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Amit Shah to unveil National Cooperative Policy 2025 on Thursday 

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperative Amit Shah will unveil the National Cooperative Policy 2025 on Thursday (July 24).

According to the details available with KNO, the event will be organized at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, officials said.

Members of the drafting committee of the National Cooperative Policy, Chairmen and Managing Directors of all National Cooperative Unions, senior officials of the Ministry, senior officials of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), National Council of Cooperative Training (NCCT) and Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM) will be present on the occasion, officials said.

They said the new cooperative policy will prove to be a milestone in the cooperative movement of India for the next two decades from 2025-45. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Union Home Minister and Cooperative Minister Amit Shah, the new cooperative policy 2025 aims to revive and modernize the cooperative sector as well as realize the vision of prosperity through cooperation by creating a roadmap at the grassroots level,” they added.

“Earlier in the year 2002, the country’s first National Cooperative Policy was issued, which gave a basic framework for better management of the economic activities of cooperative institutions. In the last 20 years, many major changes have taken place in the society, country and the world due to globalization and technological advancement. Keeping these changes in mind, it became necessary to formulate a new policy, so that cooperative institutions can be made more active and useful in the current economic scenario and the role of the cooperative sector can be strengthened in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047,” they said.

“The objective of the National Cooperative Policy is to make cooperative institutions inclusive, manage them professionally, prepare them for the future and be able to create large scale employment and livelihood opportunities especially in rural India.”

Pertinently, a 48-member national level committee headed by former Union Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has prepared the new National Cooperative Policy. This committee included members from national/state cooperative federations, cooperative societies of all levels and sectors, representatives of the concerned Central and State Government Ministry/Department and academicians.

To ensure a participatory and inclusive approach, the Committee held 17 meetings and 4 regional workshops in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gurugram and Patna. 648 valuable suggestions received from stakeholders were carefully evaluated and incorporated in the new cooperative policy. (KNO)

3,35,000 yatris have paid obeisance at holy cave shrine in 19 days: LG Sinha  

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Asserting that Amarnath pilgrims are satisfied with the arrangements made by the administration, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that 3,35,000 yatris have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine in 19 days.

Talking to the reporters after visiting the Nun-Wan and Chandanwari base camps here in south Kashmir, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has crossed 3,35,000 mark. The success of the yatra will give a significant boost to the tourism sector in the Union Territory. 97 percent positive feedback received from Pilgrims. The Yatra is going on smoothly, meeting all the expectations. We are witnessing an overwhelming atmosphere of spiritual fervor and festivity throughout the base camps.”

The Lieutenant Governor lauded the dedication, passion and commitment of Camp directors, officials of Shrine Board, Civil and police administration, security forces, service providers, volunteers and every-one involved in the holy yatra for ensuring a pleasant and memorable pilgrimage for the devotees.

The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the pilgrims, service providers, langer sevadars, sanitation workers, medical staff, and administrative, Police and security officials deputed for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

He took stock of department-wise arrangements, logistics, lodging, disaster management, healthcare and other facilities that have been put in place on travel route and Yatra base camps at Pahalgam axis.

The Lieutenant Governor directed health officials to conduct an in-depth analysis of patterns and causes for the health-related incidents among pilgrims, and take precautionary measures to improve overall health outcomes for the devotees.

He also reviewed the Yatra feedback system and directed for incorporating traffic feedback option for better traffic management and to facilitate the smooth movement of the pilgrims. (KNO)

Institutionalizing support to terror victim families will expedite process of providing relief: LG Sinha

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Stating that institutionalizing support to terror victim families will streamline and expedite the process of providing relief, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched a dedicated portal for the NOKs of victims in Jammu Kashmir.

Talking to reporters after dedicating the portal, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “The initiative will streamline and expedite the process of providing relief, compassionate appointments, and other forms of assistance to those who have suffered from terrorism in the UT.”

The web portal, developed by the Home Department in collaboration with NIC, according to the officials will serve as a centralized platform to capture and maintain comprehensive district-wise data on Terrorism-affected families. The details of any encroachments on the property of the victims or their NOKs are also being captured.

“It will ensure that no legitimate case is left unaddressed and timely support is extended to eligible families in terms of financial relief, ex-gratia compensation and compassionate employment while ensuring elimination of any bogus or multiple claims,” said an official.

He said the Lieutenant Governor is personally monitoring and overseeing the redressal of all cases across the UT of J&K.

A toll- free helpline numbers have also been established at the offices of the Divisional Commissioners in both Jammu (0191-2478995) and Kashmir (0194-2487777) divisions, to facilitate the registration of any overlooked or pending claims.

These helplines are being attended through dedicated control rooms as citizen interfaces for receiving grievances or queries related to pending government support to terror affected families viz. compensation, Ex- gratia relief and Compassionate appointments.

The helplines have been staffed with trained personnel and will be integrated with the centralized application to ensure that every claim is formally recorded and acted upon.

In order to ensure regular oversight, coordination, and follow-up on the grievances and pending claims, Special Monitoring Cells have been constituted in the offices of Chief Secretary and Director General of Police.

These Special Cells will periodically review the status of pending and resolved cases, analyze delays or bottlenecks in processing, and coordinate with relevant departments to ensure timely and just resolution of claims.

The inaugural ceremony of the web portal was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu and S. Jaskaran Singh Modi, SIO, NIC were present, in person and through virtual mode. (KNO)

PDP Leader Zuhaib Yousf Mir Visits Fire Victims in Kursu Rajbagh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Zuhaib Yousf Mir visited the fire-affected families of Kursu Rajbagh, Srinagar, to express solidarity and assess the damages caused by the devastating fire incident. He was accompanied by former State Secretary Abdul Hameed Kosheen and senior party leader Ghulam Qadir Shawl.

During the visit, Zuhaib Yousf Mir interacted with the affected families, offering condolences and support. He urged the District Administration to provide immediate relief and assistance for the rehabilitation of those whose homes were gutted in the fire. He emphasized the need for swift action to ensure the affected families receive adequate support to rebuild their lives.

Mir said he remains committed to standing with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in times of distress and will continue to advocate for timely and effective relief measures.

Fake complaints haunt Govt employees, Despite CVC, Govt orders for no action on fraud complaints

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A growing number of government employees in Jammu & Kashmir say they are being harassed by anonymous or fake complaints made via unverified emails, SMS, and social media handles, even after such complaints are found to be baseless during verification.

Details available with JKNS revealed that many government employees get harassed after departments act on complaints that are fake in nature.

“I was dragged into a three-week-long inquiry over a fake complaint from an unknown email ID. Though I was cleared, the damage to my dignity was already done,” said a government employee posted in a rural block of central Kashmir.

The harassment continues despite repeated directives from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the J&K Government instructing departments not to act on such complaints without verification. In its Circular No. 07/11/2014, reaffirmed by Circular No. 12/09/2020, the CVC clearly stated that no action should be taken on anonymous or pseudonymous complaints.

Another employee from Srinagar said, “They often create fake email IDs, file false complaints, and then delete those addresses. The government must take strict action against such fake complaints by verifying the identity of these email senders through cyber police.”

Likewise, the J&K Government’s June 2024 directive, issued by the General Administration Department, directed that false and frivolous complaints must be dealt with sternly, even allowing prosecution under Section 182 IPC or civil suits for damages.

“They send false complaints from temporary numbers or fake IDs and disappear,” said another government employee in South Kashmir’s Anantnag, “Even when the complaint is found to be fake, we are still made to go through stressful verification rounds.”

Employees posted in revenue, health, education, and rural development departments say the fear of being framed in false complaints has slowed down decision-making. “I held a revenue file for 10 extra days because the last time, I was falsely accused after issuing a certificate,” said a senior government official from north Kashmir.

The June 2024 government order also called for support mechanisms for employees facing such complaints, including the right to seek compensation for defamation and legal support from the Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs.

Many government employees say there should be a centralised filtering system to screen complaints before any action is initiated. “We are not against genuine whistleblowing but these fake email IDs and SMS attacks are just tools of vengeance,” said a head clerk in Pulwama. “There must be a mechanism to verify source authenticity first.”

“We support transparency, but not witch-hunting,” another employee said, adding that the threat of anonymous targeting has created a climate of hesitation and mistrust.

Another employee poated in one of the government department in Budgam said, “I was accused through a fake SMS with no sender ID. Though the complaint was dismissed after verification, I was made to attend multiple inquiry rounds. It felt like punishment for doing my job. ”

The employees say unless the existing orders from the CVC and the UT Government are implemented in both letter and spirit, the menace of false complaints will continue to choke administrative delivery and morale on the ground. (JKNS)

14-year-old Budgam boy succumbs to electrocution after 48-Hour battle at SKIMS

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A teenage boy, who was critically injured in an electrocution incident in Farashgund Daharmunah, Budgam, succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Soura on the early morning of Tuesday after battling for life in the ICU for over 48 hours.

An official told JKNS that Farhan Shabir Mir, aged just 14, had suffered a severe electric shock on Sunday evening and was rushed to SKIMS in a critical condition. Despite all medical efforts, he passed away earlier today.

In a tragic turn of events, this is the second electrocution-related death reported from the Daharmunah area, as another youth from Paul Mohalla also lost his life due to electrocution recently.

Family sources said that Farhan was a cheerful and active child, and the incident has left the entire locality in mourning. The bereaved family has appealed for prayers for Farhan’s eternal peace and requested neighbours and relatives to stand with them in this moment of grief.

Cognizance of the incident has been taken and further investigation started. (JKNS)

Srinagar youth to represent India at 9th Asian Pencak Silat Championship

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Ravees Ahmad, a renowned Pencak Silat coach from Khanyar in downtown Srinagar, has been selected as part of the Indian and J&K Police team for the upcoming 9th Asian Pencak Silat Championship, scheduled to be held in Vietnam from July 24 to 31, 2025.

Rayees will fly from Srinagar to Delhi on July 23, where he will formally join the Indian team before heading to Vietnam.

Speaking with KNO, as part of his achievement, Ravees shared that he has earlier represented India in various international events and holds several international medals to his name and expressed pride over the opportunity.

“It is a great honour to once again represent the country on such a major international platform. I will give my best and hope to make India and Jammu & Kashmir proud,” he told KNO. He said he is a martial arts coach in the valley and has played a role in training and inspiring many young athletes in Kashmir through the sport of Pencak Silat, a traditional martial art form originating from Southeast Asia.

He added that the sport is gaining popularity in J&K and such international selections help put our talent on the global map. Moreover, locals from his area and students congratulated him and wished him success ahead of the championship.

It is pertinent to mention that Pencak Silat refers to a diverse family of martial arts originating from the Indonesian-Malay archipelago. With roots tracing back centuries, the art form is linked to ancient Javanese legends such as Aji Saka, dating as far back as the 6th century. Moreover, the sport combines graceful movements, strikes, grappling techniques and traditional weaponry. Today, it is not only practiced as a competitive martial art but also recognized as a part of Southeast Asia’s rich cultural heritage. (KNO)

Cold Storage units prove boon for Kashmir’s plum growers

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: After transforming Kashmir’s apple trade along with cherry, cold storage units are now turning into a lifeline for plum growers in the Valley.

Traditionally constrained by the perishability of their produce, farmers are now tapping into markets across India—thanks to the rapidly growing cold chain infrastructure.

Farmers from different parts of Kashmir told KNO that fruits like plums used to be sold under pressure due to their limited shelf life—often just 2 to 5 days without refrigeration. This resulted in significant post-harvest losses and forced distress sales at throwaway prices.

“Earlier, we had to dispose of plums within a couple of days, sometimes at very low rates. But this year, cold storage has been a game-changer,” said Javid Ahmad, a plum grower from Shopian. “We have been able to store our fruit longer and supply it gradually to markets like Delhi, Mumbai and even Bengaluru. Most of my produce is sold already, and the rest is safely stored.”

“For the first time, I stored my plums in cold storage. The returns have improved and we are seeing minimal wastage,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a plum grower.

Growers said that rates are almost double as compared to last year and cold storage units are helping to send produce to markets as per demand.

Officials said that the move is part of a broader strategy to enhance Kashmir’s fruit supply chain. “Short shelf life has been the biggest hurdle for growers of soft fruits like cherries and plums. Cold storage helps overcome that and opens up new market opportunities,” said an official of the horticulture department.

Earlier, plums would rot before reaching distant cities. Now, we can ensure quality and freshness even when sending them as far as Kolkata,” said Riyaz Dar, a fruit exporter from Srinagar. “The market has opened up—the returns are higher and the reputation of Kashmiri produce is growing.”

The Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department is actively working on strengthening the cold storage network across the Valley under various central schemes. Experts believe this infrastructural support could redefine the dynamics of Kashmir’s horticulture sector.

“If this trend continues, Kashmir can go beyond apples and emerge as a significant supplier of cherries and plums to the rest of India,” they said.

With the success of this season, growers and traders are hopeful that the Valley’s perishable fruit sector is headed toward a more profitable and sustainable future.

Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union said that currently the demand for plums is much better and farmers are getting good returns and its credit goes to cold storage units as well. (KNO)

Landslide hits Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine track in Reasi: One pilgrim killed, several injured

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A 70-year-old pilgrim was killed while nine others were injured when a massive landslide struck the old track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district on Monday, officials said.

Officials informed KNO that the incident, triggered by heavy rainfall in Katra town, occurred around 8:30 am near ‘Gulshan Ka Langar’, close to Banganga, the starting point of the pilgrimage route frequented by pony riders and devotees.

The landslide caused significant damage, with a booking office and an overhead iron structure collapsing under the weight of falling debris.

According to the meteorological department, Katra town recorded 184.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM on Monday, contributing to the disaster.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) has suspended the yatra on the old track until further notice, advising pilgrims to use the safer Tarakote Marg route, which was restored by 2:00 PM after a temporary suspension.

Lieutenant Governor  Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, expressed profound grief over the tragedy.

In an official statement, he said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslide incident at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in which a devotee unfortunately lost his life. He directed Shrine Board to provide best possible medical care and support to the injured pilgrims.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the family of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

Officiating Chief Executive Officer of the SMVDB, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, who also serves as the District Magistrate of Jammu, rushed to the site to oversee rescue operations.

Speaking to media, Vaishya said, “The landslide resulted in critical injuries to three persons and minor injuries to seven others. All the injured were promptly taken to hospitals for treatment.”

He confirmed that a full-fledged rescue and debris clearance operation is underway, with earth-movers deployed to expedite efforts.

The critically injured pilgrims, identified as Uppan Srivastava (70) of Chennai, his wife K Radha (66), and Rajinder Bhalla (70) of Haryana — were admitted to Narayan hospital, where Srivastava breathed his last.

Leela Raikwar (56) from Uttar Pradesh is receiving treatment at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra.

Three others, Suresh Kumar (66) from Maharashtra and locals Nikhil Thakur (26) and Vicky Sharma, were discharged after receiving first aid.

Tragically, one of the critically injured pilgrims succumbed to their injuries.

Moreover, Indian Army’s White Knight Corps swiftly mobilised to assist in relief and rescue operations.

In a statement posted on X, the White Knight Corps said, “In response to a landslide in the general area of Katra, troops of White Knight Corps were swiftly mobilised to assist in relief and rescue operations in collaboration with civil authorities. Immediate support was provided to affected locals, showcasing  Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to the people. Rescue and support operations currently in progress. We serve, We Protect!”

BJP MLA from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency, Baldev Raj Sharma said, “This isn’t an accident. Like many states are currently facing a flood situation, this is also a part of that… If this shed had not been there, the accident could have been bigger… Currently, only 1-2 injured people are in serious condition. The shrine board opened the other path for the journey.”

Katra Block Medical Officer (BMO) Rashpal Bangotra provided an update on the medical response, stating, “Around 8:20 AM, we received information about the landslide, and within 15 minutes, six injured devotees reached us. Four with orthopaedic injuries were shifted to Narayana Hospital for advanced treatment.” (KNO)

Indian Embassy in Niger working to secure release of Ramban man abducted during terror attack

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Indian Embassy in Niamey, Niger, has been actively working with local authorities to secure the safe release of Ranjit Singh, a resident of Chakka Kundi village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, who was abducted during a terror attack in Niger’s Dosso region on July 15.

The attack, which also claimed the lives of two Indian nationals, occurred when unidentified armed assailants ambushed a Nigerien army unit guarding an electrical line construction project, approximately 100 kilometres from Niamey.

According to details obtained by KNO, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh provided an update about the situation on social media site X, saying, “Following continuous follow-up by my office, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed that the Indian Embassy in Niamey is actively pursuing the release of Ranjit Singh, a resident of Ramban district, who was abducted in Niger. The embassy is in constant communication with local authorities to ensure his safe return.”

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the abduction, urging swift intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s office stated, “Chief Minister has expressed concern over the abduction of Ranjeet Singh, a resident of Ramban, in Niger. He urges the Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar  and @MEAIndia to urgently intervene to secure Ranjit’s  safe and swift return.”

The Indian Embassy in Niger confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X on July 18, 2025, saying, “In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger’s Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives, and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant.”

Ranjit Singh, a senior safety officer with Transrail Lighting Limited, a power transmission and distribution company, was working at the construction site when the attack occurred. His family lost contact with him on July 15, and his wife, Sheela Devi, was informed of his abduction by his colleagues on July 16.

In a heartfelt appeal, Sheela Devi said, “My entire life is at stake. I have three young children and elderly parents to care for. I appeal to the Government of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to bring my husband back home safely.”

She met with Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, who assured her that the matter had been escalated to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Niger.

Ranjit’s father, Mohan Lal, also urged immediate action: “We want to tell Modiji to act on it. The Government of India should work to bring him back. We have been suffering for the last 5-6 days. He has little children. We are very worried about him—where is he abducted, has he eaten anything or not?”

The family has expressed frustration over the lack of response from Transrail Lighting Limited, with Sheela Devi alleging that the company has provided no clear information about her husband’s situation. A cousin, Santosh Singh, said the family was informed that Ranjit is being held in a forested area, but no direct communication has been established with Niger authorities. (KNO)

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