The Report

Amit Shah directs multi-layered security grid, drones, CCTV deployment for Amarnath Yatra

Chairs high-level meet in Delhi, Says pilgrim safety top priority of PM Modi-led govt; Asks officials to ensure seamless coordination, strict weather monitoring

KNO Special Correspondent

Srinagar, Jun 12 (KNO): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in the national capital to review security preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, with a strong focus on ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that during the meeting Shah stressed that the safety of pilgrims remains the top priority of the PM Modi-led government.

Shah directed officials to put in place a comprehensive, multi-layered security grid along the Yatra routes through close coordination between Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies.

The meeting was attended by the National Security Advisor (NSA), Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army Chief, Director General of CRPF, and other senior officials.

During the meeting, he said emphasis was laid on integrating modern technology with traditional security mechanisms. Officials were asked to ensure extensive deployment of drones, CCTV surveillance, and advanced monitoring systems to further strengthen situational awareness and threat response capabilities.

The Home Minister also instructed that senior officers from CAPFs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police be deployed at key camp locations to maintain continuous oversight of arrangements on the ground throughout the duration of the Yatra.

Reviewing logistical preparedness, the Home Minister underlined the need for robust arrangements for registration of pilgrims, accommodation, healthcare services, and disaster management. He called for seamless coordination among departments to ensure that essential services are delivered efficiently.

In a move to streamline management and enhance accountability, Shah directed that all individuals associated with the Yatra, including local service providers, be properly registered.

He also called for the issuance of QR code-based identity cards and the setting up of veterinary camps for health checks of animals used during the pilgrimage.

The meeting also stressed that the movement of pilgrim batches should be strictly regulated in accordance with weather forecasts to minimise risks along the route.

Apart from the Yatra routes, Shah asked officials to ensure enhanced security arrangements at other major tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir so that visiting pilgrims can travel safely and without disruption.

The annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees each year to the Himalayan shrine, is set to commence on July 3, with authorities working to ensure tight security and smooth management amid challenging terrain and weather conditions—(KNO)

DC Kupwara reviews functioning of Health Department in District
KUPWARA, JUNE 12: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the functioning and performance of the Health Department across the district.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner took stock of various healthcare services being provided in the district, including patient care, availability of medical staff, infrastructure development, implementation of health schemes, and preparedness of healthcare institutions.
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kupwara and other health officials briefed the chair on the status of healthcare facilities, availability of essential medicines, diagnostic services, maternal and child healthcare programmes, and ongoing public health initiatives.
The DC emphasized the importance of ensuring quality healthcare services at all levels and directed the concerned officers to address gaps in service delivery on priority. He stressed the need for maintaining adequate staffing, improving patient care standards, and ensuring timely availability of medicines and medical equipment in all healthcare institutions.
The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the progress of various centrally sponsored and UT-level health schemes and instructed officials to enhance public awareness regarding healthcare benefits and services available to the people.
Reiterating the administration's commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector, the DC urged health functionaries to work with dedication and coordination to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to the residents of the district.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Health Department and district administration.

DC Ganderbal reviews arrangements for International Yoga Day-2026
Directs seamless arrangements to ensure maximum public participation
GANDERBAL, JUNE 12: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today chaired a meeting to review preparations for International Yoga Day-2026, scheduled to be celebrated across the district on June 21 with the objective of promoting health, well-being and a balanced lifestyle through yoga.
At the outset, the DC took a comprehensive review of the arrangements being put in place for the district-level event and discussed department-wise responsibilities to ensure smooth and successful conduct of the programme.
It was informed that the main district-level celebration will be held at the Government Physical College of Education, Gadoora, while parallel yoga sessions will also be organised at Manasbal Park and Sonamarg to enable wider participation from different parts of the district.
Emphasizing that yoga is a simple yet effective tool for achieving physical fitness, mental wellness and inner harmony, the DC called for making the event a true community movement involving people from all walks of life. He directed the concerned departments to encourage participation of students, youth, government employees, sports persons, civil society members and the general public in large numbers.
To facilitate participants, the AYUSH and Youth Services & Sports departments were tasked with arranging yoga mats, uniforms and other necessary equipment. LED screens will also be installed at the main venue for live display of yoga demonstrations and proceedings.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements related to drinking water, sanitation, medical aid, ambulance services, power supply and overall venue management. The Health Department was directed to ensure the availability of medical teams, first-aid facilities and ambulances at all designated venues.
The DC directed the Police to put in place a comprehensive security plan and an effective traffic management plan along with ARTO to ensure safe and hassle-free movement of participants.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that International Yoga Day is not merely a one-day event but a reminder to adopt healthier habits and lifestyles. He urged people to embrace yoga as a regular practice for physical fitness, mental resilience and overall well-being.
He further stressed the need for close coordination among all departments to make the celebration a grand success and transform it into a district-wide festival of health, wellness and community participation.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Manzoor Ahmad; Chief Executive Officers of Sonmarg Development Authority and Wular Manasbal Development Authority, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan and officers from various departments, educational institutions and other stakeholders associated with the event.

DC Kupwara chairs meeting to review implementation of Mission Gyan Bhartam
KUPWARA, JUNE 12: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara Shrikant Suse today chaired a review meeting regarding the implementation of Mission Gyan Bhartam and assessed the progress achieved by various colleges and concerned departments in the district.
During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the implementation of the principles and objectives of Mission Gyan Bhartam was undertaken. The concerned officers apprised the chair about the progress made, activities conducted, and the status of implementation across educational institutions and departments.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of effective ex*****on of Mission Gyan Bhartam and directed all concerned officers to ensure timely completion of the assigned targets and activities before June 16, 2026. He stressed coordinated efforts among departments for the successful implementation of the mission and called for regular monitoring to achieve desired outcomes.
The DC further underscored the need for collective responsibility and proactive participation from all stakeholders to strengthen educational initiatives and ensure the mission benefits students and the larger community effectively.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Jahangir Iqbal Tantray, Department of Persian KU, Principals of Government Degree Colleges of Kupwara, Handwara, Langate, Sogam, Kralpora, Tandar, GDC Women Kupwara and Vilgam; Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Development Kupwara along with BDOs, Chief Education Officer Kupwara, District Planning Education Officer, Chief Executive Officer, MC Kupwara and Executive Officers of MC Handwara and Langate, and other concerned.

GMC Baramulla to organize Blood Donation Camp on 14 June; MS appeals for Public Participation
BARAMULLA, JUNE 12: Medical Superintendent, Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, Dr. Parvaiz Masoodi, has appealed to volunteers, youth, social organizations, and the general public to come forward and donate blood for patients in need on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, being observed on June 14.
Dr. Masoodi said that GMC Baramulla will organize a special blood donation camp on June 14 to mark the occasion and augment blood stocks for emergency, surgical, and critical care patients.
Describing blood donation as a noble humanitarian act, he said a single unit of donated blood can save multiple lives and provide a lifeline to patients facing medical emergencies. He urged healthy individuals to participate wholeheartedly in the camp and contribute to this noble cause.
“Blood donation is one of the greatest gifts one can give. Every donation has the potential to save lives and bring hope to families in distress. I appeal to all eligible donors to participate in this humanitarian initiative and help ensure adequate blood availability for needy patients,” Dr. Masoodi said.
He added that all necessary arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the camp and invited people from all walks of life to join the initiative and make it a success.
The administration of GMC Baramulla expressed confidence that volunteers and donors will respond enthusiastically to the call and reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely and quality healthcare services to the people of the region.

Secretary RDD reviews Development Plans for Nangali Sahib, Shahpur under Vibrant Village Programme
Livelihood Creation, Financial Inclusion Must Remain Central to Border Village Development: Aijaz Asad
SRINAGAR, JUNE 12: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) & Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess progress on the development plans of Nangali Sahib and Shahpur villages in Poonch district under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II).
The meeting reviewed the status of DPR preparation, baseline surveys, gap analysis and convergence planning aimed at transforming the two strategic border villages into vibrant, self-reliant and resilient communities.
Emphasising a convergence-driven and evidence-based approach, the Secretary directed all departments to comprehensively assess gaps in infrastructure, livelihoods, education, healthcare, financial inclusion and public service delivery while finalising the DPRs. He also called for the integration of digital infrastructure and technology-enabled solutions and stressed active field engagement by district officers through surveys, consultations and regular monitoring.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable livelihood generation, Asad directed the creation of a comprehensive database of village youth capturing educational qualifications, skills and employment status to facilitate targeted skilling and employment interventions. He stressed convergence with schemes such as NRLM, Mission YUVA, Himayat, Tribal Affairs, Agriculture and Horticulture to expand livelihood opportunities for women and youth.
The Secretary advocated strengthening Self-Help Groups, dairy and livestock-based enterprises, plantation activities under MGNREGA and value-addition initiatives capable of generating sustainable rural incomes.
Expressing concern over limited banking access in Nangali Sahib, Aijaz Asad directed officials to explore the establishment of banking facilities in or near the village and enhance financial inclusion through Bank Correspondents and Bank Sakhis. He also called for saturation of eligible beneficiaries under PMJJBY and PMSBY.
The Secretary directed departments to maximise convergence under existing Central and UT schemes. He underscored that the objective of VVP-II extends beyond asset creation to improving livelihoods, service delivery and quality of life in border areas.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma, presented findings of a district-wide gap analysis covering all 133 border villages. The analysis revealed that 121 villages are already connected under PMGSY, while the remaining 12 have been proposed for road connectivity. Telecom coverage has achieved full saturation across all border villages.
The meeting also reviewed village-specific development proposals. Nangali Sahib, located about three kilometres from the International Border and known for the historic Gurudwara Nangali Sahib, has a proposed development package of ₹4.35 crore covering education infrastructure, sports facilities, solar lighting, water supply systems, e-library facilities, recreation infrastructure and horticulture interventions.
Shahpur, situated within 0–0.5 kilometres of the Line of Control, has a proposed development plan of ₹5.56 crore focusing on community bunkers, school infrastructure, smart classrooms, multipurpose halls, sports facilities, solar lighting, drinking water systems and plantation activities.
The Secretary reiterated that strategic border villages require focused, coordinated and sustainable interventions to strengthen livelihoods, improve living standards and enhance socio-economic resilience. He directed all departments to expedite finalisation of DPRs to ensure timely commencement of implementation.
The meeting was attended by the District Development Commissioner, Poonch; Heads of Departments of RDD; Directors of School Education, Social Welfare, Rural Development and Health Services, Jammu; Directors of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry; Chief Engineer, PW(R&B), Pir Panjal Division; Superintending Engineer, REW Jammu; Assistant Commissioners Development and Panchayats, Poonch; Executive Engineers and other concerned officers.

DC Reasi reviews HADP implementation; calls for full operationalisation of KKGs
REASI, JUNE 12: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the implementation and progress of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in the district.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation was presented highlighting the physical and financial achievements registered under various HADP projects being implemented by the agriculture and allied departments. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the status of beneficiary-oriented schemes, infrastructure development works, fund utilisation and targets fixed for the current financial year.
The meeting was informed that the programme has created substantial livelihood opportunities and strengthened the agriculture sector through focused interventions in protected cultivation, farm mechanisation, apiculture, sericulture, mushroom cultivation, dairy development, mutton production, poultry, fisheries and fodder development.
The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the functioning of Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) and stressed the need to ensure efficient service delivery to farmers and greater outreach of digital agriculture initiatives. Progress achieved under farmer registration, e-KYC, Daksh Kisan and other technology-driven platforms was also assessed.
Emphasising the importance of fully functional KKGs, Kumar Abhishek directed the officers concerned to appoint Krishi Udyamis against all pending KKGs to ensure operationalisation of every Kisan Khidmat Ghar in the district. The DC further assigned area-wise responsibility for KKG supervision among the agriculture and allied departments to strengthen monitoring, coordination and handholding support.
The Deputy Commissioner also called for expediting the registration and enrolment of farmers on the Daksh Kisan Portal to facilitate access to training programmes, advisory services and other digital agriculture initiatives.
The Chair directed Chief Animal Husbandry Officer to promote the establishment of additional poultry units in areas with limited scope for crop cultivation to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural households.
Further instructions were given to the departments concerned to complete output tracking of established units within the stipulated timeframe to ensure effective monitoring and assessment of outcomes.
The meeting also reviewed the status of bank-linked cases, Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), Prime Minister's Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) and other agriculture-based livelihood programmes aimed at enhancing farmers’ income and promoting sustainable rural development in the district.
Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Krishan Lal, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer and other officers concerned.

Karnataka Assembly Panel meets J&K Speaker to strengthen coordination
Speaker emphasizes on critical role of assembly committees in addressing the genuine public grievances, ensuring administrative accountability
SRINAGAR, JUNE 12: In a significant move towards fostering legislative cooperation, the Committee on Petitions of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly held a high-level meeting with the Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA), Abdul Rahim Rather and members of the J&K Assembly’s Petitions Committee.
The joint session focused on sharing the institutional best practices, evaluating the operational dynamics of house committees and discussing bilateral developmental strategies.
During the extensive deliberations, the delegations from J&K and Karnataka held detailed discussion on the functional mechanisms of their respective Petitions Committees. They emphasized the critical role these committees play in addressing the genuine public grievances, ensuring administrative accountability and translating public petitions into actionable legislative oversight.
Beyond procedural workflows, the meeting served as an important platform to discuss the ongoing development works across both regions. The leaders exchanged insights on executing high-impact public welfare projects and explored new avenues for strategic liaisoning. Both sides agreed that sustained dialogue and institutional partnerships between different states/UTs legislatures are vital for strengthening the democratic frameworks and accelerating governance reforms.
The Speaker JKLA said that the cross-learning initiatives between progressive states and UTs like Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir provide valuable perspectives on handling the regional development challenges and maximizing the efficacy of house committees.
The discussions focused on the pivotal role of the Committee on Petitions in ensuring executive accountability and addressing the public grievances. Both sides exchanged best practices regarding the scrutiny of government policies, the handling of public petitions and implementation of the committee recommendations.
The delegates deliberated on streamlining the workflow of Assembly committees, emphasizing the importance of non-partisan scrutiny, strict adherence to meeting schedules and the efficient processing of agenda items.
The committees also discussed the mechanisms for monitoring development works, highlighting the necessity of rigorous field inspections and the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in providing technical support for oversight.
Recognizing the value of shared learning, the leaders agreed to establish a formal channel for liaison. This initiative aims to facilitate the exchange of legislative knowledge and innovative governance practices between J&K and Karnataka.
The Speaker underscored that such interactions are vital for a healthy democracy. He said that robust legislative oversight is the most effective instrument for the public welfare and transparent governance.
The Karnataka delegation expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality and the insightful exchange of ideas. They said that the unique challenges and success of the J&K Assembly provide valuable lessons for the legislative bodies across the country.

Pulwama continues NMBA through Community Awareness, Youth Engagement Activities
PULWAMA, JUNE 12: The ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan (NMBA) continues across Pulwama district with a series of awareness programmes, community outreach initiatives and youth-centric activities aimed at promoting a drug-free and healthy society.
As part of the campaign, awareness events were conducted at Midoora Tral, Dadoora Pulwama, Herpora Awantipora, Khaigam Achegoza, Hari Awantipora, Chandrigam Dadsara, Gulbugh Kakapora, Konibal Pampore and Hawal Shadimarg. During these programmes, participants were educated about the adverse consequences of substance abuse and encouraged to play an active role in preventing drug addiction within their communities. Awareness sessions, counselling interactions, pledge ceremonies and community mobilisation activities formed the core of the outreach programmes.
Meanwhile, Self Help Group (SHG) members organised awareness and counselling sessions at Lurow Aripal, emphasising the importance of community participation and family support in addressing the challenge of drug abuse and promoting healthy behavioural choices among youth.
The Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Pulwama, continued its sustained efforts under NMBA by organising a range of sports, recreational and awareness activities across various educational institutions. Students participated enthusiastically in these programmes, which seek to channelise energy towards constructive pursuits while spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
District-level Hockey competitions are presently underway at Hockey Turf Pulwama under the campaign. In addition, awareness walks and related activities were organised at Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Pulwama, Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Pulwama, Higher Secondary School Karimabad, High School Rathsuna Tral, Government Middle School Tral Bala, Pinglish Tral, Higher Secondary School Arihal Tahab and High School Naina Tahab.
The programmes highlighted the significance of adopting healthy lifestyles and remaining vigilant against the dangers posed by substance abuse.