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.

Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Chairman of Team Jammu, a prominent social organization, met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking exclusive recruitment drives for youth residing in the border and remote villages of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jamwal emphasized the pressing need for targeted opportunities for youth living along the Line of Control (LoC) to join the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and the J&K Police. He said that empowering border youth through such initiatives would not only address rising unemployment but also bolster India’s defensive capabilities in strategically sensitive regions.

“Border youth are deeply patriotic and committed to the nation. Giving them a chance to serve in uniform is both a recognition of their resilience and an investment in our national security,” Jamwal said.

In his memorandum, Jamwal also highlighted the recurrent threats faced by civilians living in vulnerable areas and reiterated Team Jammu’s longstanding demand for the construction of permanent concrete bunkers to safeguard lives during cross-border firing and escalation.

“These shelters are essential not only for physical protection but also to ensure that families can continue living in their ancestral homes with safety and dignity,” he added.

Ashmita Paul Meets LG During Solo Journey for ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’

In a separate meeting, Ashmita Paul, a self-defence instructor from Guwahati, Assam, also called on the Lieutenant Governor during her solo two-wheeler expedition from Guwahati to Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Her journey aims to raise awareness for the government’s flagship initiative, ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’, which promotes girl child education and empowerment.

LG Sinha congratulated Paul on her inspiring mission and lauded her commitment to women’s safety, self-reliance, and education.

“Ashmita’s journey is a powerful symbol of courage, determination, and social responsibility. Her efforts inspire countless young girls across the country,” the LG said while extending his best wishes for her continued journey.