Valley Observer Weekly Newspaper of Jammu and Kashmir

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.

Srinagar, March 19: In a significant initiative to strengthen public-police relations and promote transparency, the DGP Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Nalin Prabhat-IPS, conducted a Public Grievance Redressal programme at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir today. The event offered citizens a unique opportunity to engage directly with the top police leadership, voice their concerns, and seek resolutions for their grievances.

The programme was attended by senior police officers, including IGP Kashmir Shri V K Birdi, DIG Central Kashmir Range, SSP Srinagar, and SSP Security & SSP PCR Kashmir.

Around 200 public delegations, representing individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, actively participated in the programme. All the grievances were taken note of for appropriate action.

The DGP gave a patient hearing to the concerns of the citizens, assuring them that their grievances would be addressed promptly and fairly. He directed the concerned officers to take swift action on the issues and ensure timely follow-up on cases requiring further investigation. Several applications were addressed & resolved with on-the-spot directions by the DGP. He encouraged citizens to maintain open communication with the police and assured them that their concerns would be treated with the highest priority.

The DGP emphasized the importance of such direct interactions, urging the public to approach the police without hesitation. He noted that these engagements play a vital role in resolving issues at the grassroots level, enhancing community safety, and fostering a positive, collaborative relationship between the police and the public.

The programme further strengthened the public’s trust and confidence in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. It reflects the J&K Police’s steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and the overall safety and well-being of the community.

Srinagar, March 11 (2025) : Mulla Haider Ali Ansari (RA), a distinguished figure in the Ansari family, was born in Khanqah-e-Sokhta, Nawakadal, in Shaher-e-Khaas. He was the son of Mulla Mustaffa Ali Ansari (RA) and the grandson of Mulla Abass Ansari (RA). Renowned for his scholarly contributions, Mulla Haider Ali Ansari (RA) became one of the most respected Shia scholars of his era.

Syed Hussain Hamdani a local resident of Khanqah-e-Sokhta reflected on Mulla Hyder Ali Ansari’s (RA) profound impact, stating, “We have heard from our elders that Mulla Haider Sahib’s selflessness and concern for others will indeed be remembered and appreciated by his neighbors. His legacy serves as a reminder to all of us to be good neighbors and build positive relationships within our community.” This sentiment highlights the enduring legacy of Mulla Hyder Ali Ansari’s kindness and the importance of nurturing strong community ties. His example continues to inspire others to contribute to a supportive and harmonious environment, fostering goodwill among all.

“It is said to that on the 6th of Muharram, the Alam Sharief procession was led by Mulla Haider Ali Ansari (RA) at the shrine of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Mosvi (RA) in Khanqah-e-Sokhta, Nawa Kadal, Srinagar. Mulla Haider continued the tradition of his ancestors in preserving and leading such important religious rituals.

On that day, Mulla Haider Ali Ansari (RA) also delivered a powerful sermon about the martyrs of Karbala. His sermon emphasized the enduring lessons of sacrifice, bravery, and justice demonstrated by Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, who gave their lives to uphold the values of truth and righteousness against oppression.

Thousands of mourners attended the majlis, gathering to listen to the sermon and participate in the tribute to the martyrs of Karbala. These gatherings serve as an opportunity for the community to reflect on the profound significance of the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.

Mulla Haider Ali Ansari (RA) also represents the continuation of a long-standing tradition in honoring the martyrs of Karbala, a tradition that has been passed down through generations in his family.”

Mulla Hyder Ali Ansari (RA) married his cousin, the daughter of Mulla Abdullah Ansari. Mulla Hyder Ali Ansari (RA) passed away on the 10th of Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak, 1333 AH (28th July, 1915), at his residence, Dar-ul- Mustaffa, located in Khanqah-e-Sokhta, Nawakadal, Shaher-e-Khaas. His funeral procession was attended by people from all walks of life, reflecting the deep respect and admiration the community held for him. The procession began at his residence, near the shrine of Hazrat Syed Muhammad Mosvi (RA), in Khanqah-e-Sokhta, and passed through Nallah Mar Road, Lukhiryar Chowk, Nawa Kadal Chowk, Khandabhawan, Arampora, Narwara, Wantpora, Kralpora, Sazgaripora Hawal, Gasiyar Chowk, and Ali Park Zadibal, ultimately reaching the Imam Bara Zadibal.

The funeral prayer (Namaz-e-Janazah) was performed at the historic Imambara Zadibal, and he was subsequently laid to rest at the ancestral graveyard, in the Shrine of Grand Mulla Fazal Ali Ansari (RA), at Baba Mazar, Zadibal Srinagar.

Mulla Haider Ali Ansari passing marked a period of deep mourning across Kashmir, with an unprecedented outpouring of grief throughout the region. Mulla Hyder Ali Ansari (RA) left behind a lasting legacy through his five sons—Mulla Fazal Ali Ansari, Mulla Muhammad Abass Ansari, Mulla Muhammad Jawad Ansari, Mulla Abdullah Ali Ansari, and Mulla Muhammad Sadiq Ansari—and five daughters, who carried on his tradition of scholarship and devotion to his faith.