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Zojila Tunnel completion pushed to 2028, over Rs 3,900 cr spent so far: Govt

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Zojila Tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir, which aims to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, is now expected to be completed by February 2028, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Responding to a question by Ganderbal MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, Gadkari as per KNO, said the initial deadline for the project was September 29, 2026. However, delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack at the nearby Sonamarg Tunnel Project and extreme weather conditions have pushed the completion date further.

The tunnel, which is being executed by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), has achieved 64% physical progress as of now.

The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 6,809 crore, out of which Rs 3,934.42 crore has been spent so far, the minister stated.

A total of 1,141 workers are currently employed in the project. Of these, 77% are from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and 28% of the workforce is specifically from Ganderbal district, where the project is located.

The Zojila Tunnel, once completed, will significantly improve connectivity to Ladakh and is considered a strategic infrastructure initiative by the central government. (KNO)

‘In JK, 17% students engage with family work post matriculation’

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In Jammu and Kashmir at least 17 percent of students engage in family work after completing 10th standard, reveals a report of Ministry of Education (MoE).

Stating the status of ‘students outside the educational system’ the report as per KNO said that, “Students exit the education system after Grade 10 because of different reasons like taking up a job, doing an apprenticeship, repeating the grade, and participating in family work.”

It also said that the schools reported the exit of students through percentages (0-25 percent, 26-50 percent, 51-75 percent, 76-100 percent.

The MoE has taken a 50 benchmark to identify gaps in the system.

“Aspects that schools reported as 51-75 percent or 76-100 percent are considered as areas needing targeted interventions to reduce the percentage of students exiting the education system,” it reads.

The report states that 13 percent students were taking up a job immediately after completing Grade X and 7 percent students were repeating the grade.

It also states that 17 percent of students were getting engaged in family work after completing Grade.

The report further reveals that 51 percent schools were offering career guidance for students in higher grades.

“Some students were reported to leave the formal education system after completing Grade X, either for employment or to support family work,” it reads.

It also states that a small percentage were reported to repeat the grade. Career guidance services were available in a little over half the schools, which can play a significant role in helping students make informed decisions about their future.

“Expanding access to structured career counselling and support can help reduce dropout risks and promote continued education,” reads the report. (KNO)

Hindu-Muslim friends walk 2,000 km from Porbandar to Pahalgam for unity, peace

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Two friends—Syed Sadam Bapu Qadri, a Muslim, and Kumar Makwana, a Hindu from Gujarat—have completed a 2,000-kilometre on-foot journey from Porbandar to Pahalgam to spread the message of peace and unity in support of Operation Sindoor.

Starting their journey on May 29 from Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the two friends reached Pahalgam, where they unfurled the national flag as a symbol of peace, love, and unity across religions.

They decorated their car with details of their initiative and slogans supporting Operation Sindoor.

Speaking to KNO on the highway at Qazigund, the duo said they were spreading the message of unity, love, and affection among the people.

Qadri said this is an Ahimsa Yatra (non-violence march) from Porbandar to Pahalgam, covering more than 2,000 kilometres. The initiative, he said, is aimed at opposing terrorism.

“We hoisted the Tricolour; our sole objective is that all terrorists in the country should be dealt with strictly by the government and eliminated. Terrorism must be uprooted and completely wiped out. Join me in this cause,” he said.

Sadam said that after reaching Pahalgam, they hoisted the national flag. “Our message is simple: the government must eliminate all forms of terrorism in the country,” he said.

He added, “I have a Hindu brother walking with me — I am a Muslim, and he is a Hindu. This is the first such journey in India where a Hindu and a Muslim have come together for a march dedicated to non-violence. From Porbandar to Pahalgam, we covered more than 2,000 kilometres in 65 days. Wherever we went across the country, we spread one message: Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian — we are all brothers.”

Qadri said this Yatra is not ending today. “Today, we have sown a seed — a seed of love. That seed will surely grow one day,” he said.

Makwana said, “Today marks the final day of our Yatra. We hoisted the Tiranga and felt immense happiness. Our hearts are filled with joy. We want to send a message to all Indians — remove hatred for any religion from your hearts and instead cultivate love and brotherhood.”

“Although our planned distance was 1,700 kilometres, we ended up covering over 2,000 kilometres,” Kumar said, adding, “There are always some people who try to incite others, but our mission is to unite people.” (KNO)

‘Zero power deficit during peak summers for 3rd consecutive year’

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a major achievement, the Union Ministry of Power Thursday said that J&K has maintained 100 percent electricity availability during the peak summer months—from April to June for the third consecutive year.

This marks a dramatic improvement from the acute power deficits recorded in previous years, particularly 2020.

According to a written reply to Unstarred Question in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik said that J&K has successfully met its entire electricity peak demand in the months of April to June for the past three years, reversing the worrying trend seen earlier in 2020 and 2021.

As per KNO, during the summer months of April to June 2020, Jammu and Kashmir faced a significant electricity shortage. The peak demand stood at 2,940 MW, but only 2,352 MW could be supplied, resulting in a deficit of 588 MW, which translated to a 20 percent shortfall in meeting the region’s power needs.

In the following year, 2021, the situation improved moderately. The peak electricity demand increased slightly to 3,018 MW, of which 2,668 MW was met. This left a deficit of 350 MW, equivalent to a shortfall of 11.6%.

By 2022, Jammu and Kashmir achieved a remarkable turnaround. For the first time in the five-year period, the entire peak demand of 2,723 MW during the April to June period was fully met, resulting in zero power deficit.

This positive trend continued into 2023, when the region recorded a peak demand of 2,890 MW, all of which was successfully supplied without any shortage.

In 2024, the upward momentum was maintained. Jammu and Kashmir’s peak summer demand rose slightly to 2,924 MW, yet the entire requirement was met, reaffirming the region’s improved electricity management and supply capabilities.

As per the latest figures for 2025 (up to June), the Union Territory has sustained this performance, meeting its entire peak demand of 2,906 MW with no reported deficit, marking three consecutive years of 100% power availability during the summer peak period.

The sharp decline in the demand-supply gap is being seen as a reflection of infrastructure upgrades, better resource planning, and central support through power allocation from Central Generating Stations.

Officials attribute this achievement to continued support from the Union Government, which has implemented key reforms in grid management, enhanced hydroelectric generation schedules, and facilitated participation in the Real-Time Market (RTM) for electricity. These measures have collectively played a crucial role in maintaining uninterrupted power supply during peak summer demand.

In contrast, states such as Kerala and Jharkhand have continued to experience electricity shortfalls during the same period. Jammu and Kashmir’s consistent zero-deficit record stands out as a noteworthy example of effective power sector planning, especially considering its difficult terrain and historically complex grid infrastructure.

The uninterrupted power availability is also seen as a catalyst for growth in key sectors like industry and tourism, both of which rely heavily on stable and reliable electricity to function efficiently. (KNO)

Centre urged J&K and Ladakh to hold Panchayat polls: Parliamentary panel

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A report tabled in Parliament has revealed that the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj has issued an advisory to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories in December 2024 to take steps for holding Panchayat elections.

In its report tabled in both Houses of Parliament on July 28, 2025, the department-related standing committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj revealed that the ministry had informed the committee it had issued an advisory to different States and Union Territories including J&K and Ladakh to take steps to hold Panchayat elections.

“The Ministry has issued advisories to the States/UTs, where election is due, to take all possible steps to hold the delayed Panchayat elections in conformity with the Constitutional provisions. Recently, Ministry has issued advisories to the States of Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Telangana,Uttarakhand and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry on 18.12.2024 and to the States of Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu on 03.06.2025,” the ministry submitted to the committee, as per KNO.

In its recommendations, the parliamentary panel had recommended to the ministry to take up the issue of holding Panchayat polls with the State governments.

“……The Committee strongly recommend that Ministry of MoPR should take up this matter at the highest level to ensure that purpose of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Bill may not be defeated by non-holding of Panchayat election by the State Government,” reads the committee’s recommendation.

As per the committee’s report, the Panchayat polls could not be held in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in 2023 due to various reasons. (KNO)

Post ‘Operation Sindoor’, APDs informed world about Pak’s chequered history, it being epicentre of terror: MEA 

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that seven all party delegations that travelled to 33 countries after ‘Operation Sindoor’ informed the world about Pakistan’s chequered history and it being the epicentre of terror.

In a written response to the query in Rajya Sabha about the recent All Party Parliamentary delegations, which were sent to rally global support against terrorism, post the Pahalgam terror attack, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, according to KNO said.

“The delegations were able not only to raise awareness on Pakistan’s complicity in terrorism on a global scale but also to address Pakistani propaganda on Jammu and Kashmir and Operation Sindoor. All their interlocutors unequivocally condemned the use of terrorism against India, with several of them recognising India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.”

“They briefed their interlocutors on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor and also the long history of Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks in India,” the MoS said.

He said, “Seven all-party delegations travelled to a total of 33 countries to convey India’s strong national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Each delegation comprised Members of Parliament and eminent personalities from different political parties across India, as well as veteran diplomats.”

The delegations were warmly received and held substantive discussions with important and influential interlocutors in the executive and legislative branches, media, think-tanks and Indian community, he said. (KNO)

Amarnath pilgrims crossing 4 lakh mark miracle: LG Sinha

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Terming the number of Amarnath pilgrims crossing the 4 lakh mark as a “miracle,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the record participation of devotees from across the country and the world in the annual Amarnath Yatra stands as a testament to India’s unity and its unwavering resolve to overcome challenges.

LG Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board (SASB), while sharing the information about number of pilgrims crossing 4 lakh mark, according to KNO wrote on his X handle: “Baba Amarnath makes the impossible, possible. With his blessings, the Holy Yatra today crossed the figure of 4 Lakh. I bow to Lord Shiva for this miracle and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making the holy pilgrimage a divine experience for devotees.”

“This godly expedition was incomparable not because it’s arduous and challenging but because it’s an inimitable journey into pure bliss. It’s a spiritual experience & gives an opportunity to devotees to know themselves & offers deep trust & fills their hearts with infinite gratitude,” wrote LG Sinha.

“I am truly thankful to the devotees, who have shown immense faith and strengthened our priceless spiritual heritage,” he said.

The cave shrine situated at 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

This year’s Yatra started on July 3 and will end on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festival. (KNO)

Faith Prevails: Massive Pilgrim turnout at Amarnath despite Pahalgam attack

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: With just nine days left for the conclusion of the 38-day-long Amarnath Yatra, the number of pilgrims who have paid obeisance at holy cave shrine, nestled in Himalayas, crossed the four lakh mark on Thursday— despite the shadow cast by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Officials told KNO that a total of 8,276 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine on Thursday, including 6,296 males, 1,082 females, 58 children, 55 sadhus, 3 sadhvis, 2 transgender individuals, and 780 security personnel.

They said the cumulative number of pilgrims who have completed the Yatra since its commencement on July 3 has reached 401,677.

Despite witnessing several cancellations and withdrawals following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, the Yatra has continued. In June, authorities said that this year’s pilgrimage numbers were “directly affected” by the attack.

Prior to the incident, more than 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered, as per Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. “Before April 22, the registration figures were quite good. However, following the Pahalgam terror attack, there was a noticeable drop in registrations. The trend is now reversing, and we are actively reaching out to those who had registered earlier. The overall number is expected to go up,” Sinha had said.

Last year, more than 5.1 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine. With heightened security concerns this year, a multi-tier security arrangement was put in place, and the presence of security personnel was increased for the Yatra. Besides that, the government declared all routes to the Amarnath cave shrine a “no-flying zone,” banning all kinds of aviation platforms, including drones and balloons, for the duration of the Yatra.

The Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. (KNO)

Six years after Article 370 abrogation, Terrorism still continues: CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that six years after the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism continues in the region, showing a clear disconnect between the promises made in 2019 and the current ground reality.

According to KNS, Omar was speaking on the sidelines of a two-day tourism event in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where he and his colleagues had come to promote Jammu and Kashmir tourism, particularly among visitors from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

“It’s been six years since Article 370 was removed, but terrorism hasn’t ended. Terrorists are still being killed. This clearly shows a gap between what was promised then and what is happening now,” Omar said.

Commenting on the ongoing Operation Sindoor and recent attacks in Pahalgam, Omar pointed to remarks by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, who acknowledged a failure in both intelligence and security.

“If both intelligence and security failed, then someone must be held accountable. Yes, the three Pakistani militants involved in the Pahalgam incident were killed, but no action has been taken over the lapses. People want answers,” he added.

He welcomed the ongoing debate around Operation Sindoor, calling it necessary, but stressed that such discussions must go beyond the operation itself and include a transparent review of failures and responsibilities. (KNS)

Drug helpline launched in Pulwama to combat addiction

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: In a significant move to tackle the growing issue of drug abuse,Save Youth, Save Future Foundation (SYSF), in collaboration with District Police Pulwama, launched a dedicated Drug Helpline to provide support and assistance to individuals battling addiction.

The helpline, which operates 24/7, offers confidential counseling and guidance for those struggling with substance abuse or for families seeking help for their loved ones.

The initiative, led by Wajahat Farooq, Chairman, SYSF,  Mudasir  Dar, Zonal President South, SYSF,  and SSP Pulwama Nitya (IPS), aims to safeguard the youth and promote a drug-free society.

The campaign encourages community participation in fighting addiction and building a healthier future.

Helpline Details:
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 6005304680

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