JAMMU — In a massive show of strength, hundreds of students and youth activists led by prominent social activist Harshvardhan Singh held a fierce protest demonstration at the historic Jewel Chowk today. The protesters voiced their strong objection to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) withdrawal of permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), labeling it a “dark day” for the educational aspirations of Jammu.

The demonstration, which saw a heavy turnout of students and civil society members, brought traffic at the busy junction to a standstill for several hours. Protesters carried placards reading “Save Our Medical College” and “Stop Politicizing Merit,” while raising slogans against the UT Administration and the BJP for allegedly engineering the closure of the institution to settle a communal controversy.

Addressing the gathering at Jewel Chowk, Harshvardhan Singh launched a blistering attack on the BJP, accusing the party of orchestrating a “manufactured deficiency report” through the NMC to shut down the college rather than defending the merit-based selection of its first MBBS batch.

“Today, Jewel Chowk stands witness to the anger of the youth who see their future being bartered for cheap political gains,” Singh declared. “The BJP and the UT administration have committed a historic blunder. By allowing this college to be shut down, they haven’t just lost 50 seats; they have destroyed an institution that took years and crores of public money to build. This is nothing but a political surrender to divisive forces.”

During the protest, Singh highlighted the following points:

Betrayal of Jammu’s Interest: He noted that while the BJP claims to champion Jammu’s development, they have remained silent as a premier medical facility in the region was “sacrificed” on the altar of communal politics.

Infrastructure Farce: Singh questioned how a “surprise inspection” suddenly found massive deficiencies in an institution that had been granted a Letter of Permission just months prior. He called for a high-level probe into the timing and motives of the NMC’s latest report.

Merit vs. Politics: He stated that the youth of Jammu will not tolerate a system where a student’s hard-earned NEET rank is invalidated by the religious demands of political groups.

“We are here to tell the government that the youth will not stay silent while you dismantle our institutions,” Singh told the cheering crowd. “If the administration thinks that shifting 50 students to other colleges ends the matter, they are mistaken. We demand the immediate rectification of deficiencies and the full restoration of SMVD Medical College.”

The protest concluded with a warning that if the decision is not reviewed, the youth of Jammu would intensify their agitation across all districts of the division.

JAMMU — In a massive show of strength, hundreds of students and youth activists led by prominent social activist Harshvardhan Singh held a fierce protest demonstration at the historic Jewel Chowk today. The protesters voiced their strong objection to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) withdrawal of permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), labeling it a “dark day” for the educational aspirations of Jammu.

The demonstration, which saw a heavy turnout of students and civil society members, brought traffic at the busy junction to a standstill for several hours. Protesters carried placards reading “Save Our Medical College” and “Stop Politicizing Merit,” while raising slogans against the UT Administration and the BJP for allegedly engineering the closure of the institution to settle a communal controversy.

Addressing the gathering at Jewel Chowk, Harshvardhan Singh launched a blistering attack on the BJP, accusing the party of orchestrating a “manufactured deficiency report” through the NMC to shut down the college rather than defending the merit-based selection of its first MBBS batch.

“Today, Jewel Chowk stands witness to the anger of the youth who see their future being bartered for cheap political gains,” Singh declared. “The BJP and the UT administration have committed a historic blunder. By allowing this college to be shut down, they haven’t just lost 50 seats; they have destroyed an institution that took years and crores of public money to build. This is nothing but a political surrender to divisive forces.”

During the protest, Singh highlighted the following points:

Betrayal of Jammu’s Interest: He noted that while the BJP claims to champion Jammu’s development, they have remained silent as a premier medical facility in the region was “sacrificed” on the altar of communal politics.

Infrastructure Farce: Singh questioned how a “surprise inspection” suddenly found massive deficiencies in an institution that had been granted a Letter of Permission just months prior. He called for a high-level probe into the timing and motives of the NMC’s latest report.

Merit vs. Politics: He stated that the youth of Jammu will not tolerate a system where a student’s hard-earned NEET rank is invalidated by the religious demands of political groups.

“We are here to tell the government that the youth will not stay silent while you dismantle our institutions,” Singh told the cheering crowd. “If the administration thinks that shifting 50 students to other colleges ends the matter, they are mistaken. We demand the immediate rectification of deficiencies and the full restoration of SMVD Medical College.”

The protest concluded with a warning that if the decision is not reviewed, the youth of Jammu would intensify their agitation across all districts of the division.

Jammu, January 9, 2026: Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP (an Authorised Dealership of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s leading SUV manufacturer) at B C Road, Rehari, Jammu, today unveiled the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S, two game-changing vehicles that are set to redefine the automotive industry. The event was held at the prestigious Amar Singh Club in Jammu. The vehicle was unveiled by Sh. Anil Kapahi, Hon’ble Secretary and & Sh. Naresh Gupta Tony, Executive member of Amar Singh Club, in the presence of Sh. Swatantar Aggarwal, Chairman of Aggarwal Group, Mr Vineet Aggarwal, Mr Nitin Aggarwal, other Directors & Family members of Aggarwal Group, along with dignitaries from prestigious Banks, NBFCs, Customers and Staff Members of Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP

Mahindra XUV 7XO, A New Era of Innovation: The XUV 7XO is a premium SUV that boasts a range of innovative features & is the company’s latest trendsetter. Starting at a price of ₹13.66 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV 7XO raises the benchmarks set by the game-changer XUV 7OO, which has had over 300000 customers since its launch in 2021. The XUV 7XO delivers an experience that rewrites the rules of high-end SUVs by elevating sophistication and technology like never before>

-World’s first DAVINCI suspension system that promises better body control and ride plushness.

-India’s first ICE SUV with coast-to-coast triple screen across all variants for digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, and passenger entertainment display

-India’s first ICE Software Defined Vehicle (SDV)

-India’s first ADAS Level 2 with Dynamic Visualisation, 540-degree camera system, and multiple airbags

-India’s first Integrated Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision Experience with ventilated seats, powered seats with memory, panoramic sunroof, and 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

-Engine Options: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and 2.0-litre diesel engine, paired with manual and automatic gearboxes

Mahindra has consistently worked towards democratising technology, and the XUV 7XO further exemplifies this commitment by offering advanced features starting from the base variant. The AX variant, featuring Coast-to-Coast 31.24 cm Triple HD screens, Intelligent ADRENOX, Wireless Android

Auto & Apple CarPlay, Alexa Built-in with ChatGPT, Cruise Control, Push Button Start/Stop, and 75 safety features—all as standard—make cutting-edge technology and premium features more accessible than ever. There are Introductory Prices for the first 40,000 customer deliveries (terms and conditions apply). Automatic transmission available at an additional ₹ 1.45 Lakh. All Wheel Drive variant available at an additional cost of ₹ 2.45 Lakh. The XUV 7XO starts at ₹13.66 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be available in six variants: AX, AX3, AX5, AX7, AX7T, and AX7L. Bookings start January 14, 2026, & Deliveries will begin on January 14, 2026, for the AX7, AX7T, and AX7L variants, while the AX, AX3, and AX5 variants will arrive in April 2026¹.

Mahindra XEV 9S — India’s Big New Electric 7-seater SUV, Starting at ₹ 19.95 Lakh

Stylish, Authentic SUV with a very quiet and smooth ride

Based on the INGLO platform and the brain of MAIA

Best in Space compared to SUVs/MPVs

Introducing 70 kWh battery offering best-in-class power of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque

Total 6 variants with the fully loaded Pack Three Above 79 kWh priced at Ex-showroom ₹ 29.45 Lakh

Bookings open: January 14, 2026, Deliveries start: January 23, 2026

If there’s one thing modern life rarely gives us, it’s space — space to pause, space to think, space to be ourselves, and space to be with the people who matter. Today, Mahindra brings that feeling back with something refreshingly meaningful: the XEV 9S, India’s first authentic electric origin 7-seater SUV built ground-up on the INGLO architecture. The XEV 9S arrives as India’s Big New Electric — a bold idea crafted into an intelligently spacious SUV for people whose lives, dreams, and daily journeys are getting bigger. It’s designed for families, creators, travellers, and everyday Indians who want one simple thing from their car: space for everything they want to do and everything they want to be. Powered by MAIA, India’s fastest automotive mind, and shaped with Mahindra’s expressive design philosophy, the XEV 9S doesn’t just introduce a new vehicle — it introduces a new feeling of electric freedom. With its expansive cabin, clever three-row electric-first layout, whisper-quiet drive, and an almost magical sense of openness, the XEV 9S gives families, travellers, creators, and commuters something Indian mobility has long denied them: Comfort that isn’t negotiated. Space that isn’t apologised for. Electric that isn’t small.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vineet Aggarwal, Managing Partner, Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S in Jammu. These vehicles represent a new era of innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry, and we are confident that they will appeal to the discerning customers in Jammu. Bookings for the XUV 7XO are open, with a token amount of ₹21,000. Test drives will begin on January 8, 2026. Deliveries for the XUV 7XO are scheduled to begin on January 14, 2026. Bookings for the XEV 9S will open on January 14, 2026, with deliveries starting from January 23, 2026.”

Mr Vineet Aggarwal further said, “Jammu Motor Mahindra has a wide range of Mahindra Vehicles & Network across Jammu province by way of having Showrooms at B C Road Rehari, Kunjwani, Poonch, Reasi, Banihal and Kishtwar, offering a complete range of Premium & Personal SUVs like New Thar, Thar Roxx, SCORPIO-N, XUV 7OO, SCORPIO CLASSIC, BOLERO Neo and BEV vehicles XEV 9E and BE6 in their different variants along with the facility of In-House Finance & Exchange of Used Cars to Customers”.

Going further, Mr Vineet Aggarwal stated that Jammu Motor Mahindra has established its active presence in the Commercial Vehicles Segment as well by having its Showrooms in Greater Kailash, Mishriwala, Poonch, Reasi, and Kishtwar, presenting vehicles like Bolero Pick up, Maxx Pick up, Bolero Camper, and Veero. Jammu Motor Mahindra also offers Last Mile Mobility Vehicles like Treo Plus Auto, Alfa Load, Jeeto, and Treo Auto, etc., at its showrooms at Greater Kailash, Digiana, Poonch & Kishtwar. He continued, “Jammu Motor Mahindra has its state-of-the-art Workshop and Bodyshop with professionally trained manpower and high-tech diagnostic and repair equipment at Lane No. 12, Industrial Area, Gangyal, Jammu to provide the best possible services to customers.”

The Chief Guest, Sh Anil Kapahi, Hon’ble Secretary of Amar Singh Club, spoke on the occasion and said, “ I am honoured to stand before you today to introduce two groundbreaking vehicles from Mahindra – the XUV 7XO and the XEV 9S. These vehicles embody the perfect blend of innovation, style, and performance, reflecting Mahindra’s commitment to delivering exceptional driving experiences. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence. On the other hand, the Mahindra XEV 9S is a revolutionary electric SUV that combines sustainability with performance. Both vehicles are set to take the Indian automotive market by storm, and I am excited to see the impact they will have on the industry. I would like to congratulate the Mahindra team for their hard work and dedication in bringing these incredible vehicles to life. I hope you will experience the thrill of driving these exceptional vehicles and create unforgettable memories. Thank you, and I wish the Jammu Mahindra Team continued success.”

While concluding the function, Mr Nitin Aggarwal, Partner of Jammu Motor Mahindra, thanked the Chief Guest and all distinguished guests for gracing the occasion with their presence. He also assured that Jammu Motor Mahindra strives hard to serve its customers and makes every possible effort to provide the best services at all times it remains.

Thanks, and Warm regards 

Jammu Motor Mahindra (Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP) | Mahindra and Mahindra |  

Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir

Handwara, Jan 8:

In a moment of pride for the medical fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Mohd Sarwar Mir, Head of Hospital Administration and Assistant Medical Superintendent at Government Medical College (GMC), Handwara, has been conferred the prestigious Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Nation Star Award.

The award has been bestowed by Welred Foundation, a Section 8 (Non-Profit) Company registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, in recognition of Dr. Mir’s outstanding performance, dedication, and notable contributions to research and hospital administration.

According to the official communication issued by the Foundation, the award acknowledges Dr. Mir’s perseverance, commitment to excellence, and his inspiring role in setting high standards of achievement in the healthcare sector. The Foundation lauded his professional integrity and sustained efforts toward strengthening public healthcare delivery.

Dr. Mir’s leadership at GMC Handwara has been instrumental in improving administrative efficiency and patient-centric services, earning him respect among peers and the wider medical community.

The recognition has been widely welcomed by colleagues and healthcare professionals, who have termed it a well-deserved honour and a source of inspiration for young doctors and administrators across the region.

The award adds another significant milestone to Dr. Mohd Sarwar Mir’s professional journey and reflects positively on the growing stature of GMC Handwara in the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.