Latest news with #J&K
Time of India
3 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
J&K: Kashmiri Pandits troop to Valley temple fair, revive return hopes
SRINAGAR: Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and J&K LG Manoj Sinha joined hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits Tuesday at Mela Kheer Bhawani, an annual fair at an eponymous shrine in Ganderbal's Tulmulla, marking the largest gathering since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and raising hopes of the displaced community's return to the Valley. LG Sinha interacted with people and extended warm greetings on the occasion. The shrine is known as Kheer Bhawani as devotees offer milk and kheer (milk pudding) to a sacred spring there which, the legend has it, changes colour. Pandits from across the country travel to the temple fair, around 35km from Srinagar, each year. 'Devotees in large numbers is a good sign. I think after the heinous (Pahalgam) terror attack on April 22, it is the first time that people in such large numbers have assembled at one place in Kashmir. May Mata Kheer Bhawani keep showering her blessings on J&K people,' Sinha said, vowing to make the pilgrimage safe and hassle-free. Sinha also announced that preparations were in full swing for the annual Amarnath Yatra this year from July 3 to Aug 9. 'We have made all arrangements for the security of yatris. I request pilgrims from across the country to come for the yatra,' Sinha said. PDP president Mehbooba cited the large Pandit throngs at Kheer Bhawani temple to reiterate her belief that guns were not the solution to Kashmir's issues. 'Kashmir issue cannot be resolved through military force or militants' guns. Political solution is the only way forward. There should be a political process. That process cannot be completed until our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters return with due respect and settle in the Valley,' Mehbooba said. Farooq, president of J&K's governing National Conference (NC), echoed the views as he was greeted warmly at the fair. He stressed the 'urgent' need for return and resettlement of Pandits in the Valley, calling for land as well as proper housing facilities. He recalled that NC had during its past stints in office attempted such rehabilitation and expressed hope the situation would improve enough for Pandits to live in Kashmir as they once did. Kheer Bhawani temple was built by then monarch Pratap Singh in 1912. The spring there has held religious sanctity for Pandits over centuries, with many claiming its origin to Lord Rama's times.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pro-war rhetoric is dangerous, says Mehbooba
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday warned against the rising tide of war rhetoric, emphasising that Jammu and Kashmir has always borne the brunt of war and violence. She said J&K should be a bridge of friendship between India and Pakistan, and not a theatre of war. 'The PDP will continue to raise its voice for peace and channel the sentiments of people. We must end the spectre of war so that people can plan their lives and revive the economy,' she said. Reacting to recent remarks by the National Conference (NC) leadership, including party president Farooq Abdullah's call for intensified military action against Pakistan, Mehbooba said such statements reflect a dangerous mindset. 'When the Indus Water Treaty was put in abeyance by the Union government, it was chief minister Omar Abdullah who hailed the move and even advocated for an immediate halt to water supplies to Pakistan. We may have political differences with the government of Pakistan, but not with its people. It is saddening that such remarks are being made by the leader of the only Muslim-majority state in the country,' she said. She further criticised Farooq for supporting assaults 'more brutal than the Balakot strike'. 'These leaders want more war and more dead bodies. It is only the PDP that has consistently advocated for an end to hostilities and has spoken for the people's right to live a life of dignity,' she said. The PDP president also expressed concern over the ongoing crackdown in the region. Reflecting on the 2014 coalition formation, Mehbooba recalled that her father, the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, entered the alliance not for power but for the greater good.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CoAS visits J&K's Sunderbani, reviews op readiness in region
CoAS visits J&K's Sunderbani, reviews op readiness in region (Picture credit: ANI) JAMMU: Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Gen Upendra Dwivedi Friday visited forward areas and posts in J&K's Sunderbani sector to assess the operational readiness of the units and formations in the region. 'During the visit, the CoAS was briefed by Formation Commanders on the prevailing security scenario and the operational dynamics along the Line of Control , providing a comprehensive overview of the current strategic environment,' Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said. Gen Dwivedi lauded the exemplary performance of the forces in Operation Sindoor and commended all ranks for their dedication. 'The CoAS emphasised the critical importance of remaining agile and responsive to the constantly evolving security landscape, reiterating the need for continuous vigilance, operational preparedness, and institutional resilience,' Lt Col Bartwal said. On Thursday, Gen Dwivedi had visited the White Knight Corps and assessed the operational readiness of the troops along the border, during which he was briefed by GOC White Knight Corps.
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Jammu & Kashmir After Pahalgam Terror Attack: Centre's ‘High-Five' To Boost Tourism
Last Updated: The Centre has identified five focus areas to support locals as Jammu and Kashmir tourism has been hit in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, say top sources Amid the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir – the primary source of income of the Union Territory – the Centre has identified five focus areas to support locals, said top sources. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, too, also made multiple appeals to the Centre for assistance to revive the state's fortunes. In Pahalgam to chair a cabinet meeting. We came to express solidarity with the local population. We've also come to thank all the tourists who are slowly making their way back to Kashmir & to Pahalgam. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 27, 2025 A look at the five focus areas: 1. Better promotion: Various steps will be taken to reassure the public, using celebrities, influencers, and top political leaders, that India has responded decisively to Pakistan and that security forces are vigilant. Therefore, there is no reason for concern when travelling to the region. Several central ministers are expected to visit Jammu and Kashmir in the coming weeks. The source also stated, 'Many foreign delegations have approached India after the Pahalgam attack expressing their willingness to visit Jammu and Kashmir for meetings. This will significantly boost confidence-building measures." 2. Identifying Tourist Destinations: Beyond the usual tourist hotspots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, the government is keen to identify other potential destinations to expand tourism in the state. The source added, 'We have identified at least three to four new destinations in both Jammu and Kashmir to diversify tourism offerings." 3. Financial Assistance: The Centre is also engaging with institutions like the World Bank to promote these new destinations and develop necessary infrastructure. 4. Supporting J&K: With the regional economy, significantly impacted by cancellations following the Pahalgam attack, the Centre is committed to supporting the state. This includes considering financial assistance if required. 5. Developing Untapped Areas: The government is also exploring the promotion of various untapped areas with significant potential in Jammu and Kashmir. This includes promoting religious tourism, adventure tourism, etc. 'Many significant places have been overlooked and hold immense potential. For example, numerous ancient temples located in secluded areas could become focal points for religious tourism," the source explained. My honour and Privilege to share some time with the real heros & brave hearts ! What a beautiful evening 🙏🏻🇮🇳 — Huma Qureshi (@humasqureshi) May 28, 2025 Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector has experienced significant growth. Between 2021 and 2024, the Jammu division consistently attracted more tourists than the Kashmir Valley. In 2024, for instance, Jammu welcomed over 20 million tourists, while Kashmir received approximately 3.5 million visitors. First Published:
Deccan Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Amit Shah directs security forces to maintain utmost vigil during Amarnath Yatra
Chaired a review meeting for the Amarnath Pilgrimage and evaluated the security arrangements and preparedness meant for the pilgrims. Instructed to maintain the utmost vigilance and ensure the seamless completion of the sacred journey. Central govt and J&K administration will…
