Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana today reiterated her commitment towards ensuring equitable and inclusive development across every area of Nagrota Assembly constituency.
Addressing public meetings at Panjgrain and Janakha panchayats in her constituency, she said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ideology of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” is the guiding principle behind her public service and developmental vision for Nagrota constituency. She asserted that carrying forward the vision and legacy of her father, Devender Singh Rana remains her foremost responsibility and mission.
Addressing the gatherings, she said that the people of Nagrota have bestowed upon her a decisive mandate with immense trust and expectations, and she is fully dedicated to fulfill the aspirations of every section of society through transparent governance and accelerated developmental initiatives.
Highlighting the pace of development in the constituency, Ms. Rana informed that within merely around six months of assuming office, developmental works around Rs 100 crore have already been allocated under various sectors for Nagrota constituency. These allocations, she said, are being utilized for strengthening road connectivity, upgrading basic infrastructure, improving drinking water facilities, enhancing educational and healthcare institutions, rural development works, irrigation facilities, school infrastructure, and welfare initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of the people. She termed this a significant achievement towards fast-tracking infrastructure and welfare works across the constituency.
“This is just the beginning of the development process. With the continued blessings, trust, and support of the people, I will keep working tirelessly towards transforming Nagrota into a Model Constituency in the years to come,” she added.
She stated that the BJP has always worked with the commitment of ensuring balanced and equitable development without discrimination and the same vision is being implemented vigorously in Nagrota constituency. She emphasized that every village, every habitation, and every section of society must equally benefit from the developmental process.
Highlighting the major achievements in road connectivity, Ms. Rana stated, over 22 kilometres of new roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana amounting to Rs. 46 crore 73 lakh have been sanctioned for Nagrota constituency. She said these projects will significantly improve connectivity in rural and far-flung areas and provide much-needed relief and better transportation facilities to the people.
Ms. Rana further stated that as an MLA she is undertaking ward meetings in approximately 368 wards of Nagrota constituency during each of which people projected various developmental issues and public concerns pertaining to their respective areas.

Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, May 12: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Narayana Superspeciality Hospital has successfully performed the region’s first-ever C1-C2 cervical spine fixation surgery, saving the life of a 70-year-old pilgrim from a remote village near Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
The elderly woman sustained multiple life-threatening injuries after a severe fall while undertaking her pilgrimage to the holy Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. She was rushed to SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in a highly critical condition with major trauma involving the head, cervical spine, chest and limbs. The patient was immediately shifted to the Neuro-ICU, where doctors worked round-the-clock to stabilize her condition.
Dr Summit Dev, Consultant Neuro-Critical Care, said, “The patient arrived in an extremely critical state with multi-organ trauma. Our immediate priority was aggressive stabilization and continuous monitoring in the Neuro-ICU.”
After stabilization, the neurosurgery team first operated on her head injuries. However, further investigations revealed a far more complex and dangerous challenge – a fracture involving the C1 and C2 vertebrae, located at the highest level of the cervical spine near the skull base.
Dr Khushwant Singh, Consultant Neurosurgery, explained the complexity of the surgery. “C1-C2 fixation is among the most technically demanding spinal procedures because of its close proximity to the brainstem and major blood vessels supplying the brain.”
Despite the patient’s advanced age and the complexity of the injury, the surgery was completed successfully with excellent post-operative recovery. The patient developed no neurological deficits and was discharged within six days of the spinal fixation surgery.
In a compassionate gesture towards pilgrim welfare, the Shrine Board also bore the complete cost of treatment – including emergency care, ICU management, complex neurosurgery, medicines and hospitalization – ensuring that the patient received world-class treatment without any financial burden.
Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), said, “This successful surgery is not just a medical milestone but also reflects the commitment of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board towards healthcare and pilgrim welfare.”

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of promoting divisive politics and hate-driven narratives, warning that such tendencies could damage the social harmony and secular fabric of sensitive region like Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public meeting at Bhagwati Nagar, organized by Sat Pal Karloopia and Farman Ali, Sadhotra expressed concern over what he termed provocative and inflammatory speeches by BJP legislators and leaders. He said public representatives must exercise restraint and uphold the values of harmony, coexistence and mutual respect.
Sadhotra said J&K has a long tradition of communal amity and brotherhood, which should not be undermined by polarising politics. He maintained that hatred and division only deepen mistrust among communities and weaken longstanding social bonds that have survived difficult times.
The NC leader said political discourse should focus on inclusivity, development and welfare of the people rather than creating fear and suspicion on religious lines. He added that leaders are expected to unite society and inspire confidence instead of widening communal divides.
Sadhotra also voiced concern over what he described as selective action against a particular community under the cover of anti-drug campaigns. While reiterating that the NC has zero tolerance towards the drug menace and supports strict action against peddlers and trafficking networks, he said any anti-narcotics drive must be impartial and transparent.
Calling drug abuse a grave threat to the future of youth, he said the issue must be tackled firmly but without discrimination. Communalising the fight against drugs, he added, would defeat the larger objective of building a safer and healthier society.
Prominent among others who addressed and participated in the meeting include Mohd Ayoub Malik (provincial secretary), Sat Pal Karloopia, Ghar Singh (both ex-corporators), Veer Ji Bhat, Ashwani Charak, Anil Kumar, Shabir Samyal, Inderpal Singh, Tilak Raj Bhagat, Mohinder Kumar Bhagat, Inderpal (ex-sarpanch).

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 12: Non-Gazetted employees of Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest demanding the immediate finalization and notification of long-pending Recruitment and Service Rules for subordinate staff working in the newly established Government Medical Colleges (GMC) across Jammu and Kashmir.
The protesting employees expressed serious concern over the continued delay in framing service rules for Non-Gazetted and Class-IV employees, stating that despite the establishment of new Government Medical Colleges nearly six years ago, the rules governing their recruitment, promotions, seniority, and service conditions are yet to be officially notified.
Employees said that although the Health and Medical Education Department had issued draft Recruitment and Service Rules in August 2025, the final notification has remained pending, creating uncertainty among thousands of employees working in these institutions. They added that around 300 Non-Gazetted employees are serving in each of the five newly established Government Medical Colleges, affecting nearly 1,500 employees across the Union Territory.
The employees highlighted that the absence of finalized rules has resulted in delays in promotions, seniority fixation, rectification of pay anomalies, and career progression. They said the prolonged uncertainty has negatively impacted employee morale and service security, despite staff continuing to perform essential healthcare and administrative duties with dedication. They further stated that several important administrative matters remain unresolved due to the non-finalization of service rules, including parity with employees of Government Medical College Jammu and Government Medical College Srinagar. The delay, they said, has also affected fresh recruitment through Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board, impacting employment opportunities for educated youth and the efficient functioning of healthcare institutions.
Appealing to Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha, the employees urged immediate intervention to ensure that the Recruitment and Service Rules are finalized and notified without further delay. They expressed hope that the administration would address their genuine concerns in a fair and time-bound manner.
The employees said protest aimed solely at seeking justice and safeguarding the legitimate service rights of the Non-Gazetted staff working in the newly established Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir.