Baltal, Sonmarg, July 02: Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board & Minister of State Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Wednesday visited Baltal Base Camp where she took a tour of the entire camp area and took stock of the arrangements for the pilgrims.

Dr Darakhshan welcomed the first batch of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris and felicitated them. She interacted with the pilgrims and wished them a successful yatra.

Waqf Board Chairperson inaugurated the Bhandara of Mahadev Seva Samiti at Baltal which will be serving to the yatris during the entire yatra period. She interacted with service providers and other departmental representatives about the yatra preparedness.

Speaking to media, Dr Darakhshan said that this yatra was synonymous with our tradition of spirituality and cultural excellence. “Historic Shri Amarnath Yatra is the strong symbol of harmony in Kashmir. It signifies Hindu-Muslim unity and we all are committed to strengthen this bond”, said Dr Darakhshan.

She said that Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board in coordination with the government departments and the people of J&K have ensured a fool proof Yatra as per the precedence of the land. She said that this Yatra brings in people from whole of India here and it is the best example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’.

Baltal, July 02: In a significant advancement for high-altitude healthcare services during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, Telemedicine facilities have been successfully installed and made operational at the Base Hospitals of Baltal and Panjtarni.

This initiative is part of a strategic collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK).

For the first time, the DHSK is expanding the telemedicine infrastructure at the remaining four Base Hospitals Holy Cave, Lower Holy Cave, Sheshnag, and Chandanwari is currently in progress

These state-of-the-art telemedicine systems utilize ISRO’s satellite communication technology to connect on-ground medical teams with specialist doctors at tertiary care centers. This real-time connectivity enables prompt diagnosis, expert consultations, and guidance on the management of complex or critical cases; especially crucial in the rugged and remote terrain of the Yatra route.

Dr. Jehangir Bakshi, Director Health Services, Kashmir, remarked: “With the operationalization of Telemedicine at Baltal and Panjtarni, we ensure that pilgrims at even the most remote medical camps receive timely specialist attention. This technology is proving invaluable in reducing unnecessary evacuations and strengthening on-site care.”

Each Telemedicine unit is equipped with a satellite terminal, diagnostic tools, high-definition video conferencing systems, and medical data sharing capabilities.

This capability demonstrates the effective integration of space technology into public health, especially in geographically difficult and disaster-prone areas. It not only enhances the quality and reach of healthcare services for pilgrims but also contributes to the efficient functioning of the health infrastructure during one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the country.

Pertinent to mention, the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK) has undertaken a wide range of healthcare measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the Yatris. These include the deployment of over 1,000 medical personnel including specialist, doctors, and allied health workers across all medical stations, establishment of Emergency Aid Centres (EACs), Mobile Medical Units, and Base Hospitals at critical points, and provisioning of life-saving equipment.

The Directorate has also conducted pre-Yatra refresher training for healthcare workers and initiated public awareness campaigns focusing on high-altitude illnesses and emergency preparedness.

Srinagar, July 02: Amid the ongoing heatwave across the valley, Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday announced the extension of summer vacations for colleges till Sunday, while adding that a review is underway regarding extension in school vacations.

Speaking at an official function, the Minister Sakina Itoo as per news agency JKNS said, “As summer vacations for colleges are nearing their end, we have decided to extend them till Sunday due to the prevailing heatwave.”

She said the government is actively monitoring weather conditions before taking any final call on reopening schools. “As far as vacations for schools are concerned, we will review the situation soon, keeping the weather forecast in view,” she said.

Summer vacations for colleges were earlier scheduled to end on July 4, while for schools they are set to end on July 7.

Srinagar, July 02: In an effort to safeguard public revenue and ensure compliance with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, the State Taxes Department, Kashmir, today conducted massive raids on business entities involved in fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) practices across the Valley. The “meticulously planned” raids unearthed significant instances of tax fraud, officials said

According to a press release issued to Greater Kashmir, “the raids were initiated based on credible intelligence inputs pointing to widespread misuse of ITC provisions, particularly in Kashmir, where certain commodities such as iron, cement and steel have been identified as highly susceptible to tax evasion. The investigation cell of the State Taxes Department conducted thorough research over the past 30 days to identify entities involved in generating fake invoices and passing ineligible ITC. The department’s proactive approach was driven by a “reason to believe” that fraudulent practices were causing substantial revenue losses to the exchequer.”

“The investigation zeroed in on sectors such as iron, cement and steel and other high-value commodities known for their vulnerability to tax evasion. These sectors have been exploited through fake billing and shell companies to fraudulently claim ITC without actual supply of goods or services in violation of the Act and rules. The State Taxes Department’s enforcement team, under the strategic guidance of Additional Commissioner Kashmir Parveez Ahmad Raina (JKAS), worked tirelessly to map out the complex web of transactions and pinpoint the perpetrators. The crackdown was proposed and executed under the leadership of Commissioner State Taxes J&K P.K. Bhat (JKAS).”

It reads that the operation comprised seven specialized teams, properly trained and adequately equipped, each led by a State Tax Officer (STO) and supported by a dedicated team of inspectors and Sub-Inspectors. These teams were tasked with conducting simultaneous raidsin the early hours of July 02, 2025 across multiple locations across North Kashmir, targeting businesses and individuals suspected of orchestrating fake ITC rackets. The enforcement teams, equipped with evidence and intelligence gathered through thorough analysis, targeted firms involved in issuing fraudulent invoices.

The success of this raid is a testament to the relentless efforts of the State Taxes Department’s investigation cell. Over the past month, the team cross-referenced GST returns, and conducted physical verifications to identify discrepancies in ITC claims. The team’s efforts were lauded by Commissioner P.K. Bhat, who emphasized, “Such consistent action reinforces the department’s resolve to protect public revenue and uphold tax discipline.”

The underlying aim is to create a robust and transparent tax regime, deterring fraudsters from exploiting loopholes and encouraging honest taxpayers to contribute to the region’s economic progress. The State Taxes Department remains steadfast in its mission to combat tax evasion and protect public revenue. Additional Commissioner Parveez Ahmad Raina praised the enforcement teams for their “focused and result-oriented efforts,” urging taxpayers to strictly adhere to GST regulations and avoid malpractices, it added.

Srinagar, July 02: The Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), Mr. Abdul Qayoom Wani, expressed deep anguish over the rampant and illegal mining of the Ferozpora Nallah at Kachmatipora, Soiepora, and Ogmuna. He stated that the unregulated extraction is causing irreversible ecological damage, while the concerned departments remain silent spectators.

In a statement issuaed to the Greater Kashmir, the JKCSF chairman said, “Despite the worsening ground situation and repeated cries from the local population, Flood & Irrigation, Environment, Agriculture, and Horticulture Departments have failed to act, raising serious concerns of negligence or silent complicity.”

“The area has turned into a hub of loot where natural resources are being ravaged in broad daylight. This is nothing less than ‘bajri terrorism’ — a systematic plunder of riverbeds that threatens agricultural lands, horticultural balance, and the overall ecology,” he added.

He said, Local residents are suffering gravely due to drying water sources, soil degradation, crop damage, disrupted irrigation, and hazardous conditions created by overloaded trucks and heavy machinery. Farms are turning barren and environmental balance is collapsing.

Wani said, the JKCSF strongly demands: A time-bound probe into illegal mining activities; immediate suspension of all ongoing extraction in the affected regions; accountability of officials and contractors involved; restoration measures to revive the damaged river ecology; and formation of a community oversight committee to prevent future violations.

JKCSF warned that if authorities continue to turn a blind eye, civil society may be forced to launch peaceful public demonstrations across the region to protect the natural wealth and livelihoods of the people.