Latest news with #J&K


Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
J&K is rapidly moving forward: LG Sinha
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended the Kashur Riwaaj 2025, a mega event celebrating Kashmir's Culture at Baramulla. J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha (File) In his address, the LG extended his heartiest congratulations to 20,000 youth of Baramulla for making history and securing world record title. 'By coming together for Ladishah and Calligraphy, you have set a new world record. This accomplishment will serve as an inspiration across the sections of society to reconnect with their heritage, embrace their culture, and uphold their values,' the LG said. He also lauded the Indian Army and Baramulla district administration for the commendable endeavour. 'I salute the dedication and commitment of our army. They are not only safeguarding the nation's unity and integrity but also actively serving as a custodian of this region's vibrant cultural heritage and consistently striving to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of our youth. Unity in diversity is a hallmark of India's great culture. The Indian Army has consistently worked to harness this power for societal benefit, creating opportunities for youth to strengthen national unity through literature, music, art, and sports,' he said. The LG also reiterated the commitment of Government of India and J&K administration, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to empower J&K youth. 'With a whole-of-government approach, we are working to align the aspirations of youth of J&K with the nation's aspirations,' he said adding that hopes and dreams of youth can only flourish in a peaceful environment. 'Pakistan-backed terrorism and separatism had robbed J&K of peace, progress, and the youth's aspirations. Now, J&K is rapidly moving forward,' he added. On the occasion, Sinha announced Guru-Shishya Parampara programme of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Calligraphy course in collaboration of JKAACL with University of Kashmir.


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Prioritise civil issues over investing on war machinery: Mehbooba
Former J&K chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday urged India and Pakistan to prioritise mitigating poverty and providing potable water, healthcare and education to their people instead of investing in war machinery. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti during a public rally on the 26th Foundation Day of the party in Srinagar. (Waseem Andrabi /HT) On 26th Foundation Day of the party, Mehbooba also called for reconciliation, dialogue & demilitarisation in Jammu & Kashmir and asked the Centre not to look at the J&K issue through the prism of security. 'What is India's foreign policy without J&K at its heart? Decades of conflict have brought only suffering . Wars end, only to be replaced by new ones. Pakistan has invested in war machinery and India once revered as the 'hathi' for its strength and wisdom, has shackled J&K with a heavy-handed approach.' Giving an example of China, the former J&K chief minister said that China's GDP shows us where India stands today. 'These are not my words but a reflection of our misplaced priorities,' she said while quoting India's external affairs minister. Mufti said that our country grapples with poverty. 'Many schools lack basic facilities like toilets and clean drinking water, yet we prioritise buying weapons and deploying more CRPF companies. How much security is enough? Militarisation cannot heal wounds. Until the Centre embraces the people of Jammu and Kashmir with empathy and addresses their genuine aspirations, no progress will be made.' PDP president in an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.'PM Modi with the mandate of 120 crore people, you have the power to rewrite the story of J&K. If India is to surpass nations like China, it must end this war-like system and take concrete steps toward reconciliation. Restore the trust of the people by engaging in a process that respects their dignity and rights.' She however criticised the Centre's approach to governance in the region and said the revocation of Article 370 has not brought peace or prosperity but has deepened alienation. 'The people of J&K are not enemies; they are citizens seeking justice and inclusion. The Centre must stop treating this region as a security problem and start addressing it as a political issue requiring dialogue and statesmanship.'


Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
KU students must be employed to build a greater future for India: J&K L-G
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor (L-G), Manoj Sinha, said on Sunday that the students of the University of Kashmir (KU) must be employed to build a greater future for J&K and the entire country. The L-G said that KU alumni can become catalysts of progress and development in India, including J&K. 'They can highlight what changes have taken place or what changes are still needed to ensure the bright future of J&K. Not only the alumni, but the present-day students of the University form part of the great human potential that can be and must be employed to build a greater future for J&K and the entire country,' he said while addressing the Mega Alumni Meet 2025 at the campus. The L-G said that all those who excelled in various fields after passing out from the KU are the true brand ambassadors of this university. He further called upon the distinguished alumni of the KU to facilitate internship and career placement of the students, as they have reached a stage in life where they have the influence to help such career placements in various fields. 'The entire alumni of this university is an extended family. I must refer to Karan Singh, who is an alumnus of this institution, but is not present here today and also Ghulam Nabi Azad and Justice Magray, who are present here today. 'I am sure whenever the name of their Alma Mater is mentioned to them by any student, there must be a specific glow and shine in their eyes,' he said. After addressing the alumni meet, the L-G said on X posted, 'Happy to have addressed the alumni meet of the University of Kashmir. Called upon distinguished Alumni to come forward to strengthen the higher educational institutions of J&K, and with their expertise and network in various sectors, they should contribute to the peace & progress of J&K.'


Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
J&K set to create ripples with ‘hydropower tourism'
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah (Pic credit: PTI) SRINAGAR: J&K's Omar-Abdullah-led government has started dipping its toes in 'hydropower tourism' with plans to allow hydel electricity generators to set up on-site tourism facilities as an incentive to attract more investors into such projects. J&K's Draft Hydro Power Policy, 2025, proposes tourism infrastructure in hydel projects up to 25MW. A senior official said the infrastructure could include hotels, parks, guesthouses, and water sports facilities The draft policy, reviewed earlier this week by chief minister Omar, will soon be released for public feedback. The policy assumes significance after the Centre put Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in abeyance following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Omar's National Conference (NC) has long opposed IWT, calling it detrimental to J&K's interests and arguing that it ceded control of river waters to Pakistan without consulting the region. Such tourism facilities will be allowed to be set up only after hydel projects up to 25MW go on stream. 'The policy clearly says after the main hydropower project is completed and begins operating, they can apply to build tourism infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo The aim is to increase income and support local economic growth,' the official said. The incentive has been limited for projects up to 25 MW as they typically come up on small streams and offer good tourism potential, while larger hydel plants are located on major rivers with little scope for ancillary amenities, the official explained. J&K has an estimated hydropower potential of over 20,000MW but less than 15% is harnessed. Govt expects good response to the new policy. The official cited Ranjit Sagar Dam (also known as Thein Dam) at Pathankot in neighbouring Punjab as an example, pointing out that the area, with lush gardens and scenic surroundings, had turned into a popular picnic destination. 'J&K's upcoming hydropower projects offer similar tourism potential,' the official said. While hydropower developers in J&K will be required to provide 12% of the generated electricity free to the Union territory under the new policy, the obligation will remain suspended during the initial years to ease the burden on developers. Developers will be allowed to retain all tourism revenue from the start, without no sharing with govt. However, after 40 years, developers must hand over the 'hydel project' and 'all related tourism infrastructure in good operating condition' to govt. The draft policy categorises projects into two segments, up to 25MW, and between 25MW and 100 MW. It proposes waiver of water usage charges for all projects, classifying them as 'non-consumptive users'. Developers will also benefit from carbon credit incentives and receive 100% exemption on registration fees and stamp duty on land purchases, leases, or mortgages related to the projects.

Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Indian Soldiers Get Big Legal Lifeline: Historic Scheme to Protect Families of Defence Personnel
For the first time in India's history, a judicial shield has been extended to protect soldiers' families at home, while they serve the nation in distant, harsh terrains. The NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025, launched by Justice Surya Kant, ensures that Indian soldiers no longer fight a two-front war, one at the border, another in courtrooms back home. The judiciary, moved by the sacrifices during Operation Sindoor, has stepped in to assist with legal disputes, pensions, service issues, and civil matters that often go unresolved due to troop mobility. From Kargil to Kupwara, Andaman to Arunachal, legal help will now reach every soldier's doorstep. In an emotional tribute, J&K CM Omar Abdullah and LG Manoj Sinha acknowledged this as a milestone for justice delivery and defence dignity. The message is clear: 'You protect the nation, we will protect your rights.'#veerparivaryojana #indianarmy #nalsa2025 #suriyakant #defencenews #vijaydiwas #legalaidforsoldiers #operationSindoor #borderheroes #indiafirst #toi #toibharat #bharat #trending #breakingnews #indianews Read More