Latest news with #ShriMataVaishnoDevi
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
How train to Kashmir can be a gamechanger for trade, tourism, and economy of J&K
PM Modi inaugurated two Vande Bharat trains connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, marking a historic milestone that will boost development, trade, and tourism in Kashmir. The journey, which used to take hours by road, can now be completed in just 3 hours. The project faced challenges, but it will greatly benefit the economy and tourism of Jammu and Kashmir.
India Gazette
31-05-2025
- India Gazette
J-K: Unauthorised Pithu operator apprehended in Resai; case registered
Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 31 (ANI): Continuing its commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of services on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) track, District Police Reasi apprehended an unauthorized pithu operator during routine checking and patrolling near Bathing Ghat-2 in the jurisdiction of Police Post Banganga, Jammu and Kashmir police said in an official statement. At around 2030 hrs, a police party on patrol stopped an individual who was approaching from Sameer Point towards Banganga along with a pithu buggy. Upon questioning, the statement added that the individual disclosed his identity as Hoshyar Singh S/O Sunak Singh, resident of Meer, Tehsil Panchari, District Udhampur. During the verification process, he was asked to produce his registered service card authorising him to operate as a pithu. However, it added that he failed to provide any valid authorisation or registration card, thereby violating the provisions laid down for service operators on the holy track. Accordingly, a case FIR No. 158/2025 U/S 223(a) BNS has been registered at Police Station Katra, and further investigation is underway. The operation was executed under the leadership of Station House Officer, Police station Katra, Inspector Khyatimaan Khajuria under the supervision of SDPO Katra Bhishm Dubey and Superintendent of Police Katra Vipan Chandran.. Senior Superintendent of police, Reasi, Paramvir Singh, while sharing the details, urges all service providers on the SMVD track to ensure proper authorisation and documentation. Unauthorised activities will be dealt with strictly under the law to maintain the sanctity and security of the pilgrimage route. (ANI)
India Gazette
21-05-2025
- India Gazette
Palki, pony, pithoo owners resume services at Vaishno Devi as yatra sees increase in pilgrims
Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 21 (ANI): In a positive development for the local economy and pilgrimage infrastructure, thousands of palanquin (palki) owners, pony and pithoo owners have begun returning to their work at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, resuming their vital role in assisting pilgrims on their spiritual journey. Over 5,000 pony handlers and palki owners from across Jammu and Kashmir are traditionally involved in facilitating the yatra, offering essential transport and support services to devotees, especially along the challenging terrain leading up to the sacred shrine. Due to a sharp decline in pilgrimage footfall in recent times -- largely influenced by tensions between India and Pakistan -- many of these workers had temporarily left Katra in search of alternative livelihoods. However, with the gradual normalisation of the situation and a steady rise in daily pilgrim numbers, these service providers are now returning to contribute once again to the seamless operation of the yatra. Authorities and local stakeholders have welcomed this return, noting that the presence of experienced palki walas and pony handlers greatly enhances the overall pilgrimage experience. Their return also marks a hopeful sign for the revival of livelihoods connected to pilgrimage tourism in the region. As the yatra continues to gain momentum, the administration is ensuring all necessary arrangements and safety protocols are in place for the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims. A week ago, the helicopter services from Katra to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resumed after being suspended for a week due to the hostilities between India and Pakistan. The helicopter services have been resumed now following the cessation of hostilities and an understanding between India and Pakistan. Life in Jammu and Kashmir's districts returned to normal after students returned to schools. In relief for students and parents, schools in several areas of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch districts reopened last week after being closed in the wake of hostilities between India and Pakistan. The schools, both government and private, reopened after being shut for five to six days due to safety concerns and days of heightened tension. The resumption of school activities relieved residents, marking a return to routine after a period of uncertainty. Indian Armed Forces effectively repelled Pakistan's subsequent military aggression and pounded several airbases in Pakistan. The two countries have now reached an understanding of stopping firing and military action after the Pakistan DGMO reached out to his Indian counterpart. (ANI)
India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Srinagar on Thursday
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 15 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and is likely to meet the soldiers of the Armed Forces in Srinagar. This is Rajnath Singh's first Jammu and Kashmir visit following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Meanwhile, following the Operation Sindoor and cessation of hostilities agreement between India and Pakistan, lives have started to turn normal in Jammu and Kashmir. The Directorate of School Education, Jammu, announced on Wednesday that schools in certain border areas of Jammu and Kashmir will reopen on May 15. In relief for students and parents, schools in several areas of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch districts will reopen tomorrow after being closed in the wake of hostilities between India and Pakistan. In Jammu, the Chowki Choura, Bhalwal, Dansal, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu zones will be reopening schools. In Samba, the Vijaypur will open schools tomorrow. In Kathua, the Barnoti, Lakhanpur, Sallan, and Ghagwal zones will open the schools. Likewise, in Rajouri, schools will be open in the Peeri, Kalakote, Thanamandi, Moghla, Kotranka, Khawas, Lower Hathal and Darhal areas. In Poonch, the Surankote and Buffliaz areas will open schools. Meanwhile, the helicopter services from Katra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resumed on Wednesday after being suspended for a week due to the hostilities between India and Pakistan. Also, the Indian Army have intensified their operation against the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack. Three terrorists with affiliation to the Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in an encounter in Shopian, South Kashmir on Tuesday. The confirmation of the identification of two out of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-affiliated terrorists has been made, sources told ANI. According to sources, one of the terrorists was identified as Shahid Kuttay, son of Mohd Yousuf Kuttay and a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian. He was a Category A, LeT operative who was involved in the firing incident at the Danish Resort in Srinagar on April 8, 2024, in which two German tourists and one driver were injured. He joined the terror outfit on March 8, 2023. (ANI)
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
J-K: Helicopter services resume from Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine
Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 14 (ANI): The helicopter services from Katra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resumed on Wednesday after being suspended for a week due to the hostilities between India and Pakistan. The helicopter services have been resumed now following the cessation of hostilities and an understanding between India and Pakistan. Life in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi returned to normal after morning visuals on Tuesday showed students returning to schools. The Directorate of School Education, Jammu, announced on Wednesday that schools in certain border areas of Jammu and Kashmir will reopen on May 15. In relief for students and parents, schools in several areas of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch districts will reopen tomorrow after being closed in the wake of hostilities between India and Pakistan. The reopening marks a step towards restoring normalcy and ensuring that students in these border zones continue their education without further disruptions. The schools, both government and private are being reopened after being shut for five to six days due to safety concerns and days of heightened tension. The resumption of school activities has relieved residents, marking a return to routine after a period of uncertainty. India's precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK came in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The government had said that the perpetrators would face severe punishment, and over 100 terrorists were killed in Operation Armed Forces effectively repelled Pakistan's subsequent military aggression and pounded several airbases in Pakistan. The two countries have now reached an understanding of stopping firing and military action after the Pakistan DGMO reached out to his Indian counterpart. (ANI)
