Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, today addressed the grand cultural celebration ‘Ayodhya Parv-2025’ held in New Delhi. The three-day event has been jointly organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Shri Ayodhya Nyas, and Pragya Sansthan to honor the timeless cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of Ayodhya.

The event witnessed the presence of several esteemed dignitaries including Mahant Kamal Nayan Das of Maniramdas Chhawani, Geeta Manishi Mahamandaleshwar Gyananand Maharaj, Vasudev Kamath, IGNCA Chairman Ram Bahadur Rai, former MP Lallu Singh, and prominent heads of various religious and cultural organizations.

In his address, LG Manoj Sinha extended warm felicitations to all participants and organizers of the festival, hailing Ayodhya as “not merely a geographical location, but the spiritual heartbeat and cultural soul of India.”

“Ayodhya is the cradle of spirituality, good governance, and rich cultural heritage. The birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram is our collective identity, a symbol of unity, and one of the most sacred pilgrimages,” he said.

Describing Ayodhya as a “spiritual resonance and the life force of society,” Sinha emphasized its vital role in shaping not only Indian civilization but also its influence across Asia. He noted Ayodhya’s contribution as a beacon of India’s soft power in ancient times, shaping cultural and spiritual values in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia.

He further remarked, “Ayodhya has been like a cultural magnet — its influence spread through art, literature, music, and theatre. Its embers of spiritual and cultural brilliance will continue to illuminate the world for millennia.”

Sinha underlined the enduring relevance of Bhagwan Shri Ram’s ideals — righteousness, truth, justice, patience, compassion, leadership — as the guiding principles for a modern, developing India (Viksit Bharat) amid global uncertainties.

“Development is a collective responsibility. Our progress must be inclusive, ensuring opportunities for the weaker sections. Our unshakable faith in ancient traditions and spiritual legacy will provide society with renewed strength and resilience,” he said.

‘Ayodhya Parv-2025’ aims to be a melting pot of devotion, classical traditions, and meaningful discourse, bringing together saints, policymakers, cultural thinkers, scholars, and artists from all corners of the nation.

On the occasion, several noteworthy publications were released, including ‘Santon Mein Dhruv Tare’, ‘Chaurasi Kos Ki Ayodhya’, ‘An Eternal Hero: Ram’, ‘Warriors of Kurukshetra’, and ‘Bharat Bodh Patrika’, enriching the cultural and intellectual legacy of the nation.

Before the historic launch of the Vande Bharat train to Kashmir from the holy town of Katra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a symbolic journey across two of India’s greatest railway engineering marvels on April 19. The Prime Minister will travel from the Chenab Railway Bridge — the world’s highest railway bridge — to Katra by train, where he will inaugurate the much-awaited rail service to the Kashmir Valley.

Official sources confirmed that Modi will land at the Udhampur airport before proceeding to the Chenab Bridge, which stands 1,178 feet above the riverbed — 82 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower. After inspecting the bridge, the Prime Minister will travel by train from Chenab Bridge to Katra. En route, he will also inaugurate and inspect the Anji Khad Bridge — India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, another landmark achievement in railway infrastructure.

At Katra, the Prime Minister will flag off the inaugural Vande Bharat train to Baramulla. Simultaneously, he will virtually inaugurate the return train from Baramulla to Katra. The event will mark the beginning of direct rail connectivity to Kashmir, ending a wait of several decades.

In a touching gesture, the Railway Ministry has invited numerous workers — including retired personnel — who were part of the formidable Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, to be part of the inaugural ride. These individuals played key roles in constructing one of the most challenging railway projects in the country’s history.

After flagging off the train, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a public rally in Katra — his second in the town within seven months. A special half-hour cultural programme by school children will be held at Katra railway station, showcasing national unity with the message: “Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is one.”

Currently, trains operate only between Sangaldan and Baramulla and from across the country to Katra. Initially, the Vande Bharat will operate between Katra and Baramulla, but once expansion works at Jammu Railway Station are complete, the train is expected to run from Jammu to the Valley by August.

Security has been a key concern, and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan recently visited Katra to review preparations. Multiple successful trials of the Vande Bharat have already been conducted on the route.

The 272-kilometer USBRL project has been completed in phases over the years, with the final 17-kilometer Reasi-Katra stretch completed recently. The project, estimated to have cost ₹41,000 crore, stands as a monumental step in integrating Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of the nation through modern rail connectivity.

Over ₹152 crore allocated under key rural development schemes in Jammu and Kashmir remain unutilized, prompting the Union Ministry of Rural Development to urge the UT administration to expedite fund utilization to ensure timely benefits reach the intended rural population.

According to official data from the Plan Finance Management System (PFMS), the unspent amount spans across five major schemes: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).

💰 Scheme-wise Unspent Balances in J&K (as of early 2025)

• MGNREGS

  • ₹44.95 lakh under the Material Component

  • ₹2.93 crore under the Admin Component
    Objective: Guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment annually to willing rural households for unskilled manual work.

• PMAY-G

  • ₹28.9 crore unspent in the State Nodal Account (SNA)
    Objective: Providing pucca houses to the rural poor under the vision of “Housing for All.”

• PMGSY

  • ₹114.43 crore unspent in SNA
    Objective: Delivering all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations, boosting socio-economic development.

• NRLM

  • ₹5.47 crore unspent as of March 25, 2025
    Objective: Reducing rural poverty through self-employment and skilled wage opportunities, creating sustainable livelihoods.

In total, ₹152 crore remains unutilized across these key programs in J&K.

🏔️ Ladakh Also Shows Unspent Balances

In the Union Territory of Ladakh, several schemes also showed underutilization:

• ₹1.5 crore under PMAY-G (as of April 1, 2025)

• ₹56 lakh under PMGSY

• ₹6.17 crore under NRLM

🗂️ Centre’s Directive: Ensure Timely & Transparent Spending

The Union Rural Development Ministry emphasized that allocation under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) is an ongoing process, made in installments based on fund utilization, submission of required documents, and actual ground-level requirements.

With the introduction of the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) model, fund release has become faster and more streamlined. The Ministry has urged the UT governments to leverage the transaction-based Management Information Systems (MIS) now in place to ensure real-time monitoring and strict compliance with guidelines.

“The UT Government must prioritize the timely and effective utilization of funds. These schemes are designed to transform rural life. Delays undermine their impact,” said a senior Ministry official.

The call for expedited utilization highlights the Centre’s concern over the slow pace of implementation, which could hinder rural development progress in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed India’s firm stance on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), declaring that the region is an integral part of India—both historically and legally.

Speaking at a national news summit in the capital, Shah stated, “PoJK is not just a claim; it’s our belief, backed by historical documents and legal standing.” He cited the 1994 unanimous resolution of the Indian Parliament, which asserts that PoJK is an inseparable part of India.

Slamming Pakistan, Shah said, “They cannot handle separatism in Balochistan or militancy in their own country. Instead of looking at India, they should address their internal crises.”

Balochistan has been the epicenter of separatist insurgency for decades, with militant groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) accusing Islamabad of exploiting the province’s natural resources while denying locals any benefits. The Home Minister made it clear, however, that India is not involved in the Balochistan movement, stating, “Provinces in Pakistan are disillusioned with the central government’s functioning, but India is not fuelling the fire.”

The recent March siege by the BLA, which left around 60 people dead, highlighted Pakistan’s deepening internal turmoil.

🛡️ Security in Jammu & Kashmir Remains Top Priority

Referring to his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir from April 6–8, Shah said his meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was “cordial” and focused on governance and development. He reiterated the Central Government’s commitment to supporting regional governments without bias, adding, “We are committed to working with J&K’s elected leadership.”

Shah also chaired high-level meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and top officials of various security agencies, reviewing the progress of development projects and security measures.

🔺 Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

Issuing a stern warning to terrorists, Shah said that national security is non-negotiable. “We will not compromise, nor will we allow anyone else to compromise our national interests,” he emphasized.

Commenting on the recent terror attack in Kathua district, the Home Minister confirmed that the infiltration was backed by Pakistan. On March 27, two Pakistani terrorists were killed and four Indian policemen martyred during a fierce gunfight in the Safiyan Jakhole area. The infiltrators reportedly crossed from Pakistan’s International Border and were part of a freshly inducted group.

“Our forces are vigilant. Anyone involved in such acts will face dire consequences,” Shah asserted.

🌍 On Nepal’s Rising Political Sentiments

Responding to a question about recent rallies in Nepal advocating for a return to monarchy and a Hindu Rashtra, Shah maintained a neutral stance. “Nepal is a democracy, and people have the right to express their opinions,” he said.

The rallies, led by former Maoist leader Durga Prasai, have sparked political debate in the Himalayan nation.

In conclusion, the Home Minister reaffirmed India’s unwavering resolve in matters of national security, territorial integrity, and support for democratic principles in the region.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized on Wednesday that people’s cooperation is essential to eliminating militancy in the region and reiterated his party’s commitment to the restoration of Statehood. Speaking to the media outside the Assembly after the conclusion of a 21-day Budget Session, Omar addressed a wide range of political and security concerns currently dominating the Union Territory.

🔥 “Terrorism Was at Its Lowest in 2014”

“The Government I was part of never tolerated terrorism. When we left office in 2014, militancy was reduced to just two-and-a-half districts,” Omar stated, referring to his tenure in the NC-Congress alliance government.

He added that the zero-tolerance policy against terrorism had shown positive outcomes and that the revival of public engagement was necessary to completely wipe out remaining militant threats.

🤝 “People Must Be Taken Along”

Responding to Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent zero-tolerance directive, Omar echoed the sentiment but stressed:

“Without the cooperation of the people, we cannot succeed. In this fight, elected representatives and citizens must be actively involved.”

🏛️ Statehood: A Promised Right

Omar reiterated that the restoration of Statehood remains a non-negotiable demand:

“This is our constitutional right. The Centre has promised it, and we hope the process will begin soon.”

⚖️ Waqf Amendment Act Sparks Outrage

The National Conference (NC) leader also defended his party’s strong opposition in the Assembly over the Waqf Amendment Act, claiming it had hurt the sentiments of the Muslim majority in the region.

“Our MLAs wanted to express this pain inside the House. Since they weren’t allowed, we will raise our voice outside the Assembly as well,” he said, promising more clarity on the party’s future course of action.

🎯 Jibes at PDP, People’s Conference

Taking sharp aim at rival parties, Omar accused the PDP and People’s Conference of being responsible for Kashmir’s political crisis:

“Those who once sat in BJP’s lap are now pointing fingers at me. They misled the youth and took them to the Home Minister’s events with toffees and cricket bats. Today, we are paying the price for their misdeeds.”

📸 On Viral Photo with Minister Rijiju

Omar also addressed a controversy over a viral picture taken with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar:

“It was pure coincidence. He wanted a photo; I couldn’t have been rude. Now those who brought BJP into Kashmir are trying to use this against me.”

🌐 Free Trade, Global Policies, and the US-China Shift

In a surprising segue, the former CM also touched on global trade politics, criticizing the protectionist policies adopted by the United States.

“America, once a champion of free trade, is now behaving like China. Meanwhile, China is promoting free trade. This reversal is strange and potentially harmful to global economic stability.”

Recalling his time in the Vajpayee-led NDA government, Omar said:

“Back then, the US was the strongest voice against import restrictions. Today, they are the ones imposing them.”

🕊️ On India-China Relations

Omar said peace with China is welcome, but it must include territorial acknowledgment:

“If China accepts that Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh are integral parts of India, it would be a great step forward.”

The Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the Legislative Assembly today that the Union Territory currently has one doctor for every 1,880 patients, acknowledging the strain on healthcare services while outlining ongoing efforts to improve the doctor-patient ratio.

In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, the Minister In-charge of the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department stated that the department is continuously referring vacancies for Medical Officers and Assistant Professors to the J&K Public Service Commission in a bid to bridge the gap.

👨‍⚕️ Recruitments Underway to Strengthen Healthcare

The reply noted that 365 Medical Officers and 105 Assistant Professors have recently been appointed. In addition to regular recruitments, the Government is also availing services of healthcare professionals on a contractual basis under the National Health Mission (NHM).

As per the data shared:

• 96 Specialists,

• 418 Allopathic Medical Officers, and

• 874 AYUSH Medical Officers
  are currently serving across Jammu and Kashmir under NHM.

The Minister added that as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms, staffing requirements for Primary Health Centres (PHCs), New Type PHCs (NTPHCs), and Sub-Centres (SCs) are mostly met. However, there is no provision for specialists at PHC level under the current guidelines.

🏥 Healthcare Facilities in Wagoora-Kreeri Constituency

In response to a query regarding medical infrastructure in the Wagoora-Kreeri Constituency, the Government reported the existence of 17 health institutions, including:

• CHC Kreeri,

• PHCs at Kalantra and Shrakwara,

• NTPHCs at K. Muqam, Nowpora, and Dudbug, and

• SCs at Bulgam, Authoora, Chinned, Wagoora, Shaikhpora, Sherpora, Sultanpora, Walraman, Tangwari Bala, Waripora Bala, and Nilser.

These institutions provide free screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and various forms of cancer (oral, breast, cervical). Essential medicines and diagnostics are also provided at no cost — 175 drugs and 39 diagnostics at PHCs, and 96 drugs and 14 diagnostics at SCs.

🏗️ Infrastructure Development and Upgradation Plans

On the question of infrastructure expansion, the H&ME Department confirmed that administrative approval has been accorded for the construction of additional floors (G+2) at SDH/CHC Kreeri, and tendering is in progress by the R&B Department.

However, the Sub-Centre at Wagoora does not meet the IPHS criteria for upgradation to NTPHC. The Government cited the population figures — 3,000 in Wagoora and 7,000 in adjoining areas — and the proximity of nearby health facilities like SDH Kreeri (4.5 km), PHC Shrakwara (3.2 km), and PHC Kalantra (6 km) as sufficient for current needs.