Four candidates from the National Conference (NC) on Monday submitted their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 24.

Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan (former minister), Sajad Kichloo (former Minister of State), and Shammi Oberoi (NC Treasurer) submitted their nomination papers earlier in the day.

However Imran Nabi Dar, party’s state spokesperson was the last to file his nomination.

“I have filed my nomination papers,” Dar confirmed. (KNO)

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully restored two-way traffic movement for heavy motor vehicles on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, ensuring seamless transportation of essential commodities and fruit-laden trucks from the Valley to markets outside, officials said.

The 250-km highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, was on August 26 blocked by multiple landslides and road sinking at several locations, particularly at Tharad Bridge and Balli Nallah in Udhampur district, and Maroog in Ramban district, they said.

Traffic movement on the highway had been severely disrupted following heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cloudbursts during August and September, the officials added.

The highway was disrupted on August 26 and restored for one-way traffic on September 10 after NHAI swiftly mobilized men and machinery to restore connectivity on a war footing, they said.

“Following sustained efforts, the damaged stretches were repaired and blacktopped. The most affected and vulnerable portion near Tharad, between Udhampur and Chenani, approximately 300 meters in length, was fully blacktopped on October 5, ensuring smooth passage for both HMVs and LMVs,” a NHAI official said.

The official said the restoration now enables two-way movement of all types of vehicles, reducing congestion and ensuring uninterrupted flow of traffic along the critical Lakhanpur–Jammu–Srinagar corridor.

“NHAI also requested the local administration on October 9 to resume two-way movement of all types of vehicles on the Lakhanpur–Jammu–Srinagar Highway to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid congestion along the route,” the official added.

NHAI remains fully committed to maintaining the operational efficiency of the highway, which serves as the lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, especially during the ongoing fruit season, they said.

“Regular monitoring and maintenance teams have been deployed along the corridor to ensure smooth and safe travel for all road users,” a NHAI spokesperson said. (Agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the immense strength of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir during his address in New Delhi on October 25, 2023. He highlighted the launch of new train services from the Valley as a significant milestone that boosts the movement of goods across various regions.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during an interaction with progressive farmers, coinciding with the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. This ₹24,000 crore scheme is designed to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, and support sustainable farming practices across 100 selected districts in the country.

A notable interaction involved Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie, a successful farmer from Ganderbal district in Kashmir. Ganaie shared that his journey began by leveraging the benefits of government schemes. He stated, “I’ve come from Kashmir. I saw your progressive schemes for farmers and availed their benefits. Today, I have 14 employees and earn around ₹15 lakh in profits annually,” crediting his success to the initiatives implemented under Modi’s leadership.

In response, PM Modi expressed his belief, saying, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense strength. Now with the train services, goods have been moving fast from the Kashmir valley.” This development marks a historic achievement, enabling direct goods train operations from New Delhi to Kashmir, which facilitates the transport of vehicles, apples, and other fruits between Srinagar and the national capital.

During the event, Modi urged farmers to adopt natural farming practices gradually. He suggested they start experimenting on small plots to build confidence based on positive outcomes. Farmers shared their successful experiences with innovative practices influenced by previous discussions with the Prime Minister.

A female farmer praised the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, stating, “The annual ₹6,000 support is a blessing that helped me buy seeds and prepare fields on time.” Other farmers showcased innovative agricultural efforts, such as aeroponically grown “Jain potatoes” and value-added garlic products like paste and powder.

Modi shed light on India’s substantial agricultural achievements over the past 11 years, stating that agricultural exports have nearly doubled and foodgrain output has risen by 90 million metric tonnes. He also mentioned that fruit and vegetable production increased by 64 million metric tonnes.

India now ranks first in global milk production and stands as the second-largest fish producer. Modi noted that honey production has doubled since 2014, an indicator of the positive shift in agricultural practices across the nation.

Additionally, the Prime Minister revealed that over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been set up to empower farmers, enhance cooperation, and improve market access. He emphasized that the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from the success of the Aspirational Districts Model, asserting the government’s commitment to empowering every farmer through innovation, technology, and inclusive growth.

As the Prime Minister wrapped up his address, he reiterated the critical role of the youth and the importance of modern agricultural practices in shaping the economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. By strengthening trade connections and fostering innovation, the government aims to unlock the vast potential of the region’s youth.