Jammu, Jul 07: BJP president Nitin Nabin on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a transformative change since the abrogation of Article 370, asserting that the Union Territory is now identified with development, peace and its rich cultural heritage rather than conflict.

He said the BJP would discharge its responsibilities both as a political organisation and as the principal opposition in Jammu and Kashmir by consistently raising public issues.

“We know that after considerable effort and struggle, we succeeded in freeing Jammu and Kashmir from Article 370 (in August 2019), which has become a major catalyst for change in the lives of the people here,” the BJP president told reporters here.

“We can say that until a few years ago, Jammu and Kashmir was projected before the world in a very different light. Today, after the historic decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir is seen as an integral part of India and as a region moving on the path of development, identified with peace and its rich cultural heritage,” he said.

Nabin said the Modi government has been consistently working to revive the region’s rich heritage and culture and present it before the world.

“At the same time, the youth and women of Jammu and Kashmir, who were once viewed through a different lens, are now creating their own identity and achieving success through their hard work and determination,” Nabin said.

He said the efforts made by the Centre to strengthen tourism have certainly begun to reflect positively on the lives of the people.

“Likewise, the respect and opportunities extended to women under the Narendra Modi government have instilled a sense of dignity and self-confidence among the youth, women, and all sections of society, inspiring them to contribute to the progress of the Union Territory,” he said.

Nabin said the BJP has an important role to play in Jammu and Kashmir, both as a responsible opposition in the Union Territory and through the party-led government at the Centre.

“In both capacities, we are committed to strengthening the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their development, and preserving and promoting the region’s rich culture and heritage,” he said.

Nabin, who arrived here on his maiden two-day visit on Monday, said it was a privilege to visit Jammu and Kashmir on the 125th birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

“We held discussions and reviewed various organisational matters. The Jammu and Kashmir unit has been continuously working to implement the schemes and programmes of the Modi government, while also ensuring that the party’s organisational activities remain active and dynamic,” he said.

He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have blessed the BJP with their support, asserting that the party workers will continue to serve the people with complete dedication and a spirit of public service.

“As the opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, our legislators and party workers will remain vigilant and continue to raise issues concerning the people,” he said.

Doda, July 07: National Highway-244 was blocked following a flashflood and landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in the Thathri area of Doda district on Monday.

Officials said a massive mudslide struck the highway, depositing huge amounts of debris near an Army camp in the area.

“Restoration work has been initiated at a point near the police station,” officials said.

However, they said local residents are not allowing restoration work to begin at the Masjid point, saying that the mudslide entered their homes, causing damage to houses and other property, including vehicles. The affected residents are demanding compensation for the losses caused by the flashflood.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Doda and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Thathri have reached the spot and are holding discussions with the locals to resolve the issue.

Officials said the restoration work is expected to take at least five to six hours to clear the debris and mudslide from the highway.

BANIHAL, July 7: The sixth batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Tuesday under tight security arrangements, officials said.

According to the Zonal Police Control Room, Jammu, a total of 8,815 pilgrims departed in 363 vehicles for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam.

Of the total, 3,989 pilgrims travelling in 181 vehicles left for the Baltal axis at 3:35 am, while 4,826 pilgrims in 182 vehicles departed for the Pahalgam axis at 4:08 am.

The pilgrims include 5,831 men, 2,193 women, 30 children, 598 sadhus, 131 sadhvis, one sadhu child, and 31 foreign male devotees. The convoy comprises 172 buses, 58 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 130 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and three two-wheelers.

Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall lashed Ramban district early Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat and humid weather. The showers created pleasant conditions along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway as the Yatra convoy passed through the district under elaborate security arrangements.

The annual pilgrimage commenced on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, 2026, on the occasion of Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan).
Traffic officials and security agencies are closely monitoring the movement of the convoy, while district administrations Ramban along the route have put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safe and smooth passage of pilgrims.

The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is being conducted under a multi-tier security grid with extensive logistical support from the administration, police, paramilitary forces, health services, and other departments.