Srinagar, Sep 2: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a dedicated train service between Kashmir and Delhi to mitigate the challenges faced by fruit growers in the valley in the wake of the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

“Fruit growers have been facing severe financial losses every year due to the closure of NH 44. Unfortunately, this year, the road has once again been closed, leaving hundreds of fruit-laden vehicles stranded, resulting in inevitable losses,” Mufti said in a post on X.

She said a dedicated train service between the valley and Delhi would bring much needed relief to the fruit industry.

“I appeal to the Union Railway minister @AshwiniVaishnaw to introduce a dedicated train service between the valley and Delhi to mitigate the challenges faced by the growers. Such a measure would bring much needed relief to everyone involved in the trade,” she added.

Later, talking to reporters here, Mufti, a former chief minister of the erstwhile state of J-K, said the people were facing a lot of difficulties because of the closure of the national highway.

“The biggest problem is for the fruit growers because there are several trucks stranded along the highway and there is no space in the fruit mandis and cold storages,” she said.

The PDP president said tourism was hit after the Pahalgam attack and the fruit industry has kept J-K alive in the most difficult times.

“Today, there is a need for a special cargo train so that the fruit is transported from J-K to Delhi. It is the need of the hour as the fruit growers should reap the benefits of the train services,” she said.

“I appeal to the Railway minister to arrange a special cargo train so that the fruit is transported to the mandis across the country as soon as possible,” she added.

Mufti said the recent floods, especially in Jammu, have already wreaked havoc in J-K and it will be disastrous for the UT if the fruits rot. (AGENCIES)

JAMMU, Sep 2: The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) on Tuesday ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the Jammu Division on September 3 in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

According to the official order, the decision was taken after a weather advisory issued warnings of heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, posing risks to the safety of students and staff.

The DSEJ has further directed that online classes be conducted wherever possible to ensure that academic activities are not disrupted.

JAMMU, Sep 2: The J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Tuesday announced the postponement of Class 10th and 11th exams scheduled for September 3, citing prevailing circumstances.

In a post on X, the office of J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) announced that all examinations of Class 10th and 11th scheduled for September 3, 2025, have been postponed.

According to JKBOSE, the decision has been taken in view of prevailing circumstances and fresh dates for the deferred exams will be notified separately.

The board has advised students and parents to remain updated through official notifications regarding the rescheduled examination dates. (KNC)

JAMMU, SEPT 2: Provincial Youth President of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, Vishal Narania, has appealed to the administration to extend urgent relief measures to the families affected by the recent floods in various parts of the region.

Narania expressed deep concern over the losses suffered by the people, particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections, whose homes and livelihoods have been severely impacted. He stressed that the government must ensure prompt rehabilitation, financial assistance, and restoration of basic facilities for the flood-hit families.

Calling for a coordinated response, Narania said, “The affected people are in dire need of immediate support. The administration must rise to the occasion and ensure that relief reaches every victim without delay.”

He also urged the authorities to assess damages quickly, provide interim shelter, and restore essential services like electricity, drinking water, and road connectivity in the worst-affected areas.