporation to maintain strict timelines for procurement and delivery. She instructed the concerned officials to closely monitor supplier performance and initiate appropriate action against firms failing to meet contractual obligations.

The Minister laid special emphasis on ensuring uninterrupted availability of life-saving medicines and critical healthcare equipment, particularly in remote, rural and underserved regions.

Reviewing the status of digital inventory and supply management systems, Sakeena Itoo called for greater utilization of technology-driven monitoring tools to improve real-time tracking of medicines and equipment.

She stressed the importance of accurate record-keeping and data-driven decision-making for improving efficiency and responsiveness across the healthcare supply chain. She also directed the hospital administrators to submit monthly reports on number of essential medical tests like CT Scans, MRI, and other tests carried in Government hospitals.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve to strengthen the healthcare sector, Sakeena Itoo stated that accessibility, affordability and quality of healthcare services remain among the top priorities of the administration. Among others, the meeting was attended by MD NHM, Akriti Sagar; Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganie; MD JKMSCL, Tariq Hussain Ganie; Principals of all GMCs, Medical Superintendent of various hospitals, and other concerned officers of Health and Medical Education department.

Public welfare remains foremost priority of the Govt: Health Minister

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo presided over a Mega Public Outreach Programme at Banquet Hall here during which scores of public delegations, individuals and representatives of civil society organizations projected their grievances and developmental demands.

MLA Eidgah, Mubarik Gul; MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar; MLA Lal Chowk, Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi; MLA Chanapora, Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo; Director School Education Kashmir, ADDC Srinagar, Director Colleges, other senior officers of district administration and large number of locals and public delegations were also present on the occasion.

Interacting extensively with the participants, Minister Sakeena Itoo patiently listened to their concerns and assured them that the Government remains fully committed to addressing genuine public issues in a prompt and effective manner. The Minister directed the officers present to maintain a proactive approach in resolving public grievances and stressed the importance of ensuring timely disposal of complaints. She said that every grievance must be treated with seriousness and sensitivity, adding that responsive governance is essential for building public confidence in Government institutions. During the programme, several delegations sought augmentation of healthcare services, upgradation of educational institutions, upgradation of roads, filling of vacant posts in health and education departments, improvement of civic amenities and inclusion of deserving beneficiaries under various welfare schemes. The Minister issued on-the-spot directions in a number of cases and instructed the concerned departments to submit action taken reports on issues requiring further examination.

Greater Kashmir

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