Jammu, Mar 15: Jammu and Kashmir has completed more than 3 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, achieving 97 per cent of the target, officials said on Sunday.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department Secretary Mohammad Aijaz Asad directed officials to accelerate the pace of work for the remaining 11,340 houses under the scheme.

During a meeting to review the progress of PMAY-G in the Union Territory, he said the current phase of the scheme is nearing completion, and all works sanctioned under the existing phase must be completed without delay before the new phase begins.

The meeting was informed that a total of 3,23,299 houses have been completed, while work is in progress on the remaining 11,340 houses.

Asad directed assistant commissioners of development (ACDs) and block development officers (BDOs) to track each case and ensure that no sanctioned house remains incomplete.

He also instructed that any technical or administrative bottlenecks hindering progress be resolved immediately.

The secretary said that all pending works must be completed by April 15, stressing that officers should make every possible effort, even if it requires working around the clock, as houses left incomplete under the previous phase will not be taken up once the new phase begins.

He also directed the directors of rural development of the Jammu and Kashmir region to hold weekly review meetings and keep the department informed about the progress achieved.

He stressed the need for early release of pending instalments to beneficiaries, directing ACDs to conduct block-wise reviews in this regard.

Highlighting the recent survey conducted ahead of the launch of the new phase, he said that although it has been carried out using AI-based technology, deputy commissioners will still review to ensure that no eligible households are missed.

Srinagar, Mar 15: Terming the handing over of appointment letters to the next of kin of terror victims as a form of “sharansthli (support),” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the initiative aims to help affected families rebuild their lives through employment opportunities.

LG Sinha presented appointment letters to the next of kin of 50 terror victims under the Compassionate Appointment Rules at Lok Bhavan Auditorium here.

“I am presenting “sharansthli” (support) to terror victims and their families. Many families have been waiting for a long time. By providing employment, we are bringing a new ray of hope and offering them an opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said.

The LG shared an Eid message, calling the appointment letters a special Eid gift. “Eid Mubarak to all families. These letters symbolize justice, recognition, and a new beginning. Together, we must nurture our youth, ensure dignity, and rebuild Jammu & Kashmir for a bright future,” he said.

Highlighting the ongoing efforts of the government, LG Sinha said, “Over 400 families of terror victims have already received appointment letters. These are genuine appointments, and if any errors are found, they will be addressed immediately. Many others are engaged in this process, and we are moving forward with coordination between the SSP and administration.”

He referred to a Kashmiri saying: “Insaaf chui suii ujala jo dilo mei gaas krta hia.”

He said, “Justice is not mere words on paper; it is a light that dispels darkness in the hearts and brings a new ray of hope. Families who had long awaited government support have finally been recognized and embraced by the administration.”

Acknowledging the immense pain of families, LG Sinha said, “I understand the suffering you have endured with dignity and courage. Since the 1990s, terrorism has taken away dreams and stability from thousands of families. Jammu & Kashmir administration is committed to rebuild their lives.”

LG Sinha said, “I have met many terror victim families and ensured their reintegration. This is a matter of justice, not charity. Today’s program is a proof of that justice. The administration and police are ensuring that those who caused harm face strict consequences.”

He also highlighted younger victims and families affected decades ago, “Some victims were only 12–13 years old when tragedy struck. Their families have endured unimaginable pain. Today, we will work on rehabilitating them and addressing their concerns, including those without a voice, whose cases will be reviewed in April,” he added.

Underlining broader governance efforts, the LG said, “Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, initiatives have strengthened Jammu & Kashmir’s systems. We have a framework based on fairness, equality, and self-reliance. When citizens see dignity and equality, it reflects on the ground.”

LG Sinha further celebrated community achievements: “Sixteen youth have been selected in the Union Public Service Commission, and Jammu & Kashmir recently secured victories in the Ranji Trophy. These accomplishments are the result of persistent efforts to empower youth and citizens.”

On security and zero tolerance toward terrorism, LG Sinha said, “We will continue to enforce strict action against elements promoting terror. Police and administration are working, and society must reject such elements. Our commitment is aligned with the Prime Minister’s principle of zero tolerance for terrorism.”—(KNO)

Srinagar, Mar 15: The army on Sunday said that it has foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing a Pakistani terrorist.

“Based on a specific intelligence input provided by #JKP regarding an infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched on intervening night of 14-15 Mar 26 in Gen area Buchhar, Uri sector,” Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army posted on its X handle.

It said troops spotted suspicious movement of a terrorist in the thicket.

“The ambush was readjusted and the terrorist was challenged resulting in terrorist opening indiscriminate fire. In the Contact a Pak terrorist was eliminated. Warlike stores including an AK rifle, pistols and large quantity of ammunition have been recovered,” the army said.

The operation was going on till last reports came in.

Srinagar, Mar 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday emphasised the need to adopt improved scientific techniques and develop modern infrastructure and value addition to enhance cold water fisheries production in Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring sustainability and livelihood security for fish farmers.

Addressing a day-long national conference on cold water fisheries held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, CM Omar while welcoming the Union Minister and other dignitaries to Srinagar, thanked Government of India for choosing J&k as the venue for such an important conference on development of cold water fisheries.

“I would like to warmly welcome the Union Minister and his colleagues and thank them for choosing Srinagar for this very important conference on how we can further increase the production of cold water fisheries,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of learning and innovation in the sector, the CM said the conference had already provided new insights into emerging practices in fisheries.

“Till now we believed that cold water fisheries were limited to mountainous regions like J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast. We assumed that these areas alone had the advantage because of their geography. But today we learned something new,” he said.

Referring to innovative aquaculture practices in other parts of the country, CM Omar cited the example of a youth entrepreneur from Hyderabad producing trout through advanced techniques in tropical climate. .

“We heard about a young entrepreneur in Hyderabad who has established a facility producing around 200 metric tonnes of trout. This shows that technology can overcome geographical limitations. It also means that regions like ours must improve techniques and adopt modern scientific practices to stay ahead,” he said.

The CM said the government had a responsibility to support fishermen and aquaculture entrepreneurs who depend on fisheries for their livelihoods.

“Our responsibility is to strengthen those who have taken up fisheries as their livelihood. We must help them increase production, improve infrastructure in remote areas and ensure better post-production facilities,” he said.

Calling for greater use of science and research, CM Omar stressed that innovation would be crucial for the future growth of cold water fisheries.

“Science and research must guide the development of this sector. We need to identify new techniques and innovations that can help increase cold water fisheries production in a sustainable manner,” he said.

The CM also highlighted the importance of balancing production with environmental protection.

“While increasing production, we must ensure sustainability. Our environment must not be damaged and our natural fish stocks must remain protected,” he said.

CM Omar said that climate change poses new challenges for agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries in the region.

“Climate change is becoming increasingly visible. We recently witnessed unusual temperatures in Srinagar in February and early flowering of trees this year. Even the Tulip Garden is ready much earlier than usual. These changes will inevitably impact sectors like fisheries, and we must be prepared,” he said.

Emphasising the value of knowledge sharing, the CM said hosting the conference in Srinagar would help J&K learn best practices of other states and share its own long experience in trout farming.

“It has been about 126 years since trout was first introduced in Kashmir around 1900. We have a rich experience in this sector and we must share it with others while also learning from the best practices of states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and those in the Northeast,” he said.

CM Omar expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between the Centre, states, and stakeholders would further strengthen India’s fisheries sector.

“Fish production in the world has reached new heights. With the focused attention now being given to this sector and the creation of a dedicated ministry, I am confident that the day is not far when India will be among the leading countries in fish production globally. In that journey, cold water fisheries will hold a special place,” he said.

The CM welcomed delegates from across the country and expressed hope that the conference would result in meaningful knowledge exchange and future collaboration.

“I once again welcome all participants to Srinagar and hope that everyone who has come here will benefit from the discussions and return with new ideas and learnings,” he said.