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.

Srinagar, July 14: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M.Y. Tarigami has expressed grief over the passing away of senior political leader Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, who remained associated with public life in Jammu and Kashmir for several decades.

Dr Kamal was known for speaking his mind without hesitation and stayed engaged with political developments over the years, voicing his views on issues concerning the people.

Tarigami recalled his long association with Dr 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.

A trip to Kashmir begins long before you arrive. You book flights, reserve hotels, search for local attractions, along with saving maps on your phone. Your smartphone becomes just as important as your backpack once you reach the Valley. It helps you pay for meals, book taxis, check weather updates, along with staying connected with family.

Most travelers think about packing warm clothes or carrying enough cash. Very few think about online safety. Yet a single mistake on an unsecured network or a fake booking website can turn a pleasant trip into a stressful one. But you don’t have to be a tech-whiz to stay safe online.

Here are some ways to help you protect your information while you enjoy all that Kashmir has to offer.

Protect Your Privacy While Browsing

Travel often means using networks that you have never connected to before. Whether you are sitting in a hotel lobby or waiting at an airport, it helps to think about your online privacy. Avoid logging into social accounts on public networks. Always log out after using shared devices. Look for websites that use HTTPS before entering personal information.

Some travelers also choose to use VPN services when connecting through unfamiliar networks. If you want to learn more about how these services work and the features they provide, you can find out what Express VPN offers on their site before deciding whether a VPN fits your travel needs. A VPN is only one part of staying safe online. Good browsing habits remain just as important.

Public WiFi Can Come With Risks

Finding free WiFi is common during a trip. There are many public places to get Internet access. Great for uploading pictures or getting directions without data. But the problem is, public WiFi networks are not always safe. Some are secure, some leave your internet traffic unprotected. Fake WiFi networks that look like real ones can be set up by cyber criminals.

A traveler may connect and not know the difference. Once you’re connected, there’s a higher risk of sensitive activities such as logging into your bank account or entering card details. That does not mean you should avoid public WiFi completely. It is better to avoid accessing financial accounts or making important transactions unless you trust the network. It is often worth waiting if something can wait until you switch to your mobile data.

Recheck Before Booking Anything Online

Kashmir attracts visitors from across the world. This popularity also attracts scammers who create fake travel websites or social media pages. Some copy photographs from genuine hotels. Others promise discounts that seem too good to ignore. Travelers only discover the fraud after making an advance payment.

Spend a few minutes checking the website before booking a hotel or hiring a local guide. Read recent reviews from different platforms. Verify the contact number. Call the property directly before transferring money.

Stay Alert With Digital Payments

Digital payments have become part of everyday travel. Whether you are buying saffron, paying for a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, or ordering food, many businesses accept online payment methods. This convenience also provides opportunities for fraud. Some scams involve fake QR codes.” Some use messages that request user approval for payment requests, rather than money. 

People often lose money simply because they are in a hurry. Make sure the QR code belongs to the business you are dealing with before scanning it. Read the payment amount before confirming the transaction. Never approve a payment request unless you understand why it was sent. 

Keep Your Phone Ready Before the Journey

Many travelers prepare their luggage but forget to prepare their phones. Spend a few minutes checking your device before leaving home. Install software updates if they are available. These updates fix vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit. Enable screen lock protection using a PIN code. You can also include additional authentication for banking apps. 

These steps can prevent others from accessing your data if your phone is lost during the trip. It is also a good idea to back up photos and documents before you travel. If something happens to your device, you will still have access to your data.

Think Before Sharing Your Location

It is tempting to post your trip’s special moments on social media. Mountains and lakes make Kashmir one of the most photographed destinations in India. But sharing your exact location in real time is not necessary. Public posts can reveal where you are staying or when your hotel room is likely to be empty. Anyone can view that information if your social media account is public.

Enjoy the Journey Without Digital Worries

Kashmir offers memorable experiences that stay with visitors for long. From quiet mornings by Dal Lake to drives through mountain roads, the best memories come from being present in the moment. Taking a few precautions online can help keep the trip that way. These habits take very little effort but they can save you from unnecessary problems. That leaves you free to focus on experiencing the beauty that makes Kashmir one of India’s most loved travel destinations.

Srinagar, July 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired a meeting to review the proposed Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The Scheme is aimed at establishing a comprehensive, convergence-based framework for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of individuals recovering from substance use disorders across the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department and other senior officers.

Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez gave a detailed presentation highlighting the salient features of the proposed Scheme.

The Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme envisages a structured three-year rehabilitation cycle comprising Phase I – Treatment and Stabilization, focusing on medical treatment, counselling and preparation of Individual Rehabilitation Plans (IRPs); Phase II – Reintegration and Livelihood Activation, aimed at facilitating education, skill development, employment and family reintegration; and Phase III – Sustained Monitoring and Social Inclusion, providing continued follow-up, relapse prevention, community support and long-term social reintegration through coordinated interventions of multiple departments.

It was further informed that a dedicated Rehabilitation Monitoring Portal (RMP) is being developed to facilitate digital case management, monitoring of Individual Rehabilitation Plans, inter-departmental convergence and real-time tracking of rehabilitation outcomes while ensuring confidentiality of beneficiaries.

The Scheme has been prepared by a Task Force constituted under the Chairmanship of the Principal Secretary, Home Department, pursuant to the directions of the Chief Secretary, with the Social Welfare Department as the Nodal Department. The Task Force, comprising representatives of all key stakeholder departments, was mandated to formulate a comprehensive framework for rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration of drug abuse victims through a coordinated inter-departmental approach.

The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the comprehensive and collaborative approach adopted by the Task Force in formulating the Scheme. He emphasized the need for a coordinated, humane and outcome-oriented rehabilitation framework that ensures sustained recovery, social inclusion and livelihood opportunities for individuals affected by drug abuse.

The Lieutenant Governor stressed that community participation, family support, skill development and continuous monitoring must remain the cornerstone of the rehabilitation process.

He directed the concerned departments to ensure effective inter-departmental coordination for successful implementation of the Scheme.

The Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of leveraging technology for transparent monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.

He directed that the pilot implementation of the scheme should be initiated in two most affected districts—one from the Kashmir Division and one from the Jammu Division—to assess its effectiveness and ensure a focused approach towards rehabilitation of drug abuse victims.

The pilot implementation should be closely monitored so that the learnings can be incorporated before scaling up the Scheme across the Union Territory, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor instructed that committed officers be identified to work with dedication and vigour towards the rehabilitation of drug victims. He further directed that motivated and driven women volunteers/groups be identified, imparted appropriate training, and involved in counselling and rehabilitation efforts for the victims.

“Community participation is crucial for successful reintegration of victims into mainstream. Volunteers and interested Government employees must be encouraged to actively participate in the rehabilitation process.

Training and capacity building programs for the concerned staff must begin at the earliest to equip teams with the specialized skills and enhance the delivery of rehabilitation services,” the Lieutenant Governor told the officials.

Srinagar, Jul 14: Restrictions persisted for the second day on Tuesday in parts of Srinagar to prevent people from assembling at the ‘martyrs’ graveyard in Naqshband Sahib area of the city, officials said.

The restrictions continued in old parts of the city, including Nowhatta and Naqshband Sahib areas, as a precautionary measure, the officials said.

Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength in the area to maintain law and order.

On Monday, the Naqshband Sahib area was completely sealed off by the security forces to prevent any assembly to commemorate July 13 as Martyrs’ Day.

On July 13, 1931, 22 protestors fell to the bullets of Maharaja Hari Singh’s soldiers.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, other NC leaders, and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti claimed they were not allowed to visit the graveyard to pay their tributes.

Later, they paid tributes at their respective party headquarters.

On July 13, 1931, 22 people were gunned down by the Dogra army outside Srinagar’s central jail. In 2020, the LG-led administration dropped the day from the list of gazetted holidays.