Anantnag, Feb 2, KNT: The District Police Anantnag on Monday said that it has initiated legal action against objectionable and provocative content circulating on social media, which had triggered public concern and speculation.

In an official statement issued, Anantnag Police said that certain videos and posts being widely shared online had come to its notice. The police clarified that appropriate legal action has already been taken against derogatory remarks made against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by a woman on social media.

According to the statement, a case FIR No. 14/2026 under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station Mattan, and the matter is presently under active investigation.

The police further said that action has also been initiated against several social media users who allegedly attempted to incite unrest and threaten public tranquillity through online platforms. Officials confirmed that one such accused has already been arrested in connection with the case.

Anantnag Police advised the general public to refrain from indulging in speculation and warned against sharing unverified, provocative, or inflammatory content on social media, stating that circulation of such material may attract strict legal consequences.

The statement added that the situation is being closely monitored and that police will act stringently against any attempt to disturb communal harmony or public order. [KNT]

Jammu, Feb 2, KNT: Assembly employees on Monday staged a protest within the Jammu Assembly premises against the Officer on Special Duty to the Speaker, alleging misbehaviour with a senior employee during an interaction related to long-pending service issues.

Scores of Assembly employees assembled inside the premises and raised slogans against the OSD to the Speaker, alleging that the conduct shown towards a senior staff member was unacceptable and could not be tolerated.

The protesting employees said that for the past 15 years, not a single Assembly employee has been promoted, leading to widespread resentment among the staff. They alleged that when the issue of stagnation and promotions was raised with the OSD, he misbehaved with a senior employee instead of addressing the grievance.

“This kind of behaviour towards a senior employee is humiliating and unacceptable,” the protesters said, adding that employees have been patiently waiting for resolution of their issues for over a decade.

The protest continued for several hours, affecting normal functioning within the Assembly premises. Employees said they would continue their agitation until accountability was fixed and assurances were given regarding their long-pending demands.

Later, the Speaker intervened and called representatives of the protesting employees to his office. According to employees, the Speaker assured them that their grievances would be looked into and appropriate steps would be taken to address their concerns.

Following the assurance, the protest was called off. Employees, however, said they would closely monitor follow-up action on the commitments made to them.[KNT]

JAMMU, Jan 30: In a significant decision to strengthen vocational education and acknowledge vital contribution of educators, the Omar Abdullah led Government today announced the hike in the honorarium of Vocational Trainers (VTs) engaged under Samagra Shiksha & PM SHRI.

As per the decision, the Vocational Trainers engaged before 01.04.2022 will get monthly honorarium of Rs. 25,000 while as the VTs engaged on or after 01.04.2022 will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs. 22,000. The enhanced honorarium rates will be effective from 01-04-2024 and the Vocational Training Partners shall disburse the due arrears in favour of VTs as per the revised rates.

Speaking on this development, Education Minister, Sakeena Itoo said that this decision reflects the Government’s continued commitment to improving the quality of skill-based education and enhancing the welfare of teachers who play a pivotal role in equipping students with employable skills. “Vocational Teachers have been instrumental in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry-oriented practical training, thereby contributing to workforce readiness and economic development of Jammu and Kashmir”, the Education Minister stated.

Minister Sakeena also said that the enhanced honorarium will provide better financial support and motivation to Vocational Teachers, recognizing their dedication, expertise and sustained service in nurturing technical and vocational competencies among students. She reiterated the Government’s continuous resolve of taking proactive measures for the welfare of teachers and overall advancement of the education sector across Jammu and Kashmir.

Pertinently, the hike was finalized after careful consideration of long-pending demands and representations received from Vocational Teachers as well as review of prevailing economic conditions and increasing responsibilities entrusted to vocational educators.

SHOPIAN, Jan 30:National Innovations Public School (NIPS), Zainapora*, one of the leading educational institutions of District Shopian, has once again brought laurels to the district by securing the Second Prize at the UT-level event “Idea to Impact: Annual Startup Mela 2026,” held at the prestigious JKEDI Campus, Bari Brahmana, Samba.

The remarkable achievement highlights the school’s strong commitment to innovation, creativity, and practical learning. Known for nurturing young minds and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, National Innovations Public School has emerged as a beacon of excellence in Shopian, consistently empowering its students to compete and excel at high-level platforms across the Union Territory.

The prize-winning team *Mantasha Nazir, Eliza Bhat, Hurain Farooq, and Pakeeza Hilal* represented NIPS with distinction in the Startup Idea Challenge. Their innovative concept, “Cotton Comfort,” impressed the jury with its sustainability, social relevance, and real-world applicability, standing out among numerous competitive entries from across Jammu & Kashmir.

As a mark of their outstanding performance, the students were awarded a cash prize of ₹70,000, presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah, who appreciated their innovation, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The success strongly reflects the visionary leadership and dedicated mentorship at *National Innovations Public School (NIPS)*. Principal *Mr. Lateef Bhat along with Chief Coordinator Mr. Shahid Manzoor and Ms. Misbah,* played a crucial role in guiding the students, refining their ideas, and preparing them for the UT-level competition.

Officials from *JKEDI District Centre Shopian and district administration shopian* also acknowledged the achievement, noting that such successes are the result of continuous innovation programmes, mentorship initiatives, workshops, and startup boot camps aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among students.

This prestigious recognition not only marks a proud moment for *National Innovations Public School, Zainapora. NIPS*, but also reinforces Shopian’s growing reputation as a hub of young talent, creativity, and innovation in Jammu & Kashmir.

SRINAGAR JANUARY 29:- Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo along with the Principal, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, Prof. Iffat Hassan Shah today reviewed infrastructure upgradation and developmental requirements of GMC & the Associated Hospitals operating under GMC Srinagar.

The review was aimed at addressing several issues that require inter-departmental coordination for further strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, improving patient care, medical education and enhancing overall hospital facilities across the Associated Hospitals, including SMHS Hospital, Super Speciality Hospital-Shireen Bagh, LD Hospital, Bone & Joint Hospital, Chest Disease (CD) Hospital, Psychiatry Hospital and the Children’s Hospital, Bemina.

Administrator GMC Srinagar, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aadil Fareed, Joint Commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Khurshid, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Superintending Engineer R&B North Division, Shabir Ahmad, Superintending Engineer R&B South Division, Tatheer Manzoor, Medical Superintendent SMHS Hospital, Dr. Andleeb, Medical Superintendent Super Specialty Hospital, Shireen Bagh, Dr. Rubeena, Executive Engineers from R&B, Water Works and Master Plan Division, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and other senior officers of the District Administration and GMC Srinagar were present in the spot review.

During the review, the DC and the Principal GMC assessed ongoing projects and proposed works and deliberated on measures to complete ongoing projects in a time bound manner through multi-departmental coordination so as to enhance patient care, medical education and patient amenities at the associated hospitals.

On the occasion, the DC emphasized upon the concerned officers to work together cohesively in a coordinated manner to come up with practical and feasible solutions to the issues pertaining to GMC & it’s associated hospitals and directed them to conduct follow-up spot visits in the coming week. He assured the GMC administration of all possible support from the District Administration to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve patient care and service delivery, with the objective of enhancing the functionality of all associated hospitals.

During the visit, the Officers also inspected the ongoing construction of the Multi Facility Centre (MFC) at GMC Srinagar, Additional Surgery Block at SMHS and other newly sanctioned projects aimed at improving patient convenience and healthcare services. The DC stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all line departments to ensure timely execution of works undertaken for upgradation of healthcare infrastructure.

Earlier, in the meeting, the Principal GMC Srinagar highlighted priority areas of the Associated Hospitals requiring attention through multi departmental coordination to enhance healthcare facilities and improve patient-centric services and convenience. She also underlined measures to accommodate the increasing patient load and provide advanced treatment facilities. Additionally, she highlighted the need for support from the District Administration in areas such as efficient traffic management, removal of encroachments, mitigation of waterlogging issues, macadamization of roads, construction of an Attendant Sarai, additional land for further expansion & newer projects.

The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar assured all possible support, in a time bound manner, from the side of district administration for these projected issues and also said that a follow up meeting shall be conducted next month to take stock of the progress made in implementation of the decisions taken during today’s meeting.

Srinagar, Jan 28, KNT: Jammu Kashmir Students Association has expressed deep shock and anguish over the brutal assault on an 18 year old Kashmiri youth selling shawls along with his family in the Vikas Nagar area of Uttarakhand.

In a statement, the association said the young boy was attacked by a group of fringe elements, beaten mercilessly and left with multiple bruises across his body. “His left arm has been fractured and he sustained serious head injuries after being struck with iron rods. He was initially taken to a local hospital and later referred to Doon Hospital, Dehradun. Blood was reportedly oozing from his head following the assault,” the statement said.

The association said relatives of the victim informed them that the boy was first questioned about his identity. “Upon learning that the family belonged to the Muslim community and was from Kashmir, the violence escalated. The boy was punched repeatedly, while other family members were dragged, slapped and attacked with sharp iron rods,” it added.
Terming the incident a chilling reminder of growing communal profiling and mob brutality, the JKSA said the youth was merely trying to help his family earn a dignified livelihood during harsh winter months. “An 18 year old selling shawls to support his family was met not with humanity, but with hatred,” the association said.

The Jammu Kashmir Students Association urged Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to intervene immediately, ensure registration of a strict FIR and book all the culprits under relevant sections of law [KNT]

Pattan, Jan 29, KNT: One person was killed and another injured after a road accident involving a truck and an Eeco vehicle bearing registration number JK04H 7988 at Hyderbeigh area of Pattan on Wednesday, officials said.

The deceased has been identified as Rayees Ahmad Najar, son of Ghulam Nabi Najar, a resident of Hygam. Officials said he sustained serious injuries in the collision and was rushed to the Trauma Hospital Pattan, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Another person, identified as Javaid Ahmad Najar, brother of the deceased, was also injured in the accident. He was shifted to the Trauma Hospital Pattan for treatment, where his condition is reported to be stable.

Police said they have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident.
[KNT]

Doda, Jan 27, KNT: As many as 60 people, including 40 Army soldiers, were rescued from a snowbound stretch in Doda district after being stranded due to heavy snowfall, officials said on Tuesday.

The rescue operation was carried out at the Chatergala Pass on the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis, where several vehicles and personnel had been trapped following continuous snowfall that blocked the road connectivity. Officials said the stranded group included soldiers of a Rashtriya Rifles unit and civilian travellers.

The Border Roads Organisation undertook the rescue operation under Project Sampark, deploying men and heavy machinery to clear the snow-covered road. Officials said nearly 38 kilometres of road had to be cleared, with snow accumulation ranging between five to six feet at several points.

The operation, which began after the area received intense snowfall over the past few days, was completed without any casualties. All stranded persons were evacuated safely once the road was made motorable, officials added.

Authorities said the Chatergala Pass is prone to frequent closures during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, and advisories are routinely issued to restrict movement during adverse weather conditions.

Officials commended the efforts of BRO personnel for restoring connectivity under challenging weather and terrain conditions, ensuring the safe evacuation of both soldiers and civilians. [KNT]