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.
Srinagar, November 17, 2025: Shri DSVR Murthy, IPoS (1998 batch), today assumed charge as the Chief Postmaster General (CPMG), Jammu & Kashmir Postal Circle upon his promotion to the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) Cadre.
Prior to this posting, Shri Murthy served as Postmaster General, Vijayawada Region, Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle. He has also held several significant assignments during his career, including Postmaster General, South Karnataka, and Additional Director, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy (RAKNPA), Ghaziabad, New Delhi.
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 15: Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma and Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani today lead the 3rd Jammu Midnight Marathon at M.A Stadium here to boost Fitness Movement across J&K.
The 3rd edition of Jammu Midnight Marathon, organised by J&K Sports Council in collaboration with Real Time Sports, was successfully held last night and early this morning at MA Stadium here.
Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma and Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani were also present on the occasion.
In his address, Minister Satish Sharma said, “Our priority is to create an ecosystem where athletes have access to quality training, world-class facilities, and regular competitive exposure”.
He added that events like Midnight Marathon strengthen community participation and inspire people, especially youth to adopt fitness as a daily habit. “A healthy J&K is our commitment, and we will continue expanding initiatives that benefit athletes and society at large,” he stated.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, praised the event, stating, “The enthusiasm witnessed today reflects the evolving sports culture in J&K. Under the dynamic leadership of our CM, We are enhancing infrastructure, supporting athletes at every level, and encouraging citizens to embrace physical activity. Events like these unite communities and motivate youth toward disciplined, active living”.
Pertinently, the marathon witnessed an impressive turnout, with more than 600 runners from diverse age groups, turning the event into a vibrant celebration of fitness, determination, and community spirit.
Participants competed across two phases as the night-time run transformed the stadium and adjoining tracks into an energetic arena of lights, cheers, and athletic enthusiasm. The event reaffirmed J&K’s growing commitment to health, fitness, and active lifestyles.
Secretary, J&K Sports Council along with senior officers of JKSC also witnessed the marathon, reiterating ongoing initiatives to upgrade infrastructure, strengthen coaching systems, and widen opportunities for athletes across J&K.
At the closing ceremony, winners of both phases of the marathon were felicitated for their commitment and competitive spirit. The recognition added further energy to the event, inspiring many first-time runners to pursue sports and fitness more seriously.
The organisers noted that the Midnight Marathon aims to promote health, foster active lifestyles, and unite sports lovers from across the region. The overwhelming participation once again highlighted J&K’s rising enthusiasm for fitness-driven community engagement.
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 15: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today met the injured in the accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station who are undergoing treatment at Ujala Cygnus and SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.
The team of doctors briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the health condition of the injured and the medical facilities being extended to them. The Lieutenant Governor directed the Doctors and Hospitals Administration for ensuring the best possible treatment for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Budgam, November 15: MLA Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic accidental explosion at the Nowgam Police Station, an incident that claimed several precious lives and left multiple personnel injured.
Aga Syed Muntazir extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, including those of the police officers, Forensic Science Laboratory personnel, Revenue Department officials, and other associated team members who lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. He also prayed for the swift and complete recovery of all those injured.
Meanwhile Aga Syed Muntazir also attended the Nimaz-e-Jinazah of Naib-Tehsildar, Muzaffar Ahmad at his native Soibugh Budgam. He also visited the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Nine people, including a Naib Tehsildar, were killed and 29 others injured when an explosive stored at Nowgam Police Station detonated late on Friday night, reports said.
According to reports, the explosive, believed to be ammonium nitrate, had been brought from Faridabad in Haryana following the seizure linked to a doctors’ terror module. The material was being kept at the police station when it went off.
Most of the deceased were police personnel and members of the Forensic Science Laboratory team.
A local tailor is also among the dead.
The injured were taken to Army’s 92 Base Hospital, SKIMS Soura, and a local private hospital for treatment.
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”.
Direct medical officers to provide all possible & quality treatment to injured
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 15: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg along with Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo today visited SMHS Hospital and Ujala Hospital to enquire about the well-being of the persons injured in the accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station.
During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner was briefed about the condition of the injured, treatment being provided to them and the progress of their recovery.
He directed the concerned medical officers to ensure that all injured individuals receive quality treatment, timely medication, and the best possible medical facilities.
The Divisional Commissioner interacted with the injured persons, enquired about their well-being, and assured that the administration will extend all necessary support to them. The officers also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Meanwhile, The Div Com expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the unfortunate accidental blast at Nowgan Police Station and extended condolences and sympathies with the grieving families.
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 14: Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Jammu & Kashmir, Vikramjit Singh today received an award on behalf of J&K Government for emerging as one of the top achievers under Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024 at Udyog Samagam 2025, New Delhi.
The award was presented by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal,.
The Union Government, through Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024, assessed States and Union Territories across 25 reform areas driving ease of doing business. The BRAP 2024 assessment, covering 434 reform points, was supported by one of the largest national feedback exercises, involving over 5.8 lakh businesses and more than 1.3 lakh detailed interviews.
Jammu and Kashmir ranked as a Top Achiever with 5th rank amongst all States and UTs with top score in 4/5 critical reform areas. This accolade reflects Jammu & Kashmir Government’s commitment in creating a robust and enabling business ecosystem that accelerates industrial growth, facilitates investments, and ensures regulatory transparency and efficiency.
The recognition at Udyog Samagam 2025 reinforces J&K’s position as a preferred destination for investors and industry stakeholders. Udyog Samagam 2025 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and state officials to celebrate the spirit of cooperative federalism and collective progress in India’s industrial landscape.
Vows to make Jammu Tawi Golf Course a national golfing destination
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his government’s resolve to position Jammu Tawi Golf Course (JTGC), Sidhra, as a premier national destination for golfers.
He made these remarks while addressing a felicitation ceremony organized for paragliders upon the completion of their training course at JTGC.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that while tournaments are being held in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg, Jammu’s golfing potential has not been promoted to the extent it deserves.
“Jammu’s golf course is exceptionally beautiful and of high quality. We will work harder to promote it, host more tournaments, and ensure that JTGC emerges as a national golfing destination,” he said.
He assured the people of Jammu that the government is making concerted efforts to secure the region economically and elevate its standing on the national tourism map.
“Our commitment to Jammu is unwavering. Whether it is Jammu city, its surrounding areas, or the remotest parts of Jammu province, our endeavour is to ensure not just security but prosperity. We have taken several steps already, and many more are in the pipeline,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Jammu possesses immense tourism diversity—heritage tourism, pilgrimage tourism, border tourism and adventure tourism—all of which require sustained promotion.
“There is a need to bring more people here, develop facilities further and unlock the full tourism potential of this region,” he added.
Referring to the development of the golf course, he said, “I don’t know what first inspired us to establish a golf course here—but Jammu deserves it. People here love golf as much as anywhere else, and this facility must be strengthened and promoted.”
He also appreciated the introduction of new initiatives such as the enhanced tourist bus services. “The bus inaugurated today, linked to border tourism, is a special addition. We have always maintained that Jammu’s tourism must be nurtured across all fronts,” he noted.
Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Indoor Swimming Pool at JTGC, Sidhra—marking a major addition to sports infrastructure in the region. He also flagged off the Jammu Gedi Bus Service, an innovative transport initiative aimed at improving connectivity to major tourist destinations such as Surinsar-Mansar and Suchetgarh.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Minister for Transport Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, and other senior officials were present during the event.
The Chief Minister congratulated the paragliders on completing their course and encouraged them to serve as ambassadors of Jammu’s adventure tourism potential.
Pulwama, November 14: As part of its continuous efforts to curb drug trafficking, Police in Pulwama recovered 100 bottles of codeine phosphate during naka checking on Circular Road near Gangoo Crossing.
An Alto vehicle (JK13B-7561), travelling from Koil towards Gangoo, was intercepted for checking. During the search, police party from PS Pulwama recovered the contraband from the vehicle. The driver and his accomplice identified as Ashiq Hussain Mir son of Abdul Rashid Mir resident of Malikpora, and Anayat Tariq Lone son of Tariq Ahmad Lone resident of Kakapora. Both individuals failed to provide any lawful justification for possessing the substance. Subsequently they were arrested and the vehicle used in the commission of crime has also been seized.
Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 269/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Pulwama and investigation has been initiated.
J&K Police reaffirm their commitment to fighting the drug menace and urge citizens to share any information regarding drug peddling or other unlawful activities in their locality.
