Srinagar, Jan 22: In preparation for the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today visited Bakshi Stadium, the main venue for the event, to review the status of arrangements and ensure final readiness.

During the inspection, the Divisional Commissioner assessed key arrangements including the podium, sound systems, seating, sanitation facilities, and other logistical aspects. He directed all concerned officers to ensure top-notch preparedness and emphasized glitch-free functioning of sound systems managed by the Information Department, Police, and R&B, given the significance of the national event.

Keeping in view the prevailing inclement weather conditions, the Divisional Commissioner instructed for the installation of waterproof canopies over the stands and directed concerned agencies to ensure adequate manpower readiness for snow clearance from the ground, if required.

The Chief Engineers of KPDCL, MED, R&B, and PHE briefed the Divisional Commissioner on the progress and preparedness of their respective departments. He also inspected the video walls installed around the stadium to ensure clear visibility of the programme for participants and attendees.

Also, the Divisional Commissioner reiterated instructions regarding timely distribution of refreshments, proper sanitation of bathrooms and green rooms, strict adherence to the National Flag unfurling protocol, and compliance with prescribed timelines for cultural programmes.

Meanwhile, the Div Com extended open invitation to general public for the participation and celebration of National Festival at Bakshi Stadium.

The Divisional Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Commissioner SMC, SSP Srinagar, SSP Security, and other senior officers from civil and security departments.

Anantnag, Jan 22: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Thursday led a protest against the proposed Bijbehara–Pahalgam rail line, warning that the project would deprive thousands of farmers of their livelihoods and cause irreversible damage to the fragile ecosystem of south Kashmir.

The protest was held at Wulurhama village in Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, one of several villages likely to be affected by the proposed railway alignment.

The junior Mufti was joined by residents from nearby villages, many of whom said their orchards, paddy fields and homes fall along the proposed route.

“On the one hand the government talks about improving connectivity, and on the other it is taking away the only source of income of the people,” Mufti said. “We are not against development, but this rail line is going to destroy fertile agricultural land. When you snatch people’s livelihood, where do you expect them to go?”

Mufti said agriculture and horticulture form the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and warned that large-scale land acquisition would further worsen unemployment in the region.

“Jammu and Kashmir is already grappling with a serious unemployment crisis – touching 39 percent after the abrogation of special status in 2019. Farmers and orchardists are barely surviving. At least allow villagers to earn their living from their land,” she said.

According to Mufti, the proposed rail line passes through several villages, including Wulurhama, Dirhama, Adlach, Joibal-Veeri, Trail, Hanumanpora and several others, cutting across orchards, paddy fields and residential areas.

She said residents have lost their peace of mind and remain uncertain about their future.

“Authorities have already conducted surveys and erected yellow marker poles in many villages along the Bijbehara–Pahalgam road,” she said. “People were never consulted. How is this logical?”

Mufti also raised serious environmental concerns, saying the project would add pressure on an already ecologically sensitive region.

“Jammu and Kashmir is an ecologically fragile area. We are witnessing changing weather patterns and a decline in snowfall even during peak winter,” she said. “If this project goes ahead, it will further destabilize the environment and could lead to landslides and other disasters.”

She urged the central government and railway authorities to engage with local communities and explore alternative routes that do not involve the acquisition of fertile agricultural land.

“We are not opposing development,” Junior Mufti said. “But development should not come at the cost of people’s livelihoods and the environment. There must be a humane and sustainable approach.”

Junior Mufti said the PDP would take up the issue with the Railway Ministry and seek a review of the proposed alignment.

She also criticized the ruling National Conference (NC) government for what she termed its silence on issues affecting locals.

“The government has failed to speak up on matters that directly impact the lives of the people,” she said.

Srinagar, Jan 22: The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written to the Vice-Chancellor of Adesh University, Bathinda, seeking urgent intervention in a financial grievance affecting 145 nursing students of the 2022 batch.

“We write to you on behalf of the Central Working Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA). We want to bring to your immediate attention a critical financial and academic grievance concerning 145 nursing students (Batch 2022) of your institution,” the JKSA stated.

It added that the matter pertains to the psychiatric posting at Dr. Vidya Sagar Mental Hospital, Amritsar, which was cancelled by the administration citing security concerns. Despite the cancellation, fees collected from students amounting to approximately ₹13.7 lakh remain unadjusted.

The Association sought the Vice-Chancellor’s “immediate intervention” on following:

Administrative Oversight & Unjust Penalty

It is pertinent to note that the decision to proceed with deployment to a border zone was taken despite prevailing government advisories urging caution. The posting could have been curtailed at the initial stage. Instead, a deliberate attempt was made to proceed contrary to safety protocols. It is logically and ethically unsound to penalize students financially for a cancellation necessitated by the administration.

Breach of Principal’s Assurance

Students were explicitly assured by the Principal, Mr. Shridhar KV, that the fees paid would be adjusted when the next batch was sent. It is distressing that the administration is now reneging on this commitment and declining valid claims after two months of silence.

Financial Transparency & Communication Gap

We have confirmed that the Director of Dr. Vidya Sagar Mental Hospital is willing to reschedule the posting. However, a lack of coordination at the level of the Registrar/Deputy Registrar appears to be hindering this resolution. Refusing to refund or adjust public money for a service not rendered raises serious questions regarding financial accountability.

Our Appeal

Jammu and Kashmir Students Association urges you to exercise your authority to resolve this impasse. We request that you direct the concerned officials to: Coordinate immediately with the Hospital to reschedule the training and adjust the fees as promised; Or authorize an immediate refund of the unutilized funds if rescheduling is not feasible.

“We trust your office will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and facilitate a resolution within three (3) working days, thereby obviating the need for us to escalate this issue to the Ministry.” The association writes.

Srinagar, Jan 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the Jammu & Kashmir Government has resolved the college allocation issue of students who were earlier selected for MBBS course at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence(SMVDIME).

In a post on X, chief minister’s office said that the issue of admission to MBBS students of SMVDIME has been resolved.

“The Government has resolved the college allocation issue for selected MBBS candidates of SMVD college. With BOPEE now issuing counselling schedule, students can move ahead with their students,” reads the post.

The National Medical commission had withdrawn the Letter of Permission for MBBS course it had earlier to SMVDIME, citing critical deficiencies in its infrastructure, staff etc.

As per notification issued by Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE), 50 supernumerary have been created for students of SMVDIME at 7 Government Medical Colleges.

Of which eight seats have been created at GMC Anantnag and seven each at GMC Baramulla, GMC Doda, GMC Handwara, GMC Kathua, GMC Rajouri and GMC Udhampur.

As per the notification, the BOPEE will conduct the physical round of counselling of these students on January 24 at 11:00 AM—(KNO)