Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker has admitted a private member’s resolution moved by Waheed-Ur-Rehman Parra, a PDP legislator from Pulwama, strongly condemning hate crimes against minorities and urging strict enforcement of the law.

The resolution comes amid rising incidents of targeted attacks and harassment of Kashmiri students and traders in different parts of the country.

According to an official communication from the Assembly Secretariat, the resolution has been admitted under Rule 179 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the J-K Legislative Assembly.

The resolution “strongly condemns all forms of hate crimes against minorities and calls upon the Government of India and state governments to take immediate and effective measures to prevent, investigate, and prosecute such offences with strict enforcement of the law.”

In recent weeks, several incidents involving alleged attacks and intimidation of Kashmiri students and traders in various states have drawn political attention, prompting calls from multiple quarters for stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms.

Srinagar: The Government on Thursday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that the Northern Railway is undertaking final location surveys for four new railway lines in the Kashmir Valley, assuring that landowners will be compensated according to law once the projects are sanctioned.

Replying to a question by MLA Javid Hassan Baig regarding railway expansion, the Transport Department said the proposed new lines include:

• Baramulla–Uri
• Sopore–Kupwara
• Anantnag–Bijbehara–Pahalgam
• Kakapora–Shopian

The government said the alignment of these lines has been finalised in consultation with the concerned district administrations. “The land requirement for these projects has been assessed and, if sanctioned, compensation will be provided to landowners as per applicable laws for acquisition of land, trees, and structures,” the reply stated.

On concerns regarding diversion of fertile agricultural land and rehabilitation of affected farmers, the government reiterated that compensation will be provided in accordance with legal provisions during the project execution stage.

Regarding environmental safeguards, the reply added that once the projects are sanctioned by the Government of India, all mitigation measures will be implemented as per environmental policy and latest guidelines to address deforestation, soil erosion, water resource disruption, and ecological imbalance.

The government further said coordination with the Government of India and Indian Railways will continue during project execution to ensure necessary mitigation measures minimize social and environmental impacts. District administrations will remain involved to address local concerns and ensure compliance with prescribed norms for environmental and social safeguards.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday informed the House that no final decision has been taken regarding reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), despite provisions made under the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, recently enacted by Parliament.

Responding to a question by MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma, the government stated that the amendments introduced in the 2024 Act provide for OBC reservation in both rural and urban local bodies.

The government further informed the House that a three-member commission, headed by Justice (Retd.) Janak Raj Kotwal, has been constituted to determine the quota for OBC reservation.

“The recommendations of the Commission are currently under government consideration and no final decision has been taken yet,” the government said.

Jammu, J&K : Dr. Tahir Rufayee, National Chairman of the National Foundation for Journalism and Media (NFJM), has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for achieving a historic milestone by qualifying for the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in the team’s history.

In a statement issued today, Dr. Rufayee commended the players, support staff, and management for their outstanding performance and unwavering commitment throughout the premier domestic cricket tournament. He noted that the team’s journey to the final represents a remarkable chapter in the sporting legacy of Jammu and Kashmir and will inspire generations of aspiring athletes.

“Reaching the Ranji Trophy final is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and resilience exhibited by the team. Each player showcased exceptional skill under pressure, and their collective determination has brought immense pride to the entire region,” Dr. Rufayee said. “This historic achievement reflects not only sporting excellence but also the spirit of unity and perseverance that defines Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.”

Dr. Rufayee emphasized the importance of this accomplishment in elevating the profile of the region’s cricketing talent on the national stage. He also praised the coaching staff and cricketing authorities for providing strategic direction and support that contributed to the team’s success.

“I urge cricket enthusiasts and young athletes across the Union Territory to draw inspiration from this landmark achievement. The team’s performance epitomizes what can be achieved through dedication and belief,” he added.

Dr. Rufayee concluded by wishing the Jammu and Kashmir team continued success in the Ranji Trophy final and expressed confidence that they will approach the ultimate match with the same fighting spirit that brought them here.

 Markets across Kashmir are bustling with activity as Muslims prepare for the holy month of Ramzan, expected to begin this Thursday depending on the sighting of the moon. Families are flocking to shops to stock up on essentials for ‘iftar’ and ‘sehri,’ creating a festive atmosphere across the Valley.

The sale of dates and other dry fruits has picked up significantly in the days leading up to Ramzan. Shops in Maharaj Bazar, Srinagar, especially those selling dry fruits, have witnessed heavy crowds. Dates, along with almonds, raisins, cashews, walnuts, and figs, are in high demand as people prepare for the month-long fast that concludes with Eid al-Fitr.

“Date sales have increased over the past couple of days. We have around 30 varieties available, and more are coming in,” said Parviaz Ahmad, a dry fruit shop owner in Maharaj Bazar.

Dates hold special religious significance as Muslims traditionally break their day-long fast with them. In recent years, however, other food items such as snacks, fruits, and desserts have also become part of the ‘iftar’ menu.

“Dates are an important part of Ramzan because they are considered blessed, so their sales naturally go up during this period,” said Umar Mehraj, another shopkeeper. Popular varieties available in the markets include Kalami, Ajwa, Safavi, Marghoob, and Medjool, all selling briskly.

“In addition to Saudi Arabia, we also have dates from Tunisia, Algeria, and Iran. Customers these days are knowledgeable about what they want. Prices vary depending on the quality and size of each variety,” Mehraj added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting on Tuesday to review arrangements for Ramzan. He directed departments to take proactive measures to ensure smooth public services, effective grievance redressal, and proper arrangements at major places of worship for a peaceful Ramzan.

Ahead of the holy month, police, along with revenue and food safety officials, conducted extensive inspections across the Valley. Grocery stores, vendors, meat sellers, and bakeries were checked for hygiene, quality, pricing, and overcharging, with action taken against those violating rules.

 Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday unveiled a series of major initiatives for the development of Katra, including the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya and the establishment of an International Museum of Goddess Devi.

Addressing the public, Sinha said several facilities have already been set up in Katra and announced plans to launch helicopter services from Katra to the Shiv Khori cave shrine of Lord Shiva, expected to be operational within three months.

Shankaracharya Temple and Goddess Museum

Sinha laid the foundation stone of the Shankaracharya temple, a project first conceived in 1967, describing it as a state-of-the-art facility. The initiative follows the proposed International Museum of Goddess Devi, which will feature replicas and representations of major ‘devi’ pilgrimage sites from across India at Katra, the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi.

“Adi Shankaracharya undertook a cross-country visit and set up four maths. He also visited Jammu and Kashmir. A temple in Srinagar dedicated to Shankaracharya attracts hundreds of pilgrims,” Sinha said. “Now, the Shrine Board, district administration, and residents have collectively decided to construct a grand temple dedicated to him. A temple for the local deity will also be built.”

Infrastructure and Pilgrim Facilities

The LG highlighted plans to strengthen road infrastructure and construct 50 shops to support local livelihoods. Renovation of the Bhoomika temple and improved facilities for devotees are also in the pipeline.

The International Museum of Goddess Devi will feature a light and sound show inspired by those at Somnath Temple and the Statue of Unity, offering visitors a rich spiritual and cultural experience.

Helicopter Service to Shiv Khori

To ease pilgrim access to the Shiv Khori shrine, the Shiv Khori Shrine Board and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board have decided to operationalise helicopter services between Katra and Shiv Khori. Helipads at both locations are nearing completion, with flights expected to begin within three months.

Social Welfare and Disaster Relief

Sinha also announced a joint rehabilitation programme for ponywalas and laborers, following recommendations by an empowered committee under the National Green Tribunal. The Shrine Board will take full responsibility for their phased rehabilitation.

He praised the Shrine Board for its role during recent floods, including organising health camps, supplying essential materials, and reconstructing 15 schools damaged by heavy rainfall. Last year, the Board constructed five temples, with five more under construction and another five planned in Diggar for local residents.

“Along with the municipality and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the Shrine Board will provide financial support for the town’s modernisation and infrastructure development,” Sinha added, emphasizing holistic development for Katra.