LG highlights the role of literature in nation-building; urges the poets to create stronger national identity and social cohesion through their expression
Poets and writers must strengthen the unity, counter secessionist attempts to divide and radicalise youth in Kashmir valley: LG
We should also focus on promoting regional literature to fully capitalize on its potential for social harmony and national strength: LG Sinha
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 28: “Poets and writers must strengthen the unity, counter secessionist attempts to divide and radicalise youth in Kashmir valley,” the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha said on Friday. He was speaking at the ‘Kavi Sammelan’ organised by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the role of literature in nation-building. He urged the poets to create stronger national identity and social cohesion through their expression. “We should also focus on promoting regional literature to fully capitalize on its potential for social harmony and national strength,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He emphasised that, for a self-reliant and developed India, both art and artificial intelligence, Science and Sanskar are crucial. He said literature, music, and poetry strengthen democratic values and provide society much needed cultural and spiritual nourishment.
“Poetry serves not just as a foundation of social consciousness, but also as a pinnacle of society’s resolve. Poetry acts as a bridge between dreams and its actualization. Poetry is also a catalyst for individual growth and inspires social transformation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor spoke on the key initiatives taken by the UT administration, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to revive the ancient literary tradition and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The last five years have been decisive for the Union Territory of J&K. We have diligently strived to provide a safe and culturally-rich environment for the new generation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The enthralling poem recital by eminent poet Dr Kumar Vishwas remained the main highlights of the literary evening.
The program also featured captivating poetry from the renowned poets: Shri Sudeep Bhola, Shri Ramesh Muskan, Ms. Padmini Sharma, and Shri Kushal Kushlendra. Shri Tarun Bajaj, Executive Director, Northern Region Transmission System-II, Power Grid; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Shri SK Chowan, Chief General Manager (Projects), Power Grid; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Dr Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu, senior officials, prominent citizens, literary personalities and youth in large number were present.
SAMBA, NOVEMBER 27: Brig Pankaj Chib, SM, VSM (retd) has taken over as the new Director Sainik Welfare Department, J&K and Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board J&K today. A highly distinguished Army veteran, Brig Pankaj Chib, SM, VSM, Retd brings with him over 35 years of exemplary service to the nation.
A graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Brig Pankaj Chib, (Retd) has held numerous operational assignments during his career and has been honoured with the Sena Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal for his outstanding contributions. His career profile includes the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), the Higher Command Course and programmes at LBSNAA and IIM Indore. He holds a Master’s in Defence & Strategic Studies and an M.Phil in Defence & Management Studies and has also trained foreign army personnel.
He is widely admired for advocating veterans’ welfare and has been contributing to the resolution of a long-standing welfare matter impacting more than 500 members of the armed forces community in J&K. His steady involvement in the issue reflects his commitment to fairness, transparency and the well-being of serving personnel, veterans and Veer Naris.
Colleagues note that his efforts have given renewed visibility and momentum to a case that had remained unresolved for years.
Stresses on timely funds utilization and visible impact on ground
POONCH, NOVEMBER 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today conducted an extensive review of the developmental landscape of Poonch district, taking a detailed assessment of the pace of ongoing works, funds utilisation and overall progress of key infrastructure projects and welfare schemes.
Chairing the high-level meeting, the Chief Minister underscored the need for timely utilisation of allocated funds, strict adherence to set timelines and ensuring visible outcomes on the ground. He directed all departments to accelerate project execution so that benefits reach people without delay.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar, and Satish Sharma; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; the District Development Council Chairperson; and the MLAs of Poonch district. Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, senior district officers, heads of departments and other concerned officials were also present.
Representatives from Poonch, including the DDC Chairperson and MLA Poonch-Haveli Ajaz Ahmed Jan and MLA Surankote Choudhary Mohammad Akram raised several issues and demands related to infrastructure gaps, public service delivery and sector-specific priorities of the district.
Responding to the submissions, the Chief Minister assured that all issues, grievances, and demands of the people of Poonch will be addressed on priority. He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development and stressed on the need to resolve administrative and procedural hurdles to ensure seamless progress.
He noted that the government’s top priority is the holistic development of far-flung and remote areas and district-wise review meetings are being conducted to understand local needs and developmental expectations directly from stakeholders.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government has intensified its focus on strengthening road connectivity, upgrading public infrastructure, improving educational facilities and boosting the economic growth of the region. These interventions, he said, are vital for ensuring equitable growth and improving the quality of life of the people. He directed officials to maintain close interdepartmental coordination, regularly monitor progress and ensure accountability at all levels.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma delivered a presentation on the status of projects under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), UT capex, and various flagship programmes. He highlighted some bottlenecks and issues affecting project completion.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that the district has recorded substantial progress under the District Capex Budget, including achievements in road connectivity, water supply, education, health, rural development, social welfare and power infrastructure. Key ongoing works include the NH-144A tunnel, RTS double-lane road, Parnai Hydroelectric Project, construction of girls’ hostels and G&B hostels, Mini Secretariats at Poonch and Mendhar, Eklavya Model Residential School and major bridges at Mandi and Mendhar. The meeting was informed that over
1,100 bunkers have been completed, significantly enhancing border-area safety. It was further informed that under social sector schemes, Poonch achieved 100% family coverage under Ayushman Bharat–Sehat scheme, full saturation under NSAP, and high progress in PMAY, PM-Poshan, PM SHRI, and PMMVY. Agriculture and allied sectors also reported notable achievements under HADP, including protected cultivation, mushroom units, bee-keeping clusters, mechanisation support, and soil-testing facilities.
The Chief Minister called for time-bound resolution of pending issues, including completion of the Mini Secretariat buildings, BRO-related road matters, and clearance of SDRF liabilities, to further accelerate the district’s development momentum.
Later, the Chief Minister, along-with his Cabinet colleagues, e-inaugurated five key development projects worth ₹13.54 crore for Poonch district, including a modern compost making unit at Mendhar and multiple Water Supply Schemes across Haveli and Surankote.
These initiatives will strengthen agriculture, improve safe drinking water access and enhance quality of life for the people.
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone for setting up of an Automated Vehicle Testing Station (ATS) at Khanpur, Nagrota, Jammu, marking a significant stride towards strengthening road safety and modernising transport infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister said that the establishment of the state-of-the-art Automated Testing Station will usher in a more transparent, efficient and technology-driven vehicle fitness regime.
He noted that such facilities are essential for reducing road accidents, ensuring compliance with safety standards and curbing manual irregularities in the fitness certification process. Omar Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to adopting modern systems and improving public service delivery across various departments.
The foundation laying ceremony was attended by Minister for Transport Satish Sharma, Secretary Transport Avny Lavasa, Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Regional Transport Officer Jammu and other senior officers of the Transport Department.
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 24: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Monday visited the Commando Training Centre (CTC) of Jammu Kashmir Police at Sunjwan, Jammu.
The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the training programme on various specialized modules and other activities conducted during the training courses. He was briefed on the operational preparedness, specialised counter-terror and tactical training to the trainees.
The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the J&K Police personnel undergoing training at CTC.
SSP, Training and Special Operations gave a detailed presentation on various components of training and proposed upgradation and infrastructure expansion of the centre.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Shri Nalin Prabhat, Director General of Police; Shri S.J.M. Gillani, Special Director General (Coordination), PHQ J&K; Shri Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; Shri M.K Sinha, ADGP Headquarters and Director SSG; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP, Jammu; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and other senior officials.
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 23: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Jammu Division.
The meeting was attended by Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shri S.J.M. Gillani, Special Director General (Coordination), PHQ J&K; Shri Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home; Shri Nitish Kumar, ADGP CID; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP, Jammu; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic; DIGs, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of Jammu Division.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir Police for its meticulous investigation and quick response in dismantling the Pan-India Terror Network.
“Our 360-degree approach to counter-terrorism with massive crackdowns on terror financing, narco-terror links, Over Ground Workers (OGWs), and sympathizers is focused on dismantling the entire support structure to terrorists. Our coordinated efforts will ensure that the remnants of terror ecosystem are completely wiped-out from Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials to remain vigilant and watchful of emerging security challenges.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised on Zero Tolerance Policy against terrorism and asked the officials to take strongest possible action against terror sympathizers, OGWs and terror elements who are trying to radicalize youth.
He directed the officials to intensify intelligence-led operations against terrorists and concerted efforts to monitor digital platforms being used by terror outfits for radicalization and funding.
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 21: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather today administered the oath to two newly elected MLAs, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi and Devyani Rana of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has been elected from Budgam Assembly constituency while Devyani Rana has been elected from Nagrota constituency.
Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi took oath in Urdu and Devyani Rana had oath in Dogri.
MP Rajya Sabha, Sat Paul Sharma; Leader of Opposition, Sunil Kumar Sharma; MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Vikram Randhawa, Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para and family members of newly elected members were also present on the occasion.
RAJOURI, NOVEMBER 18: In a moment of immense pride for District Rajouri, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma was today honoured by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, for the district’s outstanding performance under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative. The award recognises Rajouri’s exemplary achievements in promoting community-led water conservation and sustainable resource management.
Despite challenges during the implementation phase, including incidents of Pakistani shelling in border areas and the concurrent Operation Sindoor, the district administration—supported by the unwavering spirit of Jan Bhagidari, completed and geo-tagged all water recharge structures well before the 31st May deadline. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of both the administration and the public.
As part of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari programme, Rajouri successfully geo-tagged 4,208 rainwater harvesting structures, including 132 Amrit Sarovars, 894 ponds, 510 bowlis, 2,270 harvesting tanks and 408 dugwells.
These efforts have significantly enhanced the district’s rainwater harvesting capacity and strengthened long-term water sustainability.
The national recognition highlights the district administration’s innovative and result-oriented approach in mobilising public participation, rejuvenating traditional water bodies, expanding community awareness and prioritising grassroots engagement. Under the leadership of DC Abhishek Sharma, Rajouri adopted a holistic strategy to improve water security through collaboration and community ownership.
“This honour belongs to the people of Rajouri,” DC Abhishek Sharma said, expressing gratitude for the prestigious recognition. He emphasized that the district’s success was driven by collective commitment, strong community participation and consistent on-ground efforts.
Guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of ensuring water security for all, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari promotes conservation through a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. The initiative empowers communities to protect and restore water bodies, adopt sustainable practices and build resilience against water scarcity.
Rajouri’s people-centric model—anchored in sustainability, collaboration and active citizen participation—has now gained appreciation at the highest national level. The award has also infused renewed motivation among district officials, community groups and the general public to continue their efforts toward creating a water-secure and environmentally sustainable Rajouri.
This national honour marks a significant milestone, positioning Rajouri as a leading example of innovative governance and effective public participation in water conservation across the country.
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic accident involving a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims in Medina, Saudi Arabia, early this morning.
He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap.
According to initial reports, the accident occurred when a bus carrying 46 pilgrims collided with a tanker while travelling from Mecca to Medina. The reports indicate that the collision resulted in the death of 45 Indian pilgrims.
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 15: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has expressed his anguish over the loss of precious lives in the tragic accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor has said:
“Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured.
The government stands in solidarity with the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. I have ordered a probe to ascertain the cause of the accidental explosion”.
