Srinagar, Oct 16: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Friday strongly condemned the abusive outburst of senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan against JKAS officer Beenish Wani during a Mission YUVA review meeting, demanding an impartial inquiry and strict action against the officer if the allegations are established. Inam Un Nabi said abusive language, threats of dismissal and misuse of official authority by a senior officer cannot be brushed aside as a routine workplace dispute. He said public office carries responsibility and accountability, not a licence to humiliate subordinates or intimidate colleagues. “No officer, irrespective of rank or influence, is above accountability. If the allegations against Rajeev Ranjan are substantiated, appropriate action must follow. Administrative hierarchy cannot become a shield for misconduct and the dignity of a junior woman officer cannot be compromised,” Inam said. Inam also lambasted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for allowing a serious issue involving abuse of authority and humiliation of a woman officer to become entangled in a debate over the powers of the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor. “Beenish Wani needs justice, not sympathy or political statements. Instead of discussing the limitations of the Union Territory setup, the Chief Minister should directly approach the Lieutenant Governor and seek an impartial inquiry. The issue demands decisive leadership, not political deflection,” he said. Calling for an independent and transparent inquiry, Inam demanded that Beenish Wani be protected against any retaliation and that the competent authority take appropriate action based on the findings. He said the government must establish that seniority and bureaucratic influence cannot shield anyone from accountability.

Srinagar, Oct 16: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Friday strongly condemned a video of an IAS officer screaming at a woman KAS officer during a meeting, calling it "much more than workplace bullying." Lone praised the JKAS officer, Beenish, for her courage. "She stood her ground and upheld her dignity," he said. He said the incident should not come as a surprise, since such conduct has become normalised. "Workplace bullying by officers exists," he said, describing a "vicious circle" in which senior officers bully juniors, who in turn bully those beneath them, until the behaviour reaches its "most lethal form" among ordinary citizens. Lone said the real shock was that none of the male officers present in the room, or those attending the video meeting remotely, spoke up for their colleague. He demanded stern action in this case and a permanent institutional mechanism to discourage bullying and intimidation, with legal provisions making it a crime. He said the protection must extend to the public as well. "It should be a crime to shout at, intimidate or bully common masses," he said. Citing another example, Lone accused that a recently retired officer's pension and post-retirement benefits were put on hold by a senior IAS officer over an "utterly flimsy reason." "Nobody will speak up," he said.

Srinagar, Oct 16: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has called for strict action against a senior IAS officer over alleged misconduct with a woman Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer during an official review meeting. Reacting to the controversy, Mehbooba as per news agency JKNS wrote on X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah must immediately take up the matter with the Government of India and demand strict action against the officer. “Such erratic and disdainful conduct cannot be tolerated. CM @OmarAbdullah must immediately take up the matter with the Government of India and demand strict action against the officer who is already facing allegations of issuing illegal gun licences,” she said. The reaction comes after a video conferencing clip of verbal outburst by the senior IAS officer against the woman JKAS officer during an official meeting went viral on social media.  A video of the alleged exchange has circulated on social media, triggering concerns over workplace dignity, professional conduct and accountability in the administration. The senior officer as seen in the video used objectionable language against the woman officer and threatened her with suspension and dismissal during the meeting. The controversy has renewed calls for accountability and adherence to professional standards in government offices, with demands that the incident be examined impartially and appropriate action be taken in accordance with applicable rules if the allegations are substantiated.

Srinagar, Oct 16:  Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken serious note of the alleged verbal abuse of a woman Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer by a senior IAS officer and written to the Chief Secretary to ensure that she faces no retaliation, National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said on Friday. In a post on X, MLA  Zadibal as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said, “Accountability must prevail, and no one should be allowed to misuse their position to intimidate or victimise others.” The development comes amid mounting criticism over a purported video showing a senior IAS officer allegedly abusing the woman officer during an official review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has triggered demands for an impartial inquiry and accountability, with the JKAS fraternity and an employees’ organisation calling for safeguards against any retaliatory action against the officer. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the alleged conduct and demanded immediate action against the officer. “How dare you use such derogatory and demeaning language? Take your god complex and dirty slurs elsewhere. We will not tolerate this in Kashmir,” she said in a post on X. Mufti alleged that since 2019, KAS officers and competent Kashmiri IAS officers had been deliberately sidelined, claiming that local officers in the administration and police were being undermined and made subservient to officers from outside the Union Territory. Addressing Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, she said the officer should be suspended immediately, arguing that the same standards should apply to senior officials as those applied to Kashmiri employees facing disciplinary action. Earlier, Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also criticised the alleged behaviour, accusing the senior bureaucrat of threatening the woman officer’s career after she sought to finish speaking during the meeting. Ruhullah called on the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to ensure that the woman officer was not victimised for standing up for herself. The senior IAS officer, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, has reportedly suggested that the video could be “morphed or AI-generated”. The authenticity of the footage has not been independently established. (KNS)

Jammu, Oct 14: A group of Gen-Z protesters staged an anti-BJP demonstration at Bahu Plaza here on Wednesday in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), condemning the police crackdown on its leaders and supporters following protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi. The protesters raised slogans against the BJP-led Centre and asserted that police action and restrictions on demonstrations would not deter them from exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest. Questioning the authorities over electoral data and voter-related issues, protester Agrya Singh Chauhan challenged the Centre to justify the restrictions imposed on demonstrations. She also questioned the promotion of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) accused of harassing a woman journalist in Delhi. “What kind of authority are you trying to demonstrate? What kind of power are you displaying?” Chauhan asked. Referring to the denial of permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, she said the venue had long served as a platform for people to raise their voices against injustice, question those in power and demand accountability. The protest comes amid a change in the designated venues for demonstrations in the national capital. Delhi Police on Monday officially denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and designated Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi as alternative venues. Chauhan said the denial of permission to protest at Jantar Mantar would not silence the demonstrators, asserting that they would continue their agitation across the country. “Delhi Police denied us permission to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar, but it cannot stop us from raising our voices. If we are not allowed to protest at Jantar Mantar, we will turn every part of the country into Jantar Mantar—from Kashmir to Jammu and beyond,” she said. “You can deny us a venue, but you cannot take away our constitutional right to protest. No matter how many people you detain or how many jails you fill, we will continue our fight and make our voices heard,” she added. Emphasising the right to peaceful dissent, Chauhan said the protesters would continue to seek answers from the authorities until their concerns were addressed and justice delivered. “No amount of police action can weaken our resolve. If our questions are not answered, we will continue to raise them. Our protest will continue until our concerns are heard and justice is delivered,” she said. Another protester, Anmol Ori, accused the police of mistreating women demonstrators in Delhi, alleging that the action was intended to discourage women from participating in the protests. “Women are a very important part of this protest, and that is precisely why this is happening,” Ori said, alleging that the police were attempting to intimidate the demonstrators. Drawing a parallel with the political fallout following the 2012 Nirbhaya rape and murder case in Delhi, Ori warned that the alleged police action could have political consequences. “One government fell in 2014 after the Nirbhaya case; another will fall now because of what the police have done,” he said.

Srinagar, Oct 15: One of India’s leading homegrown multinational logistics companies DTDC Express Limited has launched DTDC Udaan in Kashmir, marking the first chapter of an initiative aimed at helping regional businesses, artisans and MSMEs access wider domestic and international markets. By bringing together its logistics network, digital commerce capabilities and 16,500+ channel partners across India, DTDC aims to make market expansion more accessible, with local points of contact to help businesses navigate the journey from onboarding to reaching new customers. Kashmir has a rich legacy of craftsmanship and enterprise. From Pashmina shawls and GI-tagged saffron to traditional handicrafts, premium dry fruits and willow sports equipment, the region produces goods with distinctive identities and strong market potential. However, taking these products to customers beyond the Valley often requires more than a quality product. Businesses need access to reliable shipping, fulfilment infrastructure, digital sales channels and the ability to manage growing demand across geographies. DTDC Udaan aims to bridge this gap by helping regional businesses move from local opportunity to wider market access. The launch event, held recently in Srinagar, brought together 48 business owners and trade leaders from across Kashmir’s commercial ecosystem. Participants represented diverse sectors, including willow sports equipment manufacturers such as Tramboo Sports and Hangul Sports, alongside businesses specialising in traditional products and regional produce. The session opened with a keynote address by Rajesh Nair, Business Head, North, DTDC, followed by discussions on the opportunities available to local enterprises through DTDC’s integrated logistics and commerce capabilities. Speaking on the launch, Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO, DTDC Express Ltd., said, “Across Bharat, there are businesses creating exceptional products with the potential to reach customers around the world. Kashmir, with its world-renowned Pashmina shawls, GI-tagged saffron, traditional handicrafts and willow sports equipment, is a wonderful example of this. Through DTDC Udaan, we want to help bridge the gap between local enterprise and global opportunity by bringing our logistics network, technology and fulfilment capabilities closer to these businesses. With 16,500+ channel partners as an integral part of our network, we can offer not just connectivity but also local points of contact to guide and handhold businesses as they grow. Kashmir marks the first chapter of DTDC Udaan, and we look forward to extending this initiative to regional business ecosystems across Bharat.” DTDC Udaan brings together multiple capabilities to support businesses at different stages of expansion. DTDC eCommerce provides fulfilment support spanning inventory management, order processing and delivery, while DTDC WorldWyde enables international shipping across more than 220 global destinations. DTDC Raftaar offers faster delivery options in serviceable markets, and eDOT simplifies business onboarding, allowing eligible businesses to start shipping in as little as 10 minutes. Another key component of DTDC Udaan is Kaarigo, DTDC’s e-commerce platform, for authentic Indian products, artisans and regional sellers. The platform offers local makers and MSMEs an avenue to establish an online presence and connect with customers beyond their immediate markets. By bringing digital commerce and logistics closer together, DTDC Udaan aims to make it easier for regional businesses to take their products online, manage orders and build a wider customer base. As a homegrown company with 36 years of experience in logistics, DTDC has built a network connecting businesses and consumers across India and international markets. Through DTDC Udaan, the company aims to extend the reach of this network to more regional entrepreneurs, recognising that business growth should not be limited by location, scale or access to infrastructure. With Kashmir as its first chapter, DTDC Udaan marks the beginning of a wider effort to connect the products, skills and enterprise of Bharat with opportunities across India and the world. This initiative reflects DTDC’s commitment to its philosophy of “Let’s Grow Together” by helping regional businesses access the infrastructure and opportunities they need to grow beyond geographical boundaries.

Srinagar, Oct 12: Positioning itself at the forefront of regional policy innovation and ecological governance, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) took centre stage on Monday as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) alongside the J&K Agriculture Science Congress 2026 at the university’s Shalimar Campus. The three-day national convention jointly organised by SKUAST-K in collaboration with the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) and the J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), has drawn top policymakers, domain scientists, and delegates from across 11 Himalayan states. Deliberations are centered around the university’s pioneering draft Sustainable Mountain Development Policy (JK-SMDP 2026)—the country’s first state-specific mountain framework, which experts from northeastern Himalayan states have already expressed keen interest in adapting as a template for their respective regions. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commended SKUAST-K for steering this vital policy initiative and called for an actionable, realistic roadmap that strikes an equitable balance between environmental preservation and community livelihoods. “We cannot stop global warming on our own, but we can certainly take better care of our own environment,” the Chief Minister said, citing erratic snowfall, receding glaciers such as Thajiwas near Sonamarg, and recurring flash floods as warnings of an intensifying climate crisis. Referring to recent disasters in Nepal, he urged the gathering to ensure science moves beyond conference halls into tangible statecraft. “Jammu and Kashmir aspires to become the first Himalayan territory to have its own dedicated mountain policy, and my government is keen to take this forward. However, those recommendations must be grounded in reality—balancing ecological sustainability with everyday economic survival," he said.  The Chief Minister highlighted that agriculture and horticulture – not tourism alone – form the actual backbone of J&K’s economy, underscoring that environmental resilience is directly linked to food security and rural prosperity. He advocated for a coordinated approach to hill infrastructure mandating scientific slope-stabilization standards during road construction to prevent recurrent landslides, planned vertical expansion to preserve scarce land, and developing new carrying-capacity-backed tourist destinations equipped with upfront waste and sewage infrastructure rather than abruptly curtailing livelihoods at high-pressure sites like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. Delivering the institutional vision, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, outlined the university's 11-point policy architecture designed to transition mountain governance into an enforceable model. The proposed framework prioritizes carrying-capacity-based visitor management, automated hazard early warning networks, mandatory clean-in-place and zero-waste systems, clean mobility transitions via green gateways, and close inter-departmental convergence anchored by scientific data. Emphasizing the campus-to-governance synergy, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) Mandeep Kaur pushed for deeper institutional collaboration between HUDD and SKUAST-K to integrate climate risk assessments into hill-town master planning and seismic-resilient urban development. Minister for Agriculture Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, stressed the need for climate-resilient farming models to insulate rural livelihoods against environmental shocks, while Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, urged immediate checks on unregulated resource exploitation. The inaugural session also featured strategic perspectives from IMI leadership, including President Dr. S.T.S. Lepcha, former MP and former President P.D. Rai, and Lead Strategist Dr. Rajan Kotru, who emphasized regional pride, inclusive green economies, and cross-Himalayan solidarity. The opening proceedings witnessed the formal release of several landmark summit publications and the screening of Himalayan Voice, a documentary jointly produced by SKUAST-K and IMI. Earlier, Prof. Khursheed A. Dar, Organising Secretary of the Congress, delivered the formal welcome address, while Prof. A.H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry and Organising Secretary of the Summit, presented the concluding vote of thanks. Over the next two days, parallel technical tracks across twelve thematic verticals will deliberate on climate-smart agriculture, digital farm innovations, the bio-economy, and the draft mountain policy. The summit is set to culminate in the adoption of the historic Shalimar Declaration, consolidating SKUAST-K’s pivotal role as the primary knowledge anchor guiding the Himalayan arc toward a sustainable and resilient future.

Jammu, Oct 12: The new Director General (DG) of Prosecution, of Jammu & Kashmir Sunita Kargotra Monday underscored the need to strengthen the prosecution system through professional excellence, institutional discipline, strengthening, accountability and effective coordination among Prosecutors across the Union Territory. In her maiden address to the Prosecutors of J&K UT after taking over as the DG, Sunita Kargotra emphasised the pivotal role of the Prosecution Department in the Criminal Justice Delivery System. The Director General said that the foremost objective of the Directorate would be to ensure effective, fair and legally sound prosecution, while upholding the rule of law and public confidence in the Justice System. She stressed that every Prosecutor must discharge his or her duties with integrity, diligence and a high degree of professional competence. Timely examination of Judgments and Court Orders, prompt legal action wherever warranted, effective case preparation and close coordination with investigating agencies/ Stakeholders were identified as important areas requiring sustained attention. The Director General also emphasised the need to foster a work culture founded on responsibility, merit and performance. She observed that officers, who take initiative, demonstrate leadership and complete assignments with dedication, even under challenging circumstances, deserve recognition and encouragement. Underscoring the importance of collective responsibility, she called upon senior officers to lead by example, mentor their colleagues and ensure that the Directorate functions as a cohesive and professionally driven institution. She further assured that genuine professional concerns and issues relating to the working conditions and welfare of Prosecutors would receive due consideration and would be taken up with the higher authorities for early consideration. Reaffirming the core principles governing Prosecution, Kargotra observed that the role of a Prosecutor extends beyond securing convictions and includes assisting the courts in the fair administration of Justice. She emphasised that independence, impartiality and adherence to law must remain the guiding principles of every Prosecutor. The Director General expressed confidence that, with the collective commitment and cooperation of all officers, the Prosecution Department would continue to strengthen its institutional capacity and contribute meaningfully to an effective, transparent and credible Criminal Justice System in J&K UT.

Leh/Jammu, Oct 12: Ladakh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rahul Sharma on Monday urged eligible residents of Leh and Kargil to verify their names in the draft electoral rolls and submit claims and objections by October 15. Sharma chaired a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties in Leh to review the ongoing revision of electoral rolls for the municipal committees of Leh and Kargil, officials said. The CEO briefed the representatives on eligibility criteria, disqualification provisions and procedures for inclusion of names, correction of particulars and filing of objections. He stressed the importance of accurate and inclusive electoral rolls to ensure that all eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process. The draft municipal electoral rolls have been published and are available for public inspection. Sharma urged eligible residents to check their electoral details and submit the prescribed forms for enrolment or correction, or file objections wherever necessary, before the October 15 deadline. He also called upon political party representatives to spread awareness about the revision exercise, particularly among eligible residents whose names may be missing from the draft rolls, and encourage them to complete the required formalities within the stipulated timeframe. Prescribed forms were distributed during the meeting to familiarise the representatives with the procedures for inclusion, correction and filing of objections. Representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Indian National Congress (INC) attended the meeting, along with Joint Chief Electoral Officer Sonam Chosjor. There are 193 Panchayats in Ladakh, including 95 in Leh and 98 in Kargil. The last Panchayat and Municipal elections in Ladakh were held in 2018 when it was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. Both the bodies have completed their term. (PTI)

Srinagar, Oct 12: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Monday chaired the 31st meeting of Board of Directors of the Jammu & Kashmir Womens' Development Corporation (JKWDC) Limited  at SKICC, today. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Social Welfare Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray; Managing Director JKWDC, Purnima Mittal representatives of Planning & Finance Departments, J&K and Apex Corporations from New Delhi. During the meeting, the Board deliberated upon various important administrative, financial and policy matters concerning the functioning of the Corporation and took several key decisions. In her address during the meeting, Sakina Itoo emphasised the need for the Corporation to function with greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness. She advocated a focused approach towards ensuring that the intended benefits of welfare and development schemes reach the eligible Women beneficiaries in a timely manner. Sakeena Itoo called for strengthening the institutional mechanisms, streamlining procedures and improving coordination among the concerned stakeholders to facilitate easier access to financial assistance, self-employment opportunities and other support measures for the Women entrepreneurs. “Welfare interventions should translate into tangible improvements in the socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries, particularly through initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance”, maintained the Minister. The Minister directed the Corporation to maintain close engagement with the beneficiaries and community representatives, identify emerging requirements and take necessary measures to address genuine concerns within the prescribed framework. Sakeena Itoo appreciated the efforts of the Corporation and stressed upon all concerned officers to ensure transparency, accountability, efficiency and timely implementation of the decisions taken by the Board in the larger public interest. During the meeting, the Board directed the Corporation to intensify and expedite the recovery of outstanding loans, particularly long-pending dues and adopt all permissible measures for effective follow-up and timely recovery. She enquired about the establishment of online system for recovery and disbursement of various schemes. The Board further approved the Budget Estimates for the financial year 2026–27, covering the revenue and capital requirements of the Corporation and providing for effective implementation of its developmental and welfare-oriented programmes. Also, financial statements for the year 2024-25 were approved by the Board which shall be sent for Audit. The Board emphasized the need for greater financial discipline, improved recovery of outstanding loans, timely implementation of approved programmes and effective delivery of benefits to eligible Women entrepreneurs.

Srinagar, Oct 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday called for a practical and balanced approach to sustainable mountain development, stressing that environmental protection, economic growth and people’s livelihoods must go hand in hand. The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, jointly organised by SKUAST-Kashmir and the Integrated Mountain Initiative, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC). The summit, held under the J&K Agriculture Science Congress-2026, is themed around sustainable Himalayan landscapes for inclusive Viksit Bharat and the formulation of a Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir. Emphasising the urgent need to protect the region’s fragile mountain ecology, the Chief Minister said climate change, erratic snowfall, water scarcity, extreme rainfall and landslides were increasingly affecting Jammu and Kashmir, making sustainable development essential for its long-term survival. “We do not take care of our mountains, our environment as much as we should. We cannot stop global warming on our own, nor can we reverse it. The whole world will have to come together to address this challenge. But we can certainly take better care of our own environment,” he said. Referring to changing weather patterns, the Chief Minister observed that snowfall had become increasingly erratic, with reduced snowfall and delayed winter precipitation contributing to water shortages during the spring months. He said prolonged dry spells were often followed by intense rainfall, cloudbursts and flooding, creating fresh challenges for communities and infrastructure. Describing these developments as the new reality, Omar Abdullah said the challenge was to determine how Jammu and Kashmir could continue to develop while adapting to growing environmental risks. “We have to ask ourselves: how do we sustain our livelihoods and how do we develop? Development is essential, but it must be sustainable,” he said. The Chief Minister cautioned against viewing tourism as the sole cause of environmental degradation, while acknowledging the pressure that growing tourist numbers placed on popular destinations. He stressed that environmental responsibility had to be shared by the government, residents, businesses and visitors alike. “Tourism does put pressure on our environment, but to assume that the situation is bad only because of tourism or tourists would also be wrong. We will have to take some responsibility,” he said, urging people to avoid littering, reduce the use of single-use plastic and conserve water and energy. He called for a change in everyday practices, observing that people often discarded plastic wrappers and bottles in public places while expecting the government to clean up after them. While acknowledging the government’s primary responsibility for environmental management, he underlined that individual actions were equally important in protecting the natural surroundings. On tourism development, the Chief Minister said the answer was not to abruptly restrict visitors to established destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, where livelihoods depended substantially on tourism. Instead, he advocated developing new destinations through a planned and sustainable approach, with adequate arrangements for sewage treatment, wastewater management and solid waste disposal in place from the outset. “Some of our destinations do not have enough carrying capacity. We have to widen tourism, not to stop people from going to Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg, but to develop new and sustainable destinations where the systems for waste disposal and sewage disposal are already ready,” he said. Highlighting the need for environmentally sound infrastructure, Omar Abdullah said unscientific hill cutting during road construction had contributed to landslides and repeated damage to roads, particularly in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He said road construction agencies often resorted to indiscriminate cutting of mountain slopes without adequate consideration for slope stabilisation and appropriate cutting angles. While such practices might reduce initial construction costs, the resulting damage during rainfall frequently necessitated reconstruction, diverting resources that could otherwise be used to build new roads. The Chief Minister said he had asked the Forest and Environment Department and the Public Works Department to work together to ensure that development projects incorporated sustainable engineering practices and reduced the risk of landslides. “When you cut a mountain, cut it in a way in which the possibility of landslides may not be eradicated, but at least be reduced,” he said, emphasising that long-term sustainability must take precedence over short-term savings. On urban development and housing, the Chief Minister called for greater emphasis on energy-efficient and earthquake-resilient buildings, along with more efficient land use. With land becoming increasingly scarce in the Valley, he said, planners needed to explore vertical development wherever appropriate rather than continued horizontal expansion, while ensuring compliance with seismic safety requirements. Recalling the devastation caused by past natural disasters, including the 2014 floods and the earthquake that affected the region in 2005, he stressed the need to incorporate disaster resilience into future construction and examine cost-effective ways to retrofit existing buildings. The Chief Minister also highlighted the visible retreat of glaciers in the region, recalling how the glacier near Sonamarg once extended close to the meadows. Today, he said, younger generations have to trek considerably farther to reach the receded glacier. He said the changes underscored the responsibility of the present generation to protect the region’s natural heritage and preserve it for those who would inherit it. “That is what we owe the future generations. Protect what we have, retrieve what we can, and ensure that we do not do any further damage, while also ensuring that livelihoods are protected,” he said. Underlining the importance of agriculture and horticulture to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, Omar Abdullah said the region’s economic foundations were often misunderstood by those who viewed tourism as its principal source of income. Agriculture and horticulture, he pointed out, contributed substantially more to the economy than tourism. He said protecting the environment and promoting sustainable mountain development were therefore not merely conservation objectives but fundamental to the region’s economic security, livelihoods and long-term prosperity. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the three-day summit would move beyond academic discussions and produce concrete recommendations that could be translated into effective policies and practical action. He said Jammu and Kashmir aspired to become the first Himalayan territory to have its own mountain policy and that his government was keen to take the initiative forward. However, he stressed that the policy must emerge from wider consultation and reflect the realities of the region rather than being based on idealistic assumptions. “Those recommendations need to be grounded in reality. We need to balance the need for sustainability with the need for existence and livelihoods,” he said. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to delegates and participants who had travelled from different parts of the country to attend the summit and said he would look forward to its recommendations. “I cannot emphasise this point strongly enough. Sustainable development through actionable inputs and practical steps is what I hope this summit will deliver,” he said, wishing the participants success in their deliberations. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released several publications brought out for the summit. Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmed Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai, President, Integrated Mountain Initiative, STS Lepcha, former president IMI PD Rai, Councillor, Integrated Mountain Initiative, Rajan Kotru, delegates from 11 mountain states, representatives of NGOs, faculty members, scholars, students and other concerned persons were present.

Srinagar, Oct 11: The two-day special intensive voter nrolment drive organised across Jammu and Kashmir concluded on Sunday with a strong response from electors and election functionaries undertaking extensive outreach to facilitate voter registration. The event was also aimed at addressing public grievances and raise awareness about electoral services. The drive was conducted at polling stations across J&K from 9 AM to 5 PM and provided eligible citizens with an opportunity to enrol as voters, seek correction or updation of their electoral particulars, and obtain assistance with matters related to electoral registration, in keeping with the guiding objective of the Election Commission of India: “No Eligible Voter to Be Left Behind.” The drive was conducted under the overall supervision of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Shri Sanjeev Verma while the district election machinery was coordinating arrangements and facilitating the delivery of enrolment services across the Union Territory. District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers, Deputy Director Information (Nodal Officer SVEEP), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Election Naib Tehsildars (ENTs) oversaw the exercise in their respective jurisdictions, while Booth Level Officers (BLOs) played a key role in assisting electors at polling stations and at the grassroots level. BLOs remained available at polling stations to guide citizens through the prescribed electoral registration formalities. Assistance was provided regarding Form 6, Form 7 and Form 8. Citizens were also guided on accessing digital services through the Voter Helpline App. During the drive, grievances and queries raised by electors were taken up by the election functionaries concerned for redressal and appropriate action. Contact numbers of officials concerned were also shared with the public to facilitate direct communication and enable citizens to seek assistance regarding their electoral particulars and enrolment-related matters. The Election Department reiterated that the election machinery across Jammu and Kashmir remains available round-the-clock to assist the public, address grievances and provide guidance on voter enrolment and other electoral matters. The Election Department further clarified that any eligible person, including young and first-time voters, may apply to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) concerned for inclusion of their names in the electoral roll under the process of continuous updation. Meanwhile, a significant component of the special-drive exercise was door-to-door outreach, inspection by election officers and election functionaries to identify and reach eligible voters. The outreach also focused on encouraging eligible voters to avail themselves of the enrolment facilities. Deputy Director Information Salam Din who is also the Nodal Officer SVEEP in the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, interacted with the media during the drive and highlighted the importance of voter awareness, accessible enrolment facilities and sustained public participation in the electoral process. He also acknowledged the media’s role in ensuring that information about the drive reached the public and in encouraging greater awareness about voter enrolment. The two-day exercise reflects the continued efforts of the Election Commission of India and the Election Department, J&K, to make electoral registration more accessible and inclusive. It also underscores the importance of accurate and comprehensive electoral rolls in ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. With the conclusion of the current drive, the Election Department reiterated its commitment to making such camps and voter facilitation exercises a regular feature in the future.