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Shikargah: Tral’s scenic gem craves for Govt attention

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Shikargah, a picturesque and serene destination, nestled in Tral town of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, continues to be overlooked by the government despite its immense tourism potential.

Perched at an altitude of 2,130 meters and located around 40 kilometers from Srinagar, Shikargah is not just known for its scenic charm but also for being home to the Hangul Conservation Breeding Centre.

However, the locals lamented that the area has been left to languish due to the apathy of the tourism department.

Located at the confluence of the Wasturwan and Kherwon mountain ranges and just 3 kilometers from Tral town, the spot is often compared by residents to the famed Gulmarg resort.

Unlike Gulmarg, however, Shikargah enjoys moderate night temperatures, making it a more comfortable destination year-round. “Yet, it remains largely undeveloped.”

“Shikargah was once a favourite hunting retreat of Maharaja Hari Singh. In 2011, it was officially opened for the public to promote local tourism and economy. Since then, the number of visitors has grown steadily, but the infrastructure remains inadequate,” said a local resident.

Residents point out that there is an army camp at the entrance of Shikargah and no facilities are available causing inconvenience to tourists. While some washrooms have been constructed, most remain locked and inaccessible. Additionally, the area lacks basic amenities such as transport facilities, parking space and a nearby market.

Junaid Ahmad, a resident, said, “In May 2017, the government had announced plans to develop Shikargah as a picnic spot and to connect it with Pahalgam via trekking route, but no visible progress has been made since then.”

He further added that the absence of dustbins and waste management has led to littering with polythene and garbage strewn across the landscape, marring its beauty and annoying visitors.

An official from the tourism department acknowledged the situation, saying, “We have constructed a Tourism Facilitation and Reception Centre in the area. However, the tourist inflow is still low, which affects our prioritization.”

“Despite the low footfall, we are committed to developing Shikargah and bringing it fully onto the tourism map,” he added.

Locals, however, urged the authorities to expedite development and promotion efforts to unlock Shikargah’s full potential and transform it into a thriving tourist destination. (KNO)

Guidelines issued on doctors’ professional conduct on social media

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council acknowledged the role of social media as a powerful communication tool but cautions against its misuse, particularly in ways that compromise patient privacy, confidentiality or autonomy.

In this regard, the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council as per a statement issued to KNO, emphasized upon the registered doctors to follow the set guidelines on professional conduct of Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) regarding use of social media platforms in agreement with the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.

The following guidelines aim to provide strict direction to doctors registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council on maintaining professional conduct on social media.

No Advertising or Self-Promotion: The registered doctors (RMPs) must not advertise services, claim superiority, or engage in self-promotional activities (e.g., posting self-photographs or publicity on signboards beyond basic details). Permitted announcements are – starting practice, change of address, or temporary absence. Hospitals/Nursing homes/Clinics/Laboratories may advertise within prescribed limits laid down by the National Medical Commission, limited to basic institutional details (name, services, staff, facilities, fees). Buying or prompting likes, followers, shares or paying for higher search rankings is strictly prohibited.

Patient Confidentiality: Patient information (including images, scans, treatments, outcomes) must not be disclosed without explicit and informed consent. Consent is invalid if the patient is in a compromised physical, mental, or emotional state. Patient testimonials, endorsements, or reviews cannot be solicited or shared in any case on social media.

Professional Conduct: The registered medical practitioners must maintain dignity and avoid behaviour that discredits the profession on any media platform. Sharing factual, verifiable, and non-misleading educational content is allowed, within one’s expertise. Public discussions of treatment or prescribing medications online is prohibited—patients must be directed to proper telemedicine or in-person consultations.

Prohibitions: Showcasing of treatment results, surgeries, procedures or healed patient images or videos is prohibited. Further, no endorsement of products, medicines, or commercial medical services is allowed. No direct or indirect patient solicitation via social media is permitted.

Best Practices by registered medical professionals on social media.

Maintain Professionalism: Online presence must reflect medical ethics, truthfulness, and respect to the profession, patients, colleagues and the community.

Be Cautious: Share content responsibly and avoid posting material that could harm professional credibility.

Respect Boundaries: Maintain appropriate doctor-patient relationships on digital platforms.

Educational Use: Social media may be used for public-health awareness, provided the content is evidence-based, unbiased and non-soliciting for personal promotion.

Compliance and Enforcement: The overarching principle is the broader principle of medical ethics, ensuring all communication is truthful, respectful, and professional. Any breach of these guidelines will be treated as a violation of the _Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002,_ and may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension of registration by the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council. (KNO)

Pulwama Journalist Guild makes new interim appointments

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Journalist Guild of Pulwama (JGP) held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss its operational framework and appoint new leadership roles to strengthen its mission of promoting ethical journalism in the district.

The members who took part in the meeting include interim President Javid Sofi, Gazi Khursheed, Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Tanha Ayaz, Aasif Ganaie, Tawseef Khan, Khursheed Ahmad, Rouf Ahmad and Sartaj Altaf.

An important decision from the meeting was the unanimous agreement to complement the interim President’s role with two new interim positions: General Secretary and Spokesperson. After thorough deliberation, the guild appointed Gazi Khursheed as General Secretary and Aasif Ganaie as Spokesperson.

The new appointees were warmly congratulated by the members, expressing confidence about their contributions to the guild’s objectives. “We are confident that Gazi Khursheed and Aasif Ganaie will bring dedication and vision to their roles, strengthening our efforts to promote responsible journalism,” said Javid Sofi.

Meanwhile, the meeting also addressed ongoing efforts to secure a press club in Pulwama, with members reiterating their appeal to the District Administration for support.

Gandhi Nagar Accident: Accused held after 72 hours’ chase

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu Police on Wednesday said to have arrested an accused in the Gandhi Nagar road rage incident after a 72-hour-long chase by the six specially constituted teams.

The victim, whose condition is stated to be critical, has been shifted to Fortis Hospital in Chandigarh for treatment.

“Accused Thar driver, Mannan Anand, son of Rajinder Anand of House number 62, Sec 4, Nanak Nagar, Jammu, who was absconding in a case under FIR number 163/2025 under sections 281, 125(a), and 109 BNS has been arrested by Police Station Gandhi Nagar,” the Jammu and Kashmir Police said in an official statement to KNO.

Earlier, the 21-year engineering student, who is the son of an “influential” contractor, hit the old man identified as Kamalkant Dutta, 68, of Gandhi Nagar twice on Sunday afternoon around 1.30 pm. The CCTV footage of the incident has gone viral on social media.

In the footage, it is seen that speeding Thar first collided with the scooty from the opposite direction, resulting in the victim falling, the car driver is then seen deliberately driving in reverse hitting the old man for the second time, resulting in serious injuries to the victim.

Jammu Police, late Tuesday, issued a statement mentioning that section 109 (Attempt to murder) of BNSS has been invoked against the accused.

“As per initial information received from a reliable source, a Mahindra Thar bearing Jammu registration number being driven in a rash and negligent manner from Gandhi Nagar towards Green Belt Park, collided with a scooty near Allora Textiles, Green Belt Park, at approximately 1.30pm. The scooty, which was coming from the opposite direction, was struck by the Thar, resulting in injuries to the rider. The injured individual was shifted to GMC Jammu by passers-by, while the Thar driver fled from the spot,” the statement reads.

On this basis, FIR was registered under Sections 281 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) at Gandhi Nagar police station. However, CCTV footage of the incident was obtained and the statement of an eyewitness was recorded, which revealed a more serious aspect of the case, police said.

“It came to light that after the initial collision, the driver of the Thar reversed the vehicle and deliberately hit the victim again, resulting in grievous injuries. In light of the statement recorded and other material evidence collected, Section 109 of BNS is being invoked,” it added.

The vehicle has been seized. The owner of the vehicle, the accused’s father, has been detained for questioning, and a manhunt is underway to trace and arrest the driver, who is presently absconding, it stated.

Meanwhile, Regional Transport Officer Jasbir Singh in Jammu informed that the registration of the vehicle has been suspended and the Thar car has been blacklisted.

He further said that it has been found from the records that the accused don’t have a valid driving license. “We checked our records and found that the driving license of accused persons has not been issued and we have decided that it will not be issued, even if he has applied,” the RTO Jammu said.

Meanwhile, the 68-year-old victim, who suffered severe head injuries due to his reckless driving, has been shifted to Fortis Hospital in Punjab after his condition reportedly worsened.

The family of the accused demanded severe punishment for accused involved in the incident. (KNO)

Blood and water can’t flow together: Tarun Chugh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Wednesday reaffirmed India’s firm policy against cross-border terrorism, stating that “blood and water can’t flow together, nor can trade and terror”.

Chugh while speaking to reporters in Baramulla, as per KNO said that India will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize peace in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that those who have killed innocent Indian citizens will not be spared, no matter who they are or where they are hiding. “We made this clear during Operation Sindoor. Our missiles won’t leave a single factory of terror intact.”

He claimed that India’s swift and strategic response under Operation Sindoor had already sent a strong message to Pakistan. “In less than 20 minutes of warfare, Pakistan had to kneel down and plead for a ceasefire. That’s the strength of today’s India,” he added.

Chugh while reiterating India’s stance that “blood and water won’t flow together, nor will trade and terror,” said there will be no compromise on national security and development, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. “Those who attempt to disturb peace and development in the region will be dealt with firmly,” he warned.

He also accused Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of deflecting public concerns by repeatedly raising the issue of statehood, instead of addressing pressing developmental needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We can demand those things which are uncertain or not promised. But when the Prime Minister and Home Minister of the country themselves have committed to restoring statehood, why repeatedly demand it? It’s nothing but a diversionary tactic,” Chugh said.

He alleged that the NC-led government in Jammu and Kashmir has failed on all fronts, especially in implementing its development manifesto. “They are enjoying power, but development is invisible on the ground. Let Omar Abdullah present his report card of the past nine months. What has he done?” Chugh questioned.

He further said that NC leaders are “failures who can’t handle administration” and are only relying on rhetoric instead of delivering results. “They promised much but delivered little. The public deserves action, not just slogans,” he added.

During his address to workers, he stated that, “Since 2019, not a single innocent life has been lost without justice. If there were any such incidents, strict action has been taken, regardless of who was involved.” He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delivered both justice and development in the region.

He said PM Modi’s commitment to Kashmir is evident through projects like AIIMS, IIT, IIM, the Z-Morh tunnel, and Rs 5 lakh health insurance for citizens under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. “PM Modi sticks to his word, but Omar only distracts by harping on statehood.”

Accusing the National Conference of enjoying VVIP privileges while the public suffers, Chugh added, “It’s time for accountability. People deserve answers, not diversion.” He challenged Omar to present a report card of his tenure and explain what the NC has achieved since returning to power.

Referring to the troubled history of the region, Chugh accused the Abdullah family of playing a role in the deterioration of Kashmir’s peace. “We cannot forget 1987, nor can we forget January 1990 when, under Farooq Abdullah’s Chief Ministership and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s charge as Home Minister, over a lakh Kashmiri Pandits were forced out of the Valley. That was the darkest chapter,” he said.

He made it clear that the BJP would continue to demand accountability from the NC leadership. ‘People are no longer buying boycott politics. Today, Kashmiris are voting in large numbers—from Panchayat to Lok Sabha polls and it is PM Modi’s development and trust-building that has made it possible’. (KNO)

One dead, 20 injured as bus overturns in Handwara

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A tragic road accident in Handwara’s Rajwara village on Wednesday morning left one person dead and at least 20 others injured after a passenger bus turned turtle.

Officials briefing reporters, as per KNO said the deceased Irshad Ahmed Lone, a teacher by profession was a passerby, who got trapped under the vehicle, while all those aboard the bus sustained injuries.

One of the injured passengers was referred to a Srinagar hospital for specialized treatment, while majority of those receiving care at GMC Handwara were discharged later.

Soon after the incident, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara Ayushi Sudan and Superintendent of Police (SP) Handwara Mushtaq Choudhary visited the injured at the Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara.

Police have also taken the cognizance of the incident and are further investigating the matter, which led to the accident.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, Health Minister Sakina Itoo and others expressed grief over the incident and prayed for the deceased and injured.

“I am deeply grieved by the road accident in Handwara. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Irshad Ahmed Lone who lost his life. I pray for the early recovery of those injured in this accident,” LG said.

Similarly, the Minister on X, wrote “Deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident in Behnipora, Handwara, which claimed the life of a dedicated teacher, Irshad Ahmed Lone, and injured several students. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Praying for the swift recovery of all the injured”.

The minister also informed that 80% of the injured students were discharged, while rest are stable and under expert medical attention at GMC Handwara. (KNO)

Mehbooba Mufti product of BJP: Bukhari

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Apni Party President and former minister Syed Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday called Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti as Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) product and stated that it is unfortunate that she has realized the change out of power.

Talking to the reporters here, Bukhari, as per KNO said that “it is unfortunate that Mehbooba Ji has realized a change as this should have been taking place while in power.”

He was reacting to a query on her statement wherein she stated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi can resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. “We have been clear on this since 2020 that whatever people of J&K need, it can be given by the Government of India only,” he said.

“We know these parties. We belonged to them. We know how the petition was not signed for floor testing against BJP when the fax machine didn’t work. We were told that ‘we cannot sign the petition as we will be forming the government with them again’,” Bukhari recalled.

Calling Mehbooba as the product of BJP, Bukhari said that she is by the BJP and for the BJP.

About the Srinagar encounter, Bukhari said, “I congratulate the security forces for killing the terrorist involved in Pahalgam attack. However, I urge the Home Minister Amit Shah to release all the people, who have been arrested since April 22 on the basis of suspicion as the real attackers have now been neutralized.”

About Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement on hoping for the restoration of statehood to J&K in the ongoing Monsoon Session, Bukhari said, maybe they are knowing something in this regard as they are in the government here and are also in touch with the centre.

“We only know that the people of J&K need to be strong and must not lose hope in getting their rights back from Delhi. Statehood will be restored. If they (government) fail to do so, we will take up the matter and know how to convince the centre for its restoration,” he added.

Furthermore, he congratulated Member of Parliament from Srinagar Lok Sabha Constituency, Aga Ruhulla Mehdi for speaking in favour and as per the aspirations and interests of J&K people. (KNO)

Amarnath Yatra suspended, no convoy to move from Jammu tomorrow

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Authorities on Wednesday suspended the Amarnath Yatra on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes due to inclement weather conditions and announced that no yatra convoy will move from Jammu base camp on Thursday.

“Shri Amarnathji Yatra has been suspended for 30.07.2025 from both Pahalgam and Baltal base camps,” Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir, according to KNO, posted on its X handle.

The DIPR quoting Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said that due to heavy rains since early morning on Wednesday, the yatra has not been allowed on the tracks from Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps.

“Due to the heavy rains in the yatra area, the movement of pilgrims from base camps has been affected. Therefore, it has been decided that no convoy movement shall be allowed towards the base camps Baltal and Nunwan from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu on 31 July 2025,” the DIPR said.

Pertinently, over 3.93 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine since July 3, when the pilgrimage commenced. The Yatra is set to conclude on August 9.

The flow of the Yatra has started to decline as most of the registered pilgrims have completed their pilgrimage and the peak season has ended. Moreover, the government had put in place three-tier security and other arrangements this year as well. (KNO)

J&K govt forms high-level team to address harassment, extortion of livestock transporters in Punjab

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high-level team to engage with the Punjab Government to ensure smooth movement of livestock vehicles and to address persistent complaints of harassment, extortion, and overcharging faced by transporters.

According to an order, a copy of which lies with KNO, the government has formed the 3-member committee including Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Department, J&K, Manoj Prabhakar, Deputy Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Kashmir Mohammad Rafeeq Bhat, and Deputy Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Jammu Sham Lal Abrol.

The order reads that the team will visit Punjab to hold consultations with relevant departments and senior officials of the Punjab Government. “It will secure an institutional and amicable resolution that ensures hassle-free transport of livestock, safeguards the livelihoods of J&K’s livestock traders, and upholds the sanctity of inter-state trade protocols,” reads the order.

It added that the team will submit a detailed report to the administrative department after the visit. (KNO)

Mutton shortage disrupts Kashmir’s wedding season

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: At a time when Kashmir is witnessing its annual surge in wedding celebrations, the valley is facing a major disruption in the supply of mutton, a staple of traditional Kashmiri feasts.

The halt in availability has sparked concern across households and catering circles, especially with the ongoing wedding season.

Speaking to KNO, Mehraj-u-din Ganie, General Secretary of the Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association Kashmir, confirmed that the supply chain has come to a standstill due to unresolved issues. “We have not received any formal communication or support. The deadlock continues,” he said.

Ganie said that though not officially declared as a strike, the halt stems from unresolved concerns over procurement rates, undue taxes, inter-state transportation hurdles, and a lack of regulatory clarity, issues the dealers say they have raised for months now.

“The government says the matter lies with Punjab. But the impact is being felt here, in Kashmir,” Mehraj added.

Meanwhile, the disruption has put immense pressure on those preparing for weddings in the coming weeks. In Kashmiri culture, mutton is not just another food item; it is the foundation of Wazwan, the elaborate multi-course non-veg feast that defines local weddings.

“Without mutton, what is a wedding here. Families are panicking because chefs and Wazas won’t start unless meat is available in bulk,” said a Srinagar-based event planner.

Caterers and Wazas across the Valley have also expressed concern over cancellations and delays, while families are heading to either postpone events or consider scaled-down menus.

According to the dealers, despite verbal assurances from certain ministers and officials, no written order or actionable solution has been put forward.

Ganaie said that attempts to speak with relevant officials were met with vague responses, with some shifting the responsibility to the Punjab government, the main supplier state for livestock coming into J&K.

“The government claims it is working on it, but we have not seen any results. If they have formed any committee to look into these issues, they must follow through with clear decisions,” he said. (KNO)

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