JAMMU, Apr 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today unveiled the January–March 2026 edition of the ‘Six Seasons’ – Shishur (Severe Cold) magazine of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department at the Civil Secretariat here.
The issue, themed Shishur, captures the winter essence of J&K and highlights a range of tourism initiatives undertaken during the period. The magazine has been compiled by the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir.
The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Directors Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad and Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta besides other senior officers.
The magazine features curated stories on prominent tourist destinations, coverage of international events organised by the department, annual conventions of travel, trade and hospitality bodies, participation in major travel marts, and outreach programmes led by the Chief Minister.
Appreciating the efforts of the Tourism Department, the Chief Minister commended the initiative, noting that such publications play an important role in showcasing the rich tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir and strengthening its global outreach.
CM Unveils ‘Six Seasons‘- Shishur Magazine Of J&K Tourism Department
J&K ACB Files Chargesheet Against Former PWD AEE Sopore In Bribery Case
SRINAGAR, Apr 21: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) J&K has filed a charge-sheet before the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Baramulla against then AEE PWD (R&B) Sopore, in a bribery case involving the demand and acceptance of Rs 25,000 for processing a contractor’s bill.
The accused was allegedly caught red-handed during a trap laid by the ACB in October 2024. The case is now pending before the court, with the next hearing scheduled for June 6.
A spokesperson said the anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu & Kashmir, has presented a charge sheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Baramulla, against Mubarak Ahmad Ganai, then Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), PWD (R&B) Division Sopore, in a case involving demand and acceptance of illegal gratification from a contractor for processing payment of bills.
He said, the case originated from a complaint lodged by a contractor alleging that the accused demanded a bribe @ 2% for processing the bill amounting to Rs 28.27 lakh, pertaining to the construction of a classroom lecture block at Government Degree College Sopore. Discreet verification substantiated the allegations, leading to registration of a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and laying of a trap.
“On 16.10.2024, the accused Mubarak Ahmad Ganai, AEE was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 from the complainant. The tainted amount was recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses. Investigation conducted revealed that the accused, by virtue of his official position, had direct authority over processing of the pending bill and had deliberately withheld the same to extract illegal gratification from contractor/complainant,” said the spokesperson.
He said, upon completion of investigation, the case was placed before the competent authority, which, after due application of mind, accorded sanction for prosecution against accused AEE, after which Final report /challan was presented before competent court by the agency.
“The matter now stands placed before the Hon’ble Court for judicial determination. The next date has been fixed on 6th June, 2026. The Anti-Corruption Bureau remains steadfast in its mandate to enforce accountability and ensure that abuse of public office is met with firm legal action.”
J&K Police Attach Rs 55 Lakh Properties Of Two Drug Peddlers
JAMMU, Apr 21: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday have attached properties worth over Rs 55 lakh belonging to two alleged drug peddlers from Baramulla and Anantnag districts as part of an intensified crackdown on narcotics, officials said.
While the police attached an immovable property worth Rs 45 lakh belonging to a narcotics smuggler in Baramulla, it also attached a movable property worth Rs 10 lakh belonging to a drug peddler in Anantnag for their activities in Udhampur district.
The action was carried out by Udhampur Police under the ongoing “nasha mukt Jammu and Kashmir abhiyaan”, targeting assets allegedly acquired through proceeds of the illicit drug trade.
In the first case, police attached movable and immovable property worth Rs 45 lakh belonging to Mohammad Rustum Shah, a resident of Hamdania Colony in Baramulla district, they said.
During the investigation, it was found that the accused had acquired a residential house, registered in the name of his wife, along with a car, using proceeds from narcotics trafficking, they said. The property has been attached for further legal proceedings.
In a separate case, the police attached a movable property worth Rs 10 lakh belonging to Shahbaz Gulzar Khan, a resident of Anantnag district’s Devipora, they said.
The attached property includes a Baleno Sigma taxi car, which investigators found to have been purchased using money earned through drug peddling, they said.
The attachment was made under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act in connection with FIRs registered at police stations of Rehambal and Chenani, they said.
Officials said that with these latest attachments, Udhampur Police have so far attached properties worth Rs 80 lakh under the anti-drug campaign. (Agencies)
Memorial Honours Pahalgam Attack Victims; Security Tightened Ahead Of First Anniversary
PAHALGAM, Apr 21: A memorial has been erected in the hill resort of Pahalgam as a sombre tribute to the 25 tourists and a local ponywallah who lost their lives in a brutal terror attack last year, even as authorities beefed up security across Kashmir ahead of first anniversary.
The April 22 attack not only sent shockwaves across Jammu and Kashmir but also dealt a severe blow to the region’s tourism industry— a key pillar of the local economy— which is now showing signs of revival following sustained efforts by the National Conference government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Although all three Pakistani terrorists involved in the massacre were eliminated by security forces in a gunfight in the Srinagar hills three months later, the probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) continued even as it filed a chargesheet in mid-December against seven accused, including the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF), and a handler operating from across the border.
In an unprecedented response, people across Kashmir had taken to the streets in protest, marking one of the first such large scale public demonstrations against terror attack in over three decades.
In a significant political gesture, the Jammu and Kashmir government on April 28, 2025 convened a special session of the Legislative Assembly which unanimously passed a resolution to express shock and anguish over the Pahalgam attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress in the Union Territory.
A memorial built of black marble, bearing the names of the 26 victims, was constructed along the banks of the Lidder river, standing a solemn reminder of the terror attack that took place in the meadows of Baisaran valley.
A year on, the site draws a large number of tourists, many of whom refuse to let fear define their travel choices. Some visitors also spoke highly of the security arrangements and the hospitality of the locals.
“What had to happen has already happened. But if we choose not to visit this place now, that would be wrong. In India, almost every household nurtures a dream…I hail from Assam—we too share that dream of visiting Kashmir,” Navojit Sarkar, a tourist, said.
Sarkar along with a sizeable number of tourists from different parts of the country is currently camping in the hill resort of Pahalgam, reflecting a steady return of visitors to the popular destination.
Despite the shadow of last year’s attack, tourists have continued to arrive, with many expressing confidence in the prevailing security arrangements and the region’s hospitality.
“We did not face any issues at all—there was never a moment of trouble or discomfort during our stay. The people of Kashmir have been exceptionally warm and helpful; they interacted with us with kindness and ensured we felt welcome at every step.
“From small gestures of guidance to genuine hospitality, the experience has been reassuring and memorable,” Ankur Maheshwari, a tourist from Punjab, said.
Dropadi Rawat, a middle-aged visitor from Lucknow, said she and her companions had a positive experience, noting that they were not afraid and felt confident travelling as Indians.
She remarked that they were deeply impressed by the overall atmosphere and would gladly visit the place repeatedly.
“We would like to tell other travellers to definitely visit this place and experience it for themselves—it is truly wonderful and reassuring. We felt very comfortable throughout our stay, with strong security arrangements and a very pleasant environment, which made our experience thoroughly enjoyable in every respect,” Rawat said.
The administration has deployed additional police and paramilitary personnel in and around Pahalgam, with intensified checking at multiple points and heightened surveillance to ensure a peaceful commemoration.
Senior officials said all necessary arrangements have been put in place for the event, which is expected to be attended by several politicians, civil society members, families of the victims, and local representatives.
Post terror attack, many tourism stakeholders said the industry has shown signs of revival in recent months, aided by sustained outreach and promotional efforts spearheaded by Chief Minister Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio. (Agencies)
LG Saxena Calls On Union Minister Nitin Gadkari In New Delhi
Leh, Apr 21: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, today called on the Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi to discuss key infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening road connectivity and boosting overall development in the Ladakh region.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor apprised the Union Minister of several critical projects that require intervention and early sanction from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Saxena discussed the progress of the Zoji-La Tunnel with the Hon’ble Minister, wherein Nitin Gadkari informed that the final breakthrough of the tunnel is expected by the end of May. Once completed, the tunnel will connect Ladakh with the rest of the country, marking a significant milestone towards ensuring all-weather connectivity to the region.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the need for avalanche protection works along the Zoji-La Top stretch. Despite the completion of the tunnel, Saxena noted, this route will continue to be used for the movement of traffic, and hence, there was an urgent need for avalanche protection, as seven people lost their lives to an avalanche in the region in a recent incident.
The Lieutenant Governor raised the issue of pending projects under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), informing that road and bridge works amounting to Rs 1465.88 crore are awaiting approval. He emphasised that these projects are critical for improving connectivity, enhancing safety, and driving economic growth, particularly in remote and strategically important areas of Ladakh.
Another key issue discussed was the upgradation of the NH-03 stretch from Leh to Sindhu Ghat. Saxena informed that while 5.20 km out of the total 10.08 km has already been upgraded to a four-lane road, the remaining 4.88 km continues as a double-lane stretch, resulting in traffic congestion. He requested early approval for the upgradation of the remaining stretch to ensure smooth and efficient traffic flow.
The Lieutenant Governor also sought early sanction for the construction of the Leh Bypass. He informed that the DPR for the southern alignment of 48.10 km, estimated at Rs 1011 crore, has already been submitted, while the DPR for the northern alignment is under preparation. He noted that the project is expected to significantly ease congestion within Leh town and improve urban mobility.
Nitin Gadkari, underscoring the strategic importance of Ladakh, instantly directed the concerned officials to prioritise all infrastructure projects in the region without delay and in a time-bound manner. He assured that sanctions for the pending CRIF projects would be accorded by the month of May, and instructed the concerned officials that all necessary approvals be expedited on priority.
Highlighting the broader impact of these initiatives, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the timely execution of these projects would significantly transform connectivity and infrastructure in Ladakh. He emphasised that the development of robust road infrastructure is essential for the region’s growth, given its strategic location and challenging terrain, and added that these projects would not only ensure seamless connectivity but also boost tourism, facilitate economic activities, and generate employment opportunities for the local population.
Attempts Being Made To Divide People On Religious, Linguistic Lines: Bhagwat
AGARTALA, Apr 21: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday alleged that attempts were being made to create divisions among people on religious and linguistic lines, asserting that India’s strength lay in its unity amid diversity.
Addressing a gathering after the consecration ceremony of Maa Chinmayi Soundarya Temple at Fakrimura, around 23 km from Agartala, Bhagwat said certain “evil forces” were worried that their “shops” would shut down if India progressed by drawing on its centuries-old civilisational strength.
“They are trying to engineer a quarrel among people along the lines of religions and languages. I don’t need to give examples,” he said.
Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Manik Saha were among those present at the event.
Emphasising that diversity has long been India’s defining feature, Bhagwat said the country had advanced through centuries despite having multiple languages, faiths, traditions and cultures.
“Nations that do not have a history of more than 4,000 or 5,000 years can have one religion and one language, but India is completely different, possessing a long history, tradition and culture,” he said.
He urged people to remain united and defeat attempts to sow discord. “There should be no reason for fear, whatever situation may arise,” he said. The RSS chief also said that in the present world order, power often overshadows what is right.
“If you have power, your might will be proven, and no one will pay heed if you are on the right path. Therefore, acquire knowledge and power,” he said.
Bhagwat said temples were not merely places of worship but had historically served as centres of social life and enlightenment. (Agencies)
Ladakh’s Public Transport Set To Get Major Boost With Sanctioning Of 33 E-Buses By MoHUA, GoI
Leh, Apr 21: In a significant boost to public transport and sustainable mobility in the Union Territory of Ladakh, 33 electric buses have been sanctioned by the Government of India under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme.
The fleet will comprise 7-metre electric buses, specifically suited to Ladakh’s difficult terrain and road conditions. The initiative is expected to play a key role in transforming public transport in Ladakh by promoting clean energy, reducing pollution, and enhancing the overall travel experience. The delivery of e-buses is expected in a month’s time, officials informed.
The Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, thanked the Centre for fulfilling this long-pending demand and said this will boost sustainable development in the region, which is also a key focus of the UT Administration. “The sanctioning of electric buses marks a major step towards building a sustainable and environmentally friendly public transport system in Ladakh. It reflects our commitment to preserving the fragile ecosystem of this region while improving connectivity and accessibility. These buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but also provide an affordable and efficient transport option, benefiting the residents,” Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, said.
The introduction of electric buses is expected to bring multiple benefits to the region. The initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to make Ladakh a carbon-neutral region by promoting sustainable development. The deployment of e-buses will significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to environmental conservation in the ecologically fragile Trans-Himalayan region.
The compact size of the buses (7 metres) has been designed to suit Ladakh’s geography and challenging terrain, ensuring smooth and efficient movement. Additionally, the new fleet will provide an affordable and reliable mode of transport for local residents, particularly those living in far-flung areas, thereby strengthening the public transport system in the region.
Notably, since assuming office, the Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has been actively promoting eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives to preserve Ladakh’s pristine environment. The UT Administration has prioritised measures to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including promoting electric mobility and solar energy solutions.
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