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Grand Mufti J&K Announces 75 as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr for This Year

 

Srinagar, Mar 10: The Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, has announced that the mandatory Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (Zakat al-Fitr) for this year has been set at 75 per person.

Grand Mufti J&K, Nasir-ul-Islam said that it is obligatory upon every Muslim, including men, women, and even infants, to pay Sadaqat-ul-Fitr before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. He emphasized that this charitable contribution should be given before Eid prayers so that the less fortunate can also partake in the celebrations.

He said that the prescribed amount of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is equivalent to 1.75 kg of wheat per person, and after consultation with Islamic scholars, it has been valued at 75 this year. He further added that every individual should pay this amount on behalf of themselves and their minor children, while adult, financially independent children should pay for themselves.

Sadaqat-ul-Fitr purifies one’s fasting from any shortcomings and benefits the needy. He clarified that the donation should be given to deserving individuals such as orphans, the poor, and travelers in need and should not be used for mosque expenses, religious organizations, or political purposes, Mufti Nasir said.

He urged the people of J&K to fulfill this obligation promptly and ensure their contributions reach the rightful beneficiaries. (JKNS)

Protests in assembly over Billawar civilian killings, fashion show in Assembly

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Speaker rules out discussion on both issues

Jammu, Mar 10 : The Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed uproarious scenes over the killing of civilians in Billawar, Kathua, and an obscene fashion show at Gulmarg.

As soon as the Question Hour began, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), NC and Congress MLAs were on their feet seeking discussion on the killings of civilians in Billawar. Amid the commotion in the House, MLA Bani Dr. Rameshwar Singh, who was assaulted on Saturday night at Billawar, tried to storm into the Well of the House but was stopped by the Marshals.

The Speaker repeatedly asked NC members to refrain from creating disruptions and take their seats.

However, NC members were unrelenting and continued with their protests.

Amid the commotion in the House, MLA Kupwara Mir Muhammad Fayaz demanded strict action against the organizers of the obscene fashion show at Gulmarg.

As disruptions continued in the House, the Speaker said the House cannot discuss the Billawar killings, stating that the matters fall outside the domain of the Assembly. He cited Section 32 of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act-2019, under which police and public order fall outside the domain of the Assembly.

“The LG has already ordered an inquiry into the matter,” he said.

The Speaker also said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already ordered an inquiry into the fashion show. “This cannot be discussed as matters under inquiry cannot be taken up in the House,” he added.

The Speaker said the House condemns the assault on MLA Bani Dr. Rameshwar Singh and a thorough inquiry should be held into it—(KNO)

Omar Seeks Report Amid ‘Outrage’ On ‘Obscene Fashion Show’ In Gulmarg

 

Srinagar, Mar 10 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday sought a report from administration amid “outrage” over “obscene fashion show” in picturesque Gulmarg.
In a post from Office of Chief Minister, J&K, handle on ‘X’, Omar said that the shock and anger was “totally understandable”.

“The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities & that too during this holy month,” reads the post as per GNS.

“My office has been in touch with the local authorities & I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report,” he said in the post.

Omar’s reply followed post on ‘X’ by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq: “Outrageous! That In the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is organised in #Gulmarg, pictures & videos from which have gone viral sparking shock and anger among people. How could it be tolerated in the valley known for its sufi, saint culture and the deeply religious outlook of its people? Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir.!” (GNS)

Union Home Secretary reviews J&K security

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Discusses upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Kashmir train, Jammu situation with top brass

Jammu, Mar 10 : Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired an important security review meeting with top officers of central armed forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies here on Sunday.

The Union Home Secretary, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), accompanied by top officials of the Home Department arrived in Jammu this morning. Top brass of police, paramilitary forces, central forces and officials of intelligence agencies briefed the Union Home Secretary about the prevailing situation in J&K.

Today’s meeting was Govind Mohan’s second security review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir as the Union Home Secretary. He had chaired his first meeting in Srinagar in December last year.

Sources said that in today’s meeting deliberations were held on three points which included forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to commence in July this year, safety of Kashmir to Kanayakumari rail services, likely to begin anytime soon and prevailing security situation in Jammu region.

Sources said that security review meeting was already scheduled but it was held a day after security forces recovered bodies of three missing civilians from a water channel in the upper reaches of Bani-Billiwar in Kathua District.

Slain civilians, including a child were from a marriage party. They went missing and remained untraced for more than 60 hours. The victims Yogesh (32), Darshan (40) and Varun (14), are believed to be cousins.

Sources told KNO that the Union Home Secretary chaired two separate meetings.
“Top brass of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials dealing with J&K, including J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, state Home Secretary Chandrakar Bharti, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Additional DG CID, Nitish Kumar, IGP Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Kashmir, V.K. Birdi and senior officers of BSF, CRPF and intelligence agencies attended the first meeting,” sources said.

They added that Superintendents of Police of all the 20 districts of J&K attended another meeting chaired by Mohan.

One of the points which came up for discussion during the meetings, according to the sources, included: “The Government of India (GOI) is concerned about the presence of terrorists in the higher reaches of the Jammu division, who should have been neutralised during the winter months due to climatic conditions but are reported to be still active in those areas.”

Another point which was discussed, sources said, was that “most of terrorists in the upper reaches are believed to be foreigners and their survival in extreme winter is not possible without some local support.”

The officials, according to the sources, were told that “the MHA is concerned about the reports of terrorists’ presence in the upper reaches of Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch districts. They need to be neutralized.”

Moreover, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, according to the KNO, confirmed terrorist involvement in the killings. In a post on X, the Union Minister in Hindi (loosely translated as) : “The brutal killing of 3 youths by terrorists in Bani area of district Kathua is extremely sad as well as a matter of concern. There seems to be a deep conspiracy behind spoiling the atmosphere in this peaceful area”.

“We have discussed this matter with the concerned officials. The Union Home Secretary himself is reaching Jammu so that the situation can be reviewed on the spot. I am confident that such incidents do not happen again and people’s confidence remains strong,” Dr Singh wrote.

It may be recalled that Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the J&K security thrice in February month, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also chaired two back-to-back security review meetings, one in Srinagar and the other in Jammu last month—(KNO)

Three Missing Civilians Found Dead in Kathua

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Kathua, Mar 8 :  Three civilians who went missing from the upper reaches of Billawar in Kathua district have been found dead.

Security forces discovered the bodies using drone surveillance.

Authorities have yet to officially confirm the militant link, but tensions remain high in Billawar.

Notably, MLA Billawar, Satish Kumar had rasied the issue of missing persons yesterday in the legislative assembly.

A police official said that it will be premature to say the reason behind the deaths of the trio. He confirmed that all the bodies were found near a nallah in the upper reaches of Billawar. [KNT]

In Assembly, MLAs question allotment of land to Sri Lankan cricketer in J&K

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Jammu, Mar 08 : Members of the Legislative Assembly on Saturday questioned the “allotment” of land to a Sri Lankan cricketer in Jammu & Kashmir.

During the Question Hour, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer(KNO),CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yosouf Tarigami said that a Sri Lankan cricketer has been allotted land in Kathua.

“How this allotment has been made?” he asked. Tarigami, however, didn’t disclose the name of the cricketer to whom the land has been allotted.
Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir also asked the government how a non- Indian cricketer has been allotted land in J&K.

“This is a serious question and needs to be looked into,” he said.

Responding to concerns of MLAs, minister for Agriculture Production Department Javaid Ahmad Dar said that the matter needs to be looked into.

“This matter pertains to the Revenue department,” he said—(KNO)

GMC Anantnag observes World Hearing Day 2025

 

 

ANANTNAG, 07 March : Under the patronage of Principle and Dean Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb, GMC Anantnag Observes World Hearing Day with zeal and fervour. In observance of “World hearing Day 2025” , a dedicated team of specialists from department of ENT and community medicine in collaboration with DEIC GMC Anantnag conducted an awareness cum screening camp at Zaiba Aapa school of inclusive education Bijbehara on 3rd of March 2025.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness , perform hearing assessments and distribute devices among specially abled children.The screening component was led by Dr.Ihsan Ahmad (ENT specialist) and supported by DNB residents ( Dr.Ankit, DR Vivek ) and audiologist Mr.Ishfaq Ahmad. The awareness generation was led by Dr.Muzaffar (Senior resident Community Medicine), DNB resident, Dr. Athar Khan and students doing internship at GMC Anantnag. The camp was ably supported by DEIC Manager Mr.Urfan Manzoor.

Head of the department of ENT Dr. Amir emphasized on early diagnosis and rehabilitation of specially abled children with initiatives that empower these children and their families, fostering inclusivity and hope. Dr. Mahbooba Rasool associate Professor and I/C Head Community Medicine added that community engagement is vital to dismantle stigmas around disabilities and reiterated to expand outreach programs to underserved areas.

Principal and Dean of GMC Anantang Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb lauded the administration and teachers of Zaiba Aapa school for support and enthusiastic participation. She further emphasized that community awareness, early diagnosis and age appropriate rehabilitation are critical in mitigating the impact of hearing loss.

Dr Showkat Hussain Tali
Media coordinator GMC Anantnag

DIG SKR & SSP Anantnag Lead ‘Thana Diwas’ in Kokernag, Emphasizing New Criminal Laws & Public Grievance Redressal

 

ANANTNAG, 06 March : In a significant outreach initiative, Anantnag Police organized ‘ Thana Diwas ’ in the far-flung area of Kokernag, focusing on public awareness of the newly enacted Criminal laws and Grievance redressal. The event was graced by DIG SKR, Shri Javid Iqbal Matoo , and SSP Anantnag, Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy , along with other senior officers, including SP Headquarters Anantnag, Shri Sajad Ahmad, SP Ops Anantnag, Shri Furqan Qadir, ASP Anantnag (Camp Aishmuqam), Shri Gh Hassan, SDPOs, SHOs, and other officers of District Police Anantnag.

A large number of people, community leaders, and stakeholders actively participated, underscoring strong public engagement with law enforcement. The session primarily focused on educating the Public about the key changes in the criminal justice system, their impact on Policing, and legal proceedings, while also addressing various grievances raised by the attendees.

Speaking on the occasion, DIG SKR, Shri Javid Iqbal Matoo, highlighted the importance of community participation in law enforcement and the necessity of legal awareness. SSP Anantnag, Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, reiterated the Police department’s commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that citizens remain informed about their rights and responsibilities under the revised legal framework.

The event also served as a platform for grievance redressal, where officers attentively listened to public concerns and directed SDPOs and SHOs to take prompt action for effective resolution.

Anantnag Police remains committed to conducting similar awareness programs in other remote areas, strengthening Police-Public relations, and ensuring legal literacy while addressing community issues. The department continues its mission to foster a secure and law-abiding society through proactive community engagement and responsive Policing.

Sopore man missing in Delhi since 19 days, family seeks whereabouts

 

Sopore, Mar 06 : Family members of a 35-year-old vendor from Sopore on Thursday held a peaceful protest, seeking his whereabouts, stating that he has gone missing in Delhi under mysterious circumstances.

Speaking with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) family members of Shabir Ahmed Shah said that he went to Delhi on December 31 last year to purchase some items for his business, however, they lost contact with him on February 16. “Since then, there has been no trace of him.” They urged authorities to intensify efforts in tracing him.

Shabir’s wife said that they were in regular touch until February 16 and after that they lost contact with him. She made a heartfelt appeal to the government and police authorities to intervene and ensure his safe return.

The family said that they have already filed a missing report at police station Nabi Karim, Delhi, soon after losing contact with him. Delhi Police confirmed that they have already circulated information about Shabir’s disappearance and are actively working on the case.

Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding Shabir Ahmed Shah’s whereabouts to come forward and inform the police at 8750870428 or 8744971797—(KNO)

Maharajas too are dictators, they are selected not elected: Deputy CM

 

Jammu, Mar 06 : Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Thursday said that the Maharajas too are dictators as they are not elected but selected.

Speaking with reporters, the deputy Chief Minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Are Maharajas not dictators. Are they elected? No they are selected.”

He added that they don’t call Prime Minister Narendra Modi a dictator as he has been elected by the people. “We have been elected by the people,” he said—(KNO)