In light of a few new COVID-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, assured the public today that the Health Department is fully equipped and prepared to handle any emergent situation.

Speaking to media during her tour of the Pampore Constituency, the Minister emphasized the department’s readiness and urged the public not to panic.
“Once again, some cases of COVID-19 have been reported, but there is no need to worry. The Health Department is alert and prepared to manage the situation effectively. At the same time, people must cooperate by observing all necessary precautions,” she said.

Recalling the tireless efforts of healthcare workers during previous COVID-19 waves, Sakeena Itoo praised their dedication and expressed hope that such a crisis does not recur.

During her extensive tour, the Minister reviewed the functioning of key institutions including PHC Kakapora, SDH Pampore, and Government Degree College (GDC) Pampore, while also inspecting ongoing developmental projects in the constituency.

She was accompanied by MLA Pampore, Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, MLA Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir, along with Directors of Health, Social Welfare, School Education, Ayush, Colleges, and other senior district officials.

At PHC Kakapora, the Minister conducted a comprehensive inspection of medical infrastructure, staffing, and service delivery. She also assessed the progress of construction works at the under-construction PHC building and instructed the executing agency to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. She listened attentively to the grievances of the local population.

Later at SDH Pampore, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated a Dialysis Unit, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the local residents. The move was widely appreciated by the community.

The Minister also visited Government Degree College Pampore, where she inspected academic and infrastructural facilities and interacted with staff to understand the challenges faced by the institution.

Concluding her visit, Minister Itoo chaired a high-level review meeting with district officials to assess the implementation of flagship development programmes. She directed for effective convergence of welfare schemes, especially under the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Social Welfare, with allied departments to ensure maximum impact on the ground

A delegation from the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan today, voicing concerns over a broad spectrum of political, economic, and public welfare issues, with a prominent call for the restoration of statehood.

Addressing the media after the meeting, General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir stated, “We are not part of the legislature, but as a responsible political outfit, we conveyed our firm belief that statehood is vital for efficient governance. The Lieutenant Governor told us the matter is under consideration.”

📹 CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO: Apni Party at Raj Bhawan
(Live coverage of delegation interaction)

Focus on Political Stability, Tourism, and Welfare

The delegation, led by Mohammad Dilawar Mir, included senior leaders Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Hilal Ahmad Shah, Abdul Majeed Padder, Muntazir Mohiuddin, and Rafi Ahmad Mir. The leaders discussed:

• The aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack
• The impact on the tourism economy
• Border shelling victims’ welfare
• Horticulture losses due to adverse weather
• Muharram preparedness
• Disaster management enhancements

They urged the LG to provide relief for the tourism sector, highlighting challenges faced in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, which saw a decline in visitor footfall post the attack.

“We asked for a loan EMI moratorium for small tourism businesses and relief packages for hoteliers and transport operators who suffered major losses,” Mir said.

Confidence-Building & Public Engagement

The delegation emphasized the importance of dialogue and transparency between the government and the people. “Consultation with ground-level stakeholders is essential. There should be no politics on issues that affect the people’s livelihoods and unity,” said Mir.

They also demanded adequate compensation for border residents who lost lives, livestock, or property in recent cross-border shelling.

Other High-Profile Visits to LG Office

In addition to the Apni Party delegation:

• Atul Bora, Assam’s Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture & Border Development, also called on LG Sinha.
• Gaurav Gupta, BJP Spokesperson, met the LG to discuss local development and political outreach.
• A delegation from Samaj Sudhar Samiti Trust, led by General Secretary Shiban Lal Dhar, brought forth social welfare concerns and cultural preservation issues

As the sacred Kheer Bhawani Mela approaches, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday visited the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal to oversee final preparations for the annual pilgrimage, scheduled to take place on June 3.

During his visit, Dulloo offered prayers at the shrine of Goddess Ragnya Devi, inspected arrangements on the ground, and held reviews with officials to ensure seamless facilities for thousands of devotees. Key areas inspected included sanitation, drinking water, electricity, accommodation, transport, and medical services.

“Close Coordination Is Crucial” – Chief Secretary

Emphasizing inter-departmental cooperation, Dulloo urged all civil and police departments to work in close coordination for the successful conduct of the festival. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Additional Deputy Commissioner, and several senior officers.

Later in the day, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat also visited the temple complex to review security arrangements. DGP Prabhat, who also paid obeisance at the shrine, assured that all logistical and security measures are in place for the safe movement and stay of pilgrims.

Celebrations Across Five Temples

The Kheer Bhawani Mela will be observed at five prominent shrines of Goddess Ragnya Bhagwati:

• Tulmulla (Ganderbal)
• Manzgam (Kulgam)
• Devsar (Kulgam)
• Logripora (Anantnag)
• Tikkar (Kupwara)

Each location is expected to host vibrant spiritual gatherings and festive celebrations.

Thousands Begin Spiritual Journey from Jammu

Amid tight security, a convoy of 60 JKRTC buses carrying approximately 2,500 Kashmiri Pandit devotees left Nagrota, Jammu on Sunday morning for the Valley. The yatra was flagged off by IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya and Relief Commissioner Dr Arvind Karwani, alongside senior officials.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has made arrangements for pilgrims traveling from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu, with accommodation and food provided en-route, including at Nagrota and Chandarkot.

At Vessu transit camp in Anantnag, returning pilgrims were welcomed with warmth and festivities. “We are here to welcome our brothers and sisters. The administration has done a great job,” said a camp resident.

A pilgrim shared his joy: “We were served food in Nagrota. The army helped us immensely. The arrangements have been excellent.”

Voices of Faith and Hope

At the Tulmulla temple, pilgrims spoke of hope, unity, and nostalgia. “We want to live in Kashmir again, as we once did,” said Chanda Dhar, her voice filled with emotion. “When we return here, it feels like we never left. This is our home.”

Junaid Ahmed Khadana, a local from Kangan, emphasized the spirit of communal harmony the festival embodies: “This mela is for everyone – Hindus and Muslims. It reflects our shared culture and brotherhood. We’ve set up a pandal and are here to serve.”

A solemn Full Court Reference was held today in the courtroom of the Chief Justice at the Jammu Wing of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to pay tribute to the departed souls of the legal fraternity, including Senior Advocates Ashok Vijay Gupta and Prem Saroop Dutta, and Advocates Ramesh Chander Arora and Vinod Kumar Bakshi.

The proceedings were led by Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court, who in his condolence address reflected on the lasting contributions and professional excellence of the deceased advocates.

“Their unwavering dedication to the principles of justice, hard work, and commitment to the legal profession has left an indelible mark on the judiciary. Their passing is an irreparable loss to the legal community,” the Chief Justice stated.

Justice Palli, on behalf of himself and all judges of the High Court, offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

Senior members of the legal community, including Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli and President of the J&K High Court Bar Association, Nirmal Kotwal, also addressed the gathering. They paid glowing tributes to the departed advocates, acknowledging their exceptional service, legal acumen, and moral integrity.

“They were not only pillars of legal wisdom but also mentors and guiding lights for the younger generation of lawyers,” said Kotwal.

Monika Kohli, speaking on behalf of the State, government advocates, and the Bar, also expressed condolences and lauded the contributions of the deceased, stating that their commitment to justice and the rule of law would continue to inspire.

The Full Court Reference saw physical attendance from judges and Bar members at the Jammu Wing, while judges and lawyers from the Srinagar Bench joined the proceedings virtually, underscoring the collective grief and respect from across the Union Territory.

As a mark of respect, one minute of silence was observed at the conclusion of the ceremony. Court work was suspended for the rest of the day.

The proceedings were conducted by Mohinder Kumar Sharma, Registrar General of the High Court.