Jammu, Aug 19: Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sat Sharma Tuesday, while reiterating support for families affected in Kishtwar, Kathua cloudbursts, asserted that the party would closely monitor relief and rehabilitation processes.

He also asked the administration to expedite compensation, provide all possible medical aid and ensure swift rehabilitation.

J&K BJP president stated this after he was briefed about the latest situation in the cloudburst-affected areas of Kishtwar and Kathua districts by the party leaders.

The update was provided by senior leaders who shared detailed reports on the search, rescue and rehabilitation operations being carried out by local administration, disaster response teams, and voluntary organizations in the aftermath of the devastating cloudbursts that struck parts of the two districts earlier this week, leaving dozens of casualties.

Expressing concern over the situation in two districts, Sat Sharma conveyed solidarity with the victims and lauded the efforts of administration and rescue teams. He directed party cadre to remain on ground, assist in relief operations and ensure no affected family was left unattended.

Doda, Aug 19: Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh on Tuesday rolled out advisories for the annual Kailash Yatra 2025, emphasising that the safety and security of devotees have been flagged as the topmost priority.

Speaking to the media persons here, he gave details about the arrangements made for the annual Yatra scheduled to be held from August 20 to August 22. “In view of the unfortunate cloudburst incidents at Padder and Kathua and the prevailing inclement weather conditions, precautionary restrictions have been imposed to ensure a safe pilgrimage,” the DC informed.

The DC informed us that women and children will not be permitted to participate this year owing to safety concerns. He further clarified that pilgrims shall not be allowed to travel through the Chattergala route, as the stretch is vulnerable due to wild streams and unsafe terrain. “Instead, the Yatra will be conducted strictly through the traditional routes—Sungli, Nalthi, and Drafda (Bhalla)—where the District Administration has deployed officials at all important locations to assist and guide the yatris,” he said and added that the holy mace (Charri Mubarak) will move along with the designated pilgrims as part of a symbolic Yatra, ensuring smooth conduct of essential rituals and religious ceremonies.

The Deputy Commissioner informed us that every pilgrim has to carry a valid identity card issued by the District Administration for proper verification.

“A comprehensive deployment plan has been prepared for stationing of staff at multiple points along the Yatra route to ensure smooth movement, provision of medical facilities, prompt disaster response, drinking water, shelter, communication, and security,” he further informed. He added that three rounds of meetings have already been conducted with all stakeholders to finalise the arrangements, and it was unanimously decided to allow only the Charri Mubarak with the identified group of yatris for the symbolic conduct of the Yatra this year.

Srinagar, Aug 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivered the inaugural address at 22nd Foundation Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University through video conference. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University today stands as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, inspiration and cultural pride of Jammu & Kashmir, recognized and respected not only at national but global level.

“Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University is playing an important role in creating human resources in accordance with the global changes. In its journey the University has blossomed into an institution of excellence, nurturing minds and transforming lives,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor announced that the long pending persistent demand of non-teaching employees of the University belonging to lower middle level and below has been fulfilled.

“As per the approval accorded all non-teaching employees of this category who were earlier on 05 years contract system and whose contract period were continuously renewed shall now be regularised and the contract system is hereby removed.

This decision reaffirms our commitment to fairness, talent retention, and professional growth. This move will strengthen the foundation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and provide the employees with a renewed sense of stability in their jobs, empowering them to contribute to the university’s development with even greater confidence and dedication,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also congratulated the management, faculty, staff and students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University for making its mark among the top 100 universities in the country, in a short span of time.

It is inspiring to see the university’s transformation into a multi-disciplinary institution, in line with the National Education Policy. The increasing enrolment in programs like Design Your Own Degree, B.Tech-Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and MSc Data Science is also impressive, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the faculty members to develop a skill-driven learning environment in the campus.

“We have the onerous responsibility of preparing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, architects and skilled professionals in the country,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also encouraged the students to dedicate the skills and knowledge they acquired at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University to contribute to nation-building.

He observed that the creation of a developed India and the prosperity of the society are the criteria for the usefulness of education. He asked the Alumni to address the needs of the society and contribute in improving the university.

The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to the citizens who have lost their lives during the recent natural calamities in Kishtwar and Kathua.

With a whole-of-government approach, relief work is underway on a war footing. I have also spoken to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji and the Government of India is fully committed to proper rehabilitation of the affected families as quickly as possible, he further said.

Baldev Raj, Member of Legislative Assembly; Ashok Bhan and Gunjan Rana- Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; senior officials, faculty members, staff, and students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University were present.

Srinagar, Aug 19: A Border Security Force (BSF) constable was injured in an accidental fire at Balnoi forward post at Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday.

The constable namely Narote Ganpat (No. 118115243) of D Company, 182 BSF was injured in an accidental fire incident while on duty at Balnoi forward LoC post 471, officials said.

They said the incident occurred on August 19, 2025 at around 1400 hours when Ganpat was cleaning his weapon.

He sustained injuries and was immediately shifted to the MI Room at Army 30 Punjab headquarters in Balnoi for first aid, officials said, and added, after initial treatment he was further shifted to Army 150 General Hospital in Rajouri for specialized care.