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JAMMU: Ravinder Kaul, well known Theatre Critic and a member of the International Association of Theatre Critics, visited the University of North Texas campus at Denton, one of USA’s largest Universities, and held wide ranging discussions on the theme ‘Theatre in India - Past and Present with special reference to Jammu and Kashmir’.

The visit was hosted by Prof. Sadaf Munshi from the Department of Linguistics, University of North Texas. The interaction was aimed at delving deep into the glorious traditions of theatre in India as also with the contemporary theatre currently being showcased in the length and breadth of this vast land.

While discussing contemporary theatre in the urban centers in India, with their own linguistic and cultural background, Kaul made a specific reference to the theatre traditions in Kashmir as well as in Jammu.

The first mention of theatre traditions in Kashmir can be found in Nilamat Purana, believed to have been composed in 6th or 7th century A.D, he said. The mention of dramatic performances and those who earn their living through stage is so frequent in Nilamata Purana that one is compelled to believe that theatre must have really taken roots in Kashmir long before this book is believed to have been written, he added.

Similarly, in Jammu, theatre has been practiced in the form of folk performances like Haran, Bhagtaan, Jagarna for many centuries in the rural areas. In Jammu city, Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj, Dewan Mandir was the pioneer in staging plays. Late K. L. Sehgal, the renowned singer and actor, and Late Om Parkash of Hindi films also used to take part in the Ramlila at Dewan Mandir, along with Hakim Parshu Ram Nagar, he added.

In contemporary times Jammu and Kashmir has a thriving theatre culture with many theatre groups actively involved in staging plays with contemporary themes, he said. Prof. Sadaf Munshi highlighted the role of theatre and performing arts in the preservation and promotion of minority languages. Earlier, Ravinder Kaul had a detailed discussion with Ramona Harper who is a retired Foreign Service Officer, a career diplomat, of the U.S. Department of State and an avid theatre and dance critic and a member of the American Theatre Critics Association.

While in the Foreign Service, her specialization was Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs. Her overseas postings were Senegal, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Panama and Germany, among others, where she presented American visual and performing artists on behalf of the U.S. Government.

In the discussion Ramona Harper stressed the importance of cultural exchanges between countries in order to further their strategic goals and goodwill between nations. She also gave leads to Kaul regarding the people and offices to be approached in the USA and other countries, where she has worked, in order to ensure cultural exchanges between Indian theatre groups and the theatre groups in these countries.

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• 700 CCTV Cameras, AI surveillance & joint force monitoring to ensure seamless pilgrimage experience

KATRA: As per the directives of the Hon'ble Chairman (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has operationalised the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra to enhance pilgrim safety and security. This state-of-the-art facility utilizes a network of 700 CCTV cameras equipped with advanced features like gesture, face recognition and PTZ, enabling real-time monitoring for efficient decision-making and swift response mechanism in the Shrine area.

A joint inspection of the ICCC was conducted today by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Sarah Rizvi, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range alongwith Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; SSP, Reasi; Commandant, CRPF; Jt. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; SP, Katra; Tehsildar, SMVDSB and officers from Army, intelligence agencies, local administration and Shrine Board. The inspection was followed by a comprehensive security review meeting to discuss and strengthen various security measures brought out in the joint security review conducted last year.

Notably, the ICCC will enhance pilgrim safety and security by leveraging advanced technologies like surveillance systems, data analytics and communication networks. A joint team from the Shrine Board and security agencies is now conducting real-time monitoring of key areas including ingress points, movement of pilgrims and service providers and critical infrastructure on the track, ensuring a seamless and safe experience for prompt emergency response and improved situational awareness.

The security review meeting stressed for action on diverse fronts and crucial decisions were taken for hassle free pilgrimage including the issuance of fresh UHF cards to pithoo and ponywallas and installation of readers to prevent impersonation and ensure their legitimate presence on the track.

The meeting also involved an in-depth discussion on identified threats with a focus on devising effective countermeasures to mitigate potential risks. Furthermore, measures were discussed to plug unauthorized ingress points in the Shrine area, thereby strengthening the overall security apparatus for a safer environment for pilgrims.  The concerned quarters were directed to undertake the numbering of private shops along the track, facilitating easy identification and reference for security agencies. Emphasis was laid on early activation of the integrated hotline system to enable seamless communication amongst the stakeholders for swift response to emergencies and further strengthening the security infrastructure.

The meeting also explored deployment of additional security personnel, area domination and the use of drones and other advanced technologies to monitor the Shrine and surrounding areas. The CEO reiterated the importance of effectively utilizing advanced security equipments crucial for maintaining robust security measures provided to security agencies. These equipments include X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors / Scanners recently procured and installed by the Board in the Shrine area.

The meeting took a stern view of the begging menace in Katra, deeming it a nuisance to pilgrims and a potential security threat. Directions were given to concerned quarters to strictly curb the practice with a focus on rescuing and rehabilitating minors by sending them to shelter homes, thereby ensuring a safer and more dignified environment for pilgrims visiting from across India and abroad.

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SRINAGAR: To frame a comprehensive policy to address the issue of repair & renovation of houses & buildings within 200 meters of Dal Lake, a meeting of committee members was held under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today, here. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Vice Chairman, LCMA; Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority; Director, Tourism Kashmir; Member Secretary, PCC; Chief Engineer, UEED; Chief Town Planner, Kashmir and HOD, Department of Environment Science University of Kashmir.

The meeting discussed and deliberated on the agenda points which includes to lay down the norms/eligibility conditions for declaring a building to have been constructed legitimately, prior to imposition of ban by the Hon'ble High court. It also discussed norms for granting permissions by the BOCA LCMA for carrying out repair/renovation/reconstruction of the legitimately constructed buildings within 200 meters of the Dal/Nigeen Lakes, prior to imposition of ban on 19.07.2002.

The members also discussed prescribing norms to be followed by the buildings granted permission for repair/renovation/reconstruction for ensuring scientific and proper waste disposal. Further, measures for sustainable construction using alternate technologies in order to make the construction process lake friendly and norms for maintaining aesthetics and heritage patterns were also discussed.

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• The bravery and invincible power of our Brave Soldiers and their indomitable courage, gallantry in 'Operation Sindoor' have ensured a decisive victory for Bharat: LG
• I am proud that in just a few days our brave soldiers broke the back of the enemy and today 140 crore citizens are remembering your valour, courage and sacrifice: LG
• Operation Sindoor is living example of India's military and strategic might. 'Operation Sindoor' has also proved that every inch of Pakistan's land is today the target of our brave soldiers and the enemy knows that if it indulges in future misadventure then it will not survive: LG
• Operation Sindoor has drawn a new red line. In just 23 minutes, India had brought the masters of Pakistani terrorists to their knees and the next time if they raise their eyes towards Mother India, not a single area of theirs would remain untouched by punishment: LG Sinha

POONCH / RAJOURI,: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today reviewed the security situation along the border and interacted with the brave soldiers deployed at Poonch and Nowshera sector. The Lieutenant Governor saluted the indomitable courage and gallantry of Army forces personnel in 'Operation Sindoor'. He said, the invincible power of our Brave Soldiers has ensured a decisive victory for Bharat.

“Dharma has won and Adharma has surrendered before your weapons and might. I am proud that in just a few days our brave soldiers broke the back of the enemy and today 140 crore citizens are remembering your valour, courage and sacrifice,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He said, the entire nation is proud of the bravery and valour of our Armed Forces for giving a strong and decisive response to terrorism and dismantling the terror bases in Pakistan.

“Operation Sindoor is living example of India's military and strategic might.  It has also proved that every inch of Pakistan's land is today the target of our brave soldiers and the enemy knows that if it indulges in future misadventure then it will not survive.

Operation Sindoor has drawn a new red line. In just 23 minutes, India had brought the masters of Pakistani terrorists to their knees and the next time if they raise their eyes towards Mother India, not a single area of theirs would remain untouched by punishment,” the Lieutenant Governor said.