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SRINAGAR: In the aftermath of the tragic road accident in North Kashmir's Handwara, the sudden enforcement of a government directive mandating the installation of GPS devices and surveillance cameras in school buses has caused major disruptions to school transport services across the Kashmir Valley. Over the past few days, dozens of school buses have been seized by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) and traffic authorities for non-compliance, leaving children stranded for hours and triggering panic among parents.
In several instances, young children reached home as late as 8:00 PM, sparking outrage from both parents and school management. Parents argue that the directive has been implemented without adequate planning or a grace period. "My child studies in Class 2nd and reached home at 7 PM," said Syed Barkiya, a concerned parent. "We were extremely worried. The children were stuck inside vehicles.
Such sudden implementation without giving schools any time to prepare is unfair. Directions are issued overnight, and action follows the very next day no one considers the logistics. This is not only stressful for us as parents but also physically exhausting for the children."
While safety remains a top priority, stakeholders are questioning the rushed timeline and the burden placed on already struggling schools and families. Muzaffar Ahmad, another parent, said, “We spoke to school authorities who told us that only a few vendors have been approved by the government and even they are facing supply shortages. How can thousands of schools get these devices installed overnight? This seems more like a crackdown than a safety measure. Our small childrens from LKG to Class 7th—were stuck for hours. This is not how safety regulations should be implemented.”
According to school authorities, many institutions have already installed the GPS and CCTV cameras and others are willing to comply with the government’s order. However, they are facing a serious logistical hurdle: the unavailability of certified vendors and a limited supply of the required GPS devices.
President of the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK), G.N. Var, called the situation deeply concerning. “Surprisingly, the way school buses were intercepted and halted for hours is unacceptable. The sudden enforcement has led to unnecessary anxiety and inconvenience for parents, children and schools alike. If the government has issued such directives, it must also ensure proper infrastructure and market availability. We urge the authorities to extend the implementation deadline and provide schools with a timeline. Unfortunately, children are currently bearing the burden of this gap in policy planning."
He further said, "Schools that charge low fees can't handle the sudden financial pressure of such changes. The government should have announced this decision before the winter break, so schools had enough time to get ready and follow the rules."
Parents and school management earnestly appeal to the J&K government to adopt a practical and student-friendly approach, one that ensures the safety of children without disrupting their daily routine and well-being. They request reconsideration of the current deadline, the setup of a reliable supply system and a collaborative plan for implementing future safety measures in partnership with schools.
BUDGAM: In a decisive move to disrupt terror-support networks, Police in Budgam have attached a vehicle belonging to a known terrorist associate under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
The seized vehicle, an Innova bearing Registration No. JK01AT-7604, Engine No. EG4HJ17B4979, and Chassis No. MD626EG40J1H49448, was linked to a terror module and in possession of Mudasir Ahmad Rather, resident of Kantbagh Kralpora, Budgam. The seizure was executed under section 25 of UAP Act in FIR No. 151/2024, registered under the provisions of PS Chadoora.
This action underscores the zero-tolerance policy of the J&K Police in countering terrorism and dismantling its support structures. Law enforcement agencies reaffirm their commitment to eradicating terrorism and urge the public to cooperate in maintaining peace and security in the region.
JAMMU: In a significant move towards revitalising tourism in Jammu division, the Department of Tourism today presented a strategic and action oriented roadmap to the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, regarding promotion of tourism across the region, during an exclusive meeting held here in this regard.
Besides Commissioner Secretary, Tourism; Secretary, PWD and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, the meeting was attended by CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Deputy Commissioners Jammu, Reasi and Udhampur; Director Tourism, Jammu and other concerned officers of the department. In addition, the meeting was also attended by the major tourism and travel operators including hoteliers and traders.
Dulloo impressed on the department to redouble efforts towards vigorous promotion and publicity of the tourism circuits. He enjoined upon them to be proactive across all the social media platforms, using the services of influencers there to reach out to the masses. He asked for starting rafting and paragliding at some of the places across the region, taking utmost care of the safety parameters. He also asked for roping in the professionals in this tourism trade activity to train the youth.
The Chief Secretary asked the department to frame the Homestay policy as soon as possible with other guidelines for registration of BnB enterprises. He also directed for devising the loan product for development of Home-stays in the region as per the past directions.
On the occasion, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, gave a presentation detailing the multifaceted approach focused on thematic circuits, adventure tourism, heritage experiences, infrastructural upgrades and promotion of offbeat destinations, aimed at making Jammu a year-round diversified tourist destination.
She threw light on five major tourist circuits envisaged by the department to make tourism a major activity across Jammu region. These circuits were discussed to ensure multi-day stay of tourists in the region based upon their choice and interests.
Several itineraries were proposed in these circuits based on thematic, heritage, adventure, pilgrim and other offbeat destinations to prolong the stay of tourists here besides encompassing the tourism spots across adjacent districts.
The identified major tourist circuits that were unveiled during the meeting included the Katra–Shivkhori Circuit, emphasizing on pilgrimage, adventure and border tourism. This circuit integrates spiritual hotspots like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Shivkhori and heritage sites such as Krimchi Temples and Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar besides nature trails of Mantalai and Patnitop and border tourism (Suchetgarh). Chenab Valley Circuit covering Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Doda and white water rafting at Shibnote, trekking trails and valley tourism (LalDraman, Warwan). This route blends adventure, natural beauty and cultural richness with activities like rafting at Baradari and scenic treks through Warwan Valley. The itineraries taps into Bhaderwah, a region with growing tourist footfall and the newly accessible Tatapani, now linked via Sanagldan Railway Station.
Samba–Kathua Circuit focused on religious, heritage and water-based tourism, highlighting Basohli, Ranjit Sagar Lake and Sarthal besides the pilgrim sites of Budha Amarnath and Gurudwara Nangali Sahib.
Similarly, Pir Panjal Circuit encompassing Rajouri and Poonch, this circuit offers fort tourism, cultural immersion and alpine treks, promoting sites like Peer Ki Gali and Budha Amarnath Ji.
Moreover, a bundle of adventure and offbeat trails to several alpine lakes like Chandann Sar, Nandan Sar, Katoria Sar were proposed. Besides, trekking routes and unexplored valleys were mapped with plans for eco-tourism and sustainable adventure tourism in collaboration with mountaineering institutes.
Additionally, a Rs 4 crore project was proposed under CAPEX 2025–26 to develop a full-fledged paragliding facility, complete with lounges, cafes, sunset points and public utilities at Aithem
With respect to the iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, it was given out that a Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and branding initiatives are underway at the world’s highest railway bridge site, with audio-visual content to engage the visitors and enhance their experience on visiting this engineering marvel.
As far as promotion of Border Tourism is concerned, a major upgrade of the Suchetgarh border site including a pavilion expansion of the capacity of around 3000 persons and establishment of a museum was also revealed to make it a round the year tourism destination.
Regarding the Baradari Rafting Centre, Reasi, it was added that the plan contains institutionalisation of the rafting tourism. This will include forming of rafting associations, fixing rates and reviving UT/National-level competitions there to promote this aspect of the tourism.
With respect to the marketing and promotional strategies, a plethora of material in the shape of high-quality brochures, thematic leaflets and district-specific collaterals were released to bolster visibility across the country.
These destinations were also promoted through participation in leading Travel Marts like SATTE (Delhi) and OTM (Mumbai), the meeting was informed. It was said that hosting of PGTI Golf Tournaments at Jammu Tawi Golf Course for national and international exposure are now a regular feature thereby showing the steady success of the department in showcasing Jammu as an independent tourism place on the map.
The stakeholders, present on the occasion, also gave their inputs and views for making this strategy successful. They praised the department for its efforts and showed enthusiasm in selling these packages and circuits with the active support of the department in the season ahead.
JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar today convened a meeting to assess the damages caused due to Wind Storm and reviewed the status of restoration works. The meeting attended by Managing Director JPDCL, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Deputy Commissioners from Jammu Division, Chief Engineers of PDD, Jal Shakti, XEns and concerned officials apprised the sectors wise affect of Wind Storm and the damages to their infrastructure.
The Divisional Commissioner took stock of the district- wise damages suffered to power, Jal Shakti and Roads infrastructure, while seeking details from the respective Deputy Commissioners. MD JPDCL, and Commissioner JMC, also apprised the Divisional Commissioner on the damages caused to Power infrastructure and public amenities infrastructure due to the wind storm and the restoration works thereof.
The Divisional Commissioner was also apprised about the works completed to restore the power infrastructure, water supply schemes and clearing of roads across the division. It was informed that maximum restoration works, in terms of power and water supply, have been done and remaining will be completed by today evening and tomorrow. Chief Engineer PWD apprised that roads have been cleared of fallen trees and landslides triggered by the storm.
The Div Com directed the concerned officials to restore the power infrastructure for 100% supply to domestic areas by today evening and for agricultural lands by tomorrow. He called for war footing efforts by the ground staff of the power department. The Divisional Commissioner further directed the Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor the restoration works and submit a comprehensive report of the damages and restoration by 7 pm today.
The Divisional Commissioner asked the concerned officials to expedite the repair of damages to public infrastructure and also assess the loss to public property and livestock to provide relief to affected persons from SDRF. The Divisional Commissioner also asked for cleaning and desilting of drainage networks in Jammu City.
GANDERBAL: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the Passing Out Parade of the 16th Batch of Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) of J&K Police Constables at Manigam Police Training School, Ganderbal. A total of 438 recruits, including 86 women, completed their rigorous training, today at PTS Manigam. Among them, 211 brave constables have previously served as SPOs.
Paying tributes to the valour of J&K Police, the Lieutenant Governor exhorted the young recruits to work with diligence and high professionalism to protect the motherland. “The nation is grateful to J&K Police for the invaluable sacrifices they have made. Citizens can live peacefully and work freely because they know that our police force is standing firm in protecting the lives and combating terrorism and crime.
The exemplary courage of J&K Police and their supreme heroism reassures the people that UT is in safe hands. Today J&K Police force is admired across the country for its professionalism, sustained grit and determination,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said J&K Police, Army and CAPFs are determined to crush terror.
“In the last few years, J&K Police Force, Army and CAPFs have succeeded in crushing terrorism in the Kashmir Valley, however, terrorist incidents have increased in Jammu division, which is a matter of concern. Our resolve is to make both Jammu and Kashmir divisions terrorism-free,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised on emerging technologies reshaping policing and directed J&K Police Force to adapt to Cutting-edge technology and advanced tools and deploy them to enhance their operational effectiveness.
“We need a future-ready police force to effectively combat evolving terror and organised crime threats. In view of the rapid changes taking place due to technology, our approach should be on Data-Centric policing to effectively tackle challenges, analyse crime trends and predict the crime patterns and make necessary changes in the investigation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Extending his best wishes to the passing out Trainees, the Lieutenant Governor said, the skills, knowledge, and values they have gained during their training will provide a solid foundation and enhance their capabilities to discharge their duty with utmost sensitivity. “I am confident that apart from professional tradecraft, the life values that new recruits have imbibed at the Manigam Police Training School and ideals like courage, valour, patience, self-sacrifice and discipline they have inculcated in life will enable them to face all kinds of challenges in the future,” he said.
Shri Zubair Ahmad Khan, Principal PTS Manigam briefed about the program and various activities conducted during the Training course. The Lieutenant Governor took the ceremonial Salute and inspected the parade. He also felicitated the new recruits who had excelled during their training. An oath was administered to the new recruits for performing their duties with dedication and honesty.
Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shri SJM Gillani, Chairman & MD Police Housing Corporation; Shri Anand Jain, ADGP Armed; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Shri Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; senior officials of Police, Security Forces and civil administration and family members of the passing out Trainees were present.
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