Statehood resolutions on agenda of J&K Assembly on April 7

Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): The Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set for action-packed proceedings on April 7, with three separate resolutions seeking immediate restoration of J&K’s statehood to come up for discussion and voting.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in an interesting development, three resolutions seeking restoration of J&K’s statehood would be listed in business of the House on April 7, one of the two days earmarked for Private Member Resolutions.

The resolutions, mild in tone, have been brought by NC MLAs Qaiser Jamsheed Lone and Hilal Akbar Lone and Independent MLA Shabir Kulley.

Two of the three resolutions invoke commitments made by the Central Government and the Prime Minister on J&K’s statehood.

“This House resolves that statehood be restored immediately as promised by the Central Government in the Parliament of India,” reads the resolution brought by Qaiser Jamsheed Lone.

The resolution brought by Hilal Akbar Lone reads: “This House impresses upon the Government of India to restore statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in order to fulfill the promise made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in the Parliament.”

The resolution brought by Kulley seek restoration of full statehood and urges the Government of India to take immediate steps to fulfill “this long-standing demand”.

Seven resolutions each have been picked up through a draw of lots to be listed in Business of the House on April 7 and 9, the days earmarked for Private Member Resolutions.

It is worthwhile to mention that Omar Abdullah-led cabinet in its first cabinet meeting passed a resolution seeking restoration of J&K’s statehood—(KNO)

Turbulent times of past will never return to J&K: LG Sinha

Current state of our neighbor speaks volumes about its own plight; People need to assist security forces in ensuring peace, stability; J&K should be known for entrepreneurs, not trouble mongers; Train to chug between Jammu-Srinagar in April

Jammu, Mar 26 (KNO): Maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and no power can snatch it Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that “our neighbor” won’t be allowed to succeed in its nefarious designs and turbulent times of the past will never return.

Addressing NITI Aayog’s workshop at IIM Jammu LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “J&K is an inseparable part of India, and no one can take it away. Our future is with India, and together, we will continue to progress.”

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, LG Sinha said, “Our neighbor continues to make efforts, and sometimes, a few individuals fall into its trap. However, it is important to send a clear message these nefarious designs will not succeed. The turbulent times of the past will never return.”

“The current state of our neighbor speaks volumes about its own plight. J&K’s future is firmly tied to the nation’s progress and development.”

Referring to the role of common people in maintaining peace, LG Sinha said, “To maintain peace is not only the responsibility of the police and security forces. People have an important role to play as peace cannot sustain without their support. More than anyone else, it is the common people who benefit the most from peace, as their future, business, and development are tied to it.”

He called on the people to assist security forces in ensuring stability in the region, adding that adversarial attempts to disrupt harmony would not succeed. “Business, tourism, and overall development are intrinsically linked to stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Peace and development are interlinked,” he added.

Highlighting the rapid economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha stated that the region has witnessed remarkable progress in entrepreneurship. “Jammu and Kashmir should be known for its entrepreneurs, not troublemakers,” he said adding, “J&K has achieved a remarkable feat. It has become the first region in the country since independence to utilize the incentive, announced for 10-years, within 2.5 years.”

LG Sinha said that J&K has emerged as the first union territory in the country to implement 97% of the Ease of Doing Business reforms, significantly boosting investment and economic opportunities.

He said that the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant growth, with an increasing number of tourists visiting the region. “With more tourists coming in, we need improved connectivity. The train between Jammu and Kashmir will start chugging soon, and according to the Chief Secretary, it is expected to commence operations in April,” LG Sinha announced, as per KNO.

He also urged the private sector to step forward and invest in tourism infrastructure, as government initiatives alone would not be sufficient to provide world-class facilities. “The hotel industry has already seen an investment of more than Rs 40,000 crore. The number of stakeholders in peace has increased, and their role is vital in sustaining progress.”—(KNO)

‘Kashmir Bulletin’ Attends Court Over Defamation Allegations, Next Hearing on May 14

Srinagar, Mar 26: Honouring a summon received earlier this month, Kashmir Bulletin on Wednesday presented itself before Court of Additional District Judge in Sopore, in connection with a defamation suit.

Editor Kashmir Bulletin Zahoor Malik through his counsel denied any involvement whatsoever in the purported video, gone viral on social media showing a woman heckling an individual.

Zahoor contended that the video has been shared by some Facebook page – fairly namesake of the news agency he owns. “We have no connection whatsoever with the page, and the Complainant, has acted in haste and without any proper verification indicted our (agency) name in matter,” he said.

Reiterating his stance, Zahoor said that he is a responsible mediaperson and heads a responsible news organisation and prayed the complaint filed against the news page be trashed for it brings disrepute not only to him in person, but to the organisation alike.

“The complainant should have acted with proper sense, before resorting to any such malicious act,” Zahoor said.

Kashmir Bulletin in an X post following the presence at the Court said, “We strongly deny any involvement in the defamation case filed by Zahid Gani Mirchall. The content in question was posted on a fake page, not our official platform. Our editor attended court today, and the next hearing is set for May 14, 2025. We urge proper verification to avoid such errors.”

“We have been asked to attend the court and present our version of things on May 14,” Zahoor said, adding, “This is a completely false case and we are hopeful, the Court will in the very next hearing absolve them of the allegations.”

Govt postpones holiday on Shab-i-Qadr to March 28

Srinagar, Mar 26(GNS): The Government on Wednesday postponed holiday on account of Shab-i-Qadr and the same shall now be observed on March 28 instead of tomorrow.

“In partial modification of Government Order No. 2193-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated: 29.12.2024 and Government Order No. 2194-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated: 29.12.2024, it is hereby ordered that the holiday on account of Shab-i-Qadr shall now be observed on 28th of March, 2025 (Friday) instead of 27th of March, 2025 (Thursday), in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” reads a government order, a copy of which lies with GNS. (GNS)

Traffic Advisory for Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and Other Key Routes – March 27, 2025

Current Traffic Situation on NH-44

The Traffic Police Headquarters, J&K, has reported slow movement on NH-44 due to the breakdown of four heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), single-lane traffic at Dalwas, Peeda, Mehad, and sections between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. Ongoing four-lane construction work has also contributed to congestion.

Important Advisory for Commuters

1. Daytime Travel Recommended: Passengers and light motor vehicle (LMV) operators are advised to travel during daylight hours due to the risk of shooting stones between Ramban and Banihal.
2. Goods Carrier Advisory: Operators carrying fresh perishable goods or livestock should adhere to advisories issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters, considering the poor road conditions in some stretches.
3. HMW Operators’ Guidelines:
   • Avoid overloading.
   • Ensure sufficient fuel supply for the journey.
   • Double-check vehicle fitness before traveling.
4. Route Restrictions for HMVs: Only HMVs with 06 and 10 tyres will be allowed to ply via Dhar Road.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Stops: Commuters should refrain from unnecessary halts, particularly in landslide-prone areas between Ramban and Banihal.

Traffic Plan for March 27, 2025

• LMVs (Passenger/Private Cars): Allowed from both sides—Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa—on NH-44, subject to favorable weather and road conditions.
• HMVs (Load Carriers): Allowed to move from the Navyug Tunnel (Qazigund side) towards Jammu after a road condition assessment. The Traffic Control Units (TCU) of Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban for updates.
• Security Forces Convoy Movement: Security forces should avoid traveling against the traffic plan due to congestion on the narrow stretch between Nashree and Banihal. Movements should be made from Srinagar towards Jammu only after confirming road status with TCU Ramban.

Updates on Other Key Roads

1. Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road (NH-244): Closed as per the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kokernag’s advisory dated January 16, 2025.
2. Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari Road (SSG Road): Still closed due to heavy snow accumulation.
3. Mughal Road: Closed per District Magistrate Poonch’s order dated January 18, 2025, due to snow accumulation.
4. Bhaderwah-Chamba Road: Remains closed due to snow.

Essential Contact Information for Road Status Updates

Before starting the journey, travelers should confirm road status through the following helplines:

• Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
• Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 0194-2485396, 18001807091, 103
• Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
• Udhampur: 8491928625
• PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
• PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331
• PCR Ganderbal: 9906668731

For real-time updates, commuters can also follow the J&K Traffic Police Twitter handle and Facebook page.

Stay safe and plan your journey accordingly!