Mosques Lead Anti-Drug Crusade in Anantnag; Religious Call Amplifies Police Crackdown on Narcotics

Anantnag, Apr 22: In a powerful community-led push against the drug menace, mosques across Anantnag district echoed a strong call for a “war against drugs,” urging people to shun narcotics and help eradicate illegal cultivation.

During congregational gatherings and through loudspeaker announcements, Imams and mosque committees appealed to the general public to actively participate in the “war against drugs” and strictly refrain from engaging in or supporting any form of illegal crop cultivation, particularly narcotic substances such as cannabis and opium poppy.

The announcements emphasized the social, moral, and legal consequences of drug abuse and illicit cultivation, urging families and community members to remain vigilant and report any such activities to the authorities. The religious leaders also highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the youth and preserving the social fabric of the district.

J&K Police have appreciated this proactive and responsible role played by the religious institutions, terming it as a strong example of police-public partnership. Such coordinated efforts are expected to significantly contribute towards the success of anti-drug campaigns and the eradication of illegal cultivation in the region. (JKNS)

Weather Update J&K: Light Rain Spells Expected, Mostly Dry Conditions Till End of April

The latest update from the MET Centre Srinagar brings a mostly calm weather outlook for Jammu & Kashmir, with only brief spells of rain and thundershowers expected over the coming days. Here’s a complete breakdown of the forecast, advisory, and what residents and farmers should expect.

🌤️ Overall Weather Outlook

The region is likely to experience no major weather disturbances till the end of April, except for short-lived rain or thundershower spells on selected dates. Temperatures are also expected to rise slightly before stabilizing again.

📅 Detailed Day-Wise Forecast

🔹 22–23 April

• Weather will remain generally dry across most areas
• A brief spell of light rain may occur at a few places during late afternoon
• Day temperatures likely to rise by 2–4°C

🌦️ 24–25 April

• Skies will turn partly to generally cloudy
• Expect light rain or thundershowers at scattered to many locations
• Gusty winds may accompany rain during late afternoon or evening

🌤️ 26 April

• Mostly dry weather
• Possibility of light rain at isolated places in the afternoon

☀️ 27–28 April

• Clear and dry conditions expected across Jammu & Kashmir
• Ideal for outdoor and agricultural activities

🌦️ 29–30 April

• Generally cloudy skies
• Brief rain/thundershower spells likely at a few places, especially later in the day

🌧️ 1–2 May

• Continued cloudy conditions
• Light rain or thundershowers possible in the afternoon hours

⚠️ Advisory for Residents & Farmers

• 🌾 Farmers are advised to continue agricultural operations till April 23, as weather conditions remain favorable
• 🌡️ Expect a rise in daytime temperatures by 2–4°C across many areas till April 23
• 🌬️ Be cautious during 24–25 April, as gusty winds and brief storms may impact outdoor activities

🌍 Key Takeaways

• No major weather disturbances expected till end of April
• Short rain spells on 24–25 April and 29–30 April
• Mostly dry and stable weather in between
• Slight temperature rise before mid-week

This forecast provides a balanced mix of dry days and mild rain activity, making it suitable for both daily life and farming activities across Jammu & Kashmir. Stay updated with official bulletins from MET Centre Srinagar for any sudden changes.

Direct Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Train Likely from April 30, All Preparations Completed

Jammu, Apr 22: The much-awaited direct Vande Bharat train service between Jammu and Srinagar is expected to commence on April 30, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw likely to flag off the service from Jammu Railway Station, officials said.

Official sources as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, all arrangements including infrastructure, trial runs, and security protocols have been finalized for the launch of the direct rail connectivity between the two capital cities.

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh is also expected to be present at the inaugural function along with senior railway officials and other dignitaries.

Officials said the trains and tracks are fully ready and successful trial runs have already been conducted, while security arrangements have been put in place ahead of the launch.

Currently, Vande Bharat trains operate between Katra and Srinagar, which are now being extended up to Jammu with revised timings to be notified by the Railways.

The introduction of direct train service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar and further enhance connectivity between the two regions.

The development comes ahead of the annual move of the Civil Secretariat to Srinagar, scheduled in early May, and is also expected to benefit pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra starting July 3.

Officials said while the rail link will provide major relief in case of highway disruptions, the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway will continue to remain a key transport route for commuters and goods movement. (KNC)

PM Modi led regime has taken development to every doorstep: LG Sinha

Says crores of families who once had no roof over their heads now have their own homes; Roads have reached every village, number of airports has doubled, digital revolution has connected every section of society; Marginalised sections have bank accounts, identity, hold smart mobile phones for financial transactions

Jammu, Apr 21: Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led regime has taken development beyond mere statistics and has carried it to every doorstep, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that crores of families who once had no roof over their heads now have their own homes.

Speaking at the statue unveiling ceremony of Shri Vijay Bahadur Singh, a well‑known social worker and the founder of Mahamandaleshwar Shri Bal Krishna Yati Inter College at Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that steps taken by the PM Modi led regime have brought dignity and security in society.

“Roads have reached every village, the number of airports has doubled, the digital revolution has connected every section of society. Today the marginalised section have bank accounts, they have an identity, they hold smart mobile phones for financial transactions, and in my view this is not merely technological progress but social empowerment,” he said.

“In far‑flung regions of the country, new schools, new universities and a new education policy together have begun to build an India in which the hands of the youth hold the reins of the future. The facilities now available particularly for girls are unprecedented in our history, and the purpose of education through innovation and research is no longer merely to pass exams but to create an aware and responsible citizen,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “We have to build an India which our freedom fighters once dreamed of. In which every section and every individual will be a part of the mainstream of progress.”

“India is moving decisively towards becoming a developed nation. The goal of 2047 is not merely a date; it is a national resolve,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Paying homage to Shri Vijay Bahadur Singh, the Lieutenant Governor that he discharged his duties without any expectation, served without any desire for fame, and built not for himself but for the coming generations.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that we must carry the ideals of Shri Vijay Bahadur Singh Ji, a true karma‑yogi, to every segment of society.

“I feel particularly proud that Shri Vijay Bahadur Singh Ji did not ask what Bindravan could do for him; instead, he showed what Bindravan and the Jakhania region could do for themselves. This Inter College, born of a people’s movement, is just a small symbol of his transformative work.

Shri Vijay Bahadur Singh Ji did not merely establish a college; he made a pledge, a promise to the future. In 1974, when he laid the foundation of this institution, there was no major financial support and no assurance of success. All he had was an unshakeable belief that education is the power which can change society,” the Lieutenant Governor said—(KNO)