A delegation of the All-Women Self-Drive Expedition, covering an ambitious journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today. The contingent, comprising dynamic women participants, briefed the Lieutenant Governor on their thrilling 10-day expedition covering a staggering 3,700 kilometers across the country.

The delegation expressed their enthusiasm for promoting women empowerment, resilience, and adventure tourism through this remarkable initiative. The expedition aims to inspire more women to take up leadership roles and engage in challenging yet fulfilling experiences.

Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha commended the participants for their courage and determination. He extended his heartfelt felicitations and best wishes to the entire contingent, appreciating their zeal and commitment toward breaking barriers and fostering a spirit of adventure.

“This expedition is a testament to the strength, determination, and capabilities of women. Such initiatives go a long way in inspiring generations and promoting gender equality in all spheres,” said the Lieutenant Governor during his interaction with the delegation.

The expedition, set against the backdrop of India’s diverse landscapes, is expected to showcase the beauty, culture, and unity of the country while encouraging more women to step out of their comfort zones and embark on such transformational journeys.

The remarkable journey is being closely followed by adventure enthusiasts and supporters of women-led initiatives across the nation. The participants expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support from the government and various stakeholders in making this dream a reality.

By Raja Rehber Jamal

Bhaderwah, Mar 07: Coming into charm again, all the government as well recognised private educational institutions reopened on Friday after about three-months long winter vacations.

As schools reopened their doors, hustle and bustle was seen on roads with buses plying since early morning to ferry students from their homes to schools. Also, at various places, parents were seen accompanying their children, mostly kindergarten students, who had their first day at school on Friday.

Like Kashmir, Schools in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts of Chenab Valley reopened today after about 3 months long winter vacation.

Dressed in their uniforms, the students resumed schooling today after 87 days of vacations.

Schools in the Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban district close in December every year on the pattern of Kashmir valley for winter vacation and reopen on 1 March next year. However, due to inclement weather conditions, the vacations was further extended this year till March 6.

At Bhaderwah, Principal Government Higher Secondary School Bhaderwah Dr Nazir Ahmed, Teacher Arif Rana, Principal Blue Ribbon Higher Secondary School Swarn Singh Jamwal and other staff along with SDPO Bhaderwah Shoket Ali and SHO Bhaderwah Sandeep Parihar welcomed students on their first day of school.

The students were eager to get to school after staying home for more than 87 days. “I want to see my classmates, I cannot wait to reach school,” , a primary school student Aisha Imtiyaz, said after reaching school.

The weather had mostly been dry this winter but in end of February there was good spell of snow and rain.

At present, the temperature in Bhaderwah,Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Batote is 10 degrees above the normal and is expected to rise in the coming days.

Dr Nazir Ahmed Principal Government Higher Secondary School Bhaderwah and SDPO Bhaderwah Shoket Ali extended best wishes to the students and teachers on the re-opening of schools

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its stand on Article 370, the legacy of the Maharaja, and the use of the Public Safety Act (PSA). Addressing the Assembly during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Lieutenant Governor’s Address, Abdullah questioned the BJP on whether abrogating Article 370 had resolved the issues in Jammu and Kashmir, citing a rise in terrorism in the region.

Statehood Will Be Restored

Expressing confidence that Jammu and Kashmir will regain its statehood within a year, Abdullah stated, “Hopefully, next year, it will be the Governor who will deliver the address to the Legislature.” He assured that his party, the National Conference (NC), would fulfill all its promises within five years.

Questioning BJP’s Claims on Development

Responding to the speech of Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, Abdullah challenged the BJP’s narrative on development post-Article 370 abrogation. He questioned whether projects like AIIMS, IIT, IIM, and the Ring Road could not have been executed without revoking special status. He pointed out that these projects were initiated before 2019.

Terrorism and Article 370

Referring to BJP MLA Shakti Raj Parihar’s statement blaming both Pakistan and Article 370 for terrorism, Abdullah countered, “If Article 370 was responsible for terrorism, then why oppose talks with Pakistan? If Pakistan spreads terror, why blame Article 370?” He claimed that terrorism has increased in Jammu post-abrogation.

Political Reservations and Representation

Abdullah refuted BJP’s claim that the abrogation of Article 370 led to an increase in Gujjar representation in the Assembly. He stated that the number of Gujjar MLAs had actually decreased from nine to six.

Legal and Political Hope for Article 370

The NC leader expressed optimism about restoring Article 370 through legal and political means. He noted that judicial decisions could be revisited, and political landscapes could shift, citing the BJP’s past minimal representation in Parliament.

BJP’s Allegations of Corruption

Mocking the BJP’s claims that abrogating Article 370 ended corruption, Abdullah referenced BJP leaders themselves criticizing the Jal Jeevan Mission as “Jugadu Jeevan Mission.” He highlighted allegations of corruption in mining and land use by BJP members.

Defending the Right to Discuss Article 370

Abdullah asserted that discussing Article 370 remains a democratic right and accused some individuals of trying to silence NC leaders. “We will continue our fight for the rights, dignity, and development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he declared.

On PoJK and Chinese Occupied Territories

Challenging BJP leaders on their stance on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Abdullah asked, “Who has stopped you from bringing back PoJK? Also, why don’t you talk about the parts of J&K held by China? When you bring PoJK back, also get back the territories under China.”

Legacy of the Maharaja and Changing Names

Responding to BJP’s claim that NC disrespected the Maharaja, Abdullah pointed out that his government had never attempted to rename institutions honoring the Maharaja, unlike BJP governments in other states. “The Maharaja gave us Jammu and Kashmir. What did you do? You even separated Ladakh from the state,” he said, criticizing BJP’s 2019 decisions.

Criticism on July 13, 1931, Martyrs and Holiday Cancellations

Taking a dig at BJP for derogatory remarks against the 1931 martyrs, Abdullah reminded the Assembly that the Maharaja had taken reformative steps following the protests. He also dismissed the cancellation of holidays like July 13 and December 5 (Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary), stating that sacrifices remain significant even without official recognition.

Fight for Statehood and Governance

Abdullah emphasized that restoring statehood is vital for J&K’s dignity. “Half of our dignity was lost with statehood removal. As Chief Minister of a state, I ranked above Union Cabinet Ministers. Now, I am below Union Ministers of State,” he noted.

Promises and Manifesto Implementation

The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to delivering on NC’s election promises, including the release of political prisoners and the reinstatement of unjustly terminated government employees.

Legislative Reforms and PSA Criticism

Defending his stance on PSA, Abdullah argued that reliance on preventive detention laws indicates weak cases. He urged proper legal proceedings for stone pelters and OGWs rather than PSA detentions.

Business Rules Finalized

The Chief Minister revealed that business rules for the Assembly had been framed and sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval, aiming to streamline governance. “This system should function smoothly without confusion,” he stated.

Conclusion

Abdullah concluded with a strong reaffirmation of his government’s commitment to justice, development, and restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “Our fight for statehood is based on truth, justice, and law. Its restoration will bring relief to our people,” he asserted.