Srinagar, July, 22: The Sadat Mosvi family of Gulshan Bagh, Botta Kadal, Srinagar, is mourning the demise of Zakir Aga Syed Muhammad Mosvi, son of the late Aga Syed Ali Mosvi, who passed away on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025, at 6:30 PM at SMHS Hospital, after a brief illness.
People from all walks of life participated in his Funeral Prayers (Nimaz-e-Jinaza) which were led by Aga Syed Hassan Al-Safvi Al-Mosvi and offered their condolences to the bereaved family. He was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard Gulshan Bagh Upper Colony, Botta Kadal, Srinagar.
The deceased was a renowned Zakir-e-Ahlul Bayt (A.S), a name held in high regard in religious circles across the region.
His passing has deeply saddened the Sadat community and the wider public, who remember him for his religious devotion, humility, and decades-long service as a Zakir spreading the message of Ahlul Bayt (A.S).
He survived by his sons Syed Yasoob Mosvi and Aga Syed Ali Mosvi. He was also the elder brother of Aga Syed Tahir Mosvi and Aga Syed Ahmad Mosvi.
As per family sources, the congregational Fateha Khawani will be held on Friday, 25th July 2025, at 6:00 AM at the family’s ancestral graveyard in Gulshan Bagh Upper Colony, Botta Kadal. A daylong condolence gathering will follow at Imambara Gulshan Bagh, where relatives, friends, and members of the community will gather to offer Fateha and prayers for the departed soul.
The Valley Observer team held a condolence meeting and expressed heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family, particularly with Aga Syed Ali Mosvi.
The passing of Aga Syed Muhammad Mosvi has created a deep void in the hearts of many. The entire community mourns this great loss and extends sincere condolences to the bereaved family. May Allah (SWT) elevate his soul among the righteous and grant Sabr (patience) to his loved ones.
Srinagar, June 5: In a heartfelt message marking the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, Mudasir Karim, Youth President of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC), extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, urging a renewed commitment to unity, peace, and compassion.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the festival, Karim said Eid-ul-Adha stands as a profound symbol of faith, sacrifice, and generosity. He called upon people to embody these values not only during the festival but throughout their daily lives.
“This Eid is a time to reflect on the values of compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility,” Karim stated. “Let it inspire us to build a more inclusive, progressive, and vibrant Jammu and Kashmir.”
Emphasizing the importance of community support, Karim encouraged citizens to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate, promote harmony across communities, and work collectively for a brighter and more peaceful future.
He also offered prayers for the health, happiness, and prosperity of all, expressing hope that the festival would mark the beginning of a new chapter of peace and development in the region.
Srinagar, June 5: Alhaj Abid Hussain Ansari, Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) and General Secretary of the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association (AJKSA), has extended warm Eid-ul-Adha greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, calling for unity, compassion, and peace on the auspicious occasion.
In his Eid message, Abid Ansari emphasized the deep spiritual and humanitarian values associated with Eid-ul-Adha, describing it as a celebration of unwavering faith, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of giving. He said the festival is a reminder of the importance of compassion, solidarity, and collective responsibility in building a better society.
“Let this Eid strengthen our resolve to build a more inclusive, progressive, and vibrant Jammu and Kashmir,” Ansari said. He urged citizens to mark the occasion by extending kindness to the less fortunate, fostering inter-community harmony, and working together towards a peaceful future.
Ansari also offered prayers for the well-being of all citizens and expressed hope that the festival would usher in an era of lasting peace and prosperity throughout the region.
Srinagar, June 5: Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPCC) and President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association (AJKSA), has extended heartfelt Eid-ul-Adha greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In his message, Molvi Ansari highlighted the profound spiritual significance of Eid-ul-Adha, describing it as a celebration of faith, devotion, and the spirit of sacrifice. He reflected on the enduring legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S) steadfast obedience to the will of Almighty Allah, emphasizing that this timeless example inspires believers to embody sincerity, selflessness, and service to humanity.
“Eid-ul-Adha is not merely a religious observance; it is an occasion to reaffirm our shared values of compassion, humility, and unity,” Ansari said. He offered prayers for lasting peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all citizens, and urged the community to extend generosity and care to those in need during the sacred festival.
Calling for unity and collective responsibility, Ansari encouraged people to celebrate Eid with a renewed sense of purpose and solidarity. He also prayed for strength and wisdom for all those working towards building a more inclusive, enlightened, and resilient Jammu & Kashmir.
Srinagar, June 6: Molvi Imran Raza Ansari will lead the Eid prayers at Imam Bara Zadibal in Shaher-e-Khaas at 9:30 AM. Before the prayers, he will deliver a sermon on Eid-ul-Adha to the gathered congregation, said a spokesperson of All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association.
The All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association Unit Kathimadan Zadibal has arranged a dedicated parking facility at Ali Park, Srinagar, to ensure convenience for all visitors, he added.
All visitors are warmly invited to join the prayers.
Srinagar, June 6, 2025: In anticipation of Eid-Ul-Azha, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has issued a public advisory regarding the proper disposal of skins, hides, and other waste from sacrificial animals. Citizens are urged not to discard these materials in public spaces, on roadsides, or mix them with regular municipal waste.
To ensure hygiene and sanitation across Srinagar during the festive period, SMC has put in place comprehensive arrangements for the scientific collection and disposal of sacrificial remains. These services are available free of cost and will be carried out across all municipal wards of the city.
A dedicated fleet of vehicles has been deployed specifically for this purpose, with ward-wise contact numbers of the designated drivers made available for public use. Residents are encouraged to avail themselves of this facility and coordinate with the municipal staff for timely collection.
The SMC has appealed to all Srinagar residents to extend full cooperation and help maintain public health and cleanliness during Eid-Ul-Azha.
For more details, including the list of vehicles and contact numbers, citizens are advised to refer to the official SMC communication or contact their local ward offices.
“Your support is vital to keeping our city clean and ensuring a safe and hygienic Eid for all,” said a spokesperson for the SMC.
Sacrificial Waste Collection Teams (1st Eid-Ul-Azha 2025) – June 7, 2025 (Saturday)
Ward No. 01 – Brien Nishat:
Showkat Ahmad Haroon – 9797514479 – JK01W-4361; Nissar Ahmad Sheikh – 9906487830 – JK01AK-3857; Mohammad Asif Wani – 6005216446 – JK01AB-3150; Manzoor Ahmad Mir – 6005643282 – JK01AK-3985.
Ward No. 02 – Lal Chowk:
Shahid Ahangir –9797096468 –JK01AT-7606; Wahid Ahmad Dar –9622444534 –JK01AT-3060; Sameer Ahmad Sheikh –6005517074 –JK01AT-2791; Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh –9103447491 –JK01AK-3805.
Ward No. 03 – Dal:
Sahil Ahmad Ashraf-7889846737-JK01AU-2219; Zahid Zahoor-9797060885-JK01AT-3027; Dilwar Ahmad Mir-9149466319-JK01AT-2942;Nissar Ahmad Sheikh – 6006176157-JK01AR- 1560.
Ward No. 04 – Kralyar:
Sahil Ahmad – 7780935475, JK01AT-3025; Reyaz Ahmad Bhat -7006806601- JK01AR-2735; Suhail Ahmad -9682632469-JK01AT-2749.
Ward No. 05- Khayam / Nai Sarak:
Arshid Ahmad Bhat – 9149933427 – JK01AK-3866; Ishfaq Ahmad Malik -6006331983 – JK01AR-0749;Bilal Ahmad Sheikh -8082140538 – JK01AR-1590.
Ward No. 06- Zaina Kadal:
Bashir Ahmad Moti -9682353973 – JK01AB-3155 ;Younis Ahmad Magloo 6005575771 – JK01AR-0796; Giyas Ahmad -9682131920 – JK01AT-3128.
Ward No. 07-Khanyar:
Shahid Ahmad Dar-6005511949 – JK01AT-3145 ; Nazir Ahmed Sheikh 7780878783 – JK01AK-3898 ; Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat- 6006331983 – JK01AR-2765.
Ward No. 10-Zadibal/Madin Sahib:
Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh – 9149856040 – JK01AQ-7228; Fayaz Ahmad – 9697403461 – JK01AQ-7245; Sammer Ahmad Malla – 6005548290 – JK01AQ-9088; Assar Ahmad Ganie – 9103542507 – JK01AU-2227; Mohd Lateef Bhat – 7889388891 – JK01AQ-8057.
Ward No. 11-Lal Bazar:
Nazir Ahmad – 9797063317 – JK01AT-3018; Mohammad Hussain Parra – 6922742157 – JK01AU-7646; Ghulam Mohammad Sofi – 9906484242 – JK01AT-3036; Mohd Ashraf – 7006313776 – JK01AQ-7154; Gulzar Ahmad Kashkari – 9596443339 – JK01W-4362.
Ward No. 12- Hazratbal:
Muzaffar Ahmad Sheikh – 9906633019 – JK01AK-3914; Gazanfar Rasheed Hajam – 9797091060 – JK01AK-3839; Firdouse Ahmad – 6005260126 – JK01AK-3144; Javed Ahmad Shah – 7006116534 – JK01AR-0772; Nazir Ahmad Wani – 9596850326 – JK01AT-2702; Mehraj u Din War – 7889680231 – JK01AR-0711.
Ward No. 13- Botapora:
Irshad Ahmad – 9697434775 – JK01AQ-8316; Shabir Ahmad Sheikh – 7889679748 – JK01AQ-7143; Shahid Ahmad – 7006916358 – JK01AQ-7157; Gulzar Ahmad Dar – 7006127877 – JK01AR-0219; Adil Ahmad – 7889369328 – JK01AQ-7438.
Ward No. 14- Zakoora:
Aijaz Ahmad Hajam – 7889860770 – JK01AL6813; Abid Bashir – 9103172295 – JK01AT-3098; Adil Ahmad – 7006155951 – JK01AR-0241.
Ward No. 15- Nagbal/Ahmad Nagar:
Mohammad Yaqoob Mir – 7006579366 – JK01AK-3867; Bi la Ahmad Rather – 7889376136 – JK01AT-2945; Ajaz Ahmad Katoo – 7889541449 – JK01AT-2770; Irfan Ahmad Gasi – 6005497434 – JK01AR-1543; Abid Hussain – 7006284747 – JK01AT-7619; Akthar Ali – 7006251758 – JK01AQ-8038.
Ward No. 16- Soura:
Amir Ahmad – 7889496662 – JK01AT-3023; Mohd Sarvar – 9906946944 – JK01AT-7644; Bilal Ahmad – 9541623464 – JK01AU-2257; Younis Ahmad Bhat – 6005452247 – JK01AT-2721; Suhail Ahmad Sheikh – 7889868405 – JK01AQ-8245; Bashir Ahmad Bhat – 8825005266 – JK01AQ-8208.
Ward No. 17- Nowshera:
Bashir Ahmad – 6005762491 – JK01AQ-9026; Shabir Ahmad Dar – 6006943895 – JK01AQ-7319; Reyaz Ahmad – 6005428188 – JK01AT-2755; Yarwar Ahmad – 7889627561 – JK01AQ-2750; Sahil Ahmad – 7889513043 – JK01AT3188.
Ward No. 18- Safa Kadal:
Parvez Ahmad – 6006883963 – JK01AR-0793; Mohd Ibrahim – 6005495857 – JK01AQ-7138; Aqib Sultan Mir – 9858872787 – JK01AQ-9067; Amir Habib – 8491874995 – JK01AQ-7096.
Ward No. 19- Palpora:
Azam Yaqoob Mir – 9419002267 – JK01AQ-7297; Tariq Ahmad Khana – 9622444397 – JK01AR-0758; Mohd Abas Mir – 7889728565 – JK01AR-0754; Riyaz Ahmad – 7006915188 – JK01AQ-9080.
Ward No. 20-Jamallatta:
Tariq Ahmad – 7889533686 – JK01AR-1706; Nasser Ahmad – 7889723325 – JK01AR-1706; Hilal Ahmad – 875982504 – JK01AT-3102; Fahmeem Ahmad – 7006564449 – JK01AT-7633.
Ward No. 26- Maloora/Mujgund:
Nasser Ahmad – 9797944824 – JK01AR-1581; Mohd Rafiq – 9149685874 – JK01AU-2242; Fayaz Ahmad – 9622777905 – JK01AT-3067; Mehraj U Din – 6005351184 – JK01AT-3194; Mohd Ahraf Ganie – 7889560603 – JK01AT-7697; Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh – 7780846576 – JK01AR-7134.
Ward No. 27- Khumani Chowk:
Suhail Ahmad Sheikh – 7006943373 – JK01AB-3146; Mehraj ud Din – 9103511264 – JK01AR-8059; Asshiq Hussain Wani – 7006520032 – JK01AR-7643; Mohd Ishaq Dar – 7780848094 – JK01AQ-7194; Shafat Hussain Sofi – 6005982553 – JK01AQ-7275.
Ward No. 28- Batamaloo:
Younis Ahmad – 9419227956 – JK01AQ-8242; Saqleen Ahmad – 9320661799 – JK01AQ-7287; Mehraj U Din – 8899055889 – JK01AQ-7273; Waseem Ahmad – 6006186933 – JK01AT-3143; Majid Ahmad Sofi – 9541217627 – JK01AT-7672.
Ward No. 29-Magarmal Bagh/Allochi Bagh:
Fayaz Ahmad Mir – 7051747668 – JK01AR-1555; Waseem Aslam Sofi – 9858275460 – JK01AB-3156; Hilal Ahmad Sheikh – 9149614403 – JK01AR-0788.
Ward No. 30- Jawahar Nagar:
Riyaz Ahmad Bhat – 7006984399 – JK01AK-3942; Firdous Ahmad Sheikh – 7006456050 – JK01AK-3958; Kasir Pandith – 9541696990 – JK01AQ-7196; Ajaz Ahmad – 9541213701 – JK01AQ-8047; Fayaz Ahmad – 9469868647 – JK01AQ-7113; Shabir Ahmad Khan – 8491002799 – JK01AQ-8332; Reyaz Tariq – 6005796478 – JK01AT-2299; Reyaz Ahmad Chala – 9469773621 – JK01AT-2707.
Ward No. 31- Chanapora:
Mohammad Azmat Dar – 9906473137 – JK01AB-3159; Tariq Ahmad Sheikh – 9682563374 – JK01AK-3821; Mohd Tahir Shah – 7006164840 – JK01AL-9487; Ab Aziz Sheikh – 9103180041 – JK01V-6843; Sameer Abas Rather – 6005864992 – JK01AT-7687; Shakeel Ahmad Sheikh – 9906232674 – JK01AT-7694; Suhail Majeed – 8825016943 – JK01AQ-7255; Farooz Ahmad – 7006758542 – JK01AR-2784.
Ward No. 32-Baghat:
Aijaz Ahmad Bhat – 7006265718 – JK01AB-3148; Irshad Ahmad Azad – 8825055121 – Ch No-15304; Mohd Yaqoob Bhat – 9103180041 – JK01AB-3143; Jhangir Ahmad Dar – 9682139456 – JK01AK-3860; Nissar Ahmad – 8493945151 – JK01AQ-9032; Mohd Ashraf Bhat – 9622605281 – JK01AT-7686; Nasser Ahmad – 9149885530 – JK01AT-3047; Muzamil Ahmad – 6005929689 – JK01AT-3074.
Ward No. 33-Humhama:
Javed Ahmad Sofi – 9018888393 – JK01AL-6831; Shakeel Ahmad Lone – 7006451452 – JK01AK-3988; Ishtaq Ahmad Lone – 9596439483 – JK01AK-3812; Mohd Iqbal Dar – 7006211522 – JK01AL-3854; Akash Ahmad Akhoon – 9797793010 – JK01AB-3164; Adil Ahmad Gilkar – 9622464677 – JK01AT-3123.
Ward No. 34-Pantha Chowk:
Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh – 7780925347 – JK01AQ-8099; Adil Mushtaq Ahmad – 8082944435 – JK01AT-3139; Bashir Ahmad Ganie – 9906702760 – JK01AR-1715; Mukhtar Ahmad Wani – 7006432810 – JK01AL-9470.
Ward No. 35-Bhag-i-Mehtab:
Ghulam Rasool Fafoo – 9419764613 – JK01AB-1794; Mohammad Abdullah Beigh – 9622350509 – JK01X-5142; Ashiq Maqsood Khan – 9796968705 – JK01W-4357; Irshad Ahmad – 906112283 – JK01AK-3879.
Sacrificial Waste Collection Teams (2nd Eid-Ul-Azha 2025) – June 8, 2025 (Sunday)
Ward No. 01-Brien Nishat:
Raja Irshad Sheikh – 6005414918 – JK01AQ-9817; Showkat Ahmad Haroon – 9797514479 – JK01W-4361; Mohammad Asif Wani – 6005216446 – JK01AB-3150; Amir Ahmad Malik – 6005411819 – JK01AT-2766; Mehraj ud Din Sheikh – 9797758184 – JK01AR-1514.
Ward No. 02 -Lal Chowk:
Amjid Hussain – 9541399468 – JK01AK-3822; Javed Ahmad Khan – 6006626686 – JK01AB-1791; Asif Bilal – 7780974494 – JK01AU-2267; Mohd Abas Bhat – 6005842925 – JK01AT-2792; Ashiq Ahmad – 7006881605 – JK01AR-1759.
Ward No. 03- Dal:
Sahil Ahmad Ashraf – 7889846737 – JK01AU-2219; Zahid Zahoor – 9103447491 – JK01AT-3027; Dilwar Ahmad Mir – 9149466319 – JK01AT-2942; Nissar Ahmad Sheikh – 6006176157 – JK01AR-1560.
Ward No. 04- Kralyar:
Sahil Ahmad – 7780935475 – JK01AT-3025; Reyaz Ahmad Bhat – 7006806601 – JK01AR-2735; Suhail Ahmad – 9682632469 – JK01AT-2749.
Ward No. 05- Khayam/Nai Sarak:
Bilal Ahmad Sheikh – 8082140538 – JK01AR-1590; Waseem Ashraf Sheikh – 7006413747 – JK01AL-9485; Mohd Lateef – 6005577026 – JK01AQ-7326; Adil Ahmad – 7780800314 – JK01AQ-7226.
Ward No. 06- Zaina Kadal:
Bashir Ahmad Moti – 9682353973 – JK01AB-3155; Younis Ahmad Magloo – 6005575771 – JK01AR-0796; Giyas Ahmad – 9682131920 – JK01AT-3128.
Ward No. 07 -Khanyar:
Nazir Ahmed Sheikh – 7780878783 – JK01AK-3898; Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat – 6006331983 – JK01AR-2765; Amir Ahmed Sheikh – 7006106962 – JK01AT-2740.
Ward No. 10 -Zadibal/Madin Sahib:
Sammer Ahmad Malla – 6005548290 – JK01AQ-9088; Assar Ahmad Ganie – 9103542507 – JK01AU-2227; Mohd Lateef Bhat – 7889388891 – JK01AQ-8057; Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh – 9149856040 – JK01AQ-7228.
Ward No. 11 -Lal Bazar:
Nazir Ahmad – 9797063317 – JK01AT-3018; Mohammad Hussain Parra – 6922742157 – JK01AU-7646; Ghulam Mohammad Sofi – 9906484242 – JK01AT-3036; Mohd Ashraf – 7006313776 – JK01AQ-7154; Umar Farooq – 6006193774 – JK01AR-7249.
Ward No. 12- Hazratbal:
Javed Ahmad Shah – 7006116534 – JK01AR-0772; Mudasir Ahmad – 9622714044 – JK01AU-2233; Mehraj ud Din War – 7889680231 – JK01AR-0711; Muzaffar Ahmad Sheikh – 9906633019 – JK01AK-3914; Imtiyaz Ahmad Sheikh – 9596266624 – JK01AT-2952.
Ward No. 13- Botapora:
Irshad Ahmad – 9697434775 – JK01AQ-8316; Shahid Ahmad – 7006916358 – JK01AQ-7157; Shabir Ahmad Sheikh – 7889679748 – JK01AQ-7143; Gulzar Ahmad Dar – 7006127877 – JK01AR-0219; Adil Ahmad – 7889369328 – JK01AQ-7438.
Ward No. 14- Zakoora:
Shabir Ahmad Jan – 6006504219 – JK01AT-2722; Abid Bashir – 9103172295 – JK01AT-3098; Adil Ahmad – 7006155951 – JK01AR-0241.
Ward No. 15- Nagbal/Ahmad Nagar:
Irfan Ahmad Gasi – 6005497434 – JK01AR-1543; Hilal Ahmad Dar – 7006384650 – JK01AB-1788; Abid Hussain – 7006284747 – JK01AT-7619; Akthar Ali – 7006251758 – JK01AQ-8038.
Ward No. 16 -Soura:
Younis Ahmad Bhat – 6005452247 – JK01AT-2721; Bilal Ahmad – 9541623464 – JK01AU-2257; Bashir Ahmad Bhat – 8825005266 – JK01AQ-8208; Amir Ahmad – 7889496662 – JK01AT-3023; Mohd Sarvar – 9906946944 – JK01AT-7644.
Ward No. 17- Nowsbera:
Bashir Ahmad – 6005762491 – JK01AQ-9026; Shabir Ahmad Dar – 6006943895 – JK01AQ-7319; Yarwar Ahmad – 7889627561 – JK01AQ-2750; Sahil Ahmad – 7889513043 – JK01AT-3188.
Ward No. 18 -Safa Kadal:
Parvez Ahmad – 6006883963 – JK01AR-0793; Mohd Ibrahim – 6005495857 – JK01AQ-7138; Aqib Sultan Mir – 9858872787 – JK01AQ-9067; Amir Habib – 8491874995 – JK01AQ-7096; Reyaz Ahmad – 7006384650 – JK01AQ-9872.
Ward No. 19 -Palpora:
Nissar Ahmad – 8493945151 – JK01AQ-9032; Azam Yaqoob Mir – 9419002267 – JK01AQ-7297; Tariq Ahmad Khana – 9622444397 – JK01AR-0758; Mohd Abas Mir – 7889728565 – JK01AR-0754; Riyaz Ahmad – 7006915188 – JK01AQ-9080.
Ward No. 20- Jamallatta:
Nissar Ahmad – 7889723325 – JK01AR-1502; Tariq Ahmad – 7889533686 – JK01AR-1706; Sahil Yousuf – 9149823284 – JK01AQ-8014; Adil Ahmad – 9103333073 – JK01AT-3102.
SRINAGAR, MAY 27: A delegation of Anjuman Sharie Shian J&K led by Shri Aga Syed Mujtaba Abbas Mosavi called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today.
The members of the delegation put forth important matters pertaining to the smooth conduct of Muharram, including the procession of Youm-e-Ashoora.
The Lieutenant Governor assured that appropriate action will be taken to address the issues projected by them.
SRINAGAR, APRIL 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the Almond Bloom Festival-2025 at Badamwari (Almond Alcove) in Srinagar’s historic old city, heralding the arrival of spring in Kashmir.
“With blossoms in full glory, their fragrance fills every corner, marking the arrival of spring in Kashmir. This festival is not just a celebration of nature’s beauty but also an effort to boost tourism and promote our cultural heritage,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
The event was organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the Floriculture Department and witnessed participation from top officials, artists and a large number of visitors, including students and tourists.
Minister of Transport Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Floriculture, Director Tourism, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The highlight of the festival was a grand cultural and musical show, featuring mesmerizing performances by renowned Kashmiri artists. Their soulful music captivated the audience, adding to the charm of the event. The festival also included traditional folk performances, handicraft exhibitions and stalls showcasing Kashmiri handicrafts giving visitors a taste of the Valley’s rich cultural heritage.
SRINAGAR, APRIL 1: In a landmark move towards gender-inclusive mobility, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today flagged off the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative (free bus service) for women of Jammu and Kashmir from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC).
The initiative, fulfilling a key budget announcement, ensures free travel for women in all Smart City e-buses and J&K Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) buses across the Union Territory.
Before the official flag-off, the Chief Minister also inaugurated Zero-Ticket Travel for schoolgirls, underscoring the government’s commitment to accessible and safe transportation for young students.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that this initiative is more than just a welfare measure—it is a bold step towards women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
“Starting today, women across Jammu and Kashmir will travel free of cost in all Smart City and SRTC buses. This isn’t just about affordability; it’s about accessibility, safety, and creating an environment where women feel empowered to travel freely. Our vision is to make J&K a model of inclusive growth where no woman is held back due to mobility constraints,” he said.
The Chief Minister also referred to his Budget Speech, in which he had announced free ridership for women in government transport, including Smart City e-buses.
“During the budget, we made a special announcement for women that our RTC buses and Smart City e-buses would be free to use after 1st April. Today, we started the service with the hope that it will be easier for them to travel, whether it is for education, shopping, work or sightseeing,” Omar Abdullah said.
“We hope that they will be able to travel all over Jammu and Kashmir in a safe environment,” he remarked. The scheme, which was first announced on March 7 during the Chief Minister’s Budget Speech, is part of a broader series of pro-women and pro-poor initiatives aimed at fostering social and economic empowerment.
Accompanying the Chief Minister at the launch event were Minister for Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo, Minister for Transport Satish Sharma, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq, along with senior government officials, including Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development, Transport Commissioner J&K, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (who is also CEO Srinagar Smart City Limited), Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Managing Director State Road Transport Corporation.
Asia’s largest Tulip Garden opens to visitors in Srinagar
SRINAGAR, MARCH 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the Tulip Show-2025 at the iconic Tulip Garden in Srinagar, marking the arrival of spring in Kashmir.
Nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, this garden—the largest of its kind in Asia—was officially opened to visitors.
The garden boasts a breathtaking display of 1.5 million spring-blooming bulbs featuring over 74 tulip varieties, alongside vibrant daffodils, hyacinths, and muscari, offering a spectacular floral experience.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister highlighted the Tulip Show as a celebration of Kashmir’s diverse natural beauty and a key attraction for nature lovers worldwide.
He emphasized Jammu and Kashmir’s timeless charm and scenic landscapes, inviting tourists to explore its unmatched splendor.
Interacting with visitors, Chief Minister Abdullah welcomed them to the “Paradise on Earth”, encouraging them to cherish and share their experiences of the Tulip Garden in their home countries.
The inaugural day saw an overwhelming response from tourists and locals alike, who marveled at the mesmerizing floral expanse.
Accompanying the Chief Minister were Minister for Agriculture, Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, and several Members of the Legislative Assembly.
Senior officials present at the occasion included ACS to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; DC Srinagar Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat; Director Floriculture Kashmir Shakeel-ur-Rehman; and other senior officers from the Floriculture Department.
