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Ravinder Raina urges Govt to waive off KCC loans of farmers

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Jammu and Kashmir, Ravinder Raina on Saturday urged the Union Territory administration to waive off Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans of apple growers, who suffered massive losses this season due to the continuous highway closures, high freight charges and plummeting demand in outside markets.

Raina, who visited multiple fruit mandis in Pulwama and Shopian, interacted with growers, who expressed deep concern over the prevailing situation.

Farmers told him that this year has turned into a “nightmare” for the horticulture sector, as hundreds of trucks laden with apple boxes remain stranded due to frequent landslides on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway and shortage of transport facilities.

“Thousands of apple boxes are lying in mandis, waiting to be transported to markets outside Kashmir. The prolonged closure of the highway has crippled the supply chain, and high freight charges on national highway and alternate routes have made the situation unbearable for growers,” the farmers told Raina.

Speaking to reporters, the BJP leader as per KNO said that the horticulture sector, which is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, is passing through one of the most difficult phases in recent times.

“The growers have suffered heavy losses this year. The government must immediately take measures to provide relief. Waiving off KCC loans of farmers is the need of the hour so that they are not pushed further into financial distress,” Raina said.

He added that the administration must also ensure adequate availability of trucks at mandis, reduce freight rates, and take measures for smooth transportation of fruit produce to different states. “This is not just an economic issue but also a livelihood crisis for lakhs of families who depend on horticulture. Government intervention is necessary and urgent,” he said.

Kashmir’s horticulture sector contributes around 8% to the UT’s GDP, with apples forming the largest share. However, this year’s challenges — from natural calamities to logistic hurdles — have left the industry on the brink, forcing stakeholders to appeal for immediate relief measures. (KNO)

Railways move 6,400 tons of apples from Kashmir to Delhi; parcel rakes from Baramulla next

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a major push for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, Northern Railway’s Jammu Division has transported over 6,400 tons of apples from the valley to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, by parcel trains, officials said on Saturday.

The initiative, as per KNO, has been launched amid road connectivity disruptions and is being described as a historic achievement by railway officials.

The division said the service began on September 11, 2025, with two parcel van coaches—one for Jammu and another for Adarsh Nagar, Delhi—each carrying around 23 tons. The first coach reached Adarsh Nagar from Budgam Railway Station in less than 21 hours, and the other arrived in Jammu in under six hours.

On September 15, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off an eight-parcel van train, each van with a 23-ton capacity, from Srinagar to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi. These eight vans also completed the run significantly faster than road transport.

Continuing this trend, over 6,400 tons of apples have now been moved from Kashmir to Adarsh Nagar, Delhi, using both BCN covered wagons and parcel coaches supplied from the Anantnag Goods Shed Terminal in the valley.

The recently launched JPP-RCS parcel train service has also carried more than 500 tons of mustard oil and other food items from Bari Brahmana to Budgam to ensure essential supplies are not hit by road closures.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said the intervention has been a “big help” to traders and growers. “The Railways’ intervention has been helpful to traders and growers in transporting their apples,” he said, adding, “We will soon commence the operation of parcel train services with parcel rakes from the Baramulla Railway Station terminal.” (KNO)

JK Govt warns hospitals against unnecessary referrals to SKIMS

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday issued strict directions to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and District Hospitals of the Kashmir Valley not to unnecessarily refer patients to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).

Officials said frequent avoidable referrals are putting an extra burden on the Valley’s premier health institution and leaving deserving patients in distress.

As per reports received by KNO, SKIMS often receives referrals of patients whose treatment could easily be handled at district or sub-district hospitals.

Data shows that out of 1,000 patients referred to SKIMS, only about 80 are admitted, while the rest are discharged after preliminary checks.

Experts say that despite the availability of doctors and adequate facilities at government hospitals, people tend to bypass local hospitals even for minor health issues and rush to tertiary centers like SKIMS. This leads to overcrowding and unnecessary strain. They argue that if the referral system is properly followed, doctors at SKIMS would be able to focus more on serious patients.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Sakina Itoo has directed district and sub-district hospitals not to send patients unnecessarily to SKIMS, stressing that adequate facilities are already in place at the district level for the local population.

Sources told KNO that the Health Minister has sought detailed data from SKIMS about referrals from each district to determine why hospitals, despite having facilities, are still shifting patients for minor treatments.

“We have received reports that patients are being shifted to SKIMS without valid reasons, and this trend cannot be accepted. It needs to be probed. We may have to take action against doctors who, without justification, refer patients and put additional pressure on SKIMS. We are seeking details of each referral and the discharge status of those patients,” a senior Health Department official said. (KNO)

India’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’ sinking: Houseboats empty since April attack

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: On Srinagar’s Nigeen and Jhelum lakes, silence has replaced the laughter of tourists. The beautiful houseboats, once the pride of Kashmir’s hospitality, now float deserted, their owners struggling to survive after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed many tourists.

Mohammad Yaqoob Dungoo, a renowned houseboat owner, says this is the hardest period he has ever witnessed in his lifetime.

“From April 22 till now, I have had only one booking worth Rs 1,500. After that, nothing. Even in the 1990s, when the situation was worst in Kashmir, we still had some work. But this time, we are finished,” Dungoo told KNO, a cold sigh slipping from his lips.

Dungoo said his family is suffering deeply. “I have three children, and my brother has two. We are unable to pay school fees. My children stayed home for over a month because we did not have admission money,” he said.

“The school finally agreed because the principal knew me — I too had studied there. But not everyone is that fortunate,” he added.

Dungoo said houseboats require expensive annual repairs. “Each houseboat needs at least Rs 1.2 lakh every year just for maintenance and caulking. But right now, we can’t even manage basic household expenses, let alone repairs,” he said.

The Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association told KNO that the crisis is rippling across the sector. “Out of over 3,000-plus rooms across 750 houseboats, only 30 to 40 are occupied. The rest are empty,” said its chairman, Manzoor Ahmad Pakthoon, adding that staff have been laid off and families have no income.

Dungoo said the situation has pushed many families to the brink. “We are not asking for luxuries. We just want enough to pay fees, buy books for our children and feed our families. Right now, we cannot do even that,” he said.

Shikara operators and shopkeepers around Dal Lake said they too are badly affected. “No tourists means no rides, no buyers. Everyone linked to tourism, from vendors to artisans, is suffering,” said a local shopkeeper.

It is worth mentioning that the government’s decision to close 46 tourist destinations for security reasons has further added to the slump. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah earlier termed the ban “counterproductive,” saying it undermines the Valley’s tourism promotion campaigns.

Notably, the history of Kashmir’s tourism sector has been chilling. In 1995, foreign tourists were kidnapped in Pahalgam, and one of them was killed. In 2000, the Amarnath Yatra massacre claimed multiple lives in Pahalgam. In 2017, eight Amarnath pilgrims were killed in an Anantnag attack, and in 2025, over 25 tourists and a local guide were killed in Pahalgam — the deadliest attack in recent memory. (KNO)

No guilty should escape, no innocent be harmed: DGP

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat on Saturday called for enhanced night patrolling, naka checking and close coordination with sister agencies to foil the nefarious designs of anti-national elements.

The police chief, while chairing a high-level security review meeting in Sopore, as per KNO, also underlined the principle of balanced policing, stressing that “No guilty should escape and no innocent should be harmed.”

Highlighting the importance of operational vigilance, the DGP called for enhanced area domination, intensive naka checking, and round-the-clock night patrolling to counter terrorist activities.

He urged officers to maintain continuous pressure on militants and their support networks through both kinetic and non-kinetic measures while ensuring that the rights and safety of law-abiding citizens are protected.

Addressing the officers, DGP directed SDPOs and SHOs to strengthen public engagement, ensure free movement for citizens and provide prompt redressal of genuine grievances. He emphasized that police stations, as the basic units of policing, must remain strong, responsive and people-oriented.

During his visit, the police chief inaugurated the newly established SOG complex in Sopore and chaired a high-level security review meeting with senior officers, including IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi and DIG North Kashmir Maqsood-ul-Zaman. SSP Sopore Iftkhar Talib briefed him on the prevailing security scenario and operational challenges in the district.

During his interaction with officials of the SOG Sopore, the DGP appreciated their dedication and urged all ranks to work with professionalism, synergy and commitment to protect lives, property and the hard-earned peace of the Union Territory. (KNO)

Soldier dies in Udhampur encounter, hunt on for trapped terrorists

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: An Army soldier lost his life in action during an intense gunfight with terrorists in the rugged Seoj Dhar forest area along the Doda-Udhampur border, officials told KNO on Saturday.

They said the gunfight broke out on late Friday evening prompting a massive joint operation by security forces.

Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand was critically injured when a joint search party from the Army, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police came under sudden fire from hiding terrorists during a cordon-and-search mission.

“Acting on specific intelligence about terrorist presence in the high-altitude region, the teams had launched the operation in the Dudu police station limits near the Seoj Dhar heights. Chand was evacuated to a nearby medical facility but succumbed to his injuries overnight,” said an official.

“The encounter site, spanning the border between Udhampur’s Dudu-Basantgarh area and Doda’s Bhaderwah, was placed under a tight cordon through the night. Operations resumed at dawn with reinforcements, including drones and sniffer dogs, deployed from both districts,” they said, adding,

“No fresh contact was established with the holed up terrorists as of Saturday afternoon.”

In a solemn tribute, the White Knight Corps (Indian Army’s Northern Command) stated on X: “GOC WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks pay solemn tribute to Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, who made the supreme sacrifice during an ongoing operation at Kanji, Udhampur on the night of 19-20 Sep 2025. His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.”

Senior Army and police officers have rushed to the site to oversee the hunt. The operation remains underway, with forces vowing to neutralize the threat.

Pertinently, on June 26 this year a top JeM commander Haider was shot dead by the security forces in the same forest belt.

LG Sinha pays tributes

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid rich tributes to the brave army personnel, Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, who made supreme sacrifice in the ongoing operations against terrorists at Kanji, Udhampur.

In a statement, LG Sinha said, “Salute to the indomitable courage of braveheart Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation during the anti-terror operation in Udhampur. The grateful nation will forever be indebted to his valour and unwavering commitment to duty. We stand united in solidarity with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief,” he added. (KNO)

Hope PM Modi during his upcoming J&K visit announces substantial relief package for flood hit people: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Exuding hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his upcoming visit to Jammu and Kashmir will announce a substantial relief package for the flood hit people, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Union Territory has suffered immense losses in recent calamities.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, the Chief Minister, according to KNO said, “The situation has severely impacted infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods across J&K. The loss has been immense, loss of lives, especially during the two yatras in Kishtwar and Katra. There has been loss of property also.”

Chief Minister Omar said, “Around 330 bridges have been washed away. More than 1500 km of roads have been destroyed. Many government buildings have suffered losses, and crops have been destroyed. Our dry fruits have been destroyed.”

“Seeing this, we hope that our loss is analysed and an adequate package is announced so that we can compensate for the losses suffered. I will put all these points before the Prime Minister and hope that he will give a good package for the people of J&K,” Omar added.

He said the government would place all these details before the Prime Minister and seek a comprehensive support package.

Meanwhile, BJP’s General Secretary Organization, Ashok Koul said, “We are also hoping that Prime Minister Modi would visit Jammu and Kashmir and will announce a relief package for the flood sufferers.”

He said, “PM Modi has been visiting different states in the country and he may also come to J&K soon.” (KNO)

PM Modi extended great support to J&K’s health sector: LG Sinha 

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar:  Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule the healthcare system in J&K has improved remarkably.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital here, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “The Prime Minister has extended great support to strengthen the health sector. Today, J&K has 11 medical colleges, with two AIIMS—one already functional in Jammu and the other set to be operational in Kashmir next year. The aim has always been to ensure that Kashmiris receive advanced medical care within the UT itself,” he said, adding, “Every citizen of J&K is covered under the health insurance scheme and has a cover of Rs 5 lakhs.”

The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized the growing role of the private sector in strengthening healthcare infrastructure. “Super-specialty facilities are being developed, and the administration has taken several steps to make the health system more systematic and accessible,” he said.

LG Sinha appreciated the initiatives of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, noting that the hospital’s outreach programs, including mobile medical camps and services near border areas, would greatly benefit people in remote regions.

LG Sinha said the reputation of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital is not only well recognized in India but also abroad, and that the group has been providing quality healthcare services for over 25 years.

Highlighting the advancements in the field, the Lt Governor said that eye care has developed significantly with new technologies such as AI-based diagnostics, which now enable more personalized treatment.

He added that this new facility would ensure that people in J&K have access to the same quality of eye care as available in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon Dr. Agarwals Eye Centre and other hospitals to organise free eye check-up camps in different parts of J&K, especially in rural and border areas, with the spirit of selfless service.

He said, for greater reach, people should be served from time to time through telemedicine, virtual consultations and digital examinations.

Dr. Ashar Agarwal, Chief Business Officer, Dr Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals; Dr Atif Ali Mir, Head Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Srinagar, Doctors, staff members of the hospital were present.

Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Science & Technology department; Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Health and Medical Education; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Pandey, DIG Central Kashmir Range, Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, besides Imran Reza Ansari, President All J&K Shia Association and senior officials also attended the inaugural ceremony. (KNO)

BDO Khansahib Spearheads Plantation Drive at Amrit sarovar Sochalpathri Under Sewa Parv 2025

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a vibrant display of community spirit and environmental commitment, Block Development Officer (BDO) Khansahib led a spirited plantation drive today at the serene Amrit Sarovar Sochalpathri.

The event, organized as part of the nationwide Sewa Parv 2025 campaign, saw enthusiastic participation from field staff, local officials, and prominent citizens from neighboring panchayats, underscoring the growing momentum of grassroots efforts to foster sustainability.

The Sewa Parv 2025 initiative, running from September 17 to October 2, emphasizes selfless service through activities like afforestation, cleanliness drives, and social welfare programs, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” – planting a tree in honor of one’s mother.

Today’s drive at Amrit Sarovar, a vital water body nestled amid lush Pir Panchal foothills, focused on planting native species to enhance biodiversity, combat soil erosion, and preserve the ecological balance of the region.

Over 200 saplings, including resilient varieties like deodar, were planted along the sarovar’s banks, transforming the site into a greener haven. Participants, including representatives from adjacent panchayats such as Raiyar Ich and Mujpathri, rolled up their sleeves under the morning sun, digging pits, watering young plants, and sharing stories of local conservation.

Field staff from the Block Development Office coordinated the logistics, ensuring tools, saplings, and safety measures were in place. “It’s heartening to see our community come together for Mother Earth,” said one local panchayat member, echoing the sentiment of unity that defined the morning.

At the helm was BDO Khansahib, whose proactive leadership has previously driven sanitation initiatives in the block, such as the demolition of outdated dry latrines earlier this year.

The gathering after the planting session, BDO Khansahib delivered a poignant message on the imperative of collective action: “In the spirit of Sewa Parv, let us remember that every tree we plant today is a promise to our future generations – a cooler planet, cleaner air, and a thriving ecosystem. As we honor our mothers by nurturing the earth, I urge every citizen to join this green revolution. One sapling at a time, we can turn Khansahib into a model of sustainable living.

Let this not be a one-day affair, but the start of lifelong stewardship.” The event concluded with a brief awareness session on water conservation, highlighting the sarovar’s role in local agriculture and biodiversity. Officials distributed eco-friendly kits to participants, reinforcing the campaign’s blend of action and education.

This plantation drive marks Day 4 of Sewa Parv activities in the block, following similar efforts in cleanliness and youth engagement, and sets the stage for upcoming events like community health camps.

Javid Dar visits Kissan Ghar Kolkata, reviews progress of ongoing renovation, upgradation works

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today visited Kissan Ghar Kolkata and reviewed the progress of ongoing renovation and upgradation works of the facility.

During the visit, the Minister inspected various sections of the facility, which serves as a crucial support hub for farmers from Jammu and Kashmir. He directed the concerned officers to expedite the renovation works to ensure timely completion and readiness of the facility for growers visiting from the Union Territory.

The Minister also instructed that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) be prepared and submitted for all pending works so that Kissan Ghar can be developed into a state-of-the-art commercial facility with modern amenities.

He emphasized that the facility must be equipped to offer comprehensive services and support to farmers, enabling them to access better markets and infrastructure while in Kolkata.

Later, the Minister also visited Cold storage facility at Chingrihata, on which civil work has been completed.

The Minister instructed to take up the mechanical part on fast track basis so that facility can be utilised as soon as possible for marketing of horticulture produce from Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister was accompanied by Director Horticulture Marketing and Planning, Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, along with other senior officers of the J&K Government.

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