Reports on New Liquor Vends in J&K Fake, Baseless: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Mar 12 (JKNS): The office of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed reports claiming an increase in liquor vends in the region, calling them fake and baseless.

As per news agency JKNS, the CM’s office wrote on X, “No new liquor vends are being advertised or allotted by my government. TV channels & news portals should immediately stop peddling this lie.”

The statement reiterated that the number of wine shops (JKEL-2 vends) remains unchanged at 305 since FY 2023-24, with 291 in Jammu and 14 in Kashmir. It further clarified that the ongoing e-auction process pertains to the existing vends, with 271 already allotted and 34 set for re-auction on March 17, 2025.

The CM’s office urged media outlets to verify facts before publishing such reports and directed the public to refer to the Excise Department’s official website (https://jkexcise.nic.in) for accurate information. (JKNS)

PDP’s Waheed Parra Raises Ban on AAC, JKIM in Assembly, Calls for Reversal

Srinagar, Mar 12, KNT: People’s Democratic Party legislator Waheed Parra on Wednesday voiced concerns in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the Centre’s recent ban on Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), urging the House to intervene and seek its reversal.

During a brief intervention, Parra argued that banning these organisations—led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Masroor Abbas Ansari, respectively—amounts to stifling political dissent. He stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement to address political issues in Jammu and Kashmir rather than resorting to prohibitions.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently outlawed the two groups under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), citing their alleged involvement in activities that threaten India’s sovereignty. The ban, effective for five years, has sparked debate among political circles in the region. [KNT]

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir: March 12-21, 2025

Forecast Overview

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting intermittent rain and snow over the coming days. Travelers, farmers, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions. Here’s what to expect:

March 12-15: Wet Conditions Ahead

• Intermittent light to moderate rain is expected at many places.
• Higher reaches may experience snowfall during this period.
• Travelers should be prepared for disruptions due to rain, snow, and slippery roads.

March 16: Gradual Improvement

• Light rain/snow is likely at a few places, especially in the morning.
• Weather is expected to improve in the afternoon.

March 17-21: Mostly Dry Weather

• No significant rainfall or snowfall is expected.
• A gradual rise in temperature may occur as the weather stabilizes.

Advisory ⚠

Due to changing weather conditions, the following precautions are recommended:

For Travelers & Tourists

• Follow traffic and administration advisories before planning travel.
• Be cautious in landslide-prone areas.
• Those visiting higher altitudes should be prepared for cold conditions.

For Farmers

• Suspend all farm operations until March 16 to prevent crop damage.
• Avoid working in waterlogged fields.

For General Safety

• Avoid avalanche-prone slopes in hilly areas.
• Be alert for landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, especially on vulnerable roads.

Stay Updated

For real-time weather updates, follow the Meteorological Centre Srinagar and local authorities. Stay safe and plan your activities accordingly!

1.35 lakh houses built under PMAY-G in 2 years in J&K: Govt

Srinagar, Mar 12 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said that 135,925 houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Awaas Yojana (PMAY-G) in the last two years.

In response to a question by MLA Arjun Gupta, the minister incharge for the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that since the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 and AwaasPlus database have been completely saturated, there is no separate target for the 2024-25 financial year.

However, the remaining spillover target of 140,021 houses from previous phases will be completed in the current financial year, he said.

He said that 109,412 houses were built in Jammu Division, while 26,513 houses were constructed in Kashmir Division—(KNO)