Zojila Pass

Zojila Pass Reopens On Trial Basis

After a month’s closure, the Zojila Pass, which connects Jammu and Kashmir to Ladakh, was reopened for vehicular movement on a trial basis on Wednesday.

One of the highest and most dangerous motorable passes in the world, the Zojila opened on a trial basis after a snow clearance operation was conducted on the stretch, enabling the movement of traffic.

However, 4×4 vehicles were permitted while 37 light motor vehicles were allowed to ply through the stretch, the Border Road Organisation (BRO) stated in an official release.

On Tuesday, SDM Drass, Vishal Atri, along with SHO Drass, SW Namgyal, under the directive of higher authorities, conducted a ground survey of the Zojila axis to assess the road conditions.

It is anticipated that the reopening of the Zojila Pass will facilitate the arrival of essential commodities in the region.

The move is seen as one facilitating locals in the ongoing holy month of Ramazan.

Notably, the Zojila Pass had been closed since February 18, due to heavy snowfall.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

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counter-terror operations Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

Centre Extends Ban On Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Yasin Malik faction) For 5 More Years

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an ‘unlawful association’ for a further period of five years.

In a notification, the MHA said its fresh move followed inputs received against the outfit, referred to as the JKLF-Y, for its involvement in “activities, which are prejudicial to security and public order and have the potential of disrupting the unity and integrity of the country”

Exercising the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities

(Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the MHA declared the JKLF-Y as an unlawful association on March 22, 2019.

As per the fresh report received by the MHA, the JKLF-Y is still involved in anti-national and subversive activities intended to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India; it is in close touch with militant outfits and is supporting extremism and militancy in Jammu

and Kashmir and elsewhere.

“The JKLF-Y is supporting and inciting claims for secession of a part of the Indian territory from the union and supporting terrorist and separatist groups fighting for this purpose by indulging in activities and articulations intended to disrupt the territorial integrity of India,” reads the notification issued on Friday night.

Explaining its action, the MHA said, the Central government is of the opinion that if the unlawful activities of the JKLF-Y are not curbed and controlled immediately, it will take the opportunity to escalate its subversive activities including an attempt to carve out a separate State out of the territory of Union of India by destabilising the Government established by law.

The Ministry further said that the outfit will also continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India while disputing the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union; propagating anti-national and separatist sentiments prejudicial to the territorial integrity and security of the country; and escalate secessionist movements, support militancy and incite violence in the country.

The notification further says the Central government for the above-mentioned reasons firmly decided to declare the JKLF-Y as an ‘unlawful association’ with immediate effect.

“Now, therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby declares the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an unlawful association.

“The Central Government, having regard to the above circumstances, is of the firm opinion that it is necessary to declare the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an ‘unlawful association’ with immediate effect, and accordingly, in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, the Central Government hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made

under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official,” reads the notification.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appreciated the action taken by his ministry through his ‘X’ handle and said: “The Modi government has declared the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction)’ as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for a further period of five years.

“The banned outfit continues to engage in activities that foment terror and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. Anyone found challenging the security, sovereignty and integrity of the nation will face harsh legal consequences.” (ANI)

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leader Sayed Mohammad Rafiq Shah BJP.

Former National Conference Leader Rafiq Shah Joins BJP

National Conference leader and former Member of Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir, Sayed Mohammad Rafiq Shah, on Friday joined the BJP.

Shah was welcomed into the party by state BJP President Ravinder Raina.

Earlier this month, former Minister Mushtaq Bukhari joined the BJP at its headquarters in Jammu.

Incidentally, several prominent leaders of the National Conference, including Kathua district president Sanjeev Khajuria, had joined the BJP. Many supporters and district officeholders also made the switch from the National Conference to the BJP last month.

Earlier, Farooq Abdullah announced that his party will contest the upcoming parliamentary elections alone, a decision that is seen as another setback for the opposition INDIA bloc.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on seat sharing, the National Conference chief said, “As far as seat sharing is concerned, National Conference will contest alone and there’s no doubt about it.” (ANI)

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Sachin Tendulkar Para cricket team

Sachin Meets J-K Para Cricketer Hussain Lone

The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar fulfilled his promise and met the Jammu and Kashmir’s Para cricket team captain Amir Hussain Lone During his recent visit to Kashmir.

Cricket is more than just a gentleman’s game; it’s for everyone. One of the most wonderful examples of this was seen when Jammu and Kashmir Para cricket team captain Hussain Lone met his hero the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the most complete batters in his heyday, has been travelling in Kashmir. The renowned Indian batter finally met Amir Lone, who had previously captured Tendulkar’s attention with a video of himeslf training in Kashmir.

The two spoke about cricket, as the Kashmir batter couldn’t conceal his enthusiasm and joy at having met his role model. Tendulkar also praised Amir, calling him a great inspiration for this generation’s children, citing his pure will, determination, and passion for the game that propelled him to where he is now.

Tendulkar gifted a bat to Amir which has a personalised inspiring message that read “To Amir, the real hero. Keep inspiring,” with his signature.

“To Amir, the real hero. Keep inspiring! It was a pleasure meeting you,” Tendulkar posted on X Saturday.

The 34-year-old is currently the captain of Jammu & Kashmir’s Para cricket team. The cricketer met with an accident when he was 8 years old. He has a unique playing style, and he is an inspiration for everyone. Amir has been playing cricket professionally since 2013 after a teacher discovered his cricketing talent and introduced him to Para Cricket. Amir lost both his arms in an accident at his father’s mill when he was eight years old.

Last month, the former India batter was amazed after watching the video, nad hoped he would meet Hussain Lone in the future and congratulated him for inspiring millions.

“Amir has made the impossible possible. I am so touched watching this! Shows how much love and dedication he has for the game. Hope I get to meet him one day and get a jersey with his name. Well done for inspiring millions who are passionate about playing the sport,” Tendulkar had posted on X. (ANI)

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'Article 370 Modi Jammu

Modi Acknowledges Yami’s Article 370

Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Yami Gautam-starrer upcoming film ‘Article 370’ while he was addressing a gathering in Jammu on Tuesday.

He said, “I have heard that a film on Article 370 is going to be released this week… It is a good thing as it will help people in getting correct information.”

Responding to PM Modi’s speech, Yami took to Instagram and wrote, “It is an absolute honour to watch PM @narendramodi Ji talk about #Article370Movie. My team and I really hope that we all exceed your expectations in bringing this incredible story to the screen! “

Yami headlines the upcoming political drama, which marks her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s production debut via B62 Studios. Dhar is the director of 2019 film Uri: The Surgical Strike.

Yami plays Zooni Haksar, an intelligence officer, in the film, which is set in the valley and revolves around the removal of special status to Jammu & Kashmir under Article 370.

The Central government on August 5, 2019, revoked Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated it into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, ‘Article 370’ will hit the screens on February 23. (ANI)

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Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Castes Order 1956

LS Takes Up Bills To Include ‘Valmiki’ In List Of SCs In J-K, Expand List Of ST

Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up a bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Castes Order, 1956 for including ‘Valmiki’ in the list of SCs in the union territory.

The Lok Sabha also took up a bill to include the communities of “Gadda Brahmin”, “Koli”, “Paddari Tribe” and “Pahari Ethnic Group” in the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of Jammu and Kashmir.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar moved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order Bill 2023 bill for consideration and passage in the House. Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda moved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill 2023 in the House.

Officials said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has recommended for inclusion of the Valmiki community as a synonym of Chura, Bhangi, Balmiki, Mehtar at serial number 5 in the list of Scheduled Castes of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Schedule of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order, 1956 for inclusion of ‘Valmiki’.

The officials said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has requested for inclusion of the “Gadda Brahmin”, “Koli”, “Paddari Tribe” communities and “Pahari Ethnic Group” in the list of Scheduled Tribes.

The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989. (ANI)

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Raghunath temple in Jammu Ram Lalla

Special Prayers Underway At Jammu’s Raghunath Temple

On the auspicious day of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, special prayers and celebrations were held at the Raghunath temple in Jammu.

The Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, holds its own historical significance and the temple has been targeted twice by the terrorists.

The temple is surrounded by multiple temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses associated with the Ramayana. It was constructed by Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu and it is said that the temple was built by him to correct a past mistake. The main idol for the Raghunath Temple was brought from Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.

One of the devotees present at the Raghunath Temple, Sanjay Chandel, congratulated the people of the nation on the occasion of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and said, “Today Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla is done in Ayodhya, so this is a big thing for us and we can say that it is a proud feeling. As far as Jammu is concerned, the people of Jammu have a lot of faith in Lord Ram. It is called the city of temples, so the people here are very excited. In every house, at every square, and at every place, you will see the flags dedicated to Lord Ram.”

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla is scheduled for Paush Shukla Kurma Dwadashi, Vikram Samvat 2080, which falls today, January 22. The Pran Pratishtha is expected to start around 12.30 p.m. and end at 1 p.m.

The ceremony will witness the esteemed presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among other dignitaries.

Army helicopters will shower flowers on Ayodhya and 30 artists will play different Indian musical instruments at the temple premises at the time of Aarti at Ram Janmabhoomi temple on Pran Pratishtha day, according to temple authorities.

The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of the country. People from all walks of life, including representatives of various tribal communities, will also attend the ceremony. The Prime Minister will address this distinguished gathering on the occasion.

After the completion of the Pran Pratishtha programme in the Garbha-Griha, all the witnesses will have darshan, respectively. (ANI)

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SRK Vaishno Devi

SRK Visits Vaishno Devi Ahead Of ‘Dunki’ Release

A few days ahead of the release of his comedy-drama ‘Dunki’, superstar Shah Rukh Khan visited the famed Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu.

On Tuesday, several videos and pictures of the ‘Chak De India’ actor surfaced on social media in which he could be seen walking along with the pilgrims amid security.

SRK kept it low profile and was seen donning a black jacket with a hood.

Previously, too, he visited the famous temple before the release of his comeback film ‘Pathaan’ in January and also before the release of ‘Jawan’.

Talking about his next release ‘Dunki’, the film is all set to hit the theatres on December 21.

Dunki features an ensemble cast, with colourful characters portrayed by exceptionally talented actors, Boman Irani, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar, Anil Grover, starring along with Shah Rukh Khan. ‘Dunki’ is a JIO Studios, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Rajkumar Hirani Films presentation, produced by Rajkumar Hirani and Gauri Khan.

Written by Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon, ‘Dunki’ is a heartwarming tale of four friends and their quest to reach foreign shores. It charts the arduous yet life-changing journey they are about to undertake to make their dreams come true. Drawn from real-life experiences, ‘Dunki’ is a saga of love and friendship that brings together these wildly disparate stories, and provides hilarious and heartbreaking answers.

Recently, the makers unveiled Dunki’s official trailer titled ‘Dunki: Drop 4’ which offers a peek into the endearing world of Rajkumar Hirani. Opening with SRK onboard a train, setting the tone for the adventure that lies ahead. The video unit introduces the wonderfully whimsical characters starting with Hardy, played by SRK, who enters a picturesque village in Punjab and encounters a group of spirited friends – Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli, all sharing a common dream of travelling to London in pursuit of better opportunities and a better life for their loved ones back home. (ANI)

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Pakistan India BSF

Those With Nefarious Intentions Can’t Set Foot On Indian Soil: IG BSF Boora

DK Boora, Inspector General (IG) of Border Security Force, Jammu Frontier on Tuesday expressed serious concern over recent ceasefire violation from the Pakistan side and said that Security forces will not allow anyone with nefarious intentions to set foot on Indian soil.

“The action taken by Pakistan, was given a very befitting reply by our side. To protect the civilian population and remove the fear from their hearts is the duty of BSF, which we have been performing brilliantly. The border population has also given full support to BSF. When mountain ways are closed due to snowfall, the focus of militants and infiltrators also shifts. But we are not too worried about that because our job is to make the international border seal-proof. Be it 1 or 10, our preparations are complete” IG BSF DK Boora said.

“We will not allow anyone with nefarious intentions to set foot on Indian soil,” he added.

The Jammu Frontier IG further said that since November, they (Pakistan) have tried to violate ceasefire 3 times.

“Since November they have tried thrice and the response given to them is that we have come to know from our sources that there is huge loss on Pakistan’s side. The border population face a lot of problems due to the Ceasefire violations. Our effort is to maintain peace but if Pakistan does not understand this then a similar response will be given,” DK Boora said.

He also informed that the violation by Pakistan was not done for infiltration purposes and the actual reason can’t be shared among the public as it can impact the security.

“This violation has not been done for infiltration but the reason behind it would not be right to be shared among the public, tactically for us. There is no need for people to worry, especially the border population. We are fully capable of dealing with such situations. BSF is always there for your safety,” he added.

Earlier, a BSF jawan, head constable Lal Fam Kima, was killed after Pakistan Rangers opened unprovoked firing from automatic weapons along the International Border (IB) in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district on November 9.

“As far as the question of drones is concerned, a very big gang busted at the beginning of this year, and since then drone activities especially in Jammu have gone down. Because whenever a drone is sent, there must be someone to receive it and I want to congratulate the border population that they do not indulge themselves in work like this,” Jammu Frontier IG said.

“BSF makes the strategy for every weather, we have different strategies for rainy season, different for summer season, foggy season, snowfall season. Our strategy is reviewed every 2-3 months, based on which we move forward,” he added.

The decision to recommit to the 2003 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was taken after a meeting between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on February 24-25, 2021.

In 2021, 72 such cross-border firing incidents were recorded at the international border and Line of Control (LoC), but most were before the two sides agreed to hold the ceasefire.

Prior to this, incidents of cross-border firing on patrolling troops, villagers, the Indian army and BSF forward posts were recorded every year in thousands. In 2020, close to 5,133 incidents of ceasefire violations- the highest since 2003, while 3,479 violations were registered in 2019 when the Indian government revoked Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

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Farooq Abdullah

Elections Not Held In J&K For Six-Seven Years: Farooq

Questioning why elections have not been conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that the people of Union Territory are also a part of India and justice should be done to them accordingly.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said, “Elections have still not happened in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s been six to seven years. What is the reason? We are also a part of India. We should also get justice.”

Farooq Abdullah further said that after the recent results of the Assembly polls in five states, parties in the INDIA bloc should start working harder in a synchronised manner.

“Defeat and victory keep happening. We should learn from victories and defeats. This defeat will not make a difference to the INDIA alliance. We will have to work harder. We have to work in a synchronised manner. We have a long way to go,” he said.

Earlier today, Farooq Abdullah arrived in Delhi to attend the winter session of Parliament.

Before the commencement of the Parliament session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed reporters and said that the Winter Session of Parliament is a “golden opportunity for opposition parties to do something constructive” and asked them not to vent anger at their defeat in assembly polls inside the House.

“The country has rejected negativity. This is a golden opportunity for my friends in the opposition. We urge and pray for the cooperation of everyone. This time too, the process has been undertaken. Rather than venting out their anger at defeat (in assembly elections), they should take lessons from this defeat, shun the idea of negativity that has been there for the last nine years and approach the session with positivity,” PM Modi said.

He also said that the Parliament, which is the temple of democracy, is essential for public aspiration and to strengthen the foundation of developed India.

The Winter Session of the Parliament began today, a day after results for Assembly elections in four states were declared, with the BJP winning three (Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan) and Congress ousting the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana.

The Winter session will conclude on December 22. (ANI)

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