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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Police foil PDP's protest march against govt, detain leaders
Police on Tuesday foiled a protest by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and activists in Srinagar over basic civic issues, including scarcity of water and electricity, amid the heatwave in Kashmir. The protesters were raising slogans against the Omar Abdullah-led state government. (File) A number of PDP leaders and workers were detained as they attempted to march from party headquarters towards city centre Lal Chowk in Srinagar. The protesters were raising slogans against the National Conference led government of Omar Abdullah. 'In Omar's rule, there is only darkness. Your every promise has been a lie,' they shouted. The police action prompted PDP president Mehbooba Mufti to take to X and lash out at the J&K administration. 'It appears that the administration only flexes its might when it comes to foiling PDP protests & detaining our workers. If only this same power & urgency was applied to address the worsening water crisis, skyrocketing power bills, alarming 17.4% unemployment rate and unresolved issue of political prisoners,' Mufti said on X. 'We've witnessed our protests silenced when we raised our voice against unconditional scrapping of Article 370 and human rights violations but now even raising concerns over governance failures has become a punishable act,' she charged. Those who were detained included leaders like Mohd Khursheed Alam, Abdul Haq Khan, Zahoor Mir , Arif Laigroo, Iqbal Tramboo, Yaseen Bhat and Noor Mohammad. The protesters charged the NC government of failing to resolve even the day-to-day issues of the common man even though the party had made many promises in their election manifesto. 'They had talked about Article 370, free electricity, providing gas cylinders, regularisation of daily wagers, all of that has been a hoax. We don't have water for drinking or even for agriculture purposes. They have no stand on even reservations and release of political prisoners,' shouted a protester before being bundled into a police vehicle. PDP leader Yasir Reshi said that they had not made any big demands from the government. 'We had asked for availability of daily necessities of life like water. It is the month of Muharram and we have asked for water availability as people are facing difficulties in getting portable water or for irrigation purposes,' Reshi said. He said that Omar Abdullah's government has been a failure on every front. 'He has been a failure politically as well as on the developmental front. Those who can't provide even portable water have no right to be in government,' he said.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Meetings held with LG to ensure all security arrangements for Amarnath Yatra: CM Omar Abdullah
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 30 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday spoke on the necessary arrangements facilitated for the pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra. He further stated that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha chaired two meetings ahead of the pilgrimage-- one with the political parties and one with the civil society to ensure proper facilities for pilgrims. 'We have made the necessary arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims. The LG chaired two meetings, one with political parties and one with civil society. All necessary security arrangements have been made, and we are eagerly waiting for the pilgrims to arrive. The yatra will be flagged off from Jammu on 2 July, and they will be welcomed hope and pray that the yatra is a success, pilgrims come in good numbers, offer prayers, and go back safely...'Abdullah said, speaking to reporters. Earlier today, a large number of devotees visited special centres to register for the yatra. A devotee who came to the centre for registration said, 'The people are enthusiastic this time. There is no fear (due to the Pahalgam attack). Arrangements are good. The administration is with us. 'Another devotee added, 'You can see the enthusiasm in the people. I have faith in Amarnath. They (terrorists) can do whatever they want; we will not be affected. I want to request all the people to visit J&K so that our army and government can say that we are not affected by their (terrorists) actions.' Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) has rolled out a robust multi-layered security plan along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. Jammu-Srinagar Highway is one of the vital routes for thousands of pilgrims. The CRPF has intensified surveillance, deployed K-9 (dog) squads alongside its personnel along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key route used by thousands of pilgrims, and strengthened highway patrols, with a special focus on sensitive stretches, such as the Udhampur sector. The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from the Jammu base camp on July 2, 2025, while the Yatra will officially begin on July 3, 2025, via both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. (ANI)
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
J-K: Security forces carry out inspections in key areas ahead of Amarnath Yatra
Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 30 (ANI): Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3, security forces were deployed in key areas on Monday, including Ramban and Pahalgam, to carry out robust patrols and inspections to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. Security officials inspected arrangements ahead of the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra in Anantnag, Banihal, Ramban, and other key areas. The revered Amarnath Yatra will commence through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke on the necessary arrangements facilitated for the pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra. He said that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha chaired two meetings ahead of the pilgrimage, one with the political parties and one with the civil society to ensure proper facilities for pilgrims. 'We have made the necessary arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims. The LG chaired two meetings, one with political parties and one with civil society. All necessary security arrangements have been made, and we are eagerly waiting for the pilgrims to arrive. The yatra will be flagged off from Jammu on 2 July, and they will be welcomed hope and pray that the yatra is a success, pilgrims come in good numbers, offer prayers, and go back safely...'CM Abdullah said. Earlier today, a large number of devotees visited special centres to register for the yatra. A devotee who came to the centre for registration said, 'The people are enthusiastic this time. There is no fear (due to the Pahalgam attack). Arrangements are good. The administration is with us.' Another devotee added, 'You can see the enthusiasm in the people. I have faith in Amarnath. They (terrorists) can do whatever they want; we will not be affected. I want to request all the people to visit J&K so that our army and government can say that we are not affected by their (terrorists) actions.' Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) has rolled out a robust multi-layered security plan along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. Jammu-Srinagar Highway is one of the vital routes for thousands of pilgrims. The CRPF has intensified surveillance, deployed K-9 (dog) squads alongside its personnel along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key route used by thousands of pilgrims, and strengthened highway patrols, with a special focus on sensitive stretches, such as the Udhampur sector. The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from the Jammu base camp on July 2, 2025, while the Yatra will officially begin on July 3, via both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. (ANI)
News18
3 days ago
- News18
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Countdown Begins With Security Drills, Last-Minute Inspections
Last Updated: Amarnath Yatra 2025: Security forces on Monday carried out an extensive joint mock drill along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Amarnath Yatra 2025: With just days to go before the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, final preparations are being reviewed across various levels of administration and security in Jammu and Kashmir. Tight security is in place for the annual pilgrimage, which is taking place after two months of the Pahalgam attack when terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 26 people. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath will commence from the twin tracks — the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district — on July 3. The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2. Security Mock Drills On Amarnath Yatra Route Security forces on Monday carried out an extensive joint mock drill along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, as part of final preparations ahead of the annual Yatra. The drill involved personnel from the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF) Buses were sent under full security cover during the drill to test the readiness and coordination of various security units. The exercise simulated emergency scenarios such as landslides and other natural disasters, with a focus on prompt response, evacuation, and medical aid for stranded pilgrims. The simulation involved rescuing trapped vehicles, providing immediate first aid to the injured, and coordinating swift relief through integrated efforts by disaster response and security teams. The CRPF has also intensified surveillance, deployed K-9 (dog) squads alongside its personnel along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. A facial recognition system (FRS) has also been installed along the Pahalgam route of the Amarnath Yatra to deter any potential terror attacks against pilgrims. The system has a feature that alerts security forces in real-time in case any blacklisted person comes into the field of view of the surveillance cameras, news agency ANI reported. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired two high-level meetings—one with political leaders and another with civil society representatives—to assess the state of preparedness for the yatra. The LG also reviewed the progress of Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal, and also inspected healthcare facilities and inaugurated a training ward for medical staff at Base Camp Hospital. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his wishes for a smooth and successful yatra, saying, 'We sincerely hope and pray for the successful conduct of the yatra, with a good turnout of pilgrims who come to offer their prayers and return safely." He also confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort and security of the devotees. Comprehensive reviews were undertaken, with a strong emphasis on ensuring a 'peaceful, safe and hassle-free" experience for pilgrims, the CM added. Amarnath Yatra 2025 Routes The yatra will proceed via the two traditional routes—Baltal and Pahalgam—with security personnel already deployed in the Pahalgam region. In Ramban, local administration and security officials conducted inspections to ensure all logistical and safety arrangements are in place. The first batch of pilgrims has already reached Jammu, radiating devotion and excitement. As part of the registration process, token distribution began today at Saraswati Dham, with registration scheduled to start tomorrow at Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, and Mahajan Sabha. Jammu South SDM Manu Hansa informed that these will be the sole authorised centres for obtaining tokens. 'The centre opens at 7 am, and only registered pilgrims with valid tokens will be allowed to proceed," he said. The SDM said the per-day quota of tokens and registration is 2,000 each, and the counters will remain open till the daily quota is exhausted. Devotees Undeterred By Security Concerns Despite recent incidents, including a terror attack near Pahalgam, pilgrims stood firm in their resolve to undertake the sacred journey. Many expressed unwavering faith in India's security forces and emphasised that fear would not deter them from fulfilling their spiritual aspirations. Shakshdeep Jha, who arrived from Mumbai with a group of 15 pilgrims, shared his excitement, saying, 'I am very happy to be here. We will carry on the Yatra through the Pahalgam route." When asked about any apprehensions following the recent attack, he replied firmly, 'We do not fear anything. Our forces are there to protect us. Till we have our forces, we can go anywhere without any fear. People should come here in large numbers without any fear." Another pilgrim, Deepak Sharma from Uttar Pradesh, spoke of his determination despite the rainy weather. 'Even though it's raining here, we are very excited to be here. Right now, we will collect our tickets and proceed for the Yatra through the Pahalgam route," he said. He added that the large turnout of pilgrims would send a message of unity and resilience, 'a slap on the faces of terrorists." Maya Kaul, another devotee, echoed similar sentiments. 'We are six people here and will go through Pahalgam. We are very confident in our forces, and there is no need to be afraid of anything. I urge people to come in large numbers to the Amarnath Yatra." Among those standing in long queues amid the heavy rain was a group of 120 people from Bihar. A devotee from Darbhanga said, 'We are so excited to be here. We cannot express our joy. All the arrangements are very nice. We have all our belief in the Indian Army, and we are confident that they will ensure this Yatra goes smoothly." Kajal Wangmare from Maharashtra said she had been standing in line since 3 a.m. 'It's raining; however, we are just happy to be here. We know that we will have a very good pilgrimage and will take along happy memories with us," she told IANS. top videos View all Vikramjeet from Delhi also shared his thoughts, saying, 'We are very excited. I also want to give a message to the people that there is no need to be afraid. The arrangements here are very nice, and we are not facing any problems. We believe in our Army, and we are not afraid of anything." (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter -- Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Amarnath Yatra Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: June 30, 2025, 16:09 IST News india Amarnath Yatra 2025: Countdown Begins With Security Drills, Last-Minute Inspections
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Omar Abdullah vows to make Jammu and Kashmir a premier golf destination
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said his government is committed to make Jammu and Kashmir as one of the premier golf destinations in the country. The chief minister made these remarks during a prize distribution ceremony held here, where the winners and runners-up of the day's golf tournament were felicitated. Earlier this morning, Abdullah joined golfers to tee off the tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course, which saw participation from eminent golfers from across the country, including former chief minister Farooq Abdullah Welcoming the golfers to Kashmir, the chief minister said that their presence was highly encouraging. He also expressed his gratitude to Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) for organizing the Golf Tournament and tourism stakeholders' interaction in Kashmir. "It is very reassuring for us to see you all here. There is no doubt that your presence goes a long way in reinforcing what we are trying to do, which is essentially to bring tourism back on track after it had derailed," Abdullah said. Reflecting on the recent challenges, the chief minister acknowledged the apprehensions tourists may have felt following the Pahalgam tragedy. "I understand why people would be afraid to visit. I understand the impact of the visuals from Pahalgam on the psyche of those who would otherwise not think twice about coming here," he said. "That is why your presence here carries immense significance, the message you take back with you amplifies what we are trying to achieve, in ways perhaps we cannot," he added. Highlighting the power of word-of-mouth communication, Abdullah said the impressions shared by visitors hold greater weight than official statements. "If I speak about Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism destination, my words will naturally be seen through the lens of a local. But when you return home and share your experiences here, the impact is far greater," he said. "I am not being frivolous when I say this. We truly hope each one of you goes back as ambassadors of J-K conveying that although the region has faced a difficult few months, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and better days lie ahead," he added. On the development of golf infrastructure, Abdullah assured the gathering that all necessary efforts will be made to provide world-class golfing facilities in both Jammu and Kashmir valley. Referring to the recent tournament held in Gulmarg, he shared that for the first time in over a decade, we were able to organize a small, locally-participated golf tournament using nine holes. By August or September, we hope to have all 18 holes operational. Work on the greens is underway, he said. "Similarly, we will continue to enhance the quality of golf courses in Srinagar and Jammu. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring that each time you return, you experience an improved game and setting, he added.
