Three resolutions demanding the restoration of Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir are among 14 private member resolutions set to be discussed in the Legislative Assembly during the second part of the budget session from April 7-9.

Private members’ bills will be taken up on April 8, while resolutions will be debated on April 7 and 9.

Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather informed Daily Excelsior that resolutions regarding Article 370 were rejected as a similar resolution had already been passed in November last year. As per the Rules, the same resolution cannot be taken up within a year.

Rather also mentioned that MLAs who submitted resolutions were invited to witness the draw of lots for the selection of seven resolutions for each of the two days. The process was conducted transparently, with some MLAs present and the proceedings being videographed.

Key Resolutions to Be Debated

April 7

• Qaisar Jamshaid Lone (NC): Calls for the immediate restoration of Statehood as promised by the Central Government in Parliament.

• Hilal Akbar Lone (NC): Urges the Centre to fulfill its promise of restoring J&K’s Statehood.

• Shabir Ahmad Kullay (Independent): Seeks unanimous support from the House for full Statehood restoration.

• Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para (PDP): Proposes a complete ban on heavy machinery for sand and riverbed mining in J&K.

• Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Mir (NC): Calls for improved healthcare facilities in rural and far-flung areas.

• Ali Mohammad Sagar (NC): Demands regularization of ‘Rehbar-e-Janglat’ (forest guides).

• Ali Mohammad Dar (NC): Requests correction of errors in land records.

April 9

• Ajaz Ahmad Jan (NC): Advocates for a separate administrative setup and infrastructure development for the Pir Panjal region (Rajouri and Poonch).

• Bashir Ahmad Veeri (NC): Demands a stop to illegal riverbed mining and better environmental conservation measures.

• Rajiv Jasrotia (BJP): Calls for tunnel construction from Bhora to Dhar Road and at Mata Bala Sundari in Kathua to improve connectivity.

• Rameshwar Singh (Independent): Proposes extending holidays in Bani, Lohai Malhar, Basantgarh, and Latti during the Kailash Kund Yatra.

• Sajad Shaheen (NC): Seeks regularization of 18 residential colonies in Jammu district for better urban planning and civic amenities.

• Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Mir (NC): Urges the government to address unemployment among educated youth.

The Assembly’s debate on these resolutions is expected to be a key highlight of the session, particularly concerning the demand for the restoration of Statehood.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today handed over an appointment letter on compassionate grounds to Renu Sharma, the sister of Arjun Sharma, who lost his life in the Reasi terror attack.

Arjun Sharma, a resident of Reasi, was the conductor of the bus carrying pilgrims that was attacked by terrorists on June 9, 2024.

During the appointment letter handover, the Lieutenant Governor assured the family of all possible assistance and support from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, reaffirming the government’s commitment to standing by the families of victims of terrorism.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended NITI Aayog’s workshop on the promotion of innovation, investment, and industry in the MSME sector at IIM Jammu.

In his inaugural address, Sinha extended his felicitations to NITI Aayog, IIM Jammu, and other stakeholders for bringing together policymakers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders for the workshop aimed at exploring challenges and opportunities in three key sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy—Textiles, Food Processing, and Tourism.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that deliberations on reforms to create a growth-oriented environment will have a wide-ranging impact on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the Union Territory. He stressed the importance of deepening communication between all stakeholders in the MSME sector, ensuring seamless reforms, and fostering a collaborative relationship between policymakers and entrepreneurs.

Reiterating his commitment to empowering small and micro entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha stated, “We stand committed to ensuring that our industry moves ahead with confidence and without fear or apprehension. Food processing remains an area where we need to improve our performance, and we must boost infrastructure in the tourism sector and accelerate the development of new tourist destinations.”

He also highlighted key policy interventions and institutional support extended by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent years to promote local entrepreneurship and encourage industrial development in J&K.

Sinha noted that incentives under the New Industrial Scheme have significantly transformed Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial landscape. He added that peace and favorable conditions have led to increased direct investment in the tourism and hospitality sectors of the UT.

“It is a matter of great pride for J&K that the handloom sector has been revived, and through better market linkages, our products are being recognized globally. I am confident that our MSMEs in this sector will meet new challenges and benefit from emerging opportunities,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized the crucial role of private players in diversifying tourism offerings and developing better tourist-centric facilities in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Peace is a prerequisite for development, thriving businesses, and a flourishing tourism sector. We are also witnessing a rise in peace stakeholders, reflecting the changed picture of Jammu and Kashmir. The UT of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and its future is with India. No power in the world can separate Jammu and Kashmir from India,” Sinha asserted.

The workshop is part of NITI Aayog’s State Workshop Series—an initiative under the State Support Mission.

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Senior Advisor NITI Aayog Anurag Goyal, Secretary of Planning Development & Monitoring Department Talat Parvez Rohella, Director of IIM Jammu Prof. B.S. Sahay, senior officials from the Government of India and the UT of J&K, as well as entrepreneurs and experts from the MSME sector.

The long-awaited moment of connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country by train will finally arrive on April 19, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the first train to the Valley from Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine. The inauguration will take place in the presence of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union MoS in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, among other dignitaries.

This marks the end of decades of anticipation for direct train connectivity to Kashmir. At present, train services operate only between Sangaldan and Baramulla and from various parts of the country up to Katra. With successful trial runs and all safety and security clearances in place, PM Modi has given his nod to flag off the first train to Kashmir.

PM’s Visit and Inauguration Schedule

According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi will land at Udhampur Army Airport in the morning of April 19 and then proceed to the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district. He will inspect the bridge, which is considered an engineering marvel globally. Senior railway officials will brief him about its construction and significance.

Following this, the Prime Minister will reach Katra to flag off the historic train. After the inauguration, he will address a public rally in the holy town before returning to New Delhi via Udhampur Army Airport.

Train Route and Future Expansion

Initially, the train will run between Katra and Baramulla, but once expansion work at Jammu Railway Station is completed, the service will operate from Jammu to Baramulla, likely starting July-August.

For now, there will be no direct train from Delhi or other cities to Kashmir. Passengers will have to de-board at Katra and switch trains to reach the Valley. Later, this transition will take place at Jammu instead of Katra.

Security Arrangements and Trials

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan recently reviewed security arrangements for the train launch. The Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) also assessed the situation at Katra.

Several successful trial runs, including that of Vande Bharat, have already been conducted. Security concerns have been addressed, ensuring a safe and smooth journey for passengers.

Project Timeline and Cost

The 272-kilometer-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been under development for years, with various sections commissioned in phases:

• Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km) – October 2009

• Banihal-Qazigund (18 km) – June 2013

• Udhampur-Katra (25 km) – July 2014

• Banihal-Sangaldan (48.1 km) – February 2024

The remaining 17-kilometer stretch between Reasi and Katra was completed three months ago, allowing for final trials, including Vande Bharat. The entire project has cost around ₹41,000 crore.

On January 4, 2025, a successful trial run of an electric train was conducted on the Katra-Banihal section, marking a significant milestone in the project.

Vande Bharat Express for Kashmir

Kashmir will receive a new specially designed Vande Bharat Express Train, connecting Katra and Srinagar. This will be the third such train in Jammu and Kashmir.

Manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, the train is equipped with anti-freezing technology, allowing it to function smoothly in extreme cold conditions, as low as -20°C. It features an advanced heating system to ensure passenger comfort.

For safety and security, the train is equipped with CCTV cameras, Emergency Talk Back Units, and shatterproof windows. However, it does not have bulletproof glass.

With this new development, train connectivity to Kashmir is set to become a reality, boosting travel, tourism, and economic activities in the region