Srinagar, November 25: J&K Police in Srinagar, seeks the cooperation of the general public in identifying an individual involved in a theft case registered under FIR No. 100/2025 U/S 303(2) BNS at Police Station Saddar. In the incident, a white-coloured scooty bearing Registration No. JK01AE 9604 was stolen and driven away by an unknown person.
In this regard, the general public is requested to help in identifying the individual shown in the photograph. Any information leading to the suspect’s identification or location may be shared with Police Station Saddar on 9596770859 or Dial 112. The identity of the informant shall be kept confidential.
Sopore, November 25: J&K Police in Sopore has solved a theft case by arresting 02 accused persons involved in the commission of crime and recovered stolen property from their possession.
Police Post Bus Stand Sopore received an written application from Maqbool Rahman Beigh, resident of Model Town, stating that unknown persons had stolen utensils from his residence. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 260/2025 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Sopore and investigation was initiated.
During the investigation, several suspects were rounded up and examined. During this process, one suspect person identified as Shabir Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ab Hamid Sheikh, resident of Model Town D, was questioned and he admitted his involvement in the commission of crime. He further disclosed that part of the stolen property had been concealed at Cooperative Baagh Sopore, while some items had been sold to another individual.
Acting on this disclosure, Police successful recovery stolen property from the identified location. Further investigation led to the questioning of another suspect identified as Waseem Nabi Wani, resident of Model Town D, who admitted to have received stolen items from Shabir Ahmad Sheikh. Based on his disclosure, additional stolen property was recovered from his residence.
J&K Police reaffirmed its commitment to prompt investigation, swift action and protection of public property. The investigation is ongoing and further legal proceedings have been set into motion.
Srinagar, November 25: The wife of late Syed Hussain Waiz of Kamangar Pora, presently residing at Nawab Bagh Baghwan Pora, Lal Bazar, Srinagar, passed away on Tuesday at her residence.
The deceased was the mother of Syed Nasrullah Waiz (Retired BDO).
A large number of people from all walks of life participated in her funeral prayers (Nimaz-e-Jinaza) held at Nawab Bagh Baghwan Pora, Lal Bazar, Srinagar, and expressed their condolences to the bereaved family. She was laid to rest at her ancestral graveyard in Wani Mohalla, Ahmada Kadal, Srinagar.
According to family sources, the congregational Fateha Khawani will be held on Friday at her ancestral graveyard at Wani Mohalla, Ahmada Kadal, at 7:45 am, followed by a day-long condolence meeting at Imam Bara Imam Mehdi (AS).
The Valley Observer team also held a condolence meeting and expressed heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family, especially with Syed Nasrullah Waiz
Youth must step up against organisations and individuals involved in Radicalisation in the valley: LG Sinha
Lieutenant Governor asks the youth to nurture the spirit of oneness and build a better world, free of discrimination
Young athletes are the architects of the nation’s destiny and they are responsible for promoting the spirit of national unity to build a golden future of this country: LG Sinha
Youthful energy working for the national goals usher dynamism into the society: LG
Dream big and have the courage to make those dreams come true: LG to Youth
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 25: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Tuesday called upon the Youth to step up against organisations and individuals involved in Radicalisation in the Kashmir valley.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of 69th National School Games-2025 organised by Department of Youth Services & Sports and School Games Federation of India (SGFI) at Jammu.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor asked the youth to nurture the spirit of oneness and build a better world, free of discrimination.
“Young athletes are the architects of the nation’s destiny and they are responsible for promoting the spirit of national unity to build a golden future of this country. Youthful energy working for the national goals usher dynamism into the society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated all the winners and participants. He also extended his felicitations to the teams’ management, coaches, and officials for the successful conduct of the National School Games.
“Dream big and have the courage to make those dreams come true. As role models, you hold a special place in society and have a huge responsibility to inspire the coming generations, both on and off the field. From the sports field to the grassroots level, you must continuously strive for progressive policies and social transformation through sports,” the Lieutenant Governor told the youth.
The Lieutenant Governor handed over trophies to the winners and other top performing teams and the players who excelled in the different games’ disciplines. He also released a Compendium of Department of Youth Services and Sports.
The Games successfully featured four disciplines: Football, Wushu, Taekwondo, and Table Tennis, drawing participation from athletes across 34 states and union territories.
Ms. Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Youth Services and Sports; Ms Anuradha Gupta, Director General Youth Services and Sports; senior officials, prominent sports personalities, and youth in large number attended the closing ceremony.
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), under the aegis of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, presented the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 with the theme “EK BHARAT, SHRESHTHA BHARAT”.
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, inaugurated the event.
The J&K Pavilion, located on the 1st Floor of Hall No. 3 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 14 to 27. The Pavilion offers a dynamic platform for around 140 exhibitors, including women entrepreneurs, specially-abled business owners and cooperative societies, to showcase their diverse range of products. It highlights Jammu and Kashmir’s world-renowned Geographical Indication (GI)–tagged products such as Saffron, Pashmina Shawls, Kani Shawls, Sozni Embroidery, Basohli Paintings, Kashmiri Carpets and Paper Mâché crafts, each reflecting the region’s authenticity and artistic excellence.
A special celebration, ‘Jammu and Kashmir Day,’ was held on November 22, 2025, at Amphitheatre One, featuring the cultural performances dedicated to celebrate the culture, craft and heritage of J&K. The event strengthened J&K’s presence on the national stage while celebrating its artistic richness and entrepreneurial excellence.
JKTPO continues to uphold transparency and inclusivity in promoting the local enterprises. With participation of key organizations such as J&K Industries Limited and the State Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation, the Pavilion exemplifies the seamless harmony of tradition and innovation that defines Jammu and Kashmir.
Over the past three years, JKTPO has significantly expanded the participation of artisans, farmers and entrepreneurs in national exhibitions and trade fairs, including IITF. The number of exhibitors has grown remarkably from fewer than 30 participants a few years ago to over 140 in 2025.
During the previous edition, in 2024, approximately 110 exhibitors represented J&K at IITF. This consistent growth reflects rising enthusiasm among the J&K’s business community to present their products on prestigious national platforms.
The participants have not only gained extensive exposure but secured valuable business leads and confirmed orders, fostering long-term and sustainable trade relationships. On-the-spot sales have risen significantly, offering direct financial gains and enhancing exhibitors’ confidence. This strong buyer interest, coupled with the overwhelming footfall at the Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion, further underscored its growing national appeal.
The Pavilion remained consistently crowded with the visitors eager to experience the region’s rich craft heritage, authentic GI-tagged products and vibrant cultural presentations. The enthusiastic public response not only amplified sales and business opportunities but also reinforced the Pavilion’s standing as one of the most sought-after attractions at IITF 2025. This continued success reaffirms the Government’s commitment to empowering local talent and nurturing a sustainable ecosystem that champions heritage, innovation and enterprise.
Lauds Artisans as custodians of Heritage, pledges sector revival under CM Omar Abdullah’s leadershi
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 25:Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today honoured 38 outstanding craftsmen and artisans with the UT-Level Artisan and Weaver Awards–2024 for their exemplary contribution to preserving and innovating Jammu and Kashmir’s celebrated handicraft traditions.
The awards conferred by Handicrafts and Handloom Department were presented at a grand ceremony held at SKICC, Srinagar.
The event was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, Director Handicrafts and Handloom Department Kashmir, Mussarat ul Islam, senior government officials, dignitaries, and members of the artisan and business community.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government is fully committed to transforming the Handicrafts and Handloom sector into a vibrant economic pillar.
He noted that these awards not only celebrate craftsmanship but also motivate artisans to push creative boundaries and continue their invaluable service to society.
“The Artisan Awards reinforce the profound cultural and economic significance of J&K’s craft traditions, which sustain livelihoods and shape our identity on the global stage,” he said.
Appreciating the department for its efforts, the Deputy Chief Minister added, “This event reflects our dedication to giving artisans the respect and recognition they truly deserve. They are our pride, the custodians of our heritage and traditions. Under the able leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Jenab Omar Abdullah Sahib, we will leave no stone unturned in addressing sectoral challenges and elevating this backbone of our economy to new heights.”
Of the 38 awardees, 20 belong to Kashmir Division and 18 to Jammu Division, selected through a rigorous evaluation across ten notified craft categories. Each category carried three awards, with winners receiving citations, certificates, and cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000, enabling them to further enhance their craft.
Delivering the inaugural address, Vikramjit Singh highlighted the department’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the sector.
“The Industries and Commerce Department is extending comprehensive support for the upliftment of our artisan community. We are intensifying efforts to revive the sector, showcase the brilliance of our artisans, and connect them with global markets.”
A departmental spokesperson noted that the sector supports over 3.80 lakh artisans and weavers, contributing more than ₹1500 crore annually to J&K’s economy. He added that artisans from the UT have earned prestigious national honours such as the Padma Shri and Shilp Guru Awards, and have captivated global audiences from Paris to New York.
Recent interventions, including skill enhancement workshops, Know Your Artisan initiative, digital marketplaces, and GI tagging, have significantly strengthened market outreach, contributing to a ₹500 crore boost in exports through participation in multiple global trade fairs this year.
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.
DC Directs Strict Enforcement to Protect Environment, Public Health & Agricultural Land
BUDGAM, NOVEMBER 24: Under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, the District Administration Budgam has intensified its ongoing enforcement drive against illegal brick kilns operating without authorization or violating environmental and land-use regulations.
Today civil administration, supported by police authorities, dismantled three illegal brick kilns in village Mulshulla of Tehsil Beerwah. These units were found contributing substantially to air pollution, causing health hazards to the local population, and degrading productive agricultural land by rendering it barren.
The district administration has reiterated that such illegal activities will not be allowed to operate at the cost of public health, ecological safety, and agricultural sustainability.
The District Administration has urged all owners of illegal brick kilns to voluntarily dismantle their structures on their own, failing which strict legal and enforcement action will be taken against them.
The operation was supervised on ground by SDM Beerwah, Toufeeq Gazi, along with Tehsildar Beerwah, SDPO Magam, and other concerned civil and police officers of the sub-division, ensuring smooth execution and adherence to legal procedures.
Local residents appreciated action of the district administration and urged that such drives should continue in the interest of public health and environmental protection.
The District Administration Budgam has reaffirmed that firm, coordinated and sustained action will continue across all tehsils to curb unauthorized brick kiln operations and safeguard the district’s environmental and agricultural resources.
UDHAMPUR, NOVEMBER 24: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai today felicitated Pritama Devi, the silver medalist at the Sub-Junior National Judo Championship and Chief Judo Coach, Suraj Bhan Singh for bringing pride to the district.
Pritama Devi, daughter of Yashpal and a resident of Shivnagar, Devika, Udhampur, bagged a silver medal in the Sub-Junior National Judo Championship held in Hyderabad, Telangana, from 16 to 20 November 2025. Pritama has been consistently training at the Subhash Stadium Indoor Complex Judo Hall under the expert coaching of Suraj Bhan Singh, Chief Judo Coach, J&K Sports Council.
This year, 16 players from Jammu & Kashmir, including 8 boys and 8 girls participated in the national championship.
In addition to Pritama’s silver medal in the minus 40 kg weight category, athletes from Ganderbal, Kashmir, secured two bronze medals, marking a strong overall performance by the UT contingent.
While congratulating the young athlete, the DC commended Pritama’s dedication, discipline and hard work. She also acknowledged the pivotal role of Coach, Suraj Bhan Singh in nurturing the emerging talent in the region. Highlighting the significance of the sports, the DC remarked that Judo serves as an empowering and effective self-defense discipline for girls.
38 artisans to be honoured for keeping craft heritage alive
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 24: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department is all set to confer the annual UT Artisan Awards for the year 2024 amongst the selected craft-persons, who have kept the famed handicrafts legacy alive in Jammu & Kashmir.
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who is also Minister In-Charge Industries & Commerce, shall distribute the coveted awards here at the picturesque SKICC on November 25, in presence of the Commissioner/ Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh.
In a press release issued here today, a spokesman of the Department stated that 38 artisans and weavers, 20 from Kashmir and 18 from Jammu Division respectively, shall be conferred with the prestigious UT Artisan Awards in different notified crafts, who have been selected by the Government. “All arrangements have been made at SKICC Auditorium for the gala function. The award for the artisans shall accompany a citation and cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000 & ₹20,000 for first three places in each craft,” he added.
Identifying welfare of artisans and weavers as the primary objective of the department, the spokesman asserted that the coveted annual Artisan Awards distribution is an effort of the Government to recognize the contribution of our artisan community who toil hard to keep the handicrafts heritage alive in Jammu & Kashmir. “Apart from UT Aryisan Awards, which are given out annually, our artisans have regularly brought laurels for J&K by winning the prestigious Padma and Shilp Guru Awards at the national level. “Even in the international arena, our artisans have distinguished themselves by capturing the eyes of the art connoisseurs,” he added.
The spokesman further stated that the selection of entries for UT Artisan Awards for the year 2025 is already in process.
