3 SPs among 36 J&K cops selected for Haj-2025 duty in Saudi

Officers directed to report in Delhi on April 21 for formalities

Srinagar, Apr 16 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has ordered the temporary deputation of 36 police personnel to the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to serve as Haj Officers and Haj Superintendents for Haj-2025.

According to a government order, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the deputation follows recommendations from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, and approvals from the J&K Police Headquarters and CID, J&K.

The officers and police personnel include Superintendents of Police (SPs) Peerzada Aijaz Ahmed, Ruhail Mircha, and Mohd Muzaffer Jan; Inspectors Gowhar Ahmad Bhat, Mubashar Hussain Shah, Shahid Amin, Peerzada Bashir Ahmad, Afaq Ahmad Nayak, Farooq Ahmad, Haroon Rashid Bhat, Parviaz Ahmad, Arshid Hussain, Farooq Ahmad Wani, and Ibrar Ahmad.

Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) Zahoor Ahmad Wani, Bilal Ahmad Ganaie, Tahir Maqbool Malla, Mohd Abbas, and Maksood Ahmad Selection Grade Constables (Sgct) Mohammad Rafie Bhat, Mohd Aslam Bhat, Shabir Ahmad Mir, Raja Faheem Nabi, Imtiyaz Ahmad, John Mohammad, Mehraj Ul Shafi, Peerzada Mahboubul Haq, Wasim Sikander, Mohd Amin Bhat, Ruyaz Ahmad, and Javid Ahmad, Constables Aaqib Inayat Ullah, Adil Ahmad Sofi, Rafeeq Ahmad Malik, Suhail Ahmad Wani, and Reyaz Ahmad Hurra.

These personnel have been directed to report to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, CGO Complex, New Delhi, on April 21, 2025, for completion of requisite formalities.

An advance Travelling Allowance (TE) has also been sanctioned for their journey to and from New Delhi, as per government rules—(KNO)

Four ARTOs Transferred in J&K: Govt Issues Fresh Posting Order

Jammu, April 16, 2025: In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the transfer and posting of four Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) and In-Charge ARTOs with immediate effect. The decision, issued by the Transport Department under Government Order No. 33-JK(TR) of 2025 dated April 16, aims to streamline operations and improve administrative efficiency across various districts.

According to the order, Muazzam Ali (JKAS), previously posted as ARTO Baramulla, has been transferred to ARTO, Flying Squad, Srinagar. Abrar Ahmed Kralpak (Jr. Scale JKAS), who was serving as ARTO Anantnag, has now been posted as ARTO Doda. He will also relieve the ARTO Kishtwar of the additional charge of the post.

Mubashir Jan Bhat, who was serving as In-Charge ARTO, Flying Squad, Srinagar, has been shifted to ARTO Anantnag. Meanwhile, Mohd. Mukhtiar Sofi, who was awaiting adjustment orders, has been posted as ARTO Baramulla.

The transfer order was issued by Niraj Kumar (IAS), Secretary to the Government, Transport Department, and signed by Under Secretary Nighat Parveen.

Officials said the reshuffle is part of the routine administrative exercise aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency of the department and ensuring smoother service delivery to the public.

The order has been circulated to all concerned departments and updated on the official government website.

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir – 16th April 2025

The Meteorological Department has issued an important weather forecast and advisory for Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting significant changes in weather conditions expected over the coming days. Residents, travelers, and especially farmers are advised to take note of the detailed forecast and plan accordingly.

Weather Forecast:

• 16th April (Tuesday):
  Expect generally cloudy skies in the afternoon with brief spells of light rain accompanied by thunder and gusty winds, particularly in parts of North and Central Kashmir.
• 17th April (Wednesday):
  Weather will remain generally dry across the Union Territory.
• 18th to 20th April (Thursday to Saturday):
  Widespread weather activity is expected:
  • Generally cloudy skies across most regions.
  • Light to moderate rain and snow (over higher reaches) at several places.
  • Moderate to heavy rainfall is possible at isolated to scattered locations, especially on 18th and 19th April.
  • Thunderstorms and gusty winds likely to occur from the evening of 18th till late night of 20th April.
• 21st April (Sunday):
  Cloudy conditions with chances of light rain or thunder at scattered places.
• 22nd to 27th April:
  The weather is expected to remain mostly dry.

Advisory:

• All concerned departments and the general public are strongly advised to follow official traffic and administrative advisories.
• Farmers are urged to suspend farm operations from 18th to 20th April due to the expected wet weather.
• There is a possibility of moderate snowfall in the higher reaches on 19th April.
• Risk of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas is anticipated due to the wet spell.

Stay Safe and Informed
For real-time updates, follow MET Centre Srinagar and local administration advisories.

Over 6.7 lakh visitors throng Tulip Garden in 20 days

Record-breaking footfall boosts tourism, livelihoods, elevates garden’s status as premier spring attraction

Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar has witnessed an unprecedented tourist surge this spring, welcoming a record-breaking 6,71,926 visitors in just 20 days since it opened on March 26, 2025. This remarkable number marks the highest-ever footfall in the garden’s history, firmly establishing it as one of India’s most sought-after spring attractions.

Located on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range and overlooking the tranquil Dal Lake, the garden is currently home to a breathtaking 1.7 million tulips in full bloom, transforming the landscape into a vibrant mosaic of red, yellow, pink, purple and white.

According to details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the ongoing Tulip Show has drawn an eclectic crowd this year, including 27,810 locals, 3,91,918 domestic tourists and 2,198 international visitors.

The surge in footfall is historic when compared to previous years. In both 2022 and 2023, the garden saw 3.65 lakh visitors, and in 2024, the number rose to 4.45 lakh. However, this year’s figure has already soared past 6.71 lakh, and with several days of the season still remaining, the final tally is expected to climb even higher.

A senior official from the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, speaking to KNO, described the record turnout as a major success for the region’s tourism sector. “The tulip bloom has become one of the leading springtime attractions in the country. This record-breaking response shows the growing confidence of tourists in Kashmir as a safe and scenic destination,” he said.

Visitors have been effusive in their praise of the garden’s beauty. Sandeep, a tourist from Gujarat, said, “This is my first visit to Kashmir, and I am simply mesmerised. I have never seen such a colourful display of flowers in my life. The experience is beyond words.”

A traveller from the United Kingdom said. “The natural beauty of the Tulip Garden, combined with the warm hospitality of Kashmir, makes this a must-visit place for any traveller.”

The record visitor turnout has brought economic cheer to the local community.

Ilyas Ahad, who runs an ice cream stall outside the garden, said business has been booming. “This has been the best season in years. On some days, I sold out all my stock before evening. The rush has given us all a new hope,” he said.

As the tulip season continues, there is optimism in the air—not just among tourists marvelling at the bloom, but among local businesses and officials who see this as a sign of Kashmir’s growing popularity as a peaceful and picturesque tourist destination—(KNO)