Gurez, Jul 14: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering tribal women, reducing farm drudgery and promoting farmer-centric technologies during a three-day outreach visit to Gurez by Director Extension, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth.

During the visit, Prof. Kanth interacted with farmers, women cultivators and aspiring agri-entrepreneurs in Bagtore, Gurez and Tulail, besides reviewing frontline demonstrations (FLDs) and on-farm trials (OFTs) being implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez for the 2026-27 agricultural season.

She reviewed the performance of the wheat variety SW-03 introduced under the National Seed Project (NSP), which now covers more than 70 hectares and benefits nearly 700 farming families across Gurez and Tulail, including the remote village of Chakwali. She also inspected the Potato Seed Village at Badugam, the Maize Village at Tarbal and the Buckwheat Seed Village at Dangan to assess crop performance and farmer adoption.

Prof. Kanth said that under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, SKUAST-K is working to revive traditional crops while promoting climate-resilient and location-specific technologies to enhance farm productivity, diversify livelihoods and improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal farming communities. She commended KVK Gurez for effectively implementing extension programmes and achieving tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.

Referring to the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer, she said the university is strengthening its focus on women-centric interventions by promoting drudgery-reducing technologies, encouraging greater participation of women in agricultural decision-making and expanding livelihood opportunities.

As part of the outreach programme, agricultural inputs were distributed free of cost under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP-ICAR) to 50 tribal farming families, the majority of them women farmers from the remote Banjran area of Bagtore block.

Farmers appreciated the support extended by KVK Gurez and SKUAST-K, saying the university’s interventions have helped strengthen agricultural practices and improve livelihood opportunities in the border region.

Shopian, Jul 14: Located along the historic Mughal Road, Dubjan, renowned for its sprawling meadow and a spring believed to possess healing properties, presents a grim picture as plastic waste increasingly litters its pristine landscape.

Polythene bags, plastic bottles and food wrappers discarded by visitors are strewn across the lush green meadows, marring the area’s natural beauty and raising concerns over the growing environmental degradation of what has emerged as one of south Kashmir’s popular tourist destinations.

Over the past few years, Dubjan has become a preferred stop for travellers, with the administration actively promoting the scenic meadow as an emerging tourism destination. In February, the district administration, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, organised the Dubjan Winter Carnival to showcase the destination and attract more visitors.

While the initiative has boosted tourist footfall, locals say the increase in visitors has been accompanied by a sharp rise in littering.

“The winter carnival has helped attract people to the location, which is good for the local economy. But many visitors leave behind plastic bottles, food packets and other waste after picnics, and no one comes to collect it regularly,” said Tariq Ahmad, a resident of the area.

Plastic waste has also become a major concern at Bohrihalan Park along the Mughal Road, with discarded bottles, wrappers and other litter scattered across the area.

Mitha Gatoo, a concerned citizen and civil society member said the accumulation of plastic waste has become more visible during weekends and holidays, when hundreds of tourists visit the meadows.

He warned that if left unchecked, the litter could damage the fragile ecosystem and undermine Dubjan’s appeal as a nature destination.

“Plastic waste poses a serious threat to mountain ecosystems, where waste collection and disposal remain limited. Besides spoiling the landscape, discarded plastic can contaminate water sources, harm wildlife and take decades to decompose”, Gatoo said.

He said that travellers should avoid throwing plastic in these areas. “Promoting tourism must go hand in hand with protecting the environment”, Gatoo added .

Locals have urged the administration to install more waste bins, ensure regular garbage collection and launch awareness campaigns encouraging visitors to dispose of waste responsibly. They also called for stricter enforcement against littering, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Without an effective waste-management system and greater public awareness, they fear Dubjan’s meadows and freshwater spring could gradually lose the very charm that has made the destination increasingly popular among visitor

Echoing the concern, Rahul Sharma, a tourist from Mumbai, said the scenic destinations like Dubjan deserves better waste-management facilities.

“It is a beautiful place and has immense tourism potential, but the litter takes away from its charm. The administration should install adequate dustbins at different points and ensure regular waste collection. At the same time, visitors also have a responsibility to keep the place clean,” he said.

Sharma said the authorities could also consider restricting or banning single-use plastics in the area. “If people are encouraged to carry reusable water bottles and food containers instead of disposable plastic items, it would go a long way in preserving the meadow and its fragile ecosystem,” he added.

Srinagar, Jul 14: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former minister Mustafa Kamal passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. He was 83. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Srinagar.  The deceased was laid to rest at Bominsar graveyard at Sonwar in Srinagar. A medical doctor by training, Kamal was the younger son of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah. 

He was the younger brother of NC president and three-time chief minister Farooq Abdullah and the uncle of incumbent Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Although trained in medicine, Kamal devoted most of his professional life to politics. He joined the National Conference in the early 1980s and was elected to the Legislative Assembly from the Gulmarg constituency in 1987.

He was also assigned the portfolio of Minister of State (Mos) Public Works (Roads and Buildings). Kamal was re-elected from Gulmarg constituency in 1996 and held the portfolio of Health Minister in the NC -led government. He represented the Gulmarg constituency in the Legislative Assembly till 2002.
In 2002, Kamal contested the Legislative Assembly elections from Pattan and emerged victorious. In 2009, he won the Legislative Assembly elections from Hazratbal. As a practising doctor, Kamal provided free medical services to the people of Tangmarg and free medicine to the poor. He emerged as one of the principal organisational leaders of the NC and, in later years, served as the Additional General Secretary of the NC, remaining active in party affairs even after leaving electoral politics.

Known for his unwavering loyalty to the NC, Kamal was among the party’s most vocal spokespersons on issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir.  He frequently articulated the party’s position during periods of intense political change. Kamal leaves behind a political legacy spanning more than four decades.  As a physician-turned-politician, cabinet minister and one of the NC’s senior-most organisational leaders, he remained a familiar figure in Jammu and Kashmir’s public life. The news about his death was announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on micro blogging site ‘X’.

“My father’s younger brother Dr Mustafa Kamal passed away earlier this evening at Paras Hospital in Srinagar. Uncle Mustafa had been unwell for some months but took a turn for the worse 4 days ago. He put up a brave fight holding on against the odds. The doctors and staff treating him were amazing but Allah called him for his final journey. May Allah grant uncle Mustafa the highest place in Jannat,” CM Omar wrote on X.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the demise of Kamal. In a condolence message, LG Sinha said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of veteran leader Dr Mustafa Kamal’s passing away. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers. Om Shanti!”

Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather expressed profound grief and heartfelt sorrow over the demise of Kamal.
In his condolence message, Speaker Rather described Kamal as a towering political figure, a distinguished parliamentarian, an accomplished administrator, and a compassionate leader who devoted his entire public life to the service of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Kamal rendered exemplary services while heading several key departments in the erstwhile state and earned widespread respect and admiration for his integrity, humility, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to public welfare. The Speaker said that throughout his illustrious political career, Kamal remained steadfastly committed to the upliftment of the downtrodden, the poor, the underprivileged, and other weaker sections of society. “He worked tirelessly for inclusive development, social justice, and the overall progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving behind a lasting legacy of selfless public service and dedicated leadership,” he said.

Describing his demise as an irreparable loss, Rather said that J&K had lost one of its most experienced, respected, and farsighted leaders whose invaluable contribution to governance, development, and public service will be remembered for generations. Recalling his long association with Kamal, Rather said that Kamal was not only a valued colleague in the Cabinet but also a close associate with whom he had the privilege of working for many years in public life. He said that they shared a warm personal rapport, mutual respect, and a deep bond forged through their collective commitment to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Speaker said that Kamal’s wisdom, affable nature, sincerity, and unwavering dedication to public service earned him the admiration of colleagues across the political spectrum and that his passing had left behind a profound personal and professional void. He said that the vacuum created by his passing was difficult to fill and that his absence would be deeply felt not only by his family and colleagues but also by the people across J&K, who held him in high esteem and affection. Rather conveyed his deepest condolences to NC President Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah, and the entire bereaved family. He prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul, place him in the highest ranks in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and bestow strength, courage, and fortitude upon the bereaved family to bear this immense loss.

Deputy Chief Minister SurinderChoudhary expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Kamal, describing him as a seasoned political leader and a compassionate public figure. He said that the late leader was a committed social worker whose invaluable contributions to public welfare and the political landscape of J&K would be remembered with deep respect and admiration. The Deputy CM conveyed his deepest sympathies to NC President Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah, other members of the bereaved family, and all those mourning the irreparable loss. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss with courage and fortitude. The Deputy CM said that Kamal’s rich legacy and selfless service would continue to inspire the generations to come. He prayed that the departed soul may attain eternal peace and solace. In an official handout, NC said Kamal devoted decades of his life to public service and to strengthening the ideals and legacy of the National Conference.
“His unwavering commitment, principled leadership, and steadfast dedication to the people of J&K earned him immense respect across political and social spheres,” the statement said.

“His passing is an irreparable loss not only to the NC family but also to the people of J&K, who will always remember his contributions with gratitude and respect,” it reads. “On this moment of immense grief, the entire NC stands in solidarity with Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah, the bereaved family, and all those mourning this profound loss.” 

Reacting to the post of CM Omar announcing the demise of his uncle, Kamal, Parliamentary Chairperson of Congress and Rajya Sabha member, Sonia Gandhi posted, “Our deepest condolences.” Former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed his condolences over demise of Kamal. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Mustafa Kamal sahib. He was a seasoned political leader who served J&K with commitment and dedication over several decades. My heartfelt condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahab, Omar Abdullah Sahab, the entire Abdullah family and all his admirers. May the Almighty Allah grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss,” he wrote on X.
Former chief minister and People’s Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti also condoled Kamal’s demise.

“JKPDP President Ms @MehboobaMufti, along with the party’s senior leadership, expresses profound grief over the passing of senior NC leader and former Minister Dr Mustafa Kamal. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister @OmarAbdullah, and the entire bereaved family. May Almighty Allah grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss,” JKPDP wrote on its X handle.

In a condolence message, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra expressed deep grief and shock over the death of Kamal, describing him as a nice human being and a dedicated and humble politician of Jammu and Kashmir. Karra described him a good friend and his death as a loss of personal friend. “Dr Kamal always maintained decency and inegrity in public life and private life,” he said. Karra conveyed heartfelt condolences to Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah, and all members of bereaved family, relatives, and friends.  He also prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Apni Party President and former minister Altaf Bukhari expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Kamal. In his condolence message, Bukhari described Kamal’s demise as a great loss, saying he was among the most distinguished political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Sheikh Mustafa Kamal will always be remembered as a dignified and respected politician who served the people with commitment. He was a distinguished leader, and his passing is a great loss to J&K,” he said.
Bukhari prayed for the departed soul and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family. 
“May Almighty Allah grant him eternal peace and the highest place in Jannah. I extend my condolences to Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and all other members of the bereaved family. May Almighty Allah grant them strength, patience, and courage to bear this irreparable loss,” he said. NC Member of Parliament, Mian Altaf Ahmad also expressed grief over the passing away of Kamal. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mustafa Kamal Sahah. His contribution to public life and his unwavering commitment to the people will always be remembered,” Altaf said.

Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah expressed his heartfelt condolences to NC President Farooq Abdullah and entire family on the demise of his younger brother and senior NC leader Kamal. “Late Dr Mustafa Kamal Sahab was an advocate of NC’s ideology and J&K’s constitutional autonomy. May Allah rest his soul in peace,” he wrote on X. NC senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Chowdry Muhammad Ramzan condoled the demise. 
“Saddened beyond words at the demise of Dr Mustafa Kamal Sahab. His passing has left an irreplaceable void, not only in public life but in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” he said. Ramzan said Kamal was the embodiment of humility and grace. “He possessed that rare ability to make every person feel valued, irrespective of status or background. Soft-spoken, kind-hearted and generous in spirit, he believed in serving humanity with sincerity and treating every individual with respect and empathy. His honesty was unquestionable, his character impeccable, and his commitment to truth, justice and public service earned him the admiration and affection of people across all walks of life,” he said. “For those who knew him personally, he was much more than a leader, he was a mentor, a guide a gentleman of extraordinary humility and a man whose life reflected the finest human values. Such noble souls never truly depart, they live on through the countless lives they touch and the enduring legacy they leave behind.” Ramzan said he had the privilege of serving alongside Kamal in the government. “We were both inducted as Ministers of State in 1987 and,blater, both of us were elevated to the rank of cabinet minister. He was entrusted with the Public Works (R&B) Department and during our years together in public life, I came to know him as a man of exceptional simplicity and dedication to the people. He shared a deeply cherished bond with Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahab, who always held him in the highest esteem, not only as a beloved brother but also as a trusted companion and confidant,” he said. “This is a personal loss of such magnitude that words are utterly inadequate to convey the depth of grief and sorrow. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Farooq Abdullah Sahab, Omar Sahab and the entire bereaved family and all those mourning this profound loss.” Ramzan said that party had lost one of its most respected, committed and selfless leader whose wisdom and dedication will continue to inspire generations of workers. “His absence will be deeply felt by every National Conference worker and supporter. May Allah (SWT) envelop Dr Kamal Sahab in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, grant him the highest Jannat-ul-Firdous and bless the family, loved ones and admirers with strength, patience to endure this irreparable loss,” he said. NC senior leader and minister Sakina Itoo also expressed grief over passing away of Kamal.

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, especially to Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib, Omar Abdullah Sahib, and all loved ones during this difficult time. May Almighty Allah grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannah and give strength and patience to the family to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen,” Itoo wrote on X. Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science qnd Technology, Satish Sharma expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of veteran political leader Kamal. Describing Kamal as a distinguished public figure who dedicated decades of his life to public service and democratic values, the minister said his demise marks the end of an important chapter in the political history of J&K.  He said that Kamal earned respect across political and social spheres for his steadfast commitment to public welfare and unwavering engagement with the people. Sharma said that Kamal’s contribution to the political discourse of J&K and his efforts towards strengthening the democratic institutions would be remembered for years to come.  He said that his legacy of public service and dedication will continue to inspire future generations. Expressing his heartfelt sympathies, the minister conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, colleagues, well-wishers and countless admirers of the departed leader.  He prayed that the Almighty grant eternal peace to the departed soul and bestow strength and courage upon the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. “In this moment of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. May the Almighty grant Kamal the highest place in his eternal abode and give strength to all those mourning this huge loss,” the minister said.

Senior NC leader Ali Muhammad Sagar and NC legislator Salman Ali Sagar expressed profound grief and shock over the passing of Kamal.  In their condolence message, they described his demise as a great loss to the party and the Abdullah family, recalling his warmth, humility, and lifelong association with the NC.  They extended their heartfelt sympathies to Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah, and the bereaved family, and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear the irreparable loss.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condoled the demise of Kamal. “Saddened to hear about the death of veteran politician Mustafa Kamal Sahab. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.My deepest condolences to Dr. Farooq Abdullah Sahib, Omar Abdullah Sahib, and all members of the bereaved family. May Allah grant them patience to bear this loss,” he said.

CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami expressed grief over the passing away of Kamal. Tarigami recalled his long association with Kamal, describing him as someone who was always easy to approach. His passing away, he said, brings down the curtain on a long political journey.
He expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and conveyed his condolences to Begum Khalida Shah, Suraiya Ali Matto, Dr Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah and other members of the bereaved family, praying that they find the strength to bear this loss.

BJP National Executive Member Ravinder Raina in his condolence message said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Dr Mustafa Kamal Sahab, a veteran political leader. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahab, Hon’ble CM @OmarAbdullahSahab, entire bereaved family, colleagues, and well-wishers. May the Almighty grant him eternal peace.”

Former union minister and Congress leader Saifuddin Soz expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Kamal. In his condolence message, Soz described Kamal’s demise as a great loss, saying he was among the most distinguished political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. Soz said that Kamal would always be remembered as a dignified and respected politician who served the people with commitment. “He was a distinguished leader, and his passing is a great loss to Jammu and Kashmir,” Soz said. Praying for the departed soul and expressing sympathy with the bereaved family, Soz said, “May Almighty Allah grant him eternal peace and the highest place in Jannah. I extend my condolences to Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and all other members of the bereaved family. May Almighty Allah grant them strength, patience, and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”

PDP chief spokesman Mehboob Beg, in his condolence message said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mustafa Kamal Sahab. He was a man of profound humility, completely untouched by entitlement. I will always cherish the warm and cordial relationship we shared. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat.”

Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum and president Pensioners United Front, Abdul Qayoom Wani expressed grief and sorrow on the demise of Kamal. Wani said as a distinguished physician and an able public representative, Kamal earned the love, respect, and admiration of people across Jammu and Kashmir through his integrity, humility, and tireless commitment to public welfare. “His remarkable contributions to the healthcare sector and his lifelong service to society and the people of Jammu and Kashmir will remain an enduring legacy, remembered with profound respect and gratitude,” he said. Wani extend his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Abdullah family, especially to Dr Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah, Khalida Shah, and Muzzaffar Ahmad Shah on this tragic loss. “May Almighty Allah grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, forgive his shortcomings, and bless the bereaved family with strength, patience, and fortitude to bear this immense loss,” Wani said.
He said that all the leaders of JKCSF and JKPUF expressed sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) expressed profound grief over the demise of Kamal, describing his passing as a great loss.
In a condolence message, KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, particularly Dr Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah, and other members of the Abdullah family. The KCCI said Kamal would be remembered for his long public life and service to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.  It expressed solidarity with the family in this hour of grief and prayed for strength and patience to help them bear the irreparable loss. The KCCI prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the departed soul, showers His mercy upon him, grants him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and blesses the bereaved family with courage and fortitude during this difficult time.

The Chief Minister’s Office also expressed heartfelt condolences to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on the passing of his uncle, Mustafa Kamal.
The officers and staff of the CM’s Office expressed profound grief over the demise of Kamal and conveyed their deepest sympathies to CM Omar Abdullah and the entire bereaved family.

Jamait-e-Hamdani patron Maulana Riyaz Hamdani and chief spokesperson Ghulam Muhammad Saqi also condoled the demise and paid tributes to Mustafa Kamal.  They prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and wished strength and fortitude to the family to bear this irreparable loss.
The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union and The New Kashmir Fruit Association, Fruit Marketing Complex, Parimpora expressed profound grief over the demise of Kamal.

In a condolence message, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union and President of The New Kashmir Fruit Association, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, said the members of both organisations are deeply saddened by the passing of Kamal.  He described his demise as an irreparable loss and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. The organisations conveyed their sincere condolences to Farooq Abdullah, CM Omar Abdullah, and all members of the Abdullah family.  They prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and for strength, patience and fortitude for the family to bear the loss. The organisations also prayed that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul the highest place in Jannah and blesses the bereaved family with courage during this difficult time.