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.