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.

Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday stated that the government is taking multiple measures to strengthen drinking water infrastructure in the Basohli constituency through various Water Supply Schemes (WSSs) across rural and urban areas.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Darshan Kumar in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the Minister said that for rural areas, drinking water supply is being strengthened through 43 schemes, including 42 under the Jal Jeevan Mission worth ₹242.46 crore and one under NABARD. “Of these, six schemes have been completed while the remaining are at advanced stages of completion,” he added.

For urban areas, water supply is being maintained through existing schemes, which are further enhanced under AMRUT 2.0. Under this, a project titled “Augmentation and Improvement of Water Supply System in Basohli Town under AMRUT 2.0” has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹12.60 crore to boost the overall water infrastructure.

To ensure uninterrupted drinking water access during the execution of these schemes, water is being supplied through existing systems and water tankers are deployed wherever needed.

The Minister also provided details on the progress of completed, ongoing, and commissioned water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the constituency. He informed that the Government of India has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission timeline up to December 2028 and assured that all pending schemes will be completed within this period, with strenuous efforts underway for timely completion.

Regarding contractor payments, Rana said that Call Deposit Receipts (CDRs), Security Deposits, and Performance Security amounts are being released strictly as per the terms and conditions of the respective contracts.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday presented 13 Demands and 19 Supplementary Demands in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The proposals were tabled before the House for discussion by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.

Addressing the House, the Chief Minister said, “I move that a sum not exceeding the aggregate amount mentioned in Demand Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 19, 20, 24, 31 and 33 be granted to the Government to defray charges during the year ending 31st March, 2027 in respect of Heads indicated in the List of Business against each demand.”

These Demands for Grants pertain to several departments under the Chief Minister’s charge, including the General Administration Department, Planning, Monitoring and Development, Information, Power, Finance, Parliamentary Affairs, Law & Justice, Revenue, Housing, Tourism, Hospitality & Protocol, Estates, Culture, and Disaster Management.

He further added, “I also move that a sum not exceeding the aggregate amount mentioned in Supplementary Demand Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 30, 32, 35 and 36 be granted to the Government to defray charges during the year ending 31st March, 2026 in respect of Heads indicated in the List of Business against each demand.”

The discussion on Demands for Grants will continue on February 18 and 19, with the Chief Minister scheduled to reply on February 19 afternoon. This will be followed by a voice vote in the House to pass the demands.